What is the Difference between materials and uses for the Cricut? Let me tell you all about Cricut Iron-On, Vinyl, Infusible Ink, and MORE!
This post was created as a sponsored post for Cricut. All opinions are 100% my own.
There are countless materials you can use for for Cricut Machine, and it can be a bit daunting to know which Cricut materials and uses you need for your project, so I’m going to break it down for you!
Today we’ll cover:
Before we move on, make sure you get the machine that’s right for you.
Cricut Machine Basics
- What is a Cricut and What Does it Do?
- Cricut Maker Review
- Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Explore 2
- 5 Things I Love About the Cricut Explore Air 2
- My Favorite Cricut Maker Projects
- Get Started in the NEW Cricut Design Space
- 11 Reasons You Need a Cricut Access Subscription
- How to Create a Make it Now Project
- What Different Cricut Materials Can I Cut?
- The Most Useful Cricut Supplies and Accessories
- Cricut Print and Cut Materials You Need to Try
Cricut Materials and Uses – Vinyl
What is is?
Cricut Vinyl can be permanent or removable, comes in many different colors, and patterns and you can also get it textured.
I think it’s the easiest material to use, so if you’re a beginner, you can start with vinyl for your Cricut Materials. You’ll simply place it on the mat, do your magic in Cricut Design Space, cut, then place.
What is it used for?
I’ve used vinyl for a number of projects, and I think it’s the most versatile material out there, but here’s a few ideas using removable vinyl from my blog:
- Pantry Labels
- Wall Decals
- Stencils for painting
- School Supply Labels
- Customize your Cricut Machine
- Faux Wall Paper
For permanent vinyl, you can label coffee mugs or tumblers, or even create outdoor signage – which I used when my mom owned a catering business and I’m pretty sure the next owners had to hire someone to remove it because it was going to stay on there forever.
My Top Picks:
Here’s my recommendations for getting started with Cricut Vinyl
- Transfer Tape – A MUST HAVE companion to any of your vinyl projects.
- Premium Removable Vinyl – choose any color you like!
- Premium Permanent Vinyl
- Patterned Vinyl – includes licensed characters!!!
- Mosaic Vinyl – this vinyl comes with pre-cut patterns, so it’s perfect for projects that need a textured layer for your project.
- Glitter Vinyl
- Holographic Vinyl
- Stencil Vinyl
- Adhesive Foil
Cricut Iron-On
What is it?
As the name suggests, Cricut Iron-on is a material that when you add heat to the mix, it adheres to the material.
After you cut out your design, you can use an iron, heat press, or Cricut EasyPress.
What is it used for?
It’s great for fabric projects, but I’ve also used it on wood.
- T-shirts
- Makeup Bags
- Wood Sign
- Hair Bows
- And you can also LAYER iron-on!
My Top Picks:
Here’s my recommendations for getting started with Cricut Vinyl
- Everyday Iron-on
- Glitter Iron-on – this is my absolute FAVORITE iron-on. It’s so easy to work with, so if you’re a beginner, I would start here.
- Holographic Iron-on
- Patterned Iron-on (check out the cute shirt I made with Patterned Iron-On)
- SportFlex Iron-On – Use this for stretchy materials
- Premade Iron-on Designs – these are cool because you don’t have to cut them out…they are ready to go!
Cricut Paper Products
What is it?
I got started in the Cricut world with paper…because printables. If you love working with paper crafts, you’re going to be blown away by all the paper materials you can use with your Cricut.
What is it used for?
They sky’s the limit with paper! Here’s a few paper crafts you can make with Cricut Paper Materials:
- Print and Cut Invitations – also includes how to make a glitter cardstock backing
- Print and Cut Kid Crafts
- Cards
- Boxes
- You can also have a lot of fun with paper and Cricut Pens!
My Top Picks:
Here are my
- Cricut Pens – use on multiple paper craft surfaces
- Cardstock – I always want to have white and black cardstock handy, but you can choose a variety of colors.
- Glitter Cardstock – great for adding accents!
- Shimmer Paper – this is my FAVORITE accent paper to use. I love the glittery sheen, but it’s smooth, so really easy to work with.
- Corrugated Cardboard
- Kraft Board
- Brushed Paper – this is super cool textured paper
- Scrapbook Paper
- Foil Embossed Paper
Cricut Infusible Ink
What is it?
You would use Infusible Ink like you use Iron-on, only it’s completely permanent because it fuses to the material. You can work with Infusible Ink sheets or Pens, so it’s a really fun material to work with.
What is it used for?
There are a few limitations with Infusible Ink – it only works on certain products, but I usually use Cricut Blanks because they’re created especially for infusible ink sheets and pens.
You can use the EasyPress for most blanks, or the Cricut MugPress for mugs (which is my new favorite toy, by the way).
Here are some of my favorite projects made with Cricut Infusible Ink:
- Infusible Ink FAQ’s
- Cricut Mugs – try this Cricut Design Space Tutorial, too!
- Tote Bags
- T-shirts
- Coasters
My Top Picks:
This includes all the Infusible Ink Products, because they’re all fantastic–it just depends on what project you want to create.
- Infusible Ink Sheets – comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
- Infusible Ink Pens – the thing I love about the pens is that you don’t have to use the Cricut – you can draw your own design on regular paper! Just keep in mind the design will be backwards once you apply it to the material, so make sure you write any text backwards.
- Cricut Blanks – I love everything on this page, but I highly recommend cosmetic bags, coasters, mugs and tote bags.
Cricut Maker Materials
What is it?
The Cricut Maker has more capabilities than the Cricut Joy and Cricut Explore Air 2. Because of this, I’ve decided to explain the Cricut Material and uses separate from the other materials.
What is it used for?
The Cricut Maker applies more pressure, so you can cut thicker material like leather, fabric, and thin woods.
My Top Picks:
This includes all the Infusible Ink Products, because they’re all fantastic–it just depends on what project you want to create.
- Chipboard
- Wood Veneers
- Aluminum Sheets (for use with the engraving tool)
- Leather
Cricut Joy Materials
What is it?
The Cricut Joy can cut most materials that the Cricut Explore Air 2 can…it’s just smaller, which is handy because I can carry it all over my house for different project.
The cool thing about the joy, is you don’t have to use a mat on Smart Products like Smart Vinyl and Iron on- this means you can make projects as long as the material – up to 24 ft!
What is it used for?
These are a few projects I’ve made with my Cricut Joy:
My Top Picks:
I’ve worked with most Cricut Joy products, an
- Cricut Joy Smart Iron-on
- Cricut Joy Smart Vinyl
- Smart Labels – use Cricut Joy pens to create easy paper or vinyl labels!
- Insert Cards – you will need a mat, but these cards take MINUTES to make and they’re beautiful.
- Infusible Ink Sheets – these are great for the MugPress, but keep in mind you need a mat for these.
- Adhesive-Backed Paper
Want to learn more about Cricut projects and what Cricut Materials and uses there are? Check out my Cricut Machine Basics for learn how to use your Cricut Machine!
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