In this article, I’ll show you how to sharpen your Cricut blade without using aluminum foil.
It can be frustrating when you’re trying to create something amazing, but the cuts just aren’t precise enough because of a dull blade. Some people sharpen their blades with aluminum foil, but that popular method can be messy and unreliable. However, there’s an alternative method that’s much more effective and safe!
Let’s get started!
Why sharpening Cricut blades is important
Sharpening your Cricut blades is necessary to keep the cuts clean and precise.
A dull blade can lead to wonky cuts, frayed edges, and may even damage your materials, causing you to waste time and resources.
By sharpening your blades, you can extend their lifespan and get the most out of your cutting machine.
Plus, you won’t need to buy new blades too often.
Foil sharpening method overview
The Cricut blade can be sharpened using a simple yet effective method called the Cricut blade foil sharpening technique. This technique involves using a small ball made from aluminum foil to sharpen the blade of the Cricut cutting machine.
First, you roll the foil into a ball.
Then you place this ball on a flat surface and stab it with your Cricut blade a few times.
The foil is supposed to hone the blade, removing any dull or damaged areas and restoring its sharpness.
Foil sharpening method drawbacks
While the foil sharpening method can be effective, it is not a long-term solution and may not be too safe for the blade.
- This method can sometimes cause excessive wear and tear on the blade, shortening its lifespan.
- Some crafters complain that foil sharpening, if done inaccurately, can cause the blade to become more damaged or even break. Especially if it’s already sustained a lot of wear and tear.
- The foil sharpening method can also be inconsistent.
- Plus, it may not work for all types of blades.
So let’s explore an alternative method to sharpen your Cricut blades instead.
How to sharpen a Cricut blade without foil
First off, I don’t recommend using any harsh methods or overly abrasive tools.
So always avoid sharpening stones or grinders.
They can cause injury or damage to the blade.
I’ve tested several methods to sharpen my blades.
After experimenting with many tools, I found that the little strawberry thingy that’s attached to a tomato pincushion is the best one for this purpose.
This little attachment is filled with emery and is used for sharpening sewing and embroidery needles.
Emery filling is a fine abrasive material made from crushed minerals, like corundum or magnetite.
It’s used to sharpen and polish metals.
Emery filling can help remove any burrs or rough edges that form on the blade during use.
Since the emery-filled strawberry is made for sharpening small and delicate needles and pins, it’s very gentle on the blade.
The emery only removes the minimal amount of material needed to restore the blade’s sharpness.
That means there’s no risk of overworking or damaging the blade.
And it’s really effective. You’ll really see the difference in the quality of your cuts.
Plus, you don’t need almost any additional tools or materials for this method.
So give it a try!
What you will need to sharpen your Cricut blade without foil:
1. Tomato pincushion with an emery strawberry attachment
This pin cushion’s attachment will serve as your sharpening tool.
2. Tweezers
You may also use a pair of tweezers to hold the blade while sharpening it to keep your hands safe.
3. Magnifying glass
Another tool that you may find useful is a magnifying glass to check the blade’s sharpness.
4. Good lighting
To make sure the sharpening process is safe and effective you’ll also need good lighting and a steady hand.
Always handle the blade with care to avoid any injuries.
How to sharpen Cricut blade without foil step-by-step
- First, remove your blade housing from the machine by opening its Clamp B and taking the blade housing out.
- Then, remove the blade from its housing. If you’re using the Fine Point blade, just give the plunger on the top of the housing a gentle push, and then carefully take the blade out from the bottom.
- Take the tomato pin cushion with a small emery strawberry attached to it.
- Next, insert the blade into the strawberry and move it back and forth with gentle pressure.
- Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could bend or damage the blade.
- Continue sharpening the blade until it is restored to its original sharpness.
- Finally, remove the blade from the pin cushion and clean it with a soft cloth.
- Place the blade back into its housing.
- Insert the housing into Blade Clamp B of your Cricut machine.
Your blade should now be sharp and ready to use.
Troubleshooting
Let’s troubleshoot some common issues you might encounter while sharpening your Cricut blade with the emery strawberry:
1. Inconsistent Results
If your sharpening results are inconsistent, it might be because you’re not moving the blade back and forth with steady pressure.
Try to keep that pressure the same every time you stab the strawberry for better results.
2. Blade Gets Dull Again
If your blade is getting dull right after sharpening it could be a sign that the blade is beyond repair and needs a replacement. Sometimes, there’s only so much sharpening you can do.
3. Overworking the Blade
Be gentle and don’t overwork the blade while sharpening.
Too much pressure or sharpening for too long might just damage it.
4. Tweezers Trouble
If it’s too hard to hold the blade with tweezers, you can wear safety gloves for sharp object handling to get a firmer grip while being extra careful around the sharp edges.
5. Blade Still Dull
If the blade still refuses to get sharp after using the emery strawberry, check for visible damage like nicks or chips.
If it’s seriously damaged, it might be time to get a new one.
7. Worn-out Strawberry
If you notice the emery pincushion not doing the job like before, consider replacing it with a fresh one.
Blade maintenance
Proper blade maintenance is the key to extending the lifespan of your Cricut blades and keeping them in great shape.
Here are some handy tips:
1. Regular Cleaning
After each use, gently wipe off any debris or adhesive residue that may have accumulated on the blade.
You can use a soft cloth or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol for a thorough clean.
A clean blade makes smoother cuts and no debris will affect your crafting projects.
2. Avoid Cutting Unsuitable Materials
Although it may be tempting to push the boundaries of your Cricut machine, try to avoid cutting materials that exceed the blade’s capability because of their excessive thickness or density.
Cutting unsuitable materials can lead to unnecessary strain on the blade and cause it to wear out faster.
3. Proper Storage
When not in use, store your Cricut blade in a designated container or organizer, like this one:
This will help to protect the blade from accidental damage and keep it away from any potential hazards.
4. Sharpening When Needed
As I’ve mentioned earlier, when your blade starts showing signs of dullness despite proper maintenance, give it a sharpening session.
A well-sharpened blade will make your crafting journey much smoother.
How often should I sharpen my Cricut blade?
It really depends on how frequently you use your Cricut machine.
However, it’s best to sharpen your blade every few projects.
Is it safe to use this method?
Yes, it’s safe as long as you follow the instructions carefully and avoid touching the sharp blade directly with bare hands.
What precautions should you take to avoid injury?
You can wear protective gloves to protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
Always do it in a well-lit area to see what you’re doing.
If the blade is dull beyond repair, always dispose of it carefully to prevent injuries to yourself and others.
How do I know when it’s time to replace my Cricut blade instead of sharpening it?
Examining the blade regularly for visible signs of wear and tear, such as nicks or chips.
Another indicator to look out for is the blade’s jagged cuts or skipping movements.
That means it’s dull or damaged.
If you realize that the blade is no longer cleanly and smoothly cutting through materials, even after you’ve sharpened it, it might be the right moment to replace it.
If you continue using a dull or damaged blade, you can damage your Cricut machine.
So replace your blades as often as you can.
To wrap up, while the foil sharpening method may work for some, it comes with drawbacks and risks.
Instead, the alternative method of using the emery-filled strawberry is a great, gentle, and safe way to sharpen your blades with no damage.
