10 Must-Have Accessories for Your Cricut (Explore 3 & Maker 3)

So, you’ve got a brand new Cricut Explore 3 or Maker 3. Congratulations! While the machine itself is powerful, the right Cricut accessories are what truly unlock its creative potential. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 essential tools and accessories that will expand your crafting possibilities and make your projects easier and more professional.

1. The Essential Tool Set

If you buy nothing else, get this. It typically includes tweezers, a weeder, a spatula, a scraper, and scissors. The weeder is absolutely vital for vinyl and HTV projects, while the scraper is perfect for applying vinyl and cleaning your mats.

2. A Variety of Mats

Your Cricut comes with a mat, but you’ll quickly find that one is not enough, and different materials require different grips.

• LightGrip (Blue): For standard paper, light cardstock, and vellum.
• StandardGrip (Green): Your go-to for heavy cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on (HTV).
• StrongGrip (Purple): For thick materials like chipboard, leather, and poster board (essential for Maker users).

3. Extra Blades

Blades get dull over time. Having a spare Premium Fine-Point Blade on hand is a smart move. If you have a Maker, consider expanding your arsenal:

• Deep-Point Blade: For thicker materials like craft foam and magnet sheets.
• Rotary Blade (Maker only): A must-have for cutting fabric, as detailed in our Cricut Maker 3 Review.
• Knife Blade (Maker only): For dense materials like balsa wood and chipboard.

4. Scoring Stylus or Scoring Wheels (Maker)

To create crisp, clean fold lines for cards, boxes, and 3D projects, a scoring tool is essential. The Scoring Stylus works in the Explore and Maker, while the Single and Double Scoring Wheels for the Maker provide deeper, more professional scores.

5. Cricut Pens

Want your machine to write or draw? A set of Cricut pens allows you to add beautiful text and intricate drawings to your paper projects.

6. Scraper and Brayer

A large scraper helps you apply transfer tape to vinyl smoothly and clean debris from your mats. A brayer is excellent for firmly adhering materials like fabric or vinyl to your mat, preventing bubbles and slipping.

7. Heat Press or EasyPress

If you’re working with Iron-On (HTV), a standard household iron won’t cut it. A heat press (like our Maker’s Supply Heat Presses) or a Cricut EasyPress provides the consistent, even heat needed for durable, professional results. Our Heat Press Buying Guide can help you choose the right one.

8. Foil Transfer Kit

Add stunning, pro-level foil accents to your projects without heat. The Foil Transfer Kit works with both the Explore 3 and Maker 3 and is perfect for cards, invitations, and gift boxes.

9. Weeding Tool Set

While the basic set includes a weeder, a specialized set often includes different hook sizes and piercing tools, making intricate vinyl and HTV designs much easier to weed.

10. A Good Supply of Vinyl and HTV

Last but not least, stock up! Having a variety of colours of both adhesive vinyl (for decals, signs) and iron-on vinyl (for apparel, tote bags) means you’re always ready when inspiration strikes.

Ready to accessorize? Shop our full range of essential Cricut accessories and take your crafting to the next level!