How To Use A Cricut Pen [Complete Guide For Beginners]
Cricut is not only used for cutting shapes into different sizes from paper or vinyl. It is also used for drawing and writing with Cricut pens. This is so easy to use Cricut pens with your machine. However, there are some specific steps you need to perform when you are designing your projects to make them even better. This blog will help you to know how to use a Cricut pen. When you learn the basic things, you can add details to all your upcoming Cricut projects.
When Should You Use Cricut Pens?
It depends on the type of crafts you make. Usually, beginners don't prefer to add more accessories to their crafting routine. But over time, it is a good way to add little details while crafting your projects. You can use Cricut pens to write names on gift tags, create color pages, and much more. Basically, it can be used when you want to draw something fine or write something in your handwriting. It gives you more credibility and detail.
Which Cricut Model To Choose To Use The Cricut Pen?
Every model of Cricut machine is compatible with Cricut pens.
Cricut Explore & Cricut Maker
Generally, the Cricut pens are designed to fit into the clamp A of all the Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker machines. All the pens have Cricut written on the side. Plus, the pens come in various colors and weights. The packet of Cricut pens also says, "For Explore / Maker models."
Cricut Joy
This model doesn't use the standard Cricut pens. Cricut Joy has a limited choice of styles, colors, and weights. Also, they are thicker. The name of the machine is also mentioned on the pen's packet.
There are also third-party brands of Cricut pens and accessories used in your machine. But you should always use the original Cricut pens for the best results and accuracy.
What Are The Different Types Of Cricut Pens?
How will you find the right pen for your project when there is a huge variety of Cricut pens? There are two ways to choose this- The materials you are using and the weight of Cricut pens.
Cricut Pens
These are required in most projects. They are mostly used for adding details to projects. They can easily accommodate your machine clamp and are available in a variety of colors, weights, and sheens.
Cricut Markers
The Cricut markers can fit into your Cricut machine like a Cricut pen. They are thicker and heavy than pens.
Cricut Infusible Ink Pens & Markers
These Cricut products are used to add drawn details to the sublimation projects like mugs and coasters with a Cricut heat press. They are not intended to use on sublimation projects.
Free-hand Markers
These infusible ink markers don't fit into a Cricut machine. They are designed to be used with hands on your sublimation designs.
Washable Fabric Pen
They can fit into clamp A on your Cricut Maker or Explore machines. You can use them to draw details onto fabric while cutting with Cricut.
How To Place Cricut Pens In Your Cricut Maker Or Explore?
Let's come to how to use a Cricut pen. Placing or installing Cricut pens is easy. However, for beginners, it will be a new thing. Always use the pens carefully. Cricut pens are always fitted to the Clamp A of the Cricut machine. Therefore, open the clamp to install the pen and insert it. The pen should be clicked when you put it into the clamp. After that, close the clamp.
Let's see how you place/install Cricut pens into different Cricut machines.
Cricut Explore/Maker: These machines have two clamps, A and B sides. The B side is used to hold the blade, while the A side is used to hold other Cricut accessories like Scoring Tool and Cricut Pens. Let the pen adjust into the clamp until it clicks into the place to perform the task correctly while working with the machine.
Cricut Joy: This model only has a single clamp that accommodates a pen and other accessories. Once the Cricut Design Space asks you to install a pen, put it into the holder and close the clamp. Don't put pressure on it; wait until it clicks into the clamp.
How To Command Your Cricut Machine To Write Or Draw?
Whatever you add to the Cricut Design Space is intended to be cut. But if you want to use Cricut pens, you will need to tell your machine by commanding it. To do so:
Go to the Cricut Design Space canvas area.
Then, select the text or image you want to use with your pens.
Next, change the operation to "Pen."
Once you select draw, Cricut will start using the Black Fine Point pen by default. To alter this, click the small color box with the "Operation" and choose the color of the pen you want to use.
While selecting the pen color, try to use the appropriate size and color to match your pen's abilities.
Not all pen colors need to match the pen name. For example, the silver pen won't appear when you choose a calligraphy pen. You can still use the silver calligraphy pen, but you are not required to select the silver color.
Visit: Cricut.com/setup
Source: https://cricutdesign0cut.wordpress.com/2023/01/23/how-to-use-a-cricut-pen-complete-guide-for-beginners/