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Did you get a new Cricut machine for a gift and have no idea where to start? These easy Cricut projects for beginners will have you up and making with your new Cricut and make great practice for more advanced Cricut projects!
I remember the feeling of a stare-down with my new Cricut machine several years ago. It sat in its box and tempted to me to open it but I was intimidated and scared that my projects would fail and that I would wish I had asked for a different gift. I already felt bad thinking about what I would say when my mom asked me how I like my Cricut machine and I would have to shamefully reveal that it was still hiding in its box.
I wish I had just started and realized that I was going to learn right off the bat from whichever Cricut projects I attempted. I’m not gonna lie, I’ve had some fails along the way but they are a minuscule percentage compared to all of the Cricut projects that have come out exactly as I intended them to.
One thing I wish I had when I first broke my Cricut out of the box was the foresight to know which types of projects were the best to start with. The kind of easy Cricut tutorials that would be attainable for a Cricut newbie like myself. That’s what I hope to do for you with this post.
If you didn’t get a Cricut machine but you’re thinking about buying one for yourself, ohmygoodness do it! You will become obsessed like every other Cricut-er in the universe! If you’re unsure of which machine to get, you can find the key differences between a Cricut Explore and a Cricut Maker hereand you can see the unique features of the Cricut Joy here. The “best” Cricut machine is truly dependent on what you want to use it for primarily.
Getting Started with Your Cricut
Step 1: First things first… open up that box! I promise that it won’t bite you or judge you for your lack of experience. I have learned some of my best techniques and made some of my favorite projects by happy mistakes.
Step 2: Make sure you have the basics to get you started with your beginner Cricut projects. For a Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore, you can find my must-haves here (just omit the knife blade, basswood and fine debossing tip if you don’t have a Cricut Maker). Find my must-haves for the Cricut Joy here.
Step 3: Check out the Cricut Access subscription options and choose which you think you would need. I highly suggest a subscription so that you don’t have to pay a la carte prices for all of the images you will use for your projects. You can learn more about Cricut Access and why you need it here.
If you need further convincing that your Cricut is easy to use, you can find some more pretty compelling points here. 🙂
50 + Easy Cricut Projects for Beginners
Another thing I wish I had when I started… a compilation of easy Cricut tutorials for every material type. If that’s your wish, too, you’re in the right place! We have beginner adhesive vinyl projects, easy iron-on projects, beginner Cricut Maker project ideas and so on and so on. Whatever you’re looking to make, we have it here. Enjoy!
Easy Cricut Adhesive Vinyl Projects
For your first project(s), I recommend starting with Adhesive Vinyl and simple, single-layer designs (you can see my first ever Cricut project here!) Since you can remove vinyl easily, you won’t have any worries about “ruining something” (that concern is part of what held me back in getting started with my Cricut). These are some fun Cricut vinyl ideas to help get you creating!
How to Make Mason Jar Herb Labels + Free Herbs SVG
Customize alllll the things around your house by making simple vinyl labels.
Check It Out
How to Personlaize a Yeti Tumbler with a Disney Monogram
Learn how to Monogram your Yeti Rambler Tumbler with a DIY Disney Monogram with this simple tutorial from Polka Dot Chair.
DIY Vinyl Clipboard Teacher Gift
See how Vanessa made a personalized clipboard using vinyl for the cutest teacher gift idea!
Homeschool Weekly Calendar + Free SVG
Homeschooling is at an all time high (God bless you mom and dads handling it all!) Crystal made this darling homeschool weekly calendar with a dry erase board and Cricut vinyl.
How to Make a Custom Backsplash with a Cricut and Adhesive Vinyl
You can even put adhesive vinyl on tile! I cut vinyl monochromatic rainbows to make a bright and fun tub backsplash for my daughter’s bathroom.
Check It Out
Personalized Wedding Hangers
Such a simple and elegant project! Kelley used white vinyl to create this beautiful personalized wedding hangers… I wish I’d had my Cricut when I got married!
How To Decorate Your Cricut
Now that you have a Cricut you might as well go ahead and Cricut the Cricut! I love how Sydney embellished her Explore Air 2 with Adhesive Foil Vinyl.
Yoda Night Light with Free Cut File
I love how Lindsay turned a dollar store nightlight into this cute Yoda night light with her Cricut and adhesive vinyl!
Cricut Vinyl Stacking Mugs
We all know I’m a sucker for a good pun so I just love these darling mugs Katie made! She shows you how to cut vinyl and apply it perfectly with simple tips and tricks.
Cricut Iron-on Projects Perfect for Beginners
Iron-on (also referred to as HTV or Heat Transfer Vinyl) is such a fun way to customize soooo many things. You can apply iron-on to wood, cork, cardstock, felt, shoes, socks, napkins, pillows, of course clothing and so much more. To ensure even and consistent results (and therefore eliminate or at least minimize the chance of mistakes), using an EasyPress is key. Fear not, if you do make a mistake, you can Heat transfer vinyl remover on many materials to remove the design.
DIY Wood MOM Planter
Another unexpected surface to apply iron-on… wood! Create this beautiful planter for MOM with iron-on vinyl and a wood planter box.
Check It Out
DIY Face Masks and Essentials Bag
Make sure you never forget your mask and hand sanitizer again keep them handy in this cute essentials bag. Learn how to personalize your own DIY Face Masks and Essentials Bag with Cricut iron-on in Mariah’s simple tutorial.
DIY Cork Board with Cricut Iron-on
Make a DIY cork board by adding heat transfer vinyl with your Cricut machine! Angie shows you how-to with this darling project tutorial.
Ten Minute DIY Valentine’s Day Pillow
In this simple (and lightening fast!) tutorial, Beth shows you how to transform a plain pillow into a custom Valentine’s Day pillow, using some glitter iron-on and your Cricut EasyPress!
Rainbow Heart Shoes with Cricut EasyPress Mini
I bet you didn’t know you needed rainbow heart shoes until you saw this, right?! Heidi used iron-on and the EasyPress Mini to create these adorable kicks.
Personalized Socks with Iron-on
These funny customized socks are the perfect gift any mom in your life. See how Brooke made them with her Cricut and Iron-on.
DIY Conversation Heart Napkins
There are so many surfaces that you can apply iron-on onto, not just fabric. I love to jazz up plain napkins for a party or holiday with iron-on vinyl.
Check It Out
DIY Wet Bathing Suit Bag Tutorial
Create a darling little bag to house a wet suit or beach essentials with Cricut Glitter Iron-on.
Check It Out
DIY Canvas Wall Banner
Crystal’s sweet canvas wall banner was made with foil and regular iron-on… the result is just beautiful!
Easy Cricut Iron-On Vinyl Succulent T-shirt
How cute is this shirt?! In this tutorial, Erin shows how easy it is to apply iron-on to a t-shirt using an EasyPress.
Beginner Cricut Papercrafting Projects
Cricut machines first came into popularity among scrapbookers; the paper crafting possibilities are limitless!
Free Pocket Planner Folder Cut File + Planner Themed SVGs
I love these fun and colorful planner pocket folders that Crystal made! She also shares other fun (and free!) planner cut files to help you get organized in the new year!
Bath Bomb Baby Shower Favors
Use a Cricut to cut poster board to glue onto bath bombs for the cutest Bath Bomb “Rattles”… such a fun baby shower favor idea!
Check It Out
Unicorn Bookmarks with FREE SVG
These little unicorn bookmarks Cori made are so adorable! This is a super simple paper project to get started with.
Cherry Blossom Paper Flowers
These sweet cherry blossoms are a perfect beginner project for getting started with paper flower making!
How to Make Custom Party Invites
In this tutorial Amy shows you how easy it is to make custom invitations with a Cricut, cardstock and Cricut pens with the draw and cut function. Perfect for a birthday party like these mermaid invitations!
DIY Fringe Treat Bags
If you love fringe like I do, you will enjoy making allll the fringe for all the things… this is such a quick and easy project and so cute!
Check It Out
Beginner Cricut Card
This is a simple shape card project perfect for the beginner Cricut crafter! You need just a few supplies (that you most likely already have) and your Cricut!
Beginner Infusible Ink Projects
If you have Cricut newbie anxiety, Infusible Ink is probably not the very first project you will want to try with your new Cricut. There is a bit of a learning curve but if you’d like to give it a go, just make sure to follow the directions exactly and using an EasyPress is an absolute must. You can read more details about Infusible Ink here.
Infusible Ink T-shirt
This was my first ever Infusible Ink project… I love the seamless appearance and colorful patterns that Infusible Ink creates.
Check It Out
Personalized Coasters with Infusible Ink
If you are looking for the perfect Cricut Gift idea or just some personalized and purposeful decor for your home, these Personalized coasters with Infusible Ink are the perfect handmade gift idea!
Infusible Ink on Cricut Onesie
Follow Stephanie’s simple tutorial to make an adorable onesie with Infusible Ink transfer sheets.
Cricut Infusible Ink Tote Bag
I love how Natalie used the negative space of the design in this tote to really show off the beautiful pattern of this Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet!
DIY Hogwarts House Coaster Set
I love how Lindsay used Infusible Ink Markers to create these Hogwarts House Coasters!
Put A Drawing Onto A Shirt with Cricut Infusible Ink
Learn how to put your drawing (or your child’s!) onto a shirt using Cricut Infusible Ink markers to make the most adorable dinosaur shirt!
Personalized Teacher Gift with Infusible Ink
See how Amy uses her Cricut Explore Air 2 and Infusible Ink transfer sheets to make a personalized back to school shirt and pencil pouch teacher gift.
How To Make Fun Beachy Cricut Infusible Ink Coasters
Make these useful and fun beachy Cricut Infusible Ink Coasters, perfect for coastal home decorating. They have a colorful mermaid rainbow look!
Cricut Maker Projects for Beginners
Did you get a new Cricut Maker under the tree this year? Check out these easy Cricut Maker tutorials to get creating with my favorite Cricut machine!
How to Make a Wood Sign with a Cricut Maker
The ability to cut wood is one of my favorite features of the Cricut Maker. Use the Maker with Knife Blade to make this simple Hello sign.
Check It Out
Engraved Metal Bracelet Project
Use the Cricut Maker Engraving Tool to expand list the materials you can work with! Make this cute engraved metal bracelet with Cori’s detailed tutorial (plus everything you need to know about using the Cricut Maker Engraving Tool).
Felt Ice Cream Cone Patterns
How adorable are these felt ice cream cones?! Alicia’s tutorial comes complete with an SVG pattern to make these easily with a Cricut Maker. The Maker cuts felt like butter.
Easy Projects for Cricut Maker Tools
Vanessa shares such fun and easy projects to get you started with using the QuickSwap Cricut Maker Tools!
Filter Pocket Mask Pattern for Cricut Maker
This filter pocket mask pattern is designed with casings so it works with elastic, bias tape, ribbon, hair ties, and more. This mask SVG is designed to be marked and cut on the Cricut Maker with the rotary blade, then all you have to do is sew!
Chipboard Heart Houses
I love how Laura customized a plan little wood house by cutting chipboard hearts with her Maker and layering them. Such a cute Valentine’s Day decoration!
Buffalo Check No-sew Rabbit Pillow
The Cricut Maker is amazing for sewists… Design Space even has patterns that the Maker will cut and mark with a fabric pen! A seamstress I am not, but this no-sew bunny was super easy to make by cutting fabric with the Maker Rotary Blade.
Check It Out
Quilting with the Cricut Maker
See how Kimberly cut out the pieces for this beautiful quilt with a Cricut Design Space pattern and her Cricut Maker.
Easy Cricut Joy Project Ideas
Are you the proud new owner of a Cricut Joy? These are some great projects that you can make with the unique and exclusive materials to the Joy!
How to Make Cards with the Cricut Joy
Making cards on the Cricut Joy is so easy that my husband did it all by himself to make me a Mother’s Day card. It should be noted that he is NOT crafty! 😉
Check It Out
DIY Wooden Ruler Growth Chart + Free SVG File
Make this awesome DIY wooden ruler growth chart using Heidi’s free growth chart SVG and a Cricut Joy machine. Cricut Smart Vinyl can cut up to 20′ so it’s the perfect machine for long cuts like this one.
Make Labels with Cricut Joy Writable Vinyl
I absolutely love the Cricut Joy Writable Vinyl. You can use it along with the Cricut Joy pens to create labels for anything and everything.
Check It Out
Darling Makeup Bags with Cricut Joy Smart Iron-on
Kim from Sweet Red Poppy shares a fabulous Cricut Joy Video Tutorial and shows how to make these adorable makeup bags with Cricut Joy Smart Iron-on.
Cord Labels with Adhesive-Backed Paper
Another fun product that came out with the Joy that I use often is the adhesive-backed paper. I used it along with the Cricut Joy pens to make these cord labels for my tangle of office cords.
Check It Out
IKEA Kallax Bin Labels
Organize the office, toys or craft room by simply adding iron-on labels to IKEA Kallax Bins (or similar).
Check It Out
Beginner Cricut Tutorials with Miscellaneous Materials
There are countless other materials that can be cut with your Cricut machines. These are some great projects to get you started with some of them.
Make Your Own Planner Stickers with Cricut
Organize your planner this year and make your own adorable planner stickers with Liz’s tutorial using Cricut Sticker Paper and the pen tool.
How to Use Printable Heat Transfer Vinyl
Have you ever used printable heat transfer vinyl? Angie has a great tutorial on how to use this material to create your own iron-on designs!
How to Cut Wood Veneer with a Cricut Explore or Maker
Cutting wood veneer with a Cricut has never been easier! Angie shows you how to cut it with your Cricut Explore or your Cricut Maker!
DIY Faux Leather Key Fob
DIY Leather Key Fobs make a great gift or personal accessory, and SUCH an easy DIY!
Check It Out
Create Perfect Chalkboard Lettering
If you have unfortunate hand lettering skills like me, see how easy it is to fake perfect chalkboard lettering with Cricut chalkboard vinyl and adhesive vinyl!
DIY Doormat with Cricut + FREE SVG Files
Making doormats is one of my favorite projects! In this tutorial Heidi shows you how easy it is to make your own stencil by cutting freezer paper with your Cricut! Use the stencil to paint a plain doormat into something adorable like this one!
DIY Cricut Print and Cut Stickers
In this tutorial Amy shows you how to use the Print then Cut feature in Cricut Design Space to create darling DIY stickers. You can use either Printable Vinyl or Sticker Paper and she shows which is best depending on your project.
DIY LOVE Wine Charms with Shrinky Dinks
Remember Shrinky Dinks? Yep, you can cut them with your Cricut to make cute projects like these LOVE Wine Charms.
Check It Out
Glitter and Suede Cricut Earrings
Make a fashion statement—using scraps from your craft room! Cori made these lovely glitter and faux suede earrings using her Cricut. Get the free Cricut earrings SVG, too!
Are you ready to get started with your Cricut? If you have any questions along the way (or just want to share your creations with me, I love when you do that!), please never hesitate to hit me up! You can email me directly at lydi@lydioutloud.com or tag me on social (@lydioutloud).
If you’d like to see all levels of Cricut tutorials, beginner to advanced, you can browse through all of the Cricut projects on my site here.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Cricut-ing, I promise you will wish you got one sooner. 🙂
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or emotions, but I can provide you with information related to the concepts used in this article.
Cricut Machines
Cricut machines are cutting machines that allow users to create various crafts and projects. They are popular among crafters and hobbyists for their versatility and ease of use. There are different models of Cricut machines available, such as the Cricut Explore, Cricut Maker, and Cricut Joy, each with its own unique features and capabilities.
Getting Started with Your Cricut
To get started with your Cricut machine, you will need to open the box and familiarize yourself with the contents. It's important to note that Cricut machines are user-friendly and designed for beginners, so there's no need to feel intimidated. You can start by exploring easy Cricut projects that are suitable for beginners.
Materials and Tools
To begin your Cricut projects, you'll need some basic materials and tools. For example, if you have a Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore, some essential materials include adhesive vinyl, iron-on vinyl, and cardstock. The Cricut Joy has its own unique materials and tools. You can find more information about the specific materials and tools needed for each machine in the article.
Cricut Access Subscription
Cricut Access is a subscription service that provides access to a wide range of images, fonts, and projects for your Cricut machine. It allows you to access a large library of designs without having to purchase them individually. Subscribing to Cricut Access can be beneficial if you plan to use a variety of images for your projects.
Easy Cricut Projects for Beginners
The article provides a compilation of easy Cricut projects for beginners, categorized by material type. These projects include adhesive vinyl projects, iron-on projects, papercrafting projects, Infusible Ink projects, and Cricut Maker projects. Each project comes with a description and a link to a tutorial or guide that explains how to create the project step-by-step.
Miscellaneous Materials and Techniques
The article also includes projects that utilize various other materials and techniques with a Cricut machine. Some examples include printable heat transfer vinyl, wood veneer, leather, chalkboard vinyl, shrinky dinks, and more. These projects demonstrate the versatility of Cricut machines and provide inspiration for exploring different crafting possibilities.
If you have any specific questions or need further information on any of the concepts mentioned, feel free to ask!
