5 of the Best Kept Cricut Secrets

1. There are alternatives to transfer tape.

Transfer tape can be a sticky business- no pun intended! There are a million different types of transfer tape out there and some of them are simply too sticky. Whether you need a lighter grip or you want to save a few bucks, these alternatives might be for you.

• Contact paper: you can buy it from Walmart or the dollar store. I do most of my shopping online and bought this one from Amazon. You may have to try a few brands to find the one you like best, but you really can’t beat the price of a roll of dollar store contact paper.

• Blue Painter’s Tape (FOR YOUR DELICATE PROJECTS): I was struggling with the curved surface of an ornament and thought- there must be a better way! There is- tape! I have used blue painter’s tape and regular scotch clear tape with great success. The key is patience. I will do a video with tips and tricks to help those struggling with curved surfaces.

• BONUS TIP: you can also use contact paper as stencil vinyl, making contact paper the BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK. Just be sure to change your pressure settings first. Otherwise, your machine may cut straight through. I’ve added a picture to show you how I cut mine.

2. The best weeding tool ISN’T a weeding tool at all! I call it my “stabby”, but I am pretty sure it is made for quilting or maybe sewing? I’m including a picture for you. If anyone knows what the real name of my “stabby” is, PLEASE EDUCATE ME IN THE COMMENTS. Here is a link to something similar. There are a ton of options, but losing my Cricut weeding tool was the best thing that ever happened to me. Just stab and go! Maybe I should start calling it my “pokey” -that’s a lot less violent. Just poke and go.

3. This secret piggy backs off of secret #2- your stuff doesn’t have to be (and maybe even shouldn’t be) Cricut or Silhouette brand.

We already talked about other options for transfer tape and tools, but your vinyl options are limitless as well!

This one might seem straight forward, but when I first started, my machine came with Cricut vinyl and I thought since it was made for my machine, it was the best for my machine. NOPE! It wasn’t the best for my machine or my pocketbook.

Here are some other options:

• 651 vinyl– I have ordered from them several times. The shipping is pretty quick (and free on qualifying purchaces) AND they add candy to the box BROWNIE POINTS

• Amazon vinyl- I’ve purchased off of amazon in a pinch several times and have yet to be disappointed. Be sure you get vinyl from reputable sellers with tons of reviews and 4.5 stars.

I’ve personally ordered from these (I’ll update this list as I order from different sellers):

• Somolux

• Caregy

• Pabues

4. This “secret” might be obvious to others, but it took me a bit to figure it out. You don’t need to pay for Cricut’s monthly subscription. I think as a beginner it is super helpful, but NOT NECESSARY. Boy, if Cricut reads this blog post, I might be in trouble.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Cricut and I actually do pay for the subscription, but if you are on a budget- do not think that you need it to create awesome stuff.

There are so many free SVG cut files out there! And if you don’t find what you are looking for, you can make your own SVG files! Let me know if you are interested and I will do a tutorial.

Follow me on Pinterest– I have a board for free SVG cut files and I will post one free cut file per month! In fact, you can get your first free svg files below:

5. You can download free fonts.

Just be sure to pay attention to the license. Most fonts are listed for personal use only, but there are a whole host of free fonts for commercial use as well!

Here are a few sites to check out:

1. dafont.com

2. 1001freefonts.com

3. fontsquirrel.com

BONUS TIP: Get a second job to pay for your new hobby!