What is the cricut™?

It is an exciting new innovative personal electronic cutter which will allow you to chirp your way into fabulous paper crafting projects.

How does the machine work and what size images can it cut?The Cricut is a cartridge based cutting system. The blade is guided by an electronic cutting process. The machine cuts letters/shapes/phrases ranging from 1-inch to 5 ½ -inch tall, as well as titles and borders as long as 11-inch

What is the size and weight of the cricut™?

It is portable and easy to tote.  Cricut™ will fit beautifully in your crafting space. Weighing a feather light 12 pounds, including the power adapter you can carry it with you anywhere.

What is its range of cutting capability?

It will easily cut 11 different sizes ranging from a tiny intricate 1-inch to 5 ½-inch. Titles and borders can be cut as large as an impressive 11 ½ inches long making your image a beautiful fit to your 12-inch x 12-inch paper.

What kind of paper can the machine cut?

The Cricut can cut a wide range of paper from vellum to cardstock up to .5 mm thick. Provo Craft has created cardstock pads and designer paper pads that coordinate with the Cricut shape cartridges. These papers fit perfectly in the Cricut.

Does the cricut™ need power to work?

It is a portable unit that will conveniently plug into any grounded 110 wall outlet (normal household outlet).

Does it require a computer to use?

It requires no computer or programming. It is self contained and operated, so easy to use!

How does it cut images?

Cricut™ is fun and easy to use! You will want to be sure to tame your cricut™ prior to using by first reviewing your new idea booklet and resource guide. After reviewing your idea booklet simply press the ON button and go from there.  Cricut™ will do the cutting for you.  Giving you more free more time to create and imagine.

Does cricut™ come with cartridges?

Your initial purchase of a cricut™ will come with 1 cartridge (George). This cartridge will contain a font and basic shapes designed by Wordsworth. You will literally have hundreds of lettering and shape options at your fingertips. You may purchase others to expand your creative options. 

How many other cartridges are available for purchase?

There are currently 12 different cartridges available other than your initial George.

Are the features the same for each cartridge?

Only the Shadow and Blackout Features are the same for each set. The other 4 Features hand-picked by the artist and design team can possibly be different for each cartridge.

What comes in a cricut™ cartridge pack?

You will receive your new cutting edge designer font or shapes cartridge, your corresponding soft touch keypad, and imaginative Idea Booklet and resource guide.

How big are the cartridges?

The Cartridges are very tiny, literally making it possible to store your entire library of cartridges in just one small drawer.

Can I buy replacement parts or additional tools?

Yes. These items are available.

Will I waste paper trying to get just a few images cut?

No. The machine has a paper saving option that cuts letters/shapes/phrases in an arrangement that minimizes the amount of waste from every cut.

Do I have to hold down the Shift key to use it?

No. Just press it once and it will illuminate.

How long will the blade last?

Anywhere from one to three months, depending upon how often you are cutting as well as what kind of paper/stock you use. Replacement blades are inexpensive and easy to change. Refer to Changing the Blade in the cricut User Guide.

How long will a cutting mat last?

Each mat will last anywhere from 30 - 50 full-page cuts, depending on the size of cuts and what kind of paper/cardstock you use. We recommend that you use and rotate many mats at the same time. This will extend the overall life of each mat.

Can I use a smaller paper size than 6-inch x 12-inch?

Absolutely! Just align a corner of the smaller paper to the bottom left corner of the mat. Once loaded, use the navigation arrows to move the head down to the upper right area of the new paper. Then press the Set Paper Size on the cricut keypad to let the cricut know that you've inserted  a different paper size than the default 6-inch x 12-inch.

Do I have to finish cutting a full page before unloading?

No. You can unload the paper and remove just the pieces you need. You can then reload the paper at a later time and navigate to any open area to resume cutting. NOTE: If you immediately use the same mat again for your next cut, use the Load Last button instead of Load Paper. This will automatically return the cutting head to the last place it was cutting from on the previous cut.

What is Paper Saver mode?

Paper Saver mode will pack in any selected cuts to optimize the space needed. This may result in an inaccurate negative image left in the paper, but if you don't need to use the negative cut, this mode works great. ie. The tail on a lower case "y" usually encroaches into the paper below the rest of the letters selected, indicating accurate read-ability. With Paper Saver mode, the cricut will automatically raise the "y" up into the same channel the rest of the letters will cut out from.

What does Real Dial Size do?

By default, your cricut will cut letters in proportionate to each other. However, if you want to break this proportion and get any letter to cut the literal dial size, use the Real Dial Size button. For instance, with a dial size of 2 selected, a lower case a will actually cut about approximately 1-inch to fit proportionately with any other cut letter. With Real Dial Size selected, that same a would cut at a full 2-inch.

How is a shape/letter cut measured?

From the lowest possible point to the highest possible point of each shape.

What is the best way to transport my machine?

The cricut weighs only 9 pounds and is easily transported. There is a lift handle on the back of the machine and well as finger grips in the sides to easily lift, carry or reposition the cricut. The power adapter is only 3 pounds. A specially designed tote is available with handy pockets and soft touch zipper closures. It has in-line wheels for easy maneuvering and a pull-up handle that is well padded to protect your machine.

Where can I get a Cricut machine?

Check out Scrapbook.com for all your Cricut needs.

Cricut Machine FAQS