What is the Cricut Maker and what does it do differently than the Cricut Explore? Learn all of the features of Cricut’s newest cutting machine so you can make an informed decision about buying one!
This Cricut Maker post was originally written in 2017 when the machine was first launched. Now I’ve updated it to include new tools that have been added since its release!
Need help with your Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Cricut machines!
In 2017, I took a whirlwind trip to Salt Lake City to the Cricut Mountain Make-a-Thon! I joined hundreds of other influencers and consumers for two and a half days of Cricut fun!
At the main session, Cricut revealed three new products: the Cricut Brightpad, the Cricut EasyPress and, the pièce de résistance, the all-new Cricut Maker!
(Make sure to check out my posts for the Brightpad and EasyPress.)
The Cricut Maker looks similar to the Cricut Explore line of machines, but it was completely reengineered. I’ll give you an overview of some of my favorite features, and then talk a little bit about why you might want to upgrade. Or, conversely, why you might be just fine sticking with your Explore machine.
Cricut Maker—Overall Redesign
The first big improvement for the Cricut Maker is that it has up to 10x the cutting pressure of the Cricut Explore—4kg. This is more than a lot of commercial cutting machines!
What does that mean for the average consumer? You can now cut thicker and denser materials more easily, including leather, chipboard, and wood up to 3/32″ thick.
It can also cut the most delicate of materials, like crepe paper. Plus it can cut fabric! All of this, and it continues to beautifully cut all of the paper, vinyl, and other materials your Cricut Explore has always cut. Here are my posts about cutting Maker-only materials:
The second improvement is the Adaptive Tool System. The Cricut Maker has even more control over the tools, using advanced mathematical algorithms and a system of intricate brass gears designed to improve cutting precision.
The Adaptive Tool System allows Cricut to design new tools that can be added as they are invented. For instance, the Knife Blade and the Scoring Wheel are two new tools that have been added since the launch, in addition to the Rotary Blade that comes with the Maker.
Some smaller improvements include a docking station for your phone or iPad while working on your projects as well as a USB plug for charging those devices (I’m guessing this USB port will also power tools at some point—just a theory!). Tool storage has been improved with two tool cups and a larger storage bin.
It’s also darn sexy, with a champagne gold lid and diamond etching throughout. It feels like an Apple product, with design and user experience at the top of the list of Cricut’s priorities.
Cricut Maker Rotary Blade + Sewing Features
My absolute favorite feature of the Cricut Maker is the Rotary Blade, which comes with the machine! The Cricut Explore can cut bonded fabric (fabric with a stabilizer attached), though it wasn’t one of its strong suits—the fine point blade is just not purpose-designed for cutting fabric. Check out my post on cutting fabric.
The Cricut Maker, on the other hand, was designed with fabric in mind. Cricut wanted to address one of the most time consuming and often hated parts of sewing patterns—cutting and marking your fabric.
This is a big one for me. I have tendonitis in my hands and using scissors or even a standard rotary cutter can leave me with achy hands for days. It’s one of the reasons I haven’t sewn a lot in the last few years.
Thankfully, Cricut created the incredible 12mm rotary blade, designed specifically to cut straight fabric—no backing or stabilizer required! They have also created a new pink fabric mat, with a completely different adhesive. Watching the Cricut Maker cut fabric is incredible.
So intricate, so precise, no drag—and then to peel the fabric off the mat with no fray is a thing of beauty!
Additionally, they have a washable fabric pen, which will—sewing enthusiasts, are you listening?—mark your fabrics for you. I hate marking patterns so this is a huge deal for me!
They have quite few digital sewing patterns in the Design Space library, and have partnered with brands like Simplicity and Riley Blake to add even more.
Most of the projects are on the smaller side since the Cricut Maker is still just a 12″ x 24″ max. But it also helps you create larger projects that have smaller pieces, like quilts! Pick a project, and the machine cuts all the pieces you need and marks them accordingly. (You can also turn off the marking feature if you like to fly by the seat of your pants.)
Some projects will be included in Cricut Access and some will be between $2.99 and $9.99 for a pattern.
Cricut Maker Knife Blade
To enable cutting those thicker materials, Cricut designed the Knife Blade. Used like you would use an x-acto knife, the knife blade is intelligently designed to cut using several passes—a lighter scoring line, then more force cutting through the core of the material, and ending with a lighter pass to get a clean cut. I have written extensively about the Knife Blade.
Scoring Wheel
In 2018, Cricut released the Scoring Wheel, as an update to the Scoring Stylus. As a paper crafter, I really do love the scoring wheel—it cures all of your scoring woes! If you’re tired of faint score lines or cracking materials, the Cricut Scoring Wheel is a definitely improvement.
Print then Cut Improvements
I’ve been using the Print Then Cut feature more and more for quick projects on my Cricut Explore. The biggest limitation to the Explore, however, was that the sensor could only read registration marks on white paper.
The new sensor in the Cricut Maker has been reengineered and can now be used with colored paper (not really dark paper—but who prints on really dark paper anyway?). As an added bonus, it also works on many printed papers—it wasn’t really what Cricut intended, but it’s a great bonus!
They’ve also reworked the registration marks within Design Space so that you can use more of the printable area on a sheet of paper (this is for all machines, not just the Cricut Maker).
Do I Need a Cricut Maker?
So the big question is—do you really need to upgrade? There were some disappointed people on social media who had just purchased an Explore and were sad to find out that this new machine was just launched (trust me, I get it—I literally bought a commercial heat press two weeks before the Cricut EasyPress was announced!).
The good thing is the line of Cricut Explore machines is not going away. There is still support available for these machines and they will still come out with new projects and designs that can be cut on the Explore. For my readers specifically, most of my future projects and cut files will be able to be cut on the Explore as well as the Maker. But I am excited to tackle some of these new materials, too!
So let’s get down to basics: if you don’t care about cutting fabric or thicker materials, your Cricut Explore will continue to serve you really well—I’ve had one for five years and still plan on using mine! If you are really interested in cutting fabric and sewing projects, or if you want to try it for woodworking or leather-working, you may think about upgrading. No matter what choice you make, you’ll have a great machine designed by an innovative company!
Have questions about the Cricut Maker? I’d be happy to answer them in the comments!
Comments & Reviews
Johnson Veronica says
Will the Cricut Maker give me clean cuts of intricate designs with thick metallic paper and card stocks?
Cori George says
Hi Veronica — yes, it should be able to do those sorts of intricate cuts on thicker materials. You might have to play around with the settings, but I was really impressed with the precision of the cuts!
Johnson Veronica says
Thanks, I couldn’t get the Explorer to give me a clean cut using the Hopelessly Romantic Name tag. Will the Explorer Maker improve.
Cori George says
I’m not sure why you aren’t able to get a clean cut using your Explore — it should be able to cut that file. I assume you’ve tried different mat combinations? And a new blade?
The new Cricut Maker has even more precision in the blade and how it moves, so I assume it will be able to cut out designs like the one you mentioned just fine.
Hope that helps!
Liz O. says
I love the rotary cutter capability and hope to get The Maker, I don’t think it will be in August as much as I wish to have it, but hope to get one during the HSN release in October! I am absolutely in love with my Explore and I am sure the Maker will be even better, I am currently working on a few small sewing projects and having The Maker would have been a life saver right now, but all the same I am looking forward to own this one, thanks for the review! Have a wonderful day!
Cori George says
The rotary cutter is everything! So many possibilities with it. Hope you can get your hands on a Maker soon! :)
Brooke says
So basically, if I have never sewn before and always wanted to make a quilt this will be much easier to just toss some fabric down, cut, then sew the pieces together (like I believe I still remember lol) and VOILA! Is it really going to be that easy for my uncraftiness self, lol??!!?
Cori George says
Well, there is still the sewing part you have to do — ha! BUT, I will say, that the more exact your cutting, the easier it is to sew! So if your cuts are perfect, sewing does get a lot easier. Good luck and happy making!
JT says
Ah yes I too drooled over the new Cricut Maker, until I once again went to my Explore One in which keeps changing and requiring changes to my computer as well. Cricut only gives half instructions causing complications and stress. From what I understand at this point, you will need to use google chrome, edge, or firefox, then the newest version of Adobe Air, then you need to download WinZip to open the file. WinZip has a free trial, but if it expires you need to hunt down or buy a new zip program. If you have the Explore One, you CANNOT update your Adobe Air ! So if you have any intention of keeping your Explore Air One, and this Cricut Maker it won’t work. I am wondering now, with Explore One requiring Adobe Air 21.0.0.215 how much longer before than machine becomes obsolete. That should be a thought for anyone buying new Cricuts.
I have read over and over the complaints of software (design space and cricut craft room of glitches, freezes, etc. Until Cricut realizes changes need to be made in these issues and customers stand strong on boycotting until they make things right , we will continue to get half the quality we are paying for. Be warned once your fancy new box is opened you will not get to return it either. Surely I would not be one to jump right in on this machine, until glitches are fixed in software, and after other customers start discovering more issues that need to be resolved.
I do not need to download three software programs to get it to work, nor do I need to have internet service or a computer.
I am going back to my good old expressions, its sturdy and does what I want it to do. I love it !
Cori George says
Sorry to hear you’re having so many problems! I haven’t had any update issues with the new DS — have you updated to the new DS? My Mac can open zip files just fine so I’m not sure what the problem is there, and I’ve never had to update Adobe Air to get mine to work. I know that people have problems with the DS — hopefully Cricut can get them resolved.
Michelle says
7zip is a free program that will work for all zip and archived files. It’s free and way better than WinZip. I know that doesn’t solve ALL your problems, but you don’t have to suffer with a trial version of WinZip!
BoKeifus says
Will the Maker cut Magic Flock and Sticky Flock, from The Rhinestone Warehouse? Typical hole size for rhinestone templates would be 2.4mm, 3.4mm, and so on, in the small sizes, up to around 6mm. Generally, perfect circles are needed to be formed, rather than ovals which many cutters produced, due to drag on the knife’s swivel in tight arcs.
Thanks.
Cori George says
Still looking into this! I think the rotary blade is designed to cut pieces larger than 3/4″ so I’m not sure it will work, but I’m finding out for sure.
Gijzette says
Here I was trying to decide which machine to get and I find your article on the new Cricut Maker. I make dolls and soft animals and the worst part is cutting out all the little pattern pieces, then cutting out the fabric pieces and marking them. This looks like just the machine I need.
Cori George says
You are going to love this machine! It’s perfect for the types of projects you’re describing.
Jill says
Hi I am really considering buying the Cricut maker, do you have any ideas of where I might be able to sell my explore air machine?
Cori George says
I would try your local swap and sell groups, or even Craigslist. You could do ebay but I have a feeling it’s going to be flooded with machines there soon :)
shazni says
I live in a country where the internet is always an issue. Do i have to be online to design and cut? Can i work without the internet? That would be my only issue with cicut. If only i can work offline it would be great. Else i would not be able to work most of the time! Thanks!
Cori George says
You can design and cut in offline mode! I get this question often so I am going to write a post on how to do it. Thanks!
Sharon Parks says
Will I be able to download and cut out clothing pattern pieces with this machine?
Cori George says
Cricut will have a selection of patterns, including Simplicity patterns. Clothing is a little harder since the mat size is still 12 x 24 max, but there should be some patterns available.
sarah says
hi i have never owned a circut but was thinking on getting one i was looking cricut explore air 2 but then i saw the new circut maker and i was thinking i sew this would be great so i what i am trying to say is the new machine like the cricut explore air 2 .does it cut paper what tools or blade come with it other than the rotary blade
Cori George says
The new Cricut Maker will cut unbonded (non-stabalized) fabric, so if you sew, that’s the way you want to go! It does everything the Cricut Explore does, too, including cut paper and vinyl and all that. It comes with a regular blade and the rotary blade. The knife blade and the deep cut blade will be a separate purchase. Hope that helps!
Debbie says
Will this machine be able to work with Embrilliance or other machine embroidery software to precut applique pieces for machine applique?
Cori George says
It won’t work directly with your software, but if you can download an SVG or JPG file, you can upload it into the Cricut Design Space and cut that way. Does that help?
Martine says
Will all the cartridges I’ve downloaded fir my explore be available on the maker or do I have to rebuy?
Cori George says
There will be a way to sync your cartridges with the Cricut Maker — you won’t have to rebuy. Thanks!
Pauline Ely says
I’m curious about stamp material. Will the new deep cut knife be needed for stamp martial?
Cori George says
That’s a great question! I will ask my Cricut people if they know, and if not, maybe I’ll test it once I get my machine!
Trudy Rollison says
Will the Maker come in a bundle with both new cutting tools and the pink fabric mat? If not, what will each item cost?
Michelle says
I currently have an Explore, and while it will cut craft foam, it’s far from perfect.
Currently, I can cut craft foam with the deep cut blade, but the edges are always rough and detail is really difficult. The foam gets compressed and warped by the rollers.
Since the new Cricut Maker is designed for thicker materials, will it be better for craft foam? The Cricut branded craft foam is very thin (1-2mm) where the stuff you can get in every craft store is thicker (2-3mm up to sometimes 6mm). and that knew knife blade looks AWESOME. It’d be great if you could test some when you get your machine!
Cori George says
I will test it out and write a whole post about it! I’ve had several people ask about foam. I do think that it will cut really well with the new machine!!
Johana says
Will we eventually be able to curve words without having to cut them and place them on a circle?
Cori George says
Let me ask the Cricut team and see if they have any updates on this particular feature.
Kim says
Will the new machine be able to cut felt??? I make a lot of small sewing projects with felt but hate to cut it by hand!!
Cori George says
Yes! It should cut felt MUCH better than the current Cricut Explore using its new rotary blade. It will definitely be one of the first materials I work with — I love felt too!
Becky says
Will there be any adapters for the rotary blade to be used on the explore?
I really like the idea of this new machine, but mine is so new :(
Cori George says
No. Unfortunately the machine had to be re-designed from the ground up to be able to work with the new blade. There’s a brass gear that controls the blade that doesn’t exist on the Cricut Explore.
janet says
Will the new machine use the same blades and pens as the Explore Air? Just purchased new blades etc and I hope they will work with the new one if I purchase it. Does it work with DS, the same too.
Cori George says
Yes! It uses the same blades and the pens work — plus the Maker comes with the rotary blade, another fine point blade, and a black pen. :)
Michelle says
Can I purchase the machine if im in Sydney Australia
Cori George says
I don’t believe so — right now it’s just for sale in the US. But perhaps it will be there soon!
Teresa says
Will the Cricut Maker cut magnets that have been printed on magnet paper?
Cori George says
Yes — Cricut has magnet paper and you can use their Print Then Cut feature to print on your printer and then your Cricut will cut out the shape you desire.
Trudy Gibson says
Can you cut 21″ x 21″ fabric for making pillows? I know you said the mat is 12″x24″ but I’m not sure how it works, i don’t own a Cricut yet but am very interested in buy one.
Cori George says
It can only cut up to 12″ x 24″ wide (really, it’s more like 11.5″ x 23.5″). But if you pieced the pillow covers, then you could make it work.
Ronnie C. says
Hi, Your forum here is awesome. I have Cricut Expression and really like this new machine. My question is does it come with a stand alone program for creating designs with svg files and then send that to machine or does this have to be done on the fee based Access program.
I see there are a lot of wonderful designs in the Access program but I make most of my own.
Thanks for any infor
Zoey says
Hi,
Will the Cricut Maker cut formica?
Cori George says
How thick is Formica?
nestaway says
Formica sheets run between 1/16 and 1/32 of an inch (.15 and .08 cm) thick according to Wikihow. I didn’t ask the question originally, but am interested in the answer. Considering purchasing the Cricut Maker. Thanks!
Amy Motroni says
It can cut materials up to 2.4mm, so it should!
Happy Crafting
Amy, HLMS Support
Velarde says
Where do the old cartridges go? I have only been using mine old machine off line and I have a lot of cartridges.
Cori George says
You can link them in the Design Space. Depending on if they have barcodes (I think), you may need the adapter, which is slated to come out in December.
Cari says
Can I do everything that an explore can do with the cricut maker?
Cori George says
Yes! The Maker does everything the Cricut does, and more :)
doug burden says
Still trying to decide between the Air 2 and the maker. I think the maker has the edge as wood and leather work might be interesting. A question that I thought of was concerning cutting of old records on a maker.
Would it be possible?
I am guessing 78 rpm records would be too thick, I think I might get away with 45 and 33 records.
I cant really find an answer or at least one I can understand.
Amy Motroni says
Hi Doug,
I would say if it’s less than 2mm thick it’s at least testable. Maybe try with an old thrift store record first that doesn’t have any sentimental value?
Let us know if it works!
Amy, HLMS Reader Support
Cindy says
Is the cricut maker the newest model as of 12/29/19?
Amy Motroni says
Yes, it is!
-Amy, HLMS Reader Support
Gayle says
Question? I make quilts and need pieces that are 45 inches long by 3 inches wide. Can I cut these a a cricut maker?
Donna says
Do you buy boxes of patterns for circuit maker or do you download patterns?
Amy Motroni says
Hi Donna,
You can use patterns from the Cricut Image Library for her Maker. The Maker does not take cartridges.
Happy crafting!
Amy, HLMS Reader Support
Pamela says
Has anyone tried to cut knit fabric with the Maker?
Diane Shirley-Davis says
What printer have you found works best with the thickest materials in regards to manual feeding and autofeed? thanks
Michael Jones says
What’s up, its pleasant piece of writing on the topic of
media print, we all know media is a impressive source of information.
Sue says
Is it possible to cut crepe paper on the explore 2?
Amy Motroni says
Hi Sue,
I think crepe paper would be too delicate for the Explore. The Maker would cut it better with the rotary blade!
Hope that helps!
Amy, HLMS Reader Support
April Davie says
Actually, they advertise it and there are tutorials. Take your time. I haven’t tried it yet myself, but have watched it!
Sally Beyer says
Where can I find a adapter, for my cartridges. I have many of the old cartridges, that I love and still want to use.
Richard Ward-Smith says
Hi there, Will Cricut bring out a new model of the maker soon? I notice that it is shown in some shops as the 2020 version. I am wondering if it will be superseded by a maker 2 soon?
Rhonda Byers says
Is there a difference between Cricut Maker and Cricut Maker Ultimate Cutting Machine? I’ve seen two different sizes for the machines. 26.3L 13.3D 10.9H and 22.6L 7.09D 6.22H. Can you confirm if there’s a difference between the Maker machines and the sizes?
Amy Motroni says
As far as I know, the Ultimate Cutting Machine is the tagline. There is just one model of Cricut Maker.
Hope that helps!
Amy, HLMS Support
Chris says
Hi I am upgrading from an Expression 2. I want to cut vinyl and attach to wood. Which machine do you think would be a best fit?
Crystal Summers says
Hi Chris,
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with the Explore or Maker machines. If you are hoping to save money, the Explore would be your best bet. It will cut vinyl no problem!
Hope this helps,
Crystal, HLMS Community Manager
Julie says
I am wanting to etch metal. At this point there seems to be a maker and maker 3 that I’m looking at. Is there an advantage to either?
Crystal Summers says
Hi Julie,
Both the Maker and Maker 3 can etch metal. The major difference with the Maker 3 is that it can cut without a mat using smart materials. Sounds like for what you’d like to do (etch metal), either machine would be fine. It’s a matter of personal preference and budget.
Hope this helps!
Crystal, HLMS Community Manager