Cricut Tips & Tricks


A Long List Of Cricut Tricks & Tips

Facebook Pages allow me to schedule my posts ahead of time, which is why you can see new posts there every day, several times a day, even when I have no time to be near a computer.  Each morning I have scheduled a new "Trick" - a cricut hack, or tip, that works well for me.    The list below is all of those Cricut Tricks, in list format.  It's a lot of information all at once, and that's why I post them one each day on facebook, so it's not so overwhelming.  But for those of you who have requested this, here they all are, in one long list.

 SEARCH TIP - In most browsers, at the top right of your screen there will be search options.  In Chrome, click on the three dots, then choose "find...".  Now you can type something like "writing fonts" or "svgs" and your browser will search this post and allow you to find that text quickly.  I also keep an Index of my cricut related posts here, which may be easier to search - https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2019/02/an-index-of-cricut-resources-how-tos.html

 Cricut Tricks

Printable Cheat Sheet Of Design Space Basics
How to switch line type from Cut, Draw, and Print Then Cut, and When To Attach, Weld, & Flatten.  These are the basics you will need to know right away when using Design Space

Use Free Fonts With Shapes, In Place Of SVGS
Use fonts like KG Flavors and Frames, with shapes, in place of svgs.  Search for fonts like "Deer", or "Spring" and you will often find lots of great free shapes, ready to cut!

 Alternative Markers For Cricut - 
Did you know there are a bunch of markers that fit right in the pen slot on the cricut machines, no adaptors needed?  And they write great!
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2017/12/alternative-markers-for-cricut.html

What Is An SVG?
An SVG is a Scalable Vector Graphic.  What that means is that it is an image that can be resized without distorting.  In an svg each color will be it's own "layer" so that it cuts separately in Design Space.  An svg will never be found in a facebook comment. A LINK to the svg may be in teh comment, and the link may show a preview of the svg - but it will not be the actual svg, as facebook can't handle svgs.  Here's a closer look at the difference, and why you always want to chose actual svgs when possible:  https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2020/09/quick-tip-what-is-svg-its-never-image.html


Writing Fonts - 
When using a "regular" font in Design Space, the cricut machine will follow the path of the blade, creating hollow, or bubbled, text.  You can either filter your fonts and pay to use a cricut writing font, OR, here are samples of hundreds of FREE fonts that will "collapse on themselves" and work as writing fonts.  The samples are sorted by marker size, some fonts will work with super thin pens, others require a thicker marker.  https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2017/11/6-single-line-fonts-that-will-write.html

 Using An Iron - 
I've been using a plain old thrift store iron (no heat press, no easy press - just an iron) for all of my cricut projects, for over two years now.  With no problems.  You will hear that applying vinyl is all about pressure, but I have never found it necessary to press hard at all - I think heat has as much to do with it as anything.  I like my old, heavy, thrift store irons from the 1980s. I also use silicone mats to reflect the heat.  This is how I apply htv - https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2018/11/using-plain-old-regular-iron-for-htv.html

How To Fill In Empty Space In A Design
For instance, the messy bun svg that is so popular right now, frequently comes with an "empty" bow.  You can add any solid color, or pattern, inside that bow, using the slice and contour options.  Here's how: https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2021/06/how-to-add-colored-or-patterend-bow-to.html

 Removing HTV Mistakes - 
You can sometimes just apply the iron to the back of the object you are trying to remove the htv from, if you make a mistake.  But I LOVE VLR.  It's like magic!  It's not cheap (around $20) but it doesn't take much, so one container lasts a really long time.  
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2018/11/using-vlr-to-remove-htv-fixing-cricut.html

Adding A Grunge Effect
I always recommend being cautious when using this technique, because it can be a real pain to weed.  It's definitely easier to do this with htv than regular vinyl.  But I'm also not a patient weeder.  Those of you who enjoy weeding may not mind quite as much.  Here's how to use slice to create a grunge effect on any design - https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2020/07/this-weeks-freebie-from-design-bundles.html

 Storing Vinyl Scraps
I use  12x12 scrapbooks to hold my vinyl scraps
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2019/02/organizing-my-vinyl-scraps.html

How to Make Mirrored, or "Stacked" Text Designs 
There are special fonts that will create this look - where the word is solid in the middle with outlined versions above and below.  But even without one of the special fonts, you can create your own designs  - here's how: How to make stacked, or Mirror Text, Designs in Design Space: https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2019/10/making-mirror-or-stacked-text-design-in.html

 Organizing & Storing SVGS - 
This is how I sort, store, and organize all of those free svgs
(If you have other suggestions, I would love to hear them too!)
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2019/02/organizing-svgs-dealing-with-all-my.html

Reverse Weeding For Small Text & Designs
When cutting small text and designs, most will recommend that you use the "wash tape" setting on  your cricut machine to get the best cut.  Then, to weed, reverse weeding will often be easier.  For this technique, without weeding your design, transfer it all to the transfer paper.  Now weed the extras off of the transfer paper, leaving the text behind.  Here's a closer look:

How To Use Print Then Cut If You Do Not Have A Printer
Cricut does not print, it only cuts, or draws with pens.  If you would like to make a print then cut project without owing a printer, you can still do it  - as long as you have access to a printer somewhere.  Our local library allows patrons to use the printer for a small fee, and most office supply stores such as Staples will print items inexpensively.    You will need to design in Design Space - and then send the design to a pdf file.  When the design prints, it should have a black box around it, those are the registration marks that Cricut needs to read to know where to make the cuts.
Here's a closer look:

Use Painters Tape For Small Pieces In Paper Projects
I love layered paper projects - they are often so quick and easy to make  But sometimes, they cut with little tiny detailed pieces to add to the top.  To keep from losing these, I stick them all to a piece of painters tape.  The paper never tears when I remove them, and all of the pieces are kept together until I need them, without them getting accidentally brushed off my desk & lost.
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2021/06/quick-tip-use-painters-tape-to-keep.html

 Using a Bic Pen
Did you know that you can use a regular old bic pen in your cricut machine?  It writes great, and fits right in the pen slot!  Here are writing samples of FREE fonts that work with the BIC pens - 
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2019/02/free-fonts-for-writing-with-cricut-with_14.html

 Text Basics In Design Space - 
How To Curve, Weld, Add Swirls & Tails, and use writing fonts with cricut
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2017/12/using-text-in-design-space.html

How To Clean The Mats
A diaper wipe is my favorite quick fix for cleaning my mats, but every week I wash a few in soap and water - and at least once a month, I "re-tack" a few with a tack it again glue.  Here's a list of various methods for cleaning mats, which I liked, and which do not work as well for me:


 How To Download & Use Free Fonts In Design Space
Fonts are installed on your device, not in design space.  But any font you have installed on your device can be used in Design space - they are found under "system fonts" at the top of the design space screen.
Here's how to download and install fonts to use in Design Space - https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2017/12/all-about-fonts-text-in-cricut-design.html

 How To Clean Up Free Clipart To Cut In Design Space
Often in a design, you need a simple image or shape that can be found on a free clipart site through a google search.  If you just upload an image, it will default to a print then cut image in Design Space, but it's really simple to "clean up" an image when uploading to make it a cut file.  Here is how - https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2018/12/how-to-convert-simple-free-clipart-to.html

 Comparing Sites For Converting An Image To An SVG
There are a variety of websites and programs that can convert any image (even a photo) into an svg you can cut with your cricut machine. 
Here's a look at a variety of sites and programs, with comparisons of their results and ease of use:
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2019/02/programs-sites-for-converting-to-svg.html

Cheat Sheet Of Font Terms
Ligatures, Kerning, Glyphs, Dingbats, Extrude...  Font terms can sometimes feel like their own language.  Here's a printable cheat sheet of some of the terms you will come across when using system fonts in cricut:

 How To View Thumbnails Of Your Free SVGS
When you download svgs, after you unzip them, the default view is usually your browser icon, and you will have to open each file to actually see what it looks like.
There is a free extension that allows you to see the thumbnail view of svg files, making it SO much easier to browse your collection!
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2018/01/how-to-see-thumbnails-of-svg-files.html

 Which Vinyl Is For What?
All fabric requires Heat Transfer Vinyl - HTV.  651 is permanent vinyl, 631 is temporary vinyl (great for wall decals).  I'm partial to the Caregy for htv, & Frisco for 651.  I find it MUCH cheaper on amazon, especially when you factor in free shipping.
See a longer list of which vinyl to use, and where to buy it, here - along with a chart breaking down the cost per a sq foot of each.
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2017/09/cricut-which-vinyl-do-i-need-where-do-i.html

 How To Download & Use Free SVGS In Design Space
There are thousands of really great FREE svg designs - as you probably know if you follow this facebook page.  :-)  When you download them, you almost always need to unzip them to use them, then you upload the file that looks like an html file to Design Space.
Here's a more detailed step by step of how to use free svg designs in Design Space:
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2019/01/how-to-download-install-svg-to-design.html

 Fonts With Tails Cheat Sheets - Using Easy Glyphs
There are fonts that require a character map to use, but there are also many free fonts that allow you to add tails, or extras, with just a few keys such as  < > or ( ).
Here are some cheat sheets for free fonts with tails - no character map needed!
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2017/09/fonts-with-tails.html

 Solving Simple Print Then Cut Problems
If your design is cutting out letters you wanted just to print, not cut, you need to flatten.  If the machine is not reading the registration marks, try playing with the light in the room - sometimes more light, sometimes less - often closing the lid of the machine helps.  Sometimes placing the paper a quarter of an inch from the edge helps.  Frequently, when there is an issue, it takes some trial and error to figure it out.   Here's  a more detailed look at solving simple print then cut problems:
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2019/03/solving-common-print-then-cut-problems.html

 Dollar Tree Contact Paper As Transfer Paper
I've never used the cricut transfer paper, so I have no comparison, but I love the contact paper from the Dollar Tree as transfer paper.  NOT the Duck brand contact paper from Wal-Mart - that does not work as well for me.
Painters tape works great for small designs, especially for things like Christmas Ornaments, and sometimes it works for paper projects too! 
Dollar Tree Contact Paper is my favorite.  You can use it over and over, one roll lasts a very long time..  but at $1 a roll, it's good to keep a couple extras on hand!  I know a few of you have mentioned getting a residue on your items when using the dollar tree contact paper.  I've never had that happen, but several of you have mentioned it.  I don't know what would cause that - possibly a bad batch, or maybe it sat in the sun for too long?
More Of My Favorite Supplies From The Dollar Tree Can Be Found Here:
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2018/03/cricut-dollar-tree.html

Monograms are traditionally: First Initial, Last Initial, Middle Initial
But there are of course, a bunch of variations!
For Free fonts for monograms, and more about making monograms, go here:
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2017/11/free-monograms-split-monograms-for.html

 Maintype Logic (Free version) is my favorite Character Map Software, for using font glyphs.
But it is also a fantastic font manager, and it's how I keep all of my fonts organized.
See how here:
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2019/05/how-to-manage-organize-all-of-those.html

 The Dollar Tree Jot Markers are my favorite markers for using as is in my Cricut machine.  No adaptor needed, they fit right in, and write beautifully.  20 markers for $1! 
Here is a list of free fonts, with writing samples, that work well with these:
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2019/02/free-fonts-for-writing-with-cricut-with.html

 What To Buy When Getting Started With A New Cricut
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2017/09/what-do-i-need-to-get-started-with-new.html

How To Use Contour To Remove Parts Of A Design
When you upload an svg, it typically comes in parts, and most of the time you can just delete the parts you do not want to use.  But sometimes even an svg will upload all as one piece.  If you want to remove part of the design, for instance, the date to change it to a new year, you can, most of the time, use the "contour" option.  Here's a closer look at how it works:

 How To Find And Use Font Glyphs
When you see a pretty font on dafont, it may have "tails" that are not included in the free version.  Often (but not always!) fonts on Dafont are free Demo versions of premium fonts
But if you do download the full version of a font, or one that has glyphs, you may need a character map to view, and use, them.
Here's a step by step how to find and use font glyphs
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2019/02/how-to-find-use-glyphs-in-fonts.html

Make Any Design A Leopard Print Design
Using the slice feature, you can make any design a leopard print design.  Here's a step by step:
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2020/08/how-to-make-leopard-print-design-in.html

 Free Apps & Websites to Use With Cricut
Lets face it, Design Space is limited in what it can do.  I'm very thankful it exist, but I'm also thankful for these extra free programs and apps that I can use along with Design Space, to create & use my designs.
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2017/11/which-apps-websites-to-use-with-cricut.html

 Paying For Cricut Access is like renting svgs.
And that's great, if that is what you want to do!  Personally, I prefer to outright buy the few designs I use, rather than rent hundreds I have no interest in. 
And there is SO much free out there, I really don't buy too much! 
Here are some tips for what to buy, what to download, and how to use it all, for new cricut users - https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2018/02/resources-how-tos-for-cricut.html

 How To Transfer Vinyl
When you cut a design out of vinyl with a cricut machine, you essentially made yourself a sticker.  But often that sticker has a lot of pieces!  "Transfer Tape" is what you use to transfer that design all at once to your object.
(I love the Contact Paper from The Dollar Tree for transfer tape).
Here's a Very Simple Step By Step How to Transfer A Vinyl Design:
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2018/01/thrift-store-redo-simple-vinyl-transfer.html

Using Font Glyphs On Android & Ipads
Using font glyphs can be a bit difficult on android and ipad devices.  Samsung phones in particular really do not want you adding your own fonts to them.  It is still possible to use them though - here area a few tips and work arounds: https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2020/07/how-to-use-font-glyphs-on-android-ipad.html

 HP Instant Ink - Pay By The Page, Not The Cartridge
It took me awhile to understand how this works, and I was hesitant to try it.  But oh my, how I love it - and it saves me so much money!
It does only work with certain HP Printers - but I think anything made in the last few years.
You pay a monthy subscription fee for your ink, and that fee allows you to print so many pages.  You can even get the FREE subscription, for less than 10 pages a month, which is mind boggling.
The next package up is $2.99 a month.  If you need more pages in a certain month, you can either bump up your package for that month, or pay an extra fee, which varies by plan, but starts at an extra 10 pages for $1.
The really nice thing about this, for cricut users, is that it costs exactly the same (and it's cheap!) whether you print in draft, or best quality.  So needless to say, I print absolutely everything in best quality here. 
Learn more about instant ink here:
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2019/10/pay-by-page-not-cartridge-saving-money.html

 Print Then Cut T-Shirts
If a design has a lot of details, more than you want to layer on a shirt, Cricut Print Then Cut is a great alternative.
Avery T-shirt transfer paper (use the paper for darks, even on white shirts - it works great!  You'll get a more brilliant transfer using the paper meant for darks.) can be found at Wal-Mart, or on Amazon,  and it has held up really well for me.
For a more detailed how to, go here:
https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2018/02/print-then-cut-with-cricut.html

 Shadow, or Offset, Fonts in Design Space
Design Space has now added the offset option, and it is wonderful!  


Using The Fill Feature In Design Space
The "Fill" option in Design space is full of patterns you can use in your print then cut projects.  I used the option to create patterned planner tabs, here's a closer look at how:

Make Your Own Gift Box SVGS
Template Maker is a website that will allow you to create your own gift boxes, which you can save as an svg - https://www.templatemaker.nl/en/

Error - Unsupported File Type
One of the questions I have been asked the most lately is about uploading free svgs.  If you get the error "unsupported file type", you are often attempting to upload the zip file, not the svg.  You need to unzip the file, then upload the file that looks like an html file.  For more details on how to use free svgs - https://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2019/01/how-to-download-install-svg-to-design.html


How To Get Me To Answer Your Message
Although I'm happy to answer private messages,  it's usually the last thing on my very long to do list each day.  I just don't always have the time.  It is often much faster to ask in the group for this page.  I typically see those posts quicker, and there are also a lot of super helpful cricut users there who may be able to answer you faster than I can.  :-)  We'd love to have you join us!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1121399284857845


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