What does it do?  The basic tool set is used for weeding vinyl, handling delicate materials and embellishments, and cleaning your mats.

What can I make with it? What won’t you make with it?  This is by far my most-used accessory because it includes a weeder and a scraper, which you will use for every vinyl project you make!  And the spatula and tweezers are super-handy for paper projects!

Where can I buy it?  The Basic Tool set can be purchased directly from Cricut or from Amazon.  It is also available in most major craft stores!

How badly do I need it?  On a scale from 1-10, this ranks as a 10/10.  It’s definitely a MUST HAVE!

What does it do?  The best Cricut accessories are all about saving you time. And a portable trimmer makes cutting down vinyl and paper before you cut it with your Cricut a breeze!  And it saves you from wasting material (and therefore money)! You can always use scissors or a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler to trim down your materials… but trust me when I say that using one of these paper cutters is so much more convenient!

What can I make with it?  I use this every single time I cut paper, cardstock, or any kind of vinyl for a project.  You will too!

Where can I buy it?  If you don’t already have a paper trimmer, you can buy one from Cricut, Amazon, Walmart, Target, and any craft store! 

How badly do I need it?  I would rank this MUST HAVE as a 10/10.

What does it do?  The StrongGrip Cutting Mat is a must-have for securely holding heavy-weight fabrics (like leather, wood, chipboard, metal, etc.) while cutting.  It’s much more sticky than any of the other cutting mats, and prevents thick materials from moving around!

What can I make with it?  This mat is best for projects using thicker materials.  I use it for making leather earrings, puzzles, luggage tags, 3D wood signs, etc.

Where can I buy it?  The StrongGrip Cutting Mat can be purchased directly from Cricut or from Amazon.  It is also available in most major craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  If you plan on cutting any thicker materials, this ranks as a 10/10.  Definitely a MUST HAVE!

What does it do?  The Standard Grip Cutting Mat can be used to cut just about anything, except for those thicker, heavier materials that need the StrongGrip Cutting mat, and super delicate materials (like vellum, etc.) that would benefit from the more delicate LightGrip Mat.

What can I make with it?  I tend to grab this StandardGrip Mat and use it for cutting my materials for most of my projects… including custom t-shirts, wall decals, and water bottles/tumblers.

Where can I buy it?  The StandardGrip Cutting Mat can be purchased directly from Cricut and Amazon, and from most craft stores!

How badly do I need it?  The versatility of this cutting mat earns it a score of 10/10 for me.  It’s as MUST-HAVE as you can get!

What does it do?  The EasyPress 2 is a miracle worker when it comes to applying Iron-On Vinyl and Infusible Ink to fabric, wood, felt, etc.  It’s sturdiness, consistent temperature, pressure, and built-in timer make it worth its weight in gold, when compared to a household iron.  You can read more about that here!

What can I make with it?  You can (and I guarantee WILL) use your EasyPress 2 to make custom t-shirts, sweatshirts, backpacks, drink koozies, etc.

Where can I buy it?  The EasyPress 2 can be purchased directly from Cricut or from Amazon.  And, as with most Cricut Accessories, it is also available in most major craft stores!  I recommend you buy the largest size EasyPress simply because it covers the largest surface area and, for most projects, will be the most convenient to use, for that reason.

How badly do I need it?  If you are ever going to craft with Iron-On Vinyl, then this ranks as a 9/10.  It’s a MUST HAVE!

What does it do?  The EasyPress Mat is sized perfectly to correspond with the different sizes of the EasyPress 2.  It protects your work surface, and provides the perfect base for apply Iron-On Vinyl to a wide variety of materials.

What can I make with it?  Anything you use your EasyPress 2 for, you will also use this mat!!

Where can I buy it?  The EasyPress 2 mat can be purchased from Cricut, Amazon, or in most major craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  I’d rank this EasyPress Mat as an 9/10 (along with the EasyPress 2), and definitely consider it a MUST HAVE.

What does it do?  A scraper is used to smooth materials onto your cutting mat, smoothing bubbles, adhering both permanent and removable vinyl, and cleaning your cutting mat.  A Basic Tool Set will include a small scraper.  But an XL Scraper is SO helpful when cutting larger pieces of fabric, vinyl, or cardstock.  

What can I make with it?  You can use this anytime you cut ANYTHING on a mat!  Plus, it’s super helpful to use when making wood signs, wall decals, chalkboards, etc.

Where can I buy it?  You can find the XL scraper at Cricut, Amazon, and most craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  I would rank this MUST HAVE as a 9/10.  Sure, you can craft without it, but you probably don’t want to!

What does it do?  It may surprise some of you that plain-old aluminum foil makes my MUST-HAVE list for Cricut crafting.  But it does so because it helps keep your Fine-Point and Deep-Point Blades crisp, clean, and sharp, so they cut well!  This saves you from having to buy replacement blades all the time, which in turn, saves you money!! You’re welcome! 😉

What can I make with it?  Ball some tin foil up tightly.  Remove your blade from its housing in the Cricut machine.  Push in the plunger on the top of the blade, so the blade sticks out.  And then gently and CAREFULLY stick it in and out of the tin foil ball over and over and over… like 40+ times!

Where can I buy it?  You can buy aluminum foil on Amazon and at any grocery store!

How badly do I need it?  Tin Foil ranks as a strong 9/10 MUST HAVE for me.

What does it do?  One of the biggest advantages of owning a Maker instead of the Explore machines is that you can cut materials up to 2.5mm thick, using the Knife Blade… wood, chipboard, metals, etc…  It’s a game-changer!

What can I make with it?  Almost any time I use my StrongGrip Mat, I am also using the Knife Blade… I’ve used it to make luggage tags, magnets, and 3D Wood Signs!

Where can I buy it?  You can buy the Knife Blade at Cricut, Amazon, and at craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  I would rank the Knife Blade a 8/10… definitely a MUST HAVE

What does it do?  The Deep-Point Blade makes intricate cuts on thicker materials, like felt, foam, and cardboard.  And yes, it does require its own housing (which is black, unlike the silver housing which is compatible with other blades).

What can I make with it?  I have used the Deep-Point blade to make felt ornaments and foam puppets-on-a-stick.

Where can I buy it?  You can buy these larger cutting mats at Cricut, Amazon, and most major craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  I would rank the Deep-Point Blade a 8/10 MUST HAVE for the Cricut Explore and a 7/10 (NICE TO HAVE) for the Cricut Maker (because the Rotary Blade or Knife Blade can cut many of the same materials).

What does it do?  A 12” x 24” cutting mat is exactly like a 12” x 12” cutting mat… except it is twice as large!  The 12” x 24” mats are available in all 4 machine mat varieties (LightGrip, StandardGrip, StrongGrip, and FabricGrip).

What can I make with it?  Anything you can cut with your Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore can be cut on one of these larger mats!  But you can cut larger images AND can save time by not having to reload your mats as often, when cutting multiple copies of the same images!

Where can I buy it?  You can buy these larger cutting mats at Cricut, Amazon, and major craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  I would rank these larger mats as a 7/10.  They are REALLY NICE TO HAVE if you plan on cutting any large images or large quantities!

What does it do?  The EasyPress Mini is a powerful (and adorable) tiny heat press!  It uses heat to permanently adhere Iron-On Vinyl and Infusible Ink to a variety of materials.  You can check out my comprehensive guide to the EasyPress Mini here!

What can I make with it?  Two of my favorite-ever Cricut projects were made using the EasyPress Mini… faux leather earrings and custom luggage tags!

Where can I buy it?  The EasyPress Mini is sold at Cricut, Amazon, and at major craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  I’d say this ranks as a 7/10.  If you get it, you will definitely use it (and LOVE it), but you don’t need it right away!  It would be NICE TO HAVE.

What does it do?  Cricut Pens are pens that fit into (and are controlled by) your Cricut machine.  HELLO colorful, faux-hand-lettered invitations and envelopes!!

What can I make with it?  You can use these bad boys to draw on cards, address envelopes for you, etc.  If these had been around for my wedding, I would have saved HOURS hand-addressing each invitation!  And you can cut even materials with your Cricut after drawing on them, ensuring that everything is perfectly placed!

Where can I buy it?  Cricut pens are available to buy at Cricut, Amazon, and all major craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  These pens come in a beautiful assortment of colors and are just plain FUN to craft with.  7/10 NICE TO HAVE!

What does it do?  Here’s another non-Cricut product that is NICE TO HAVE.  The IKEA Variera Plastic Bag Dispenser is a PERFECT way to store and organize your vinyl!  No more digging in drawers or baskets to find the vinyl you need.

What can I make with it?  The Variera is cheap, hangs on the wall, and can hold up to 12 rolls of vinyl.  I have 4 of them… one for permanent vinyl, one for removable vinyl, and two for Iron-On Vinyl.

Where can I buy it?  You can purchase the Variera Plastic Bag Dispenser from IKEA and on Amazon.

How badly do I need it?  If you have another organization system in mind, go for it.  But trust me when I say this is a 7/10… very NICE TO HAVE!

What does it do?  The Brayer is used for flawless application and removal of fabric from your FabricGrip mat.  It smoothes and eliminates wrinkles and bubbles easily!

What can I make with it?  The Brayer is PERFECT for use when cutting fabric.  It can be used for clothes, quilts, etc.

Where can I buy it?  You can purchase the Brayer from Cricut, Amazon, and all major craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  If you are a big-time fabric crafter, this would probably be a 9/10 MUST HAVE… but for most of us, it’s a solid 7/10…. NICE TO HAVE but you can get by without it.

What does it do?  The Scoring Stylus scores crisp lines in paper, carstock, and cardboard.

What can I make with it?  The scoring stylus is perfect for making cards, envelopes, and boxes, as well as other folded 3D projects!

Where can I buy it?  You can purchase a Scoring Stylus from Cricut, Amazon and major craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  If you plan on doing much paper crafting, I’d rank this NICE TO HAVE accessory as a 7/10.  Otherwise, you could get by without it!

What does it do?  Just like the Scoring Stylus, the Scoring Wheel scores crisp lines in a variety of paper products.  The biggest difference, however, is that the Scoring Wheel is more versatile. It creates score lines that are extra-deep, has options for single or double scoring tips, and uses the QuickSwap Housing exclusive to the Maker.

What can I make with it?  The scoring wheel is perfect for making tags, cards, envelopes, and gifts boxes!

Where can I buy it?  You can purchase a Scoring Wheel Combo Pack from Cricut, Amazon and major craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  If you own a Maker and plan to do paper crafting, skip the Scoring Stylus and buy this 7/10 NICE TO HAVE accessory instead.  You’ll get more use out of it!

What does it do?  The Bonded Fabric Blade is to be used exclusively with the pink fabric mat, on bonded fabrics and fabrics with an iron-on backer.  It’s most useful with the Cricut Explore, and is actually almost unnecessary with the Maker, thanks to the Rotary Blade.

What can I make with it?  Any stabilized fabric can be cut with the Bonded Fabric blade!  So you could make stockings, blankets, aprons, etc…

Where can I buy it?  The Bonded Fabric blade is sold directly by Cricut, as well as at Amazon and most craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  If you own an Explore machine, I think this NICE TO HAVE accessory ranks as a 6/10.  But for Maker owners, it’s an accessory you don’t really need.

What does it do?  The BrightPad makes crafting easier by illuminating fine lines for tracing, weeding, etc.

What can I make with it?  I like to weed particularly intricate vinyl designs using the Brightpad.  It makes it easier to see where all the cut lines are! I’ve used it to help me make shirts, water bottles, signs, and ornaments!  And my children love using it to play with translucent toys (like letters and shapes)!

Where can I buy it?  The BrightPad is sold at Cricut, Amazon, and at major craft stores!

How badly do I need it?  The BrightPad scores a 6/10 necessity rating from me… It’s very nice (but not necessary) to have!

What does it do?  The Perforation Blade is another Maker-only accessory.  It carefully and precisely perforates your materials allowing you to get a perfectly clean tear line in lightweight materials!  And because it uses QuickSwap Housing, you can purchase just the tip itself, and can easily swap it out with other blades!

What can I make with it?  You can use the Perforation Blade to make raffle tickets, Advent calendars, countdowns, tear-away cards, and so much more!

Where can I buy it?  You can purchase a Perforation Blade (with or without the QuickSwap Housing) from Cricut, Amazon and major craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  The Perforation Blade is, in my mind, a 5/10 as far as necessity goes.  It would be NICE TO HAVE, but is definitely not necessary for a beginning crafter!

What can I make with it?  Cardstock is a staple in the craft world for good reason!  It is easy to work with and versatile. It can be used to make cards, banners, decorations, gifts, etc… and your Cricut can take all the hard, tedious work out of those projects!

Where can I buy it?  You can purchase Cardstock from Cricut, Amazon, Walmart, Target, office supply store, and every craft store! 

How badly do I need it?  Cardstock ranks as a 10/10 MUST HAVE supply, in my book!

What can I make with it?  Removable vinyl is a favorite of mine!  It is versatile, fun to craft with, and comes in a huge variety of colors, patterns, textures, and finishes!  You can use removable vinyl to make wall decals, wood signs, toy bin labels, chore charts, grocery lists… and even an adorable countdown chalkboard!

Where can I buy it?  You can purchase Removable Vinyl from Cricut, Amazon, Expressions Vinyl (quickly becoming our favorite), and most craft stores! 

How badly do I need it?  Once you have a Cricut, removable vinyl becomes a definitely MUST HAVE… 10/10!

What can I make with it?  Iron-On Vinyl is my FAVORITE material to craft with!  I love making banners, ornaments, shirts, bags, sweatshirts, etc. for my family… both for Disney vacations AND for holidays and other occasions!  Check out my custom shirt tutorial for a break down of how to use it!

Where can I buy it?  You can purchase Iron-On Vinyl (also known as Heat Transfer Vinyl or HTV) from Cricut, Amazon, Expressions Vinyl, and most craft stores!  I prefer either Cricut or Siser brands!

How badly do I need it?  You know because it’s my favorite, I’m gonna rank this MUST HAVE as a 10/10 as well!  It is addicting!

What can I make with it?  Permanent Vinyl is amazing!  It’s best used for outdoor applications because it holds up to water, dirt, and weather like a boss!  I’ve used it to make car decals, wood signs, and (my personal favorite) tumblers and water bottles!

Where can I buy it?  You can buy Permanent Vinyl from Cricut, Amazon, Expressions Vinyl, and most major craft stores!  I prefer either Cricut or Oracal brands.

How badly do I need it?  Permanent Vinyl is a 9/10 must have to me… you should definitely get some… but maybe practice your skills with a couple of removable vinyl projects first!

What can I make with it?  Transfer tape is an important step in applying both Permanent AND Removable Vinyl.  Anything you make with those materials will also require transfer tape! (So stock up when there is a Cricut accessories sale or buy in bulk!)

Where can I buy it?  You can buy Permanent Vinyl from Cricut, Amazon, Expressions Vinyl, and any craft store that carries vinyl!  Stick with major brands (like Cricut and Oracal) for this!

How badly do I need it?  Transfer Tape ranks a 9/10 MUST HAVE for me… the only reason it’s not a 10/10 is because in a pinch you can use painters tape… but trust me when I say I only do that for simple projects that are a true crafting emergency!  😊

What can I make with it?  I LOVE crafting with Felt!  Every year, I make ornaments for my kids with it.  I’ve also made banners, tree skirts, and the CUTEST Mickey-inspired wreath you’ve ever seen!

Where can I buy it?  Felt can be purchased from Cricut, Amazon and at craft stores.  But my FAVORITE felt comes from Benzie Design.

How badly do I need it?  In my book, felt sits at the top of the NICE TO HAVE supply list as a 8/10.

What can I make with it?  Faux leather can be used for all sorts of fun projects: earrings, small handbags, coin purses, bracelets, decorations, etc.

Where can I buy it?  Faux Leather is sold by Cricut, Amazon and at most major craft stores.

How badly do I need it?  Faux Leather earns a 7/10 from me… It’s definitely NICE TO HAVE!

What can I make with it?  What can’t you make with fabric??  Clothes, blankets, quilts, costumes, aprons, puppets, banners, etc… if you can fit it on a mat, your Cricut can cut it!

Where can I buy it?  Fabric can be found at Cricut, Amazon and at craft and specialty stores!

How badly do I need it?  For fabric lovers, this is probably a MUST HAVE 10/10, but for most of us, I’d consider it a 7/10. 

What can I make with it?  Chipboard can be used to make gift boxes, tags, banners, cake toppers, paper dolls, and even fake gingerbread houses that never go bad!

Where can I buy it?  Chipboard can be purchased from Cricut, Amazon and at most craft and office supply stores!

How badly do I need it?  Because of its stability and versatility, Chipboard earns a 6/10 from me.  Not necessary, but NICE TO HAVE!

What can I make with it?  One of the most amazing things about the Maker is that is can cut materials up to 2.5mm.  One of those materials is wood! It can be used to make decorations, 3D wood signs, puzzles, magnets, etc…

Where can I buy it?  There are several types of thin wood that can be cut by the Maker.  They can be purchased from Cricut, Amazon and at many major craft stores!

How badly do I need it?  If you own a Maker, you should definitely try making at least one project with wood.  It’s NICE TO HAVE at a 6/10.

What can I make with it? Blades are essential to using your Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker, and will be used for almost every project you use your Cricut to make!

Where can I buy it?  You can buy replacement blades online through Cricut and Amazon, and at many major craft stores!

Why don’t I need it?  It’s tempting to think you should stock up on replacement blades right away… and I understand why!  You don’t want to have to run to replace one mid-craft. But Cricut’s blades are high quality and are designed to last a long time!  So save yourself some money and buy tin foil instead… this will help keep your blades sharp and fresh for as long as possible. And then in a year or two, when you really do need to replace your blades, you can!

What can I make with it? A craft tote is designed to store protect your Cricut and allow you to transport it safely from one place to another.

Where can I buy it?  You can buy storage totes for your machine from Cricut and Amazon, and at most major craft stores!

Why don’t I need it?  Unless you are planning on hauling your Cricut from place to place, you can save your pennies and skip buying a tote.  Chances are, you’ll be using it so often, it will earn a permanent and accessible place in your crafting space anyways!

What can I make with it? A rotary kit includes a mat, acrylic ruler, and rotary blade.  It can be used to trim down materials for your Cricut machine.

Where can I buy it?  You can buy a rotary cutting kit from Cricut and Amazon, and at major craft stores!

Why don’t I need it?  Serious sewers already own rotary cutting kits that you can use with Cricut materials.  And these babies are expensive! The portable trimmer comes at a much friendlier price and gets the job done just as well!

What can I make with it? Extra Fine Point Pens are just that… super super tiny pens that your Cricut can write with!  They come in a variety of colors.

Where can I buy it?  Extra Fine Point Pens are sold by Cricut, Amazon, and major craft stores!

Why don’t I need it?  The Fine Point Pens are already pretty slim… Most crafters are able to use them for the vast majority of their projects!  I prefer to have a wider variety of colors in the regular old Fine Point variety. It feels like a better investment to me!

What can I make with it? The Precision Cutting Kit comes with a self-healing mat, a ruler, and a precision blade.  It can be used to cut materials safely and precisely by hand.

Where can I buy it?  Precision Cutting Kits can be purchased on Cricut, Amazon, and at most craft stores!

Why don’t I need it?  Sure, I COULD cut iron-on vinyl and cardstock designs by hand… but I got a Cricut so I wouldn’t have to!

What can I make with it? The EasyPress 2 comes in 3 different sizes that all do the same thing: permanently adhere Iron-On vinyl to a variety of materials.

Where can I buy it?  You can buy all sizes of the EasyPress 2 on Cricut, Amazon, and at major craft stores!

Why don’t I need it?  You don’t need to buy multiple sizes of the EasyPress 2 for different projects.  As I mentioned above, I recommend you get the largest size (12×10) and then the EasyPress Mini, if you plan on making smaller projects!

What can I make with it? Cricut’s Sewing Kit includes 7 sewing essentials, including fabric shears, thread snips, seam ripper, thimble, measuring tape, pins, and a pin cushion.

Where can I buy it?  Cricut’s Sewing Kit is sold on Cricut, Amazon, and at major craft stores!

Why don’t I need it?  Again, serious sewers and many experienced crafters will already own these elements, so buying them in a kit is a bit redundant!

What can I make with it? A Cartridge adapter links outdated physical cartridges, used with old model machines to the updated digital Design Space software.

Where can I buy it?  Cricut’s Sewing Kit is sold on Cricut, Amazon, and at major craft stores!

Why don’t I need it?  Unless you are upgrading from an old Cricut machine that used physical cartridges, you don’t need this adapter!

What can I make with it? The Washable Fabric Pen makes instructional markings on patterns and cotton-based fabric.

Where can I buy it?  Cricut’s Sewing Kit is sold on Cricut, Amazon, and at major craft stores!

Why don’t I need it?  Again, because most of us got a Cricut so we DIDN’T have to cut things by hand, skip the pen, and just have your Cricut cut out your small fabric pieces for you!

What can I make with it? The Iron-On Protective Sheet is designed to protect your Iron-On vinyl projects from damaging heat and help distribute heat evenly.

Where can I buy it?  Cricut’s Sewing Kit is sold on Cricut, Amazon, and at major craft stores!

Why don’t I need it?  Accurate heat and even heat distribution is the name of the game for the EasyPress 2 line.  As long as you follow the timing instructions, you don’t need this sheet! And if you’re worried about it, a plain old piece of parchment paper will protect your vinyl from direct heat exposure!

What does it include?  Machine Mat Variety Packs are available in two sizes: 12”x12” or 12”x24”.  Both size options include one LightGrip Mat, one StandardGrip Mat, and one StrongGrip Mat.  They are a great money-saving option for crafters who plan to do a variety of projects!

Where can I buy it?  You can buy a Machine Mat Variety pack directly from Cricut or on Amazon.

What does it include?  The Essential Tool Set includes a Portable Trimmer, a Scoring Stylus, and the Basic Tool Set.  If you plan to purchase all 3, this will save you some money!

Where can I buy it?  You can buy the Essential Tool Set from Cricut or Amazon.

What does it include?  This is a perfect starter pack for those interested in working more with Iron-On Vinyl.  It includes the Cricut EasyPress 2, the Weeding Tool Set, and 9 rolls of Iron-On Vinyl in an assortment of finishes and colors.

Where can I buy it?  You can buy this bundle directly from Cricut.

What does it include?  This massive bundle includes the EasyPress 2, the Essential Tool Set (listed above), the Weeding Tool Set, and 10 rolls if Iron-On Vinyl in various colors and finishes!

Where can I buy it?  You can also buy this bundle from Cricut.

What does it include?  The QuickSwap Tools Basic Bundle inclues the QuickSwap Housing and three popular rips: the Single Scoring Wheel, Perforation Blade, and Debossing Tip.

Where can I buy it?  You can score your own from Cricut.

What does it include?  This selection of QuickSwap Tips includes: Wavy Blade Tip, Engraving Tip, and the Double Scoring Wheel Tip.  The QuickSwap housing is sold separately (but it also comes with the Fine-Point Blade included with your Maker)!

Where can I buy it?  You can buy the QuickSwap Tools Advanced Bundle from Cricut.

What does it include?  This set of QuickSwap tools includes EVERY QuickSwap Tip: Single Scoring Wheel Tip, Double Scoring Wheel Tip, Engraving Tip, Perforation Blade Tip, Debossing Tip and (of course) the QuickSwap Housing.

Where can I buy it?  The QuickSwap Tools Everything Bundle is Available for purchase from Cricut.

What does it include?  If you are into crafting with fabric, this is the bundle for you!  It includes 10 different sample packs, each with five 12”x26” pieces of cotton in an adorable array of colors and patterns!

Where can I buy it?  Find it at Cricut.

What does it include?  This impressive bundle is for the ambitious beginner!  It includes a Basic Tool Set, Weeding Tools Set, the 12’X24” Machine Mat Variety Pack, Deep Cut Blade & Housing, and a pack of 5 Fine Point Cricut Pens.  Wow!

Where can I buy it?  This money-saving bundle can only be purchased from Amazon.

What does it include?  This bundle is perfect for the artist in all of us.  It includes the Cricut Bright Pad, a 30-count Fine Point Pen Set, the Essential Tool Set, and a TruControl Knife & Blade Kit.

Where can I buy it?  This BrightPad Bundle is found on Amazon.