What can a Cricut do? Let’s find out, and learn how to make material labels for your Cricut machine!

The one big question everyone has when starting their Cricut crafting journey is “What can a Cricut do?” The short answer: a little bit of almost everything! If you’ve just purchased your first machine, you’re probably wondering where to start with Cricut crafting. Or if you’re still on the fence about buying a new machine, you might want to truly understand its potential before making a decision. To help you out, here’s a crash course on Cricut machines, tools, and materials, plus how to make my handy Cricut material labels for your machine!

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Watch the video to see 21 fun Cricut projects plus the tutorial for my material labels:

First, let’s make sure we understand just what exactly a Cricut is. As the name implies, a Cricut electronic cutting machine is designed for exactly that: cutting! Like a traditional die-cutting machine, a Cricut machine relies on sharp blades and pressure to cut shapes from different materials. However, these machines make use of Cricut’s proprietary design software — Cricut Design Space — to determine what shapes to cut, instead of depending on cookie cutter-like dies. This makes it an incredibly versatile device capable of cutting millions of intricate designs! And so much more!

Cricut has several different models for you to choose from, each with its own capabilities. Popular models such as the Cricut Explore and Cricut Explore Air series are great machines for everyday crafting with common materials. And the Cricut Maker series with its Adaptive Tool System extends your crafting capabilities even further. Cramped for space or need something more on-the-go? The Cricut Joy is the perfect choice for smaller projects and portable crafting. Have larger projects in mind? The Cricut Venture is designed for big ideas! If you still need help deciding which is the best Cricut machine for you, check out my ultimate guide to purchasing a Cricut for an in-depth look at all of Cricut’s current models.

One thing all Cricut machines have in common is they come already equipped with the default Fine-Point Blade (note that the Cricut Joy Blade works exactly the same, the housing is just different), which is capable of cutting through hundreds of materials with precision! I use this blade for the majority of my projects. Over the years, Cricut has released several new blades so the machines can cut even more awesome things. For example, the Deep Point Blade (Explore, Maker) and the Knife Blade (Maker only) are made to cut thicker materials, such as balsa wood or leather. And the Makers’ Rotary Blade makes it possible to cut hundreds of different types of fabric–a dream for seamstresses like me!

It doesn’t stop at cutting, though! Each machine has additional tools to add special details to make your Cricut projects really stand out. I often use Scoring Tools in my projects, such as a Scoring Stylus or a Scoring Wheel. These are used to make fold lines in paper-based materials, like cardstock, and are available for everything but the Joy and Joy Xtra.

Cricut also offers lots of different pens and markers for writing and drawing in tons of fun colors–just make sure to get the right pens for your machine! They’re perfect for adding personalized messages to cards and envelopes, or for creating little doodles on cardstock!

There are also a variety of different tips for each machine. My favorites are the Engraving Tip (Maker only) for carving designs in hard materials such as acrylic or metal, and the Foil Transfer Tips (all current machines) for adding shiny foil details! Now, you don’t have to get all of your Cricut’s tools, but they can be a super neat way to add that extra bit of pizzazz to your projects!

So, we’ve covered machines and tools–let’s talk about materials next! As I mentioned before, there are hundreds of materials that can be used in Cricut crafting. The ones I use most often in my projects include cardstock, permanent adhesive vinyl, heat transfer vinyl (which requires a heat press such as a household iron or a Cricut EasyPress), Infusible Ink sheets for sublimation, faux leather, bonded fabric (such as craft felt), unbonded fabric (any single-layer fabric), balsa wood, and sticker paper. And with the help of a printer, you can make Print Then Cut projects with any Cricut other than the original Joy.

This list only scratches the surface of your Cricut machine’s cutting potential. No matter which machine you have, you can make some wild things with your Cricut’s nearly endless material and technique combinations!

But as the saying goes, “Seeing is Believing,” so I’ve picked 21 of my favorite projects (featuring all the tools and materials mentioned here) to show you just how powerful a Cricut can be! I cover all these in my video above. You’ll find everything from simple vinyl decals and greeting cards to embroidered felt coasters and engraved acrylic nightlights.

Now, I know that all this information can be super overwhelming! That’s why I’ve created a Cricut Materials Label for each machine to help you keep track of what you can cut. I’ll teach you how to make that in my video, too. You only need a free Google Docs account, an inkjet printer, some sticker paper, and a cutting machine (I used my Cricut Maker 4), plus a few other basic supplies to make your Print Then Cut label. If you have a Joy, you can print the correct label using your printer’s software and trim the label to fit the machine.

Need different information on your label, or just want to create a label with your own images? I can teach you how to make sticker labels featuring your own designs in my Advance with JenniferMaker program. Click here to learn more about Advance!

Here’s a supply list of what you need to make handy Cricut Material Labels for your machine! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.

Quick Links to Information in this Post

Materials and Tools to Make “What Can A Cricut Do?” Material Labels

View my Amazon shopping list with the exact items we used to make this project!

One (1) Sheet of 8.5” x 11” Cricut Printable Sticker Paper
8.5” x 11” Copy Paper (optional to protect print when adhering to machine mat)
A way to cut your stickers – I’m using the Cricut Maker 4, but you can also use the Cricut Maker, a Cricut Explore Series machine, the Cricut Venture, or the Cricut Joy Xtra
Cricut Green StandardGrip Machine Mat 12″ x 12”
Brayer
Weeding Tool
A Color Inkjet Printer
Paper Trimmer (for Joy users)
Isopropyl Alcohol
Lint-Free Cloth

Design #731 (My free PNG/PDF design files are available in my free resource library – get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this page

How to Make Your Own Cricut Material Labels

Cricut Material Labels

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $1

What can a Cricut do? Keep track with these snazzy Print Then Cut Cricut material labels!

Materials

One (1) Sheet of 8.5” x 11” Cricut Printable Sticker Paper
8.5” x 11” Copy Paper (optional to protect print when adhering to machine mat)
Design #731 (My free SVG/PDF/DXF design files are available in my free resource library - get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this page)

Tools

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY CRICUT MATERIAL LABEL DESIGNS

First, download my Cricut Material Label files from my free library – look for Design #731. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

In the PNG folder, you’ll find versions of my Cricut Material Label designs for the Maker, Explore, Joy, and Joy Xtra machines.

TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip and upload files.

STEP 2: PREPARE AND CUT YOUR MATERIAL LABEL

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to use Print Then Cut to create stickers for Maker, Explore, and Joy Xtra labels.

For the Joy label, I recommend printing the design in Google Docs and cutting along the crop marks with a Paper Trimmer instead. For more information on printing with Google Docs, follow the instructions in "STEP 4" of my Busted Canvas Tutorial.
NOTE: Change the image height to 4" in Step 15 so your label prints at the correct size.

CRICUT DESIGN SPACE

In Cricut Design Space, open a blank Canvas.
Click “Upload” and then “Upload Image.”
Click “Browse.”
Select the PNG label that matches your machine.
NOTE: I’ll demonstrate with the “maker” PNG to create a label for my Maker 4.
Click “Open,” and then “Continue.”
On the “Background Remover” screen, click “Apply & Continue.”
On the “Convert Upload To” page, select “Flat Graphic” and click “Continue.”
Click “Upload” to add the image to your Canvas.
Click “Save” and give your project a name.
The image will load in too large for Print Then Cut.
NOTE: You’ll see a red warning icon in the Layers Panel, but don't worry, we'll fix this.
Select the image.
With the “Lock” icon closed, enter “7.5” in the “Width (W)” field on the “Size” menu for Maker and Explore labels. Then press “Enter/Return” on your keyboard. The “Height (H)” field will adjust automatically.
NOTE: For the Joy Xtra label, with the “Lock” icon closed, enter “2.5” in the “Height (H)” field, and the “Width (W)” will adjust automatically.
Your project is ready to Print Then Cut!

PRINT THEN CUT

Make sure the correct machine is selected in the top right.
Click “Make.”
On the Prepare screen, make sure the correct Material Size is selected for your mats.
NOTE: I’ll use “8.5 in x 11 in” for my Print Then Cut mat.
When you’re satisfied with your mat layout, click “Continue.”
On the Make Screen, click “Send to Printer.”
In the “Print Setup” window, select the correct printer, then toggle “Add Bleed” off, and “Use System Dialog” on.
Click “Print.”
NOTE: Your System Dialog window might be behind the Cricut Design Space window, so minimize it if you don’t see the settings.
In the System Dialog window, make sure the correct printer is selected, change the Media Type to “Photo Matte Paper” and the Quality to “Best,” or whichever settings are closest.

NOTE: Not all printer settings will be the same, but you can use my choices as guidelines.
Load the sticker paper into your printer according to the directions on the package.
Click “Print” to send the Print Then Cut label to your printer.
Let the print dry before handling it to avoid smudges.
Back on Cricut Design Space’s Make Screen, set the Base Material for your mat. I’ll use the “Printable Sticker Paper, White (Green Liner Printing)” setting with “More” Pressure.

NOTE: If you don’t see “Printable Sticker Paper” in your materials list, click on “Browse All Materials.” Then type in “Sticker Paper” to search for and select the correct “Printable Sticker Paper” setting.
NOTE: We’ll be cutting all the way through the sticker sheet.
TIP: Changing the Pressure to “More” results in a cleaner cut.
Place your printed label face up on a green StandardGrip machine mat.
Place a clean sheet of copy paper on top of the print and use a brayer to make sure the print is fully adhered. Remove the copy paper.
Check that your Premium Fine-Point Blade is clean and in the clamp.
Press the flashing “Load/Unload” button to load the prepared mat into your Cricut.
Press the flashing middle button to begin cutting.
When it has finished cutting, don’t unload the mat right away. Gently lift a corner of the material to make sure the cuts went all the way through the sticker sheet. If not, press the middle button again to make a second pass of cuts in the same spots.
TIP: If you have any issues with your cuts, go to jennifermaker.com/cleaner-cuts.
When the cuts are complete, unload the mat, flip it over onto your work surface, and roll it back to release the sticker paper.
Leave your label on the backer until you’re ready to use it.

STEP 3: ADHERE YOUR LABEL TO YOUR MACHINE

Use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to clean the area where you want to apply your Cricut machine label.
Peel the backing off the label.
Carefully smooth your label across the machine’s surface, applying pressure to push out bubbles or wrinkles as you go.
Press down and smooth to adhere well.

STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF

You now have a handy reference label listing the most common materials your Cricut machine can cut!

Notes

Finished Size
Maker/Explore Labels: 7.5" x 3.75"
Joy/Joy Xtra Labels: 4.35" x 2.5"

Fonts Used: Pier Sans, Free Alternate: Arial

Answers to Your Questions About How to Make Cricut Material Labels

Q: I want a different design. How do I design my own custom “What Can A Cricut Do?” label for my machine?

A: You can learn how to make a custom Cricut machine label to organize any information you want in my ADVANCE program. Learn more about ADVANCE here!

Q: What other information can I use to make my custom label?

A: In addition to the materials you can cut, you can also create a label that lists:

Which materials go on each machine mat
Which tools work with your Cricut machine
Which tool to use for which task
Common time and temperature settings for heat transfer vinyl or sublimation projects
Your favorite material settings
Anything else that’s important to you!

Q: Can I cut my Cricut material labels on a Cricut Joy Xtra or original Cricut Joy?

A: Since this is a Print Then Cut project, you can use any Cricut Maker or Explore series machine, the Cricut Venture, or the Cricut Joy Xtra, but not the original Cricut Joy to make it. I recommend that Joy users print the Joy label PNG at 4″ high and cut along the guide marks using a paper trimmer.

Q: Do you have a quick list of links to all the projects shown in your video?

A: Absolutely! Here are all the projects featured in this video. Follow the links to find the SVG files in my free library:

Q: Do I have to use a Cricut to cut my Cricut materials label?

A: No! You can make your label from sticker paper that works with your equipment, or even just with scissors. We always include several versions of each free file in the free download ZIP file. If you don’t have a cutting machine, you can print and then cut out my digital download PDF files, too! The ZIP archive in my resource library includes these file types and more!

Q: Help! My Cricut Design Space screen looks different from yours!

A: If you’re using the latest version of the Cricut Design Space software, your screen may have slight variations than the screen you see on the video tutorial. Good news: All of the same functions are there, they may just be in different spots or have new icons. Pause the video if you need, or follow along with the written tutorial. If you get stuck, ask for expert support in our Facebook group. Our group has become not just a help center, but also a vibrant community of real people and crafters! Plus, you can catch the latest news on JenniferMaker tutorials and more.

Q: Where can I find the supplies and tools to make my material labels?

A: My Cricut material labels PNG files can be made with simple supplies you may already have in your crafting stash. Amazon is my favorite place to shop because of their free shipping with my Amazon Prime membership (just make sure to look for sellers with 5-star reviews). You can also find most, if not all of the supplies and tools (like paper trimmers and sticky mats) at your local craft store (which is also a great way to find cool new products!).

Q: Can I make and sell these “What Can A Cricut Do?” material labels designs?

A: I love supporting creative entrepreneurs! If you want to use my designs and projects for commercial use, please familiarize yourself with my important licensing information before selling your crafts.

I do not permit sale of my digital items, but you can sell the creative goods you make with them — as long as you follow my licensing requirements. That means you cannot sell the material label files, but you can sell material labels that you made with the files on platforms like Etsy. Whether you use the Etsy app on your mobile device or the browser version, you’ll find a global marketplace filled with thousands small businesses, and interested buyers can find thousands of made-to-order items. You can even offer several payment options or set a promotional delivery date to attract more buyers to your item! I love to see creative crafting businesses thrive with the help of my designs and inspiration!

Q: Does Cricut provide designs that I can use in my crafting projects?

A: Yes, Cricut provides many free design elements that you can use to create your projects, including shapes, images, and fonts–you just need an internet connection to be able to browse the Design Space library. You can also subscribe to their premium service, Cricut Access, and make monthly payments to gain access to even more! Certain branded images like Disney elements and related characters or Sanrio characters may also be available for an additional fee–just be sure to check licensing agreements before selling any items made with them.

Get my free PNG files to make Cricut material labels!

(If you do not see the signup form above, click here.)

I SO hope you’ll make some of the awesome projects you see my video! Please share a photo of your creations or material labels in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.

Love,

What Can A Cricut Do? 21 Fun Projects + Machine Labels!

What can a Cricut do? Let’s find out, and learn how to make material labels for your Cricut machine!

Materials and Tools to Make “What Can A Cricut Do?” Material Labels

How to Make Your Own Cricut Material Labels