Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Cricut Master List: The Essential Machines, Tools, and Materials
22
items I've had and I have loved my Cricut Explore Air 2 since 2017! I purchased it from Hobby Lobby on Black Friday. I'll never forget it.
Sections
4
The Powerhouse Machines
Essential Tools & Blades
Heat Press & Finishing
Essential Materials & Mats
The Powerhouse Machines
Choosing the right machine is the most critical decision for your crafting journey. These options represent the best-in-class technology for different skill levels, from professional-grade versatility to portable precision for quick projects.
The cricut easy press is quite simple and compact and portable
Cricut EasyPress® 2, Daybreak - 9 in x 9 in - Handheld Heat Press Machine, White
Cricut Explore Air 3
Cricut Explore 3 Smart Die-Cutting Machine Mint with $50 Digital Content
Cricut Maker 3
Cricut Maker 3 Essentials Bundle
The Cricut Maker 3 is the ultimate powerhouse for serious crafters who want to cut over 300 materials. If you are looking for the best professional-grade die-cutting machine that handles everything from delicate silk to tough leather and balsa wood, ...
Cricut Maker™ 3 | Cricut.com
If you mainly work with vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock, the Cricut Explore 3 is the best mid-range option for your buck. I recommend this to beginners because it is incredibly user-friendly and does not require the extra investment of the Maker's adap...
Cricut Explore 3 Smart Cutting Machine Bundle
Finally, a compact machine that does not feel limited! The Cricut Joy Xtra is the travel-friendly solution I use for quick labels and cards when I do not want to clear off my whole desk. It bridges the gap between the original Joy and the larger mach...
Cricut Joy Xtra™ - Cutting Machine
Essential Tools & Blades
The right tools make the difference between a frustrating weeding session and a perfect finish. These are the specific blades and accessories I reach for daily to ensure clean cuts and professional assembly.
This is the one product I tell everyone to get immediately. You cannot successfully weed intricate vinyl designs without the hooked weeder, and the scraper is essential for applying vinyl smoothly without air bubbles. It is the foundation of every si...
Cricut Basic Tool Set: Handheld Essentials for Every Crafter
If you struggle with cutting thicker materials like heavy cardstock, foam sheets, or even thin leather, you need to upgrade to the Deep-Point Blade. The steeper blade angle and harder steel allow for more intricate cuts on dense substrates that the s...
Cricut Deep-Point Blade and Housing for Thick Materials
Finally, a version of the scraper that handles large-scale decals without the hand fatigue! I use the XL Scraper for applying wall decals and large window clings. It provides much more even pressure than the standard small scraper, which prevents tho...
Cricut XL Scraper Tool
This is my secret weapon for extending the life of my cutting mats. Using a brayer ensures your material is 100% bonded to the mat before the cut begins, which prevents shifting and ruined materials. It is especially vital when working with fabric or...
Cricut Brayer Tool
Heat Press & Finishing
Applying heat-transfer vinyl requires consistent temperature and pressure that a household iron simply cannot provide. These heat presses are what I use to ensure my custom apparel survives the washing machine.
The EasyPress 2 is the best budget-friendly alternative to a massive industrial heat press. It provides the exact temperature control you need for HTV and Infusible Ink to stay permanent through dozens of washes. I love the 9x9 size because it is ver...
Cricut EasyPress 9x9 | Heat Presses
If you have ever tried to iron a decal onto a baseball cap, you know it is a nightmare. The Cricut Hat Press uses a curved ceramic plate and a special pressing form to make hat customization effortless. It connects via Bluetooth to an app that tells ...
Cricut Hat Press
This is the 'worth the splurge' item for anyone starting a small business. The Autopress automatically adjusts to the thickness of your material and opens itself when the timer is done. It has transformed my production speed because I can weed the ne...
Cricut Autopress | Heat Presses
I tell everyone who struggles with seeing cut lines on dark or glitter vinyl to get the BrightPad Go. It illuminates the material from beneath, making the weeding lines pop so you don't accidentally pull up the wrong part of your design. The 'Go' ver...
Cricut BrightPad Go - Portable Craft Light
Essential Materials & Mats
The foundation of any project is the material you cut. I only recommend these specific mats and vinyl types because they offer the most consistent results and the best long-term durability.
These green StandardGrip mats are the workhorses of my studio. They have the perfect level of tack for medium-weight materials like vinyl and heavy cardstock. Buying the 3-pack is the best value because you can have one material cutting while you are...
Cricut StandardGrip Mats 12x24in, 3 Count
Smart Vinyl is the best innovation for the newer machines because it allows you to cut without a mat. This is my go-to for long banners or wall quotes. The permanent adhesive is weather-resistant, so I use it for car decals and outdoor signage. It sa...
Cricut Smart Vinyl™ – Permanent Adhesive Roll (3 ft)
If you want a professional, store-bought finish that never peels or cracks, Infusible Ink is the answer. Unlike vinyl that sits on top of the fabric, this ink actually fuses into the fibers. It is the best option for custom coasters, tote bags, and p...
Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets - Variety Pack
HTV Ront is a fantastic store with great materials.
htvront
I use HTVRont from Amazon and I consider it to be a reliable vinyl that's easy to weed, simple to apply, and easy to work with
HTVRONT
HTV Ront offers a variety of vinyl options for much cheaper than Cricut
Htvront Heat Transfer Vinyl
I've personally purchased this and had sucess with it.
HTVRONT 13 Pack HTV Vinyl Sheets 12x10
I have LOVED this transfer paper! I use it with an Epson Ecotank 2400 regular ink.
Upgraded 3.5 Heat Transfer Paper 20 Sheets