How hard is to use a Cricut machine?

Sue Palmer
by Sue Palmer

I am contemplating on buying a Cricut machine. I have never used one and it seems kind of overwhelming. My question is - is it hard or confusing to learn. Do you recommend buying one?


  15 answers
  • Tuula - Color Me Thrifty Tuula - Color Me Thrifty on Nov 18, 2021

    Hi Sue. I don't have one myself, but I have some friends who love them. I know a wonderful blogger who does all things Cricut, and here's an article you might find helpful. https://jennifermaker.com/cricut-explore-3-maker-3/

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Nov 18, 2021

    Hello. I have a Cricut and I am a computer idiot.

    My husband felt like it was going to be a wasted gift because of this. Rather it’s been a total success.

    I really enjoy it but I don’t do every project or complex projects .

    I have the air express and this machine can both draw and cut.


    I like to make stencils and decorate items and clothing. I started silk screening using vinyl stencils. You can use cardstock to make party decor, banners and greeting cards. Also 3-D designs boxes and ornaments.


    I particularly like the feature of being able to have uniform lettering, ability to choose amazing fonts because hand painting lettering was very very difficult for me.

    That was the sole reason I got the Cricut and found it opened worlds of opportunity and creativity for me.

    By the way I tend to run mine on my tablet exclusively and I don’t have any subscription service there is plenty of free material to collect out there there’s also converters to make your photographs and to cut files for free.


    It’s only been two years. I have chosen not to do certain projects such as print and cut epoxy tumblers sublimation and making stickers. I am happy doing the projects that I enjoy. There’s so many directions to go in. If you have any particular questions please let me know I’ll try to address them. Best wishes with your pursuit of creative adventures.

  • Janice Janice on Nov 18, 2021

    I would say if you're intrigued by Cricut pojects, go for it! Our craft group pitched in and bought one and it's been a hit. Good to be a little bit computer savvy but you simply learn by doing. If it's not used for a length of time, I have to "relearn" what I forgot but it's doable and fun. You may become addicted! icon

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Nov 18, 2021

    I received one as a present and set up my account. But I need to move it so that it can utilize my wi-fi. However it wasn't difficult at all. It is a large amount of money to spend if you aren't going to use it quite a bit IMO.

  • I have the Cricut Maker and love it. The machine is easy to use. The Design Space software is what you will need to learn. Fortunately, there are lots of tutorials - from Cricut and others. There are also facebook groups filled with people willing to help/answer your questions. My advice is to start with simple projects and go from there.

    Do what you love and don't let it stress you out!

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Nov 18, 2021

    Not only is the machine itself super easy to use, but Cricut Design Space, the design program used to create with the Cricut machine, is very user friendly too! In my opinion, the Cricut is the easiest vinyl cutting machine to use!

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Nov 18, 2021

    they are not hard to use and they have many videos and tutorials available online to help you out as well- just be sure you know what your model will do so you get all the benefits from it- cricut has a lot of info online as well as youtube I have an older model and I am computer and technology challenged and I learned to use mine

  • I don't have one, but I was also thinking of putting one on my list for Santa. I know there are a lot of groups on Facebook devoted to sharing patterns, ideas and how tos. You could join one before and get opinions on which model, etc.

  • Annie Annie on Nov 18, 2021

    This lady creates incredible things with her cricut and has lots of info on her site

    https://jennifermaker.com/category/cricut/

  • There are SO many YouTube videos on how to use it or for any issue you may have, that it is so easy to get over any hiccups you may have along the way of learning it. I bought my daughter one and it even had a start project, complete with paper, etc. for you to get started and it walked you through each step!

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Nov 20, 2021

    It is not hard to use however there is a learning curve. You need to read the directions and then try it using simple vinyl cuts first. I have the Cricut joy which is all I need to cut out labels and smaller cuts.

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Nov 22, 2021

    its very easy, comes with instructions on all tutorials

  • The machine is just easy to use, itis very user friendly. Design Space software is something you would need to learn. There are also a lot of available tutorials for this one. You can also join Facebook groups, at it can really help you.

  • Deb K Deb K on Dec 12, 2021

    Hi Sue, it is not hard at all, follow instructions and you will do fine! I actually have a niece who is NOT crafty at all and she is making some awesome things on her cricut!

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 30, 2021

    How To Use A Cricut Machine: A Beginner’s Guide

    https://vinylcuttingmachines.net/how-to/use-a-cricut-machine/