ArtReviews

Best Cricut Machines for Stencils

Whether you’re printing shirts or creating unique art, finding the right stencils is sometimes hard. Instead of losing time to find ready-to-use ones, why don’t you consider making them yourself?

All you need is the best Cricut machine for stencils.

Why Cricut? Because the brand has made a name for itself. Its machines are affordable, reliable, and perfect to use either at home or in a workshop. Need we say more? Check out our selection below.

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links in the post are affiliate links meaning we may earn a commission. This does not affect the price you pay.)

Contents

1. Cricut Maker 3

 

The Cricut Maker 3

  • Brand: Cricut
  • Model: PC2004195
  • Weight: 15.02 pounds
  • Dimensions: 22.6 x 7.1 x 6.2 inches
  • Color: Champagne

The Cricut Maker is undeniably the brand’s flagship cutting machine. It’s smart and comes with an array of accessories, including cutting and drawing tools. Ideal for making stencils, the Maker boasts both a rotary and a knife blade.

The former is ideal for cutting vinyl, fabric, and other flexible materials. The latter can cut stencils out of plywood, matboard, and other heavier materials. In other words, no matter what project you have in mind, this Cricut machine can help you accomplish it.

As mentioned above, it also comes with various pens, and we like that its suite of tools is expandable.

Developed to simplify your DIY projects, it also comes with built-in designs – including digital sewing projects – and gives you the possibility to upload new designs either via an app or directly from a hard drive via USB.

More expensive than our top pick but undoubtedly more performing, the Maker is hands-down the best Cricut machine for stencils around.

Cricut Explore Air 3

The Cricut Explore Air 3 on a table

  • Brand: Cricut
  • Model: 2004419
  • Weight: 16.12 pounds
  • Dimensions: 24 x 9.5 x 9.5 inches
  • Color: Mint

The Cricut Explore Air 3 can only be defined as the ultimate cutting machine for stencils. Designed to cut anything from thin sheets to thick materials, including vinyl and leather, it lets you create the stencils and decals of your dreams.

A precision cutting tool is not only razor-sharp; it can cut out the most intricate details. A variety of built-in patterns  – as well as the possibility to upload your own – deliver plenty of options for creating generic or unique stencils. Stencils apart, you can also use it to cut stickers, decals, and even unique greeting or birthday cards.

Accessories include a 12 x 12-inch adhesive cutting mat for ultimate design precision, a black fine point pen for quick drawing of patterns on paper or fabrics, as well as access to Design Space, Cricut’s proprietary design software.

Compatibility with Cricut Pens adds further value, allowing you to use the machine for drawing or writing too. You can choose from more than 300 fonts, or use a font from your computer for free. Needless to say that you can use this function to create letter stencils.

We also like that the machine is really easy to use. There might be some trial and error until you get used to all its functions, but overall, it’s hard not to love it.

Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine Bundle

Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine with Vinyl Pack and Essential Tool Kit Bundle , Starter Cutting Machine...
  • MACHINE BUNDLE: Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine bundle with tool kit and vinyl in...
  • USER-FRIENDLY: Machine has built-in Bluetooth for wireless cutting, writing, and...
  • ACCESSORIES: Tool Kit contains Spatula, Weeder, Scraper, Scissors, and Tweezers. 9x12...

// Last update on 2024-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

  • Brand: Cricut
  • Model: 2003638
  • Weight: 14 pounds
  • Dimensions: 24 x 9.5 x 9.5 inches
  • Color: Mint

The Explore Air 2 machine bundle is perfect for hobbyists who liked our top pick but would prefer an all-in-one stencil making solution. While the cutting machine is the same – except for the color – the bundle includes an array of accessories designed to help you make stencils faster, and not only.

We’re talking about a full tool kit comprising scissors, tweezers, scraper, spatula, weeder, as well as vinyl, transfer paper, and various fabric sheets. From making indoor decals to creating stencils for your creative projects, this bundle has everything.

Designed with beginners in mind, it also includes an e-book with tutorials and project examples. Twelve vinyl designs and the possibility to upload more are also part of the game. This option is by far the best for beginners who don’t mind to spend a buck.

Cricut Explore Air

Cricut Explore Air Wireless Cutting Machine
  • Embedded Bluetooth for wireless cutting
  • Dual carriage for cutting and writing or cutting and scoring in one step
  • Upload your own images for free (.svg, .jpg, .png, .bmp, .gif, .dxf) Cut over 60...

// Last update on 2024-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

  • Brand: Cricut
  • Model: 2002771
  • Weight: 16.89 pounds
  • Dimensions: 25.4 x 10 x 9.2 inches
  • Color: White/blue

Nothing but the older version of the Explore Air 2, the Explore Air could be the best Cricut machine for stencils for beginners. It’s affordable, yet it boasts a ton of features. Whether you’re looking to make letter stencils or to design intricate patterns, this machine has got you covered.

It can cut through 60 materials and features a dual carriage that allows for either cutting or writing.

It doesn’t come with built-in images and patterns, but you can easily upload your preferred designs for free. A Smart Set dial and compatibility with the free Cricut Design Space app enhance its versatility. We also like the embedded Bluetooth function.

You can ditch the cords and command the machine to cut your stencils directly from the app or via another Bluetooth-enabled device. Cheap and easy to use, it’s a great alternative to the machines above if you’re on a budget.

How to Make a Stencil with a Cricut Machine

The Cricut are perhaps the best machines for cutting stencils. Their greatest strength is the variety of designs you can upload for free, not to mention that most models come with built-in designs too. With this in mind, here are a few quick steps to cutting your stencils with a Cricut machine.

  1. Choose the right type of vinyl

There are various types of vinyl on the market, including a type developed specifically for making stencils. This type of vinyl is usually thicker and easier to work with for the intended purpose.

  1. Find and upload the design

Most Cricut machines come with built-in designs you can choose from, or you can download other images to your computer and upload them to the Cricut. If you decide to upload a new design, make sure it is compatible with the machine.

  1. Prepare the file for cutting

While most built-in files are ready to use, an uploaded design might need to be welded together before cutting. Thus, you should check the layers on the sidebar – if there are more layers, the design must be welded into one.

  1. Size your stencil

Stencil designs typically come as vectors, meaning that you can re-dimension them to your liking. Draw a rectangle of the desired size on your screen, then size your stencil to fit the rectangle. In this way, you’ll cut a stencil of the right dimension.

  1. Cut the stencil

Using the right cutting tool, push the start button, and let the Cricut machine do the rest. That’s it! You can now use your stencil.

Richard Hammond

I am the founder of 9Mousai and am deeply interested in creativity and what inspires it. My main passions are writing, film and music but I have huge respect for all the arts. I'm also an animal lover and have a little cat called Winston and enjoy the occasional whiskey or two...

Related Articles

Back to top button