When I first unboxed my Cricut, I was so excited. Then I promptly ruined my first mat, cut the wrong side of the vinyl, and forgot to mirror my iron-on. Sound familiar? Getting started with Cricut crafting can be overwhelming, but a few smart tips can completely change your experience.

Transfer tape is a clear, slightly sticky sheet that picks up your cut vinyl design and helps you place it exactly where you want it - straight, even, and intact. Think of it as the “middleman” between your design and your final project. Without it, you’d be trying to move every tiny letter, dot, and flourish one by one (and probably losing your mind in the process).

New to Cricut? Learn exactly how to set up your machine and make your first successful project with this beginner-friendly guide. Includes tips, tools, and a free checklist!

Let’s talk Cricut must-haves! Whether you’re brand new to the world of cutting machines or you’ve already got a craft room bursting with vinyl, I’ve rounded up all of my go-to tools, materials, and accessories that I actually use and love. These are the essentials I always recommend, especially if you’re diving into The Cricut Club Handbook and want to be prepped and ready to make all the things.

We’ve all been there: your vinyl doesn’t stick, your paper tears, and your mat looks like it’s been through a warzone. Whether you’re new to Cricut or you’ve been crafting for a while, mistakes happen, but they don’t have to keep happening. Here are the five most common Cricut mistakes and how to avoid them: