Are you new to using Cricut machines? They’re super cool and can cut materials like vinyl, paper, and fabric with ease and accuracy. But if you’re wondering: does Cricut use ink — the answer is a bit complicated.
In this article, we’ll explain how Cricut machines use ink and which types of ink are compatible with them.
Let’s dive in!
Does Cricut use ink?
If you’re curious if Cricut works with ink in the same way as your home printer, the answer is no.
While Cricut machines look like printers, they don’t actually print with ink.
Cricut has its own unique way of working with ink.
Instead of print heads, it uses special blades that can precisely cut a variety of materials, including Infusible Ink sheets.
In addition to that, you can use your Cricut machine for drawing and writing by attaching pens, markers, or Infusible Ink pens to it.
How Cricut uses infusible ink
So, while Cricut can’t print with ink, it does use ink in another convenient form.
The Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore machines offer the ability to cut infusible ink sheets.
This special sublimation ink comes in cuttable sheets that can be transferred to a garment or a household item with heat.
After cutting, place the resulting project onto a blank and use a heat press or a mug press to transfer the design onto the material.
The ink is then infused into the blank’s surface and cannot be peeled off anymore.
This method is perfect for creating t-shirts, mugs, tumblers, water bottles, coasters, and other items with designs that won’t fade or get cracked over time.
Cricut machines cut infusible ink and other materials with special blades
Instead of print heads, Cricut machines use specialized blades to cut through infusible ink and tons of other materials, including card stock, paper, and vinyl.
There are several blades that Cricut is compatible with.
The Fine Point Blade is the most widely used one.
It’s best for cutting lightweight materials, such as infusible ink sheets, paper, and vinyl.
The Deep Point Blade is great for thick materials, like poster board or heavy card stock.
The Bonded Fabric Blade is ideal for working with delicate fabrics, like bonded cotton.
The Knife Blade is perfect for thick materials, such as balsa wood and leather.
Finally, the Rotary Blade can be used for all kinds of fabric without backing, like felt, for example.
Cricut Machines use specialty ink pens for drawing and writing
In addition to cutting infusible ink sheets, you can also use your Cricut for drawing and writing with ink pens and markers.
Cricut machines are equipped with a special clamp A that can hold writing tools purpose-built by Cricut for their devices.
To use them, simply lay your preferred material on the mat, insert your pen or marker into clamp A of the machine, and let Cricut draw or write on the material for you.
These pens come in a range of colors and thicknesses, so you can find the perfect one for your project.
And all the drawings and writings that Cricuts makes look professional and smooth.
Cricut Joy also has the ability to draw and write.
You just need to use pens specifically made for it.
If you already have a collection of pens from other manufacturers, no worries!
You can purchase special pen adapters to use pens and markers from other brands with your Cricut machine.
With these options, you can create personalized messages and beautiful artwork with a virtually unlimited choice of colors, effects, and specialty inks.
So you don’t have to limit yourself to just cutting vinyl. You should definitely give Cricut pens a try as well!
Cricut machines can also use infusible ink pens and markers
The pen clamp of Cricut machines is also designed to be compatible with special Infusible Ink pens and markers.
You can enhance your creative projects by using Cricut with these specially-designed pens to easily make stunning designs on regular printer paper. After that, just use a heat press to transfer your art from paper onto a blank item.
The ink will fuse into the material, giving your projects a professional look and feel.
You can easily create custom clothing with personalized line art, or even add intricate designs to tote bags, fabric pieces, and home textile items.
The unique ink used in the Infusible Ink pens and markers goes through a chemical sublimation process.
This results in vibrant, long-lasting prints.
The design will be soft to touch, and the permanent bond means your textile art won’t get cracked or peel.
Plus, your artwork will maintain its beauty for many washes and years of wear.
These pens come in a nice range of colors to choose from.
Cricut machines have a print and cut feature for use with printers
Cricut machines are packed with amazing features, and one of my favorite ones is the Print and Cut option.
You can create a design on your computer, print it out on a regular printer, and then let your Cricut cut it or kiss-cut it.
After the design is printed, Cricut reads the registration marks and precisely cuts around the design.
With this feature, you can make professional-looking custom stickers and turn printables into real-life products.
How to use Cricut for cutting infusible ink
- First, you need to select a design and create it in Cricut Design Space. Don’t forget to mirror your design.
- Then, place the infusible ink sheet onto the StandardGrip cutting mat with the liner side facing down.
- Load the mat into the machine and insert the Fine Point blade into Cricut’s Clamp B.
- Select the Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet material setting, and then proceed to cut the design.
- Once the design is cut, remove Infusible Ink from the mat and weed the excess material from the sheet.
- Use a Cricut EasyPress to transfer the design onto the fabric.
How to use Cricut with infusible ink pens
- To use Cricut with Infusible Ink pens, start by creating your design on Cricut Design Space. Don’t forget to mirror it.
- Set the Linetype to Draw option and assign an Infusible Ink pen color to it.
- Set Copy Paper as your material.
- Load the pen into your Cricut machine’s Clamp A and place a sheet of laser copy paper onto the cutting mat.
- Press the Go button.
- Once the machine has finished drawing, unload the cutting mat from the machine and carefully remove the paper sheet.
How to apply a Cricut Infusible Ink Sheet or an Infusible Ink Pen drawing to an apparel blank
- Preheat your EasyPress to the recommended temperature and time for your material.
- Place the Infusible Ink blank on the EasyPress mat and use a lint roller to remove any debris.
- Insert a piece of cardboard into the blank.
- Cover the blank with a sheet of butcher paper.
- Preheat the area where you’ll be placing your design.
- Now, lay your design on top, face down, making sure it is centered.
- Place butcher paper on top of it.
- Press the EasyPress down firmly and hold for the recommended time.
- Once the time is up, carefully lift the EasyPress.
- Let the design cool and remove the protective sheet to reveal your vibrant, permanent design.
How to use Cricut’s print and cut feature
Using the Cricut Print and Cut feature is pretty easy.
- All you need to do is create your design in Cricut Design Space and then place your material on a Cricut mat.
- Load it into the machine and head to the “Make It” screen.
- Make sure your Cricut machine is connected to your computer and select the “Print and Cut” option.
- Print your design on your chosen material using your printer, then load it onto the cutting mat and into the machine.
- Hit the “Go” button and the machine will cut your custom design. That’s it!
Cricut machines vs printers for crafters
If you’re a beginner crafter, you may wonder whether you should invest in a Cricut machine or a printer first?
Well, both are awesome tools for creators and have different functions.
Cricut machines are specifically designed for cutting a variety of materials and drawing precise lines with pens.
This lets you create complex designs that would be difficult to achieve manually.
You can cut custom stickers, decorate t-shirts, or create paper crafts, cut wood and fabric.
On the other hand, printers are versatile tools that can print complex designs in a variety of colors.
They’re great for digital art, patterns and charts, printing stickers, or making copies of your favorite photos.
So, which one should you get first?
It really depends on what you want to do.
If you’re into scrapbooking, paper crafts, or home decor, a Cricut machine might be the tool you’ll need most.
But if you’re more into digital design, printing photos, printables, sticker sheets, a printer might be the way to go.
And you don’t have to choose just one, of course.
The ideal toolkit for crafters can include both.
With Cricut’s Print and Cut feature, you can make your cutting machine and printer work together seamlessly.
Print your designs (for example, on sticker paper) and then let your Cricut machine do the cutting.
So you’ll have your own little studio or a personal design factory.
Are there different types of Cricut pens and markers available?
Yes, Cricut offers a variety of pens and markers with different colors, thicknesses, and effects.
You can choose from fine point pens, calligraphy pens, metallic markers, gel pens, and more.
Can I use my own pens or markers with Cricut machines?
Yes, you can use pens and markers from other brands with your Cricut machine by using special pen adapters.
These adapters let you use pens and markers from other manufacturers.
So you’ll get more options for colors and pen types.
However, not all pens or markers may be compatible with an adapter, so always test them first.
How do I attach a pen or marker to my Cricut machine?
Cricut machines are equipped with a special clamp (Clamp A) designed to hold pens and markers.
Simply insert the pen or marker into the clamp until it clicks into place.
Make sure that the pen or marker is securely fastened before starting your drawing or writing project.
Can I use multiple colors or pens in a single project with a Cricut machine?
Yes, you can use multiple colors or pens in a single project.
Cricut Design Space, the software used in conjunction with Cricut machines, lets you assign different colors and pens to different elements (linetypes) of your design.
Just switch between pens during the drawing process when you’re drawing a new linetype.
How do I ensure precise alignment when using Cricut pens or markers?
Cricut machines have precise cutting and drawing capabilities.
For perfect alignment, always properly calibrate your machine.
And make sure your pen or marker is securely attached.
Plus, do a test run on scrap paper to check the alignment before creating your final project.
Cricut machines don’t use ink like printers do, but that doesn’t mean they can’t create beautiful, intricate ink designs.
Instead, you can use special infusible ink sheets and pens that are compatible with Cricut!
This way, you can still make intricate, beautiful designs that are unique. So give infusible ink a try!
