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I am in a few different
Cricut related Facebook groups, and it seems like there are always new
Cricut owners asking some of the same questions over and over again. I thought wouldn't it be nice if there was one place they could go to find all of the answers to the frequently asked questions.
Well, how about we start that here! I can turn this post into a
Cricut Frequently Asked Questions page, and if I need to do a more detailed post about a specific thing I can link to it from this one mail post. If you have a question and don't see it here let me know . . . I can add it.
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Where do I find images to cut with my Cricut?
The first and easiest place to find images to use with your Cricut is in Design Space. This is the software that goes along with your Cricut and it allows you to search for images, view project ideas and inspirations. You can either purchase a membership to Access, which allows you to use THOUSANDS of images for one low monthly or annual fee depending on the plan you choose.
If you don't want to do a monthly or annual plan, you can purchase individual images or groupings of images, called cartridges. Once you purchase those images, they are yours to use over and over again.
The other way to use images is to find images on the internet and upload them. I think that one is going to turn into another post just on that topic, so I will link to that with more details once I have that post ready.
You can also purchase SVG files, which are the cutting files used with the Cricut. To find these, Google will be your best friend. Search for free SVG files. For example, I just searched free dog svg and all kinds of images came up for me to choose from.
There are also SVG files for sale out there. Find a seller that you can trust. There are some that are really good and there are some that are not.
Designing your own files
For me, when I am designing my own files or projects, I try to break things down to simple shapes. There might be some elements you can find in Design Space to combine into a whole new design.
Sharing Files and Designs
When you make something in Design Space, if it was created with all Cricut purchased images or simple shapes, there is a function that allows you the share the file or design. This is great for when you are in a group and show off the project you made and someone asks "Can I have the file so I can make this too?"
The one draw back is that if you uploaded any images in order to create this design, then Cricut will not allow you to share the file or design. This is to help cut down on people sharing images that are protected by copywrite or trademark.
Questions about Fonts
When working with fonts, first think about what you want the Cricut to do. Do you want it to cut out letters that you are going to attach to something or do you want a pen placed into the Cricut to write the letters out for you?
For an example of cut letters, check out this post . . . click
HERE
For an example of the pen writing the letters, check out the inside of this card . . . click
HERE
You can search Cricut for fonts, and there is a filter to tell you if it is a writing font or a cutting font. If you choose a cutting font and the change the icon in Design Space from cutting to writing it will only draw/write the outline of the letters. To my knowledge, there is no font that will color in the full letter for you.
You can also download additional fonts to use. My favorite site to download fonts from is
https://www.dafont.com/ Just download and install that font onto your computer, and then whenever you are using that same computer those fonts will show up in Design Space for you to use. Instead of explaining how to install a font, I am just going to link you to the directions for installation on the DaFont site . . . click
HERE.
Questions about Working with Vinyl
* Where is the best place to buy vinyl?
If you are making a small, one time vinyl project it will probably be easiest to run to your local craft store and pick up some vinyl, but if you are going to be making larger projects or looking to use your Cricut to make things to sell then you are probably looking for the best deal on large quantities of vinyl. The most recommended place I see time and time again is
651 Vinyl.
* What type of vinyl do I need for my project?
That depends . . . what do you want to make?
- Are you going to put the vinyl directly on the wall of your house? Then I would use something that can be easily removed. This is also called 631 vinyl. When you remove this it will not tear up your drywall.
- Are you going to put this on a car, glass or other item where you want it to stay there for good? Then you want permanent vinyl. This is also called 651 vinyl.
- Are you going to put this on a shirt or something else made of fabric? Then you want the iron on vinyl. This is also called HTV or Heat Transfer Vinyl,
