Are you wondering how to use Cricut pens and markers with the Cricut machine? If you know what a Cricut machine is, you are well aware of its cutting abilities. But, do you know it is also a writing and drawing machine? That’s correct! Cricut machines can use pens and markers to write/draw pictures, text, doodles, coloring pages, etc. If you have a Cricut Maker, there is also a fabric pen to mark the fabric cut.
Using the Cricut Pen is fairly simple, but we will cover the basics of Cricut pens and markers, different types of pens that work with the Cricut machine, and how to use Cricut pens and markers correctly. It is probably the hardest part when writing and drawing with your Cricut machine, but it doesn’t have to be hard if you understand how the Attach Tool works.
Basics of Cricut Pens and Markers The tougher aspects of working with the Cricut Pen really do lie on the software side, so let’s get started with an easy project out of the way first. Specifically, what are pens, and where do they
go. Whether you have Cricut Explore (any version) or Cricut Maker, you’ll see that the cutting mechanism has two clamps, the A-side and the B-side. The B-side always holds your blades, and the A-side holds accessories like a Cricut pen and scoring stylus. When you do a project that needs a pen, the Cricut Design Space will prompt you to insert the pen into the A slot. When inserting the pen, don’t be afraid to push it down with light pressure until it clicks into place and the pen’s arrow hovers just above the clamp. Make sure to close the clamp (the gray piece with the letter A) to hold your pen firmly while the machine is in process.
Which Cricut Machines Use Cricut Pens?
The good news – all Cricut machines available on the market can use pens and markers! It also includes:
● Cricut Maker
● Cricut Explore Series Machines
● Cricut Joy
The Cricut Maker and Explore have interchangeable pens; you can use all pens in both machines. But, Cricut Joy has its own line of smaller pens. You can’t use the Cricut Joy pen in other Cricut machines and vice versa. Cricut Joy pens are called Cricut Joy on them and are smaller, whereas pens for other Cricut machines just say Cricut
What Types of Pens Work with a Cricut Machine?
Cricut makes a vast assortment of pens and markers to use with the Cricut machine. They have meticulously created the barrel and end cap of the pen to help you take apart the pen at a glance. Fine Point Pens Cricut pens have a white barrel with an “F” stamp on the end for “fine.” They include a 0.4mm tip and a wide range of colors.
Extra Fine Point Pens
The Extra Fine Point pens are 0.3mm thicker if you want something finer. They include a white barrel (old) or a clear barrel (new) and are stamped XF on the end for “extra fines.” Some older extra-fine point pens just have an “F” stamp on the end, but they’re all moving to XF on newer pens. These pens are great for writing on cards and gift tags.
1.0 Pen / Marker
Size 1.0 is labeled on the pen and marker, depending on the product. These pens and markers include a thick felt tip, a range of colors, and metallic versions. They have an M on the base for “marker.” Best to use for your larger writing projects because details can be easily lost when writing with a thick felt tip.
Gel Pens
Gel pens include a roller ball rather than a felt tip. They have a 0.8mm size. They include a white barrel stamped “G” for “gel” on end. The ink is in the gel pen – it looks so vibrant. These gel pens are great for paper projects that have doodles. These are not recommended on shiny or textured materials.
Glitter Gel Pen
Like their normal gel counterparts above, the Glitter Gel Pen has a roller ball and a 0.8mm size. They include a clear barrel, sparkly lid and are stamped “G” or “GG” (for “glitter gel”) on the cap end. These are not recommended on shiny or textured materials.
Calligraphy Pen
Cricut pens include a gray barrel and a “C” stamp on the end for calligraphy. To write properly, calligraphy pens have an angled tip and must be inserted into the Cricut clamp at a 45-degree angle. There are no calligraphy pens for the Cricut Joy machine.
Fabric Marker
The fabric marker was created to work with the Cricut Maker’s stitch design. It includes a white barrel and a clear blue cap with an “M” printed.
Infusible Ink Pen
Infusible Ink is a new product from the Cricut brand. It is a sublimation product that pours ink into poly-coated surfaces. The Cricut Infusible Ink pen includes a 0.4mm tip. The barrels and caps are all in the same color (vs. clear with white or colored caps) with “F” at the bottom for “fine.”
Infusible Ink Marker
The Cricut Infusible Ink Marker has a 1.0 mm tip. The barrels and caps are all in the same color (vs. clear with white or colored caps) and have an “M” for “marker” at the bottom.
How To Load Pen Into Cricut Machine
Cricut Explore & Maker: Insert an uncapped pen into auxiliary clamp A. As you insert the pen, grasp the bottom of the tool holder, and push the pen down until it clicks. Ensure the pen is stuck in the housing—it won’t draw until you hear that click.
Cricut Joy: There is no separate clamp for the pen on the Cricut Joy. So, you have to open and remove the blade and then set the pen in. Unlike other Cricut machines, you don’t need to press the pen down (in fact, you could damage the machine if you do). Simply put the pen in and close the clamp; you are good to write.
Visit: cricut.com/setup
Source: https://cricutdesigns5cut.wordpress.com/2022/07/09/how-to-use-cricut-pens-and-markers-on-explore-maker-joy/