What is the Cricut Explore and what does it do? If all of your friends have this amazing electronic cutting machine, but you’re clueless about what it is and what you can do with it, this post is for you!
If you follow my blog or social media, you know that I am a HUGE fan of my Cricut Explore. In this post, I’m going to talk about how this crafting machine changed my life (literally) and answer questions I often get about this machine. This post applies to all Explore series machines.
I got my first Cricut Explore back in 2014. Cricut had sent out machines to a handful of bloggers to try out. When I first got it, I thought it was just a machine for scrapbookers—and being that I wasn’t a scrapbooker, I wasn’t all that excited about it. Then I had surgery and was bored out of my mind, so I finally got it out of the box.
Everything changed when I realized just how amazing this machine is—and how scrapbooking is just scratching the surface of what the Cricut Explore can actually do! I now offer my Cricut Basics eBook, which is a great place to get started!
When I say that it changed my life—it really did. I LOVE teaching people how to use their Cricut machines. So much so, that I’ve been able to turn that love into my work. What a dream!
What is the Cricut Explore?
The simplest explanation is that the Cricut Explore is an electronic cutting machine that looks sort of like a printer. But instead of printing your designs on paper, it uses a very precise blade and a series of rollers to cut out pretty much anything you can imagine, including vinyl labels, decals for shirts, paper crafts, and more.
The Cricut Explore is different than the older Cricut machines (like the Expression, the Gypsy, etc.). Instead of cartridges, you can get access to Cricut Access and their enormous library of cut files. You can upload and cut your own files. You can use the software on your computer or tablet, online or off. It cuts more than 100 different materials. You can also draw, score, and write with it.
This machine is masterfully engineered as well—I never cease to be amazed at the precision with which it cuts materials.
At its most basic, you design something you want to cut in the Cricut Design Space software, place your material on the cutting mat, confirm your settings, and GO!
The uses for the Cricut Explore machine are far beyond the scrapbooking sphere. If you love any type of DIY, party ideas, or crafts, you’ll love the Cricut Explore.
What Can I Do With the Cricut Explore?
If you need something cut out (or drawn or etched or scored), odds are, the Cricut can cut it. Here are just a few project ideas:
- Paper pennants for a party
- Leather earrings
- Iron-on vinyl for t-shirts
- Paper gift boxes and tags
- Stencils for wood signs
- Vinyl quotes for coffee mugs
- Felt coasters
- Greeting cards
- Customized tote bags
- Monogrammed water bottles
- Paper flowers for bouquets
- Vinyl labels for your pantry
- Coloring pages
- Decals for model airplanes
Best Places to Buy the Cricut Explore
Check out these retailers for deals on the Cricut Explore:
- Cricut.com
- Cricut Explore on Amazon
- JOANN
- Michaels
- HSN (currently only carry the Cricut Explore 3)
- Target
Hope this post helped you start to discover why you might want a Cricut Explore!
Cricut Comparisons
I also have posts where I go into detail comparing machines. Check out these posts:
Comments & Reviews
Besti laptop says
I would like to buy a cricut explore machine. Please give me some good advice.
Beck says
Hi x I have just ordered a Cricut explore air 2 and am really looking forward to using it. I love the look of vinyl labels etc but I am just a bit concerned about how they pollute the environment when they break down. I’ve read that the non PVC vinyls are much better as they don’t have the same toxins in them. There seems to be a lot less choice of the eco friendly types though so I was wondering if you had any advice on where to go for these?
Many thanks 😊
Lisa Wilson Simons says
Hi!
I received a Crucit Maker for Christmas. I have watched a lot of videos…but I am afraid to even take it out of the box. I feel intimidated about everything I need to learn to operate it. Has anyone else had this same experience?
Thanks!
Lisa
Lesa Vaughan says
I have just purchased a Maker and am really enjoying reading loads of these blogs, there is so much to learn and so many possibility.
I cant wait.
Thank you for sharing.
Kathy Parmar says
Hello
I am thinking to purchase the Cricut maker. I want to personalize baby blankets made of flannel. What material would be good to do that ? And is this the correct machine for that purpose ?
T says
I am having a hard time understanding how to use the Explore Air 2 to write. I understand that I need to use only certain fonts that will work for writing. I only saw three under the Cricut area and none under the fonts on my computer. Do I really have to purchase fonts for writing? There are so many to choose from. It just seems like it could get expensive.
Honestly, I’ve not been impressed.
Connie says
I have an explore air 2. You can download thousands off free fonts off the internet! That’s what I do and it’s been great!
Marci says
Hi, I do not have one of these yet and have just started doing my research……..I am confused about the comments about printers? Please explain…the few videos that I have watched did not mention a printer. Doesn’t the cricut work independently without a printer?
Thank you
Liz, HLMS Reader Support says
The Cricut does in fact work independently from a printer. The printer comments were regarding the print then cut feature – you can read more about it here:
https://heyletsmakestuff.com/using-flatten-in-cricut-design-space/
If you don’t want the print then cut feature, the Cricut will also cut hundreds of materials like paper, vinyl, iron-on and more!!
Happy Crafting!!
Liz, HLMS Reader Support
Lisa symko says
Hello, I am looking to purchase a circuit. I will being using it mostly for doing vinyl adhesive to do signs.which machine would work best for that and do I have to purchase additional equipment. Thanks
Liz, HLMS Reader Support says
I have the perfect post for you!!
https://heyletsmakestuff.com/cricut-maker-vs-explore-air-2/
As far as additional equipment, you may want to get some tools and additional mats – you can find these at almost any craft store as well as online at shop.criuct.com
Happy Crafting!!
Liz, HLMS Reader Support