Colorful rainbow-painted wooden hallway with vertical slats creating a tunnel effect.

Cricut Essentials

A white Cricut cutting machine with its lid open, placed on a wooden table, with a decorative plate partly visible in the background.

I am often asked what Cricut tools I have. Here’s a full list! If you are just getting started with a Cricut, or if you are thinking about adding something to your crafting supplies, here’s a place to start. I’ve listed items and included information about how you would use each tool — and for which types of project. I always include a materials list when I create a project, too, so if you are following those directions, you’ll always know what you need.

As always, let me know if you have questions!

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. You won’t pay anything additional, but I may recieve a small commission if you make a purchase. Thank you for your support!

A Cricut cutting machine with a roll of purple adhesive vinyl on a light wood table, with a bookshelf filled with books in the background.

  • I started with the Cricut Maker which is also great! But I was given the Maker 3 which is an upgrade. You can do most of the same things with both machines — the difference is that with the Maker 3 you can use rolls of materials off of a mat which you can’t do with the Maker. I find that feature very handy!

  • This is the heart of all of my projects! But a point you should know: no Cricut prints. So depending on what you want to do, you may also need a good printer. There is a drawing function with a Cricut, but it will not print.

Cricut Maker and Maker 3
A sheet of printable planner stickers featuring holiday and seasonal designs, including circles with owls and 'The Nice List' text for Christmas, and cards announcing pre-orders beginning in October.

  • I have used “off-brand” mats before, and … well, never again. The Cricut mats are much better! I have two sizes and several different holds, and I use them all. Start with a variety pack to see what you use most frequently. I suggest having two mats of each hold to allow you to set one up while the other is cutting.

  • Mats are essential when using the Cricut Maker and for many materials for the Maker 3 (the exception being Smart Materials which are mounted on their own mat). The mat holds the material in place while the machine cuts.

Cricut Cutting Mats
Collection of custom stickers, charging cable, wall charger, power adapter, and a small electronic device with the logo 'Lumos' and a scooter graphic, arranged on a blue surface.

  • Transfer Tape

  • Smart Vinyl in assorted colors

  • Smart Label Writable Vinyl in white

  • Smart Vinyl Permanent in assorted colors

  • Bulk Vinyl in assorted colors

Vinyl Supplies
A Cricut Maker 3 cutting machine with a colorful floral pattern being cut from paper.

  • This is only necessary with a Maker 3 if you are using rolls of materials like vinyl.

  • The roll holder does just that — holds the rolls of vinyl or other materials to be cut. It’s great, and I like the sliding cutter, too.

Cricut Roll Holder
A Cricut spatula lying on sheets of white cardstock paper on a wooden surface.

  • The basic tool kit is absolutely adequate for almost any project. I love the Scraper and Spatula, in particular, as well as the weeding tools.

  • These basic tools help when pulling materials off of the mats and removing excess material from the shape you have cut.

Crafting Tools
A white canvas pouch with the name 'Gabe' and musical notes drawn on it, featuring a cartoon character with a large round head, antennas, and a body with musical notes around it. The pouch is on a wooden surface along with yellow pencils, colored markers, and purple scissors.

  • Everyday Iron-On in assorted colors

  • Smart Iron-On in assorted colors

  • Holographic Iron-On because it is sooo fun!

  • Blank Cosmetic Bags which make a fun gift!

  • Blank Clip Boards — a great kids’ present.

Iron-On Supplies
A white Cricut paper cutter with a digital display showing 400°F and 62 seconds, placed on a surface with brown paper nearby.

  • This is a small tool that does a great job when using vinyl or sublimation products. It’s an extremely hot iron with a flat, smooth surface to melt the vinyl onto fabrics, wood, etc.

  • This is an essential tool when using vinyl on fabrics or other porous materials. It’s great for making shirts and bags as well as using the sublimation process for things like coasters.

Cricut Heat Presses

Basic Cricut Supplies to Keep on Hand

You never know when the making urge will strike, so I like to keep the basics on hand that will allow me to create almost anything at the drop of a hat. Of course, there will be projects that require more or different materials, but these are the basics that I keep stashed away at all times.

Set of printable gift tags and stickers with autumn and animal designs, including a raccoon, owl, rabbit, and deer, with spaces for names and a heart motif.

  • Printable Sticker Paper

  • Printable Vinyl

  • Printable Waterproof Sticker Set

Sticker Making Supplies
Collection of five decorated buttons with various illustrations, including a person with glasses and curly hair, a pink whale, a dog or wolf with a bone, a sunflower, and a crocodile with an open mouth.

  • Infusible Ink Markers

  • Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets in assorted colors and patterns

  • Transfer Tape

  • Blank Coasters (make a great gift!)

  • Blank Pillow Covers

Infusible Ink Supplies

Helpful Links