What Can I Make With My Cricut + Starter Project Ideas

Do you want to make some Cricut projects but not sure where to start? Is it worth the investment? What materials other than vinyl can you use? I’m sharing a few easy project ideas that you can DIY at home no matter your level of expertise.

What can I make with my Cricut? I get this question every single time I mention making something with my machine. People are so intrigued about all the features that it has and the things that can be created with it. If you own a Cricut cutting machine, you may be wondering what kind of projects you can create with it. Honestly, the possibilities are endless! If you’re into crafting, home decor, fashion, or just looking to add a personal touch to your belongings, a Cricut can help you bring your ideas to life. Whether you have a Joy, Explore or a Maker – there are so many things that you can make. I’ve made everything from cards to party supplies and wrapping paper.

Let’s explore some of the things you can make with your Cricut, as well as tips and tricks for getting started!

What Can I Make With My Cricut?

Currently I own a Cricut Maker and a Joy. Before owning both of those, I owned an Explore Air 2 that I purchased for Christmas shortly after it was released. I’ll admit that when I bought my first machine I was so overwhelmed. There was a slight learning curve to learning how to use some of the more advanced features of the machine. After practicing and watching tons of educational videos, I became more comfortable with using my machine quite often.

My first few projects were simple. T-shirts and shoes using iron on vinyl. Once I mastered iron on vinyl, I moved on to practicing with other materials. Infusible Ink quickly became one of my favorite materials to work with.

Starter Project Ideas

If you’re a beginner and you’re not sure where to start, I highly suggest starting with a few of these easy projects first.

1. Custom Vinyl Decals

One of the most popular projects you can make with a cutting machine is custom vinyl decals. These decals can be applied to just about anything, from your car windows to your laptop. To make your own vinyl decals, all you need is some vinyl and transfer tape. You can create your design in Design Space, cut it out with your machine, and then apply it to your desired surface.

2. Personalized Clothing

If you’re looking to add some personality to your clothing, a Cricut can help you create custom designs. You can create iron-on transfers with your Cricut and apply them to t-shirts, bags, hats, and more. You can also use your Cricut to cut out stencils for fabric paint designs.

3. Home Decor

Another great thing you can make with your Cricut is home decor. You can create wall decals, personalized picture frames, decorative pillows, and more. You can even use your Cricut to cut out designs in wood or other materials for a unique, one-of-a-kind look.

4. Party Decorations

A Cricut can help you create custom decorations to make your event extra special if you’re hosting a party. You can create banners, party favors, place cards, and more. You can even use your Cricut to create custom labels for food and drinks.

5. Personalized Gifts

A Cricut can also be a great tool for creating personalized gifts. You can create custom coffee mugs, wine glasses, keychains, and more. You can also use your Cricut to create custom gift tags and packaging.

Here’s some additional ideas:

Iron on t-shirts
Cards
Party banners
Shaped cardstock cutouts
Coloring pages
Bookmarks
Labels
Stencils

DesignSpace makes it easy for you to find hundreds of projects from easy to advanced. There are lots of templates and detailed directions to walk you through how to create projects with your smart cutting machine.

Here’s a few of the projects that I’ve made since creating with Cricut:

Tips and Tricks for Getting Started with Your Cricut

Now that you have some ideas for what you can make with your Cricut, here are some tips and tricks for getting started.

1. Choose the right materials

When using your Cricut, it’s important to choose the right materials for your project. The Cricut can cut a variety of materials, including vinyl, paper, cardstock, fabric, and more. Make sure to choose the right material for your project to ensure the best results.

2. Learn the software

To use your machine, you’ll need to use the Cricut Design Space software. Take some time to learn the software and its features. There are also many tutorials available online to help you get started.

3. Test cut first

Before cutting your design, it’s a good idea to do a test cut first. This will help you ensure that your design is properly aligned and that the right settings are selected.