What Materials Can My Cutting Machine ACTUALLY Cut? (Cricut & Silhouette Guide)
What Materials Can My Cutting Machine ACTUALLY Cut? (Cricut & Silhouette Guide)
So you’ve invested in a Cricut or Silhouette cutting machine, and you’re wondering, “What can this thing actually do?” The answer is: a lot more than you probably think! This guide will walk you through the vast range of cutting machine materials you can use, helping you unlock your machine’s full creative potential.
The Basics: Paper and Vinyl
These are the materials every cutting machine is built for.
- Paper & Cardstock: From lightweight copy paper to heavy 110lb cardstock, all machines handle these with ease. Perfect for scrapbooking, card making, and party decor.
- Adhesive Vinyl: Ideal for making custom decals for walls, mugs, laptops, and car windows. Comes in a huge variety of colours and finishes (glossy, matte, glitter).
- Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): Also known as iron-on, this is your go-to for customizing t-shirts, tote bags, hats, and other fabric items.
Level Up: Intermediate Materials
Most modern machines like the Cricut Explore 3 and Silhouette Cameo 5 can handle these materials, though you may need a specific blade.
- Specialty Vinyl: Think glitter, holographic, foil, and chalkboard vinyl. These add a premium look to your projects.
- Sticker Paper & Printable Vinyl: Use the Print Then Cut feature to create full-colour custom stickers.
- Craft Foam: Thin sheets of craft foam can be cut for kids’ crafts and 3D embellishments.
- Faux Leather: Perfect for making earrings, keychains, and small accessories. Use a StrongGrip mat and a deep-point blade.
- Acetate: Create clear overlays for cards, stencils, or shaker boxes.
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Pro Level: Advanced Materials (Cricut Maker & Kraft Blades)
To cut these tough materials, you’ll typically need a machine with higher cutting force, like the Cricut Maker 3, and specialized blades like the Knife Blade or Rotary Blade.
- Fabric: The Cricut Maker’s Rotary Blade can cut unbonded fabric like cotton, denim, and felt with precision, a game-changer for sewing projects.
- Thick Chipboard: Create sturdy signs, photo album covers, and game boards. Requires the Knife Blade.
- Balsa Wood & Basswood: Cut thin sheets of wood (up to 2.4mm) for model making, architectural models, and intricate decor. This is a Knife Blade job.
- Genuine Leather: The Knife Blade allows you to cut tooling leather for making wallets, bracelets, and patches.
- Craft Plastic: Cut thicker plastic sheets for stencils and durable projects.
- Soft Metals: The Engraving Tip on the Cricut Maker can etch designs onto soft metal sheets like aluminum for custom tags and jewellery. We explore this in our advanced techniques guide.
Quick Reference Chart
| Material Type | Cricut Explore / Silhouette Cameo | Cricut Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Paper, Cardstock, Vinyl, HTV | ✔ Excellent | ✔ Excellent |
| Faux Leather, Craft Foam, Acetate | ✔ Yes (with Deep-Point Blade) | ✔ Excellent |
| Fabric (Unbonded) | ✖ No | ✔ Excellent (with Rotary Blade) |
| Balsa Wood, Chipboard, Leather | ✖ No | ✔ Excellent (with Knife Blade) |
| Engraving & Debossing | ✖ No | ✔ Yes (with specific tips) |
Final Thoughts
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Always start with a small test cut when trying a new material. By understanding what your Cricut or Silhouette can cut, you can move beyond basic decals and create truly stunning, multi-material projects.
Need to stock up? Shop our wide range of craft materials and find the perfect blades for your machine at Maker’s Supply!
