Using the best materials for Cricut machines can elevate your crafting projects to new heights, helping you create beautiful and unique cards, stickers, and heat transfer designs with minimal effort. If you already own one of the best Cricut machines, then you'll know that finding the right materials can not only be costly, but requires trial and error too, for getting used to each material's behaviour.
The first thing you should probably know about Cricut materials is that you don't need to exclusively use Cricut's official branded products (or the Cricut Smart materials for that matter). There are plenty of other compatible materials on the market, from delicate floral papers to awesome neon vinyls, and I've also shared some of the best sticker paper I recommend for Cricut machines in this guide, too.
The best Cricut materials (picked by CB)
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The best Cricut material for beginners
Cricut Smart Materials are compatible with the newer machines (like the Maker and Explore series) and enable you to cut without needing a mat. They also make use of the Roll Holder so you can cut materials up to 22.8 m in length. You can get Smart Materials with heat transfer vinyl, too.
The best new Cricut material for stickers
Cricut Printable Sticker Paper is ideal for sticker lovers. The 12 sheets of coloured paper work with Cricut Design Space's Print The Cut function, and the app will auto-match colour bleed to save on trimming time. It can be used with any laser printer, and designs can be cut using any Cricut.
The best new Cricut material for space lovers
Cricut's Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet Patterns now come in the fantastic 'Galaxy' pattern. Like any standard Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet this can be used with a heat press to create professional-quality products. The Galaxy design offers a unique and colour base from which to create some astounding designs.
The best Cricut materials for experimenting
This Cricut vinyl sampler pack is great for crafting permanent designs that need to be more sturdy. Its six sheets measure 12 x 12 inches, each in a different bright colours, and are water and UV-resistant. They're easy to weed and go on most surfaces with a smooth, bump-free application.
This best Cricut material is essential
From patterned and holographic to metallic and matte vinyl, transfer tape is designed to transfer custom vinyl. It's very difficult to uplift a vinyl once it's been placed, especially without causing damage, so transfer tape is pretty essential. The clear material has a grid, making it easy to position designs.
The best Cricut materials for retro shirt designs
These eye-catching transfer vinyl are designed to give the impression of a gradient colour when moved. Made from highly durable heat transfer film, these are perfect for clothing, offering great elasticity and stretch. Users will need to apply the iron-on vinyl with the EasyPress or a heat press to secure them.
The best Cricut materials for shirt and bag design
The glittery touch of this glamorous material is perfect for special occasions and permanent projects, and will last around 50 washes when used on clothing - but not forever. It can be used with both the standard Cricut Maker and Explore series, and smaller-sized rolls will work with the Cricut Joy.
The best Cricut materials for scrapbooking
The variety of designs available in this adhesive-backed deluxe paper will add joy to any maker's craft box. Making things even easier, there is no need for glue! These papers are all adhesive-backed. For anybody looking to create a mess-free, unique project, this is just the ticket!
The best Cricut materials for fun waterproof projects
Each of the six sheets in Frog's holographic vinyl pack offers a different gradient of rainbow colours. These waterproof vinyl are great for both indoor and outdoor projects. After removing the protective film, it cuts smoothly, leaving a perfect finish - but it's quite thin, so you'll need to handle with care.
The best Cricut materials for papercraft decorations
This set of ten self-adhesive pastel cardstock comes with five different colours which can be used to create a variety of projects, and as part of Cricut's Smart Materials range, you won't need a cutting mat to use these sheets. Cricut sells similar packs in black, white, and bold primary colours.
The best materials for shirt designs
Transfers for clothing items and household projects can be applied with these ready-to-cut sheets in a variety of patterns. The Infusible Ink process is different from iron-on or vinyl application; the transfer meshes with the material, allowing for a seamless finish. You'll need a compatible Infusible Ink blank, and heat press.
The best Cricut materials for picture frames and wall art
With the Cricut Heavy Chipboard, you can create more robust projects, making it easy to make things like photo frames or add 3D elements to a project. This pack comes with five sheets, so bigger projects could get a little expensive. If you're in doubt, Cricut offers a low-cost sampler pack.
The best Cricut materials for home furnishings and decor
Cricut Designer Fabric is ideal for making cushions, or to add detailed accents to a project. Made from pure cotton, each pack contains five sheets of great-quality fabric in unique prints. As a fabric pack, it's only compatible with the Cricut Maker and Cricut Maker 2.
Add a shine with these top Cricut materials
The Cricut Foil Transfer Sheets are for making luxurious projects. This pack comes with 24 sheets but you can also buy a cheaper bundle. It's available in several colours; my favourite are the autumn shades, but there are also silver and pink tones.
The best Cricut materials for crafting fashion accessories
Easy to cut, this faux leather gives the effect and feel of real leather with its pebbled texture but doesn't need a thick, leather cutting blade. It's perfect for creating jewellery and other fashion projects, or to embellish artwork, and can be cut into unique shapes.
Create fun stickers with this leading Cricut material
Beautiful for any project, this permanent rainbow vinyl is complete with a glitter gradient texture to help projects stand out. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects, it can also be used on glasses and kitchenware as it's durable and waterproof.
The best Cricut materials to add a bit of gloss
Ideal for making designs such as celebratory window stickers and wall decals, this vinyl is easy to cut, and although not an official Cricut product, works great with Cricut's machines. It’s easy to get a lot of use out of the roll and ensure minimal waste as it's so adaptable.
The best Cricut material for notice boards
This material turns any surface into a chalkboard with ease – just draw and wipe off with an eraser or paper towel. It'll stick to any smooth surface, from walls and glass to ceramic and metals. It’s also easy to peel off, making it the ideal choice for temporary message spots.
What is Infusible Ink?
Infusible Ink is a system of Cricut DIY products that unlike other Cricut materials that are applied with adhesive, becomes one with the material itself for a more professional finish.
Can I use any mug with a Mug Press?
Cricut's own mugs are definitely the best option when it comes to the Mug Press. Although other mugs may fit, materials such as Infusible Ink and vinyls don't tend to stick as well.
What do beginners need with a Cricut?
The basics for a beginner are a weeding tool, a scraping tool, tweezers, scissors and some vinyl.
What tool cuts vinyl on a Cricut?
A lot of the time the blade used will be the fine point blade, which was designed to make intricate cuts on a variety of materials from cardstock to vinyl.
What materials does a Cricut Explore Air cut?
You can cut felt, leather, cardboard, wood, bonded fabric, some metals and even some acrylics.
