Cricut and Craft Machines: Setup and First Project
Last verified: August 2026
A Cricut cuts vinyl, paper, and more into any shape or lettering you design — for cards, shirts, mugs, and gifts. Here's which machine to pick, the truth about the fees, and how to make your first thing.
About Cricut and craft machines
A Cricut is a small machine that precisely cuts materials — vinyl, cardstock, iron-on for shirts, sticker paper, and more — into whatever shape or lettering you design on a computer or phone. Crafters use them for custom cards, personalized mugs and tumblers, t-shirts, home decor, and gifts. It connects to the free Design Space app, where you lay out your project and send it to the machine to cut.
The pricing is widely misunderstood, so let's be clear: Design Space is free, and you do not need a subscription to use your machine. You can upload your own images and fonts and cut them at no cost. Cricut Access is an optional paid subscription — about $9.99 a month for Standard, $14.99 for Premium — that unlocks a huge library of ready-made designs and fonts plus some discounts. Handy if you'll use it a lot; entirely skippable if you bring your own designs.
For 2026 machines: the little Joy 2 starts around $99 and is great for cards and small projects; the Explore 5 starts around $199 and handles most crafts; the Maker is the top model, cutting the widest range of materials including thicker ones. Choose based on what you'll make, not the fanciest box.
When to skip the DIY and just call: Choosing the right machine for your projects · Setting up Design Space and the machine · Making your first project without the frustration.
Common Questions
1 Which Cricut should I get?
- Joy 2 (from about $99): compact, for cards, labels, and small projects.
- Explore 5 (from about $199): the all-rounder for most crafts, including shirts and decor.
- Maker: the top model, cuts the widest range including thicker materials.
- Match the machine to what you'll actually make, not the biggest one.
- Bundles add tools and materials — nice for a beginner, but compare the real value.
2 Do I have to pay a subscription?
- No — Design Space is free and runs your machine without any subscription.
- You can upload and cut your own images and fonts at no cost.
- Cricut Access is optional: about $9.99/month Standard, $14.99 Premium.
- Access unlocks a big library of ready-made designs, fonts, and some discounts.
- Start without it; add it later only if you find you want the library.
3 How do I set it up?
- Unbox the machine, plug it in, and turn it on near your computer or tablet.
- Install the free Design Space app and create a Cricut account.
- Connect the machine by USB or Bluetooth as the app guides you.
- Run the app's first-time setup and practice cut.
- Have the right cutting mat and blade for your material ready.
4 How do I make my first project?
- Start simple — a name in vinyl or a basic card from a ready template.
- Lay out the design in Design Space and choose your material type.
- Load the material on the sticky mat, matching the app's placement.
- Send it to cut, then “weed” away the extra vinyl and apply with transfer tape.
- Want a patient walkthrough from unboxing to your first finished project? That's exactly the kind of $99 visit I do.
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