Guide To Cricut Blades For Which Cricut Machines?

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This post is going to tell you all you need to know about Cricut Blades, Materials and cutting tools for the Cricut Maker 3, Cricut Explore Air 3 and Cricut Joy. Your Cricut Maker Machine will come with a fine point blade. Hover there are many different blades you can purchase for each machine. But what are the differences of all the Cricut Blades? This post with explain what each Cricut Blades does in detail, what the results are. Plus what Cricut machine each Cricut blade will work with.

Plus replacement blades when needed, which is reassuring when you know your machine is going to get heavy use. You don’t have to make do with an old blade that isn’t performing any more. It’s super easy to replace and change your Cricut blade for a new blade. If you are at the research stage check out our Cricut Maker 3 vs Cricut Explore comparison and Cricut Joy Guide.

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Complete guide to Cricut Blades, what you need to know

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Cricut Maker Blades And Cutting Tools, What Materials Can You Cut And Score With A Cricut Maker

The Cricut Maker is a versatile cutting machine that can cut and score over 300 materials. Check out a selection of the materials that can be cut and scored with a Cricut Maker:

  1. Paper and cardstock
  2. Adhesive Vinyl
  3. HTV  vinyl
  4. Fabric (including bonded fabric, cotton, felt, and more)
  5. Leather (both genuine and faux)
  6. Acetate
  7. Foil
  8. Chipboard
  9. Thin woods (such as balsa and basswood)
  10. Poster board
  11. Corrugated cardboard
  12. Vellum
  13. Adhesive-backed paper and cardstock
  14. Magnetic materials
  15. Window cling
Storage on the Cricut Maker 3

The Cricut Maker can also score a wide range of materials, which allows you to create precise fold lines for boxes, cards, and other projects. The materials that can be scored with a Cricut Maker include:

  1. Paper and cardstock
  2. Acetate
  3. Aluminum
  4. Vellum
  5. Poster board
  6. Corrugated cardboard
  7. Adhesive-backed paper and cardstock
  8. Foil
  9. Chipboard
  10. Magnetic materials
  11. Window cling

Cricut Blades For The Cricut Joy

The Cricut Joy blade comes in a silver and white housing and cut cut a white range of materials. The Joy uses a specialized blade that is compatible only with this machine. The Cricut Joy Blade is a fine-point blade designed for cutting a wide range of materials.This includes vinyl, cardstock, iron-on, and paper. It features a small, sharp tip that allows for precision cutting, even on intricate designs.

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The blade is easy to install and replace, plus can also be swapped with a pen Thus allowing the Cricut Machine to cut a write projects all in one go.

What Materials Can The Cricut Joy Cut?

Click on the drop down menus to see a full list of projects the Cricut Joy can cut.

Art Board

  • Corrugated Cardboard
  • Flat Cardboard
  • Foil Poster Board

Cardstock

  • Glitter Cardstock
  • Insert Card – Cardstock
  • Medium Cardstock – 80 lb (216 gsm)

Iron-On

  • Everyday Iron-On Mesh
  • Everyday Iron-On Mosaic
  • Glitter Mesh Iron-On
  • Holographic Iron-On
  • Holographic Iron-On Mosaic
  • Holographic Sparkle Iron-On
  • Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet
  • Smart Iron-On
  • Smart Iron-On – Glitter
  • Smart Iron-On – Holographic
  • Smart Iron-On – Patterned
  • SportFlex Iron-On

Leather

Faux Leather (Paper Thin)

Paper

  • Deluxe Paper
  • Deluxe Paper, Adhesive Backed
  • Deluxe Paper Foil Embossed
  • Foil Paper – 0.36mm  
  • Pearl Paper 
  • Shimmer Paper 
  • Smart Label Writable Paper 
  • Sparkle Paper 
  • True Brushed Paper 

Plastic 

Foil Acetate 

Vinyl 

  • Adhesive Foil 
  • Chalkboard Vinyl 
  • Dry Erase Vinyl 
  • Holographic Sparkle Vinyl 
  • Premium Vinyl 
  • Premium Vinyl – Frosted Glitter 
  • Premium Vinyl – Frosted Gray 
  • Premium Vinyl – Frosted Opaque 
  • Premium Vinyl – Holographic 
  • Premium Vinyl – Holographic 3D Textured 
  • Premium Vinyl – Holographic Art Deco 
  • Premium Vinyl – Holographic Bubbles
  • Premium Vinyl – Holographic Crystals 
  • Premium Vinyl – Holographic Threads 
  • Premium Vinyl – Mosaic 
  • Premium Vinyl – Pearl 
  • Premium Vinyl – Textured  
  • Premium Vinyl – Textured Metallic 
  • Premium Vinyl – True Brushed 
  • Smart Label Writable Vinyl 
  • Smart Vinyl – Holographic Patterns 
  • Smart Vinyl – Matte Metallic 
  • Smart Vinyl – Permanent 
  • Smart Vinyl – Removable  
  • Smart Vinyl – Shimmer 
  • Stencil Vinyl 
Using Cricut Pens with the cricut Joy to make labels

Cricut Maker 3 Blades And Cutting Tools

The Cricut Maker 3 features a great selection of blades. Plus also an adaptive tool system that allows it to use a wide range of cutting tools, including rotary blades, knife blades, and scoring wheels. These can easily be swapped for different products. 

Cricut Blades Available For The Cricut Maker

  1. Fine Point Blade: This is the standard blade with silver housing, that comes with the Cricut Maker. It’s perfect for cutting a wide variety of materials, including vinyl, paper, cardstock, and more.
  2. Premium Fine-Point Blade. Made from premium German carbide steel, the Premium Fine-Point blade makes the most intricate cuts imaginable. In a variety of thin to medium-weight materials. Differentiated with the gold housing. 
  3. Deep Point Blade: The deep-cut blade housing is black in colour and designed for cutting thicker materials, such as balsa wood, matboard, and leather.
  4. Bonded Fabric Blade: For fabric cutting that’s bonded with iron-on material.
  5. Rotary Blade: For cutting fabric and other delicate materials with precision and accuracy.
  6. The Knife blade is designed to cut through thicker, denser materials than the standard blades, such as leather, balsa wood, matboard, and more.
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Cricut Blades With Quickswap Housing

The Quickswap Housing  makes it easy to switch between these blades, allowing you to quickly and easily switch from one cutting project to the next. It’s a versatile tool that’s perfect for anyone who loves to create custom-designed projects with their Cricut Maker.

Cricut Blades With Quick Swap Housing

There are several blades available with the Quickswap Housing, including:

  • Debossing Tip: This tool creates a debossed effect on your material, adding depth and texture to your designs.
  • Engraving Tip: This tool allows you to engrave a variety of materials, including metal, acrylic, and more.
  • Scoring Wheel: This tool creates a deep score line on your material, making it easy to fold and ensuring precise creases.
  • The Double Scoring Wheel, for use with heavier materials, such as coated paper, poster board, and cardboard.
  • The Perforation Blade creates a series of small cuts in a straight line, allowing you to create perforated edges on a variety of materials, such as paper, cardstock, and more.
  • Wavy Blade, creates a unique wavy edge on a variety of materials, such as paper and cardstock.
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Cricut Explore 3 Blades

Cricut Blades Available For The Cricut Explore 3, see above for more details.

  1. Fine Point Blade
  2. Premium Fine-Point Blade.
  3. Deep Point Blade
  4. Bonded Fabric Blade
  5. Scoring Stylus

Which Cricut Blades Work With The Cricut Maker And Explore 3 Machines Chart?

BladesCricut Maker 3Cricut Explore 3
Fine Point BladeYesYes
Premium Fine-Point BladeYesYes
Deep Point BladeYesYes
Bonded-Fabric BladeYesYes
Rotary BladeYesNo
Knife BladeYesNo
Scoring Wheel &
Double Scoring Wheel
YesNo
Scoring StylusYesYes
Debossing TipYesNo
Engraving TipYesNo
Perforation BladeYesNo
Wavy BladeYesNo
Foil Transfer Tool YesYes

Cricut Blades, Cutting Tools And Attachments In Detail 

Cricut Fine Point Blade

The Fine Point Blade is the standard blade that comes with Cricut machines, including the Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore Air 2, and Cricut Joy. It’s a versatile blade that’s used to cut a wide range of materials, including paper, cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, and more.

The Fine Point Blade has a small, sharp blade tip that can make precise cuts on intricate designs and shapes. It’s ideal for creating projects that require fine detail and accuracy, such as intricate paper cuts, delicate vinyl designs, craft foam, smart materials, thick card stock,and more.

To use the Fine Point Blade, you need to first insert it into the blade housing of your Cricut machine. Then, select the appropriate material setting on your machine or in Cricut Design Space, and load the material onto the cutting mat. The machine will then use its precision cutting technology to cut your design with the Fine Point Blade.

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Premium Fine-Point Blade

The Premium Fine-Point Blade is for the Cricut Explore, Cricut Maker cutting machines. It’s a high-quality blade for precision cuts on a wide variety of materials. This includes paper, cardstock, vinyl and iron-on.

The Premium Fine-Point Blade has a sharper blade tip than the standard Fine-Point Blade, allowing it to make even more precise cuts on detailed designs and intricate shapes. It’s ideal for creating projects that require the highest level of detail and accuracy, such as complex paper cuts, delicate vinyl designs, and more.

To use the Premium Fine-Point Blade, you need to first insert it into the blade housing of your Cricut machine. Then, select the appropriate material setting on your machine or in Cricut Design Space, and load the material onto the cutting mat. The machine will then use its precision cutting technology to cut your design with the Premium Fine-Point Blade.

It’s important to note that the Premium Fine-Point Blade is a more delicate blade than the standard Fine-Point Blade, so it’s important to handle it with care and avoid using it with tough materials or excessive pressure. Additionally, the Premium Fine-Point Blade is more expensive than the standard blade, but it may be worth the investment for projects that require the highest level of precision and detail.

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The Cricut Deep- Point Blade

The Cricut deep-cut blade cuts through thicker materials with ease. It’s compatible with the Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker machines. And used to cut materials that are up to 2mm thick, such as magnet sheets, chipboard, thick cardstock, poster board, and more.

The Deep Point Blade has a steeper blade angle (A 60-degree angle vs 45-degree angle  of the other fine point blades)and a longer blade tip than the Fine Point Blade. Thus allowing it to make deeper cuts through thick and dense materials. It’s especially useful for creating projects that require intricate and detailed cuts, such as 3D models, puzzles, boxes, and more.

To use the Cricut Deep Point Blade, you need to first insert it into the blade housing of your Cricut machine. Then, select the appropriate material setting on your machine or in Cricut Design Space, and load the material onto the cutting mat. The machine will then use its precision cutting technology to cut your design with the Deep Point Blade.

It’s important to note that the Deep Point Blade is not compatible with all materials, and some materials may require additional pressure or multiple passes to achieve the desired cut. Always refer to Cricut’s website or the Cricut user manual for guidance on which blade to use for your specific project and material.

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The Cricut Bonded-Fabric Blade

The Cricut Bonded-Fabric Blade is specifically designed to cut through bonded fabrics, which are made by laminating two or more layers of fabric together using an adhesive.

The Bonded-Fabric Blade has a unique design that allows it to cut through these thick, layered fabrics with precision and ease. It features a fine point that allows for intricate cuts, and it is made with a durable, long-lasting material designed to withstand repeated use.

To use the Cricut Bonded-Fabric Blade, simply insert it into your Cricut cutting machine and select the appropriate settings for your project. Then, load your bonded fabric onto your cutting mat and let your machine do the rest. With the Bonded-Fabric Blade, you can create a wide range of projects, from custom clothing and accessories to home decor and more.

Rotary Blade

The Cricut Rotary Blade unlike other blades that move up and down or side to side, the Rotary Blade moves in a circular motion to cut through a variety of materials with precision and ease.

The Rotary Blade is ideal for cutting fabrics, including delicate and intricate materials like silk, chiffon, and tulle. It can also cut through tough materials like leather, burlap, and felt, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of projects.

To use the Rotary Blade, you’ll need to first select the appropriate settings in the Cricut Design Space software, which will automatically adjust the cutting pressure and speed based on the material you’re using. Then, simply insert the Rotary Blade into your Cricut Maker and load your material onto the cutting mat. The machine will do the rest, using the Rotary Blade to make precise cuts with ease.

Overall, the Cricut Rotary Blade is a valuable tool for anyone who enjoys crafting, sewing, or DIY projects. It can save time and effort by cutting through even the most difficult materials, allowing you to create stunning and intricate designs with ease.

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Knife Blade

The Cricut Knife Blade will cut through thicker and denser materials than the standard blades, such as leather, balsa wood, matboard, and more.

The Knife Blade has a sharp, carbide steel blade that can cut through materials up to 2.4mm thick with ease, making it ideal for creating three-dimensional projects, home decor, and more. It also features a unique pressure and blade length technology that ensures clean, precise cuts every time.

To use the Cricut Knife Blade, you’ll first need to select the appropriate settings in the Cricut Design Space software, which will adjust the cutting pressure and speed based on the material you’re using. Then, you’ll need to attach the Knife Blade to your Cricut Maker and load your material onto the cutting mat. The machine will then use the Knife Blade to make precise cuts, creating stunning and intricate designs.

Scoring Wheel And Double Scoring Wheel

Scoring Wheel: This tool creates score lines on materials like paper, cardstock, and acetate, allowing you to fold and crease your designs accurately.

The Cricut Scoring Wheel is a specialized tool designed for use with the Cricut Maker cutting machine. This tool creates precise, deep score lines on a variety of materials, making it easy to fold and create clean, crisp creases for a range of projects.

The Scoring Wheel comes in two versions: the Single Scoring Wheel and the Double Scoring Wheel. The Single Scoring Wheel is designed for use with lighter weight materials, such as paper and cardstock, while the Double Scoring Wheel is  designed to make two deep parallel score lines in medium-to-heavy materials, like thick cardstock, poster board, and cardboard.

To use the Scoring Wheel, you’ll first need to select the appropriate settings in the Cricut Design Space software, which will adjust the pressure and speed based on the material you’re using. Then, simply attach the Scoring Wheel to your Cricut Maker and load your material onto the cutting mat. The machine will then use the Scoring Wheel to create precise score lines, making it easy to fold your material and create clean, professional-looking creases.

The Cricut Scoring Wheel is ideal for a wide range of projects, from cards and invitations to home decor and more. It can save time and effort by creating perfect score lines quickly and easily, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of your project.

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The Scoring Stylus

The Cricut Scoring Stylus is a great alternative the the scoring wheel. This tool creates a score line on your material, allowing you to fold it accurately and precisely.

The Scoring Stylus is perfect for creating single score line for folded cards, boxes, envelopes, and other paper crafts that require precise folds. It works by creating a shallow score line on your material, which makes it easier to fold and ensures that your folds are straight and neat.

To use the Scoring Stylus, you’ll need to select the scoring settings in the Cricut Design Space software, which will adjust the pressure and speed based on the material you’re using. Then, attach the Scoring Stylus to your Cricut machine and load your material onto the cutting mat. The machine will then use the Scoring Stylus to create a score line along the designated path, making it easy for you to fold the material accurately.

Engraving Tip

The Cricut Engraving Tip allows you to engrave a wide range of materials, including metal, leather, acrylic, and more, adding a unique and personal touch to your projects.

The Engraving Tip features a carbide steel tip that creates deep, precise lines on your material. It’s easy to use and works in a similar way to other Cricut tools – simply select the appropriate settings in the Cricut Design Space software, attach the Engraving Tip to your Cricut Maker, and load your material onto the cutting mat. The machine will then use the Engraving Tip to create intricate designs, text, and more.

One of the advantages of the Cricut Engraving Tip is that it allows you to create detailed designs that can’t be achieved with other methods, such as vinyl cutting or printing. It’s perfect for creating personalized gifts, jewelry, and other items that require a more permanent and high-end look.

Debossing Tip

The Cricut Debossing Tip allows you to create professional-looking debossed designs on a variety of materials, adding texture and depth to your projects.

The fine Debossing Tip works by pressing into your material, creating an indentation in the shape of your design. This can be used to create intricate patterns, add text or logos, or simply add a decorative element to your project. The Debossing Tip is compatible with a wide range of materials, including cardstock, leather, foil, and more.

To use the Debossing Tip, you’ll need to select the appropriate settings in the Cricut Design Space software, which will adjust the pressure and speed based on the material you’re using. Then, attach the Debossing Tip to your Cricut Maker and load your material onto the cutting mat. The machine will then use the Debossing Tip to create your design, creating a professional-looking debossed effect.

One of the advantages of the Cricut Debossing Tip is that it allows you to create intricate designs that can’t be achieved with other methods, such as vinyl cutting or printing. It’s perfect for creating custom invitations, cards, and other paper crafts that require a more elevated and professional look.

Perforation Blade

The Cricut Perforation Bladecreates a series of small cuts in a straight line, allowing you to create perforated edges on a variety of materials, such as paper, cardstock, and more.

The Perforation Blade is perfect for creating tear-away elements in your projects, such as coupons, raffle tickets, and tear-out sections in cards or invitations. It can also be used to create custom-designed perforations, adding a unique and personalized touch to your projects.

To use the Perforation Blade, you’ll need to select the appropriate settings in the Cricut Design Space software, which will adjust the pressure and speed based on the material you’re using. Then, attach the Perforation Blade to your Cricut Maker and load your material onto the cutting mat. The machine will then use the Perforation Blade to create your design, creating a series of small cuts in a straight line.

One of the advantages of the Cricut Perforation Blade is that it allows you to create perforations quickly and easily, without the need for additional tools or equipment. It’s perfect for creating custom projects that require tear-away elements, adding a fun and interactive aspect to your designs.

Wavy Blade

The Cricut Wavy Bladecreates a unique wavy edge on a variety of materials, such as paper, cardstock, and more.

The Wavy Blade is perfect for adding a decorative element to your projects, creating custom-designed borders, or simply adding a fun and whimsical touch to your designs. It’s also great for creating unique edges on handmade cards, invitations, and other paper crafts.

To use the Wavy Blade, you’ll need to select the appropriate settings in the Cricut Design Space software, which will adjust the pressure and speed based on the material you’re using. Then, attach the Wavy Blade to your Cricut Maker and load your material onto the cutting mat. The machine will then use the Wavy Blade to create your design, creating a unique wavy edge in the process.

One of the advantages of the Cricut Wavy Blade is that it allows you to create custom-designed wavy edges quickly and easily, without the need for additional tools or equipment. It’s perfect for creating unique and eye-catching designs that will make your projects stand out.

How To Change Cricut Blades In Your Cutting Machine?

  1. Open the clamp B and slide it to the right side.
  2. Locate the gear housing. It is located on the right side of the carriage assembly.
  3. Locate the blade release button on the gear housing.
  4. Press the blade release button and carefully pull out the blade housing from the gear housing.
  5. Remove the old blade from the housing by gently pulling it out.
  6. Insert the new blade into the housing by pushing it straight in until it clicks into place. Ensure that the blade is inserted all the way and is secure.
  7. Carefully place the blade housing back into the gear housing, ensuring that the blade is aligned with the machine’s grooves.
  8. Press the housing firmly back into the gear housing until it clicks into place.
  9. Close the clamp B and power on the machine.
  10. Perform a test cut to ensure that the new blade is working correctly.
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What Other Tools And Equipment Do I Need For Cricut Projects?

Cricut Cutting Mats

Cricut cutting mats are adhesive mats designed to hold materials in place while they are being cut by a Cricut machine. There are several types of Cricut cutting mats available, each designed for specific materials and projects. Here are the most common types of Cricut cutting mats:

  1. Blue, LightGrip Cutting Mat: For lightweight materials, such as printer paper, vellum, and vinyl.
  2. Green, StandardGrip Cutting Mat: For medium-weight materials, such as cardstock, patterned paper, and vinyl.
  3. Purple, StrongGrip Cutting Mat: For heavyweight materials, such as thick cardstock, chipboard, and leather.
  4. Pink, Fabricgrip Mat: For use with fabric and features a specially designed adhesive that will hold fabric in place without damaging it.
  5. Blue, Card Mat: For use with the Cricut Joy machine and allows you to cut and score custom cards in one step.
  6. Blue, Card Mat: For making 4 cards at any one time on the Cricut Maker 3 and Explore 3.

It’s important to note that the cutting mats can wear out over time and may need to be replaced.

Cricut Maker 3 Vs Cricut Explore 3

The Foil Transfer Tool

The Cricut Foil Transfer Tool is used with Cricut machines to add metallic or holographic foil designs to various surfaces. It is designed to work specifically with the Cricut Joy, Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker machines.

The Foil Transfer Tool is a dual-tip stylus with a pressure sensor. It has a fine tip for detailed designs and a medium tip for larger designs. The tool is inserted into the machine’s housing and is used with special Foil Transfer Sheets that are designed to work with the Cricut machines.

To use the Cricut Foil Transfer Tool, inserted the Foil Transfer Tool into the machine, choose the correct setting for a foil project. There are 3 pressure options to apply pressure to transfer the foil onto the surface ie cardstock. That give a variety of line thicknesses. The pressure sensor ensures that the foil is applied evenly and with the correct amount of pressure.

Cricut Blades In Conclusion

There is a blade for every project and being an avid crafter I like to have a selection of options available. The Cricut is such an incredible cutting machine and I use my Maker 3 and Cricut Joy almost daily so like to have choices and options. I hope this guide has helped and any questions please do let me know. Sarah x

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Complete guide to Cricut Blades, everything you need to know

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