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If you want to be an above-average Cricut user, you have to know how to use your Cricut machine in the best way.
When you’re faced with making 10 shirts and you have limited time, what do you do?
If you want to create “all the things” you need to know how to find sales for those products you need.
Read this article on how to become an above-average Cricut user.
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1. Knowing when to use HTV vs. Printable iron-on vs. DTF
If you make shirts, aprons, or any other heat transfer project, you know that for certain designs, it may be best to switch up the material you’re using.
You have heat transfer vinyl (HTV) which is vinyl that you cut with your Cricut machine, weed (remove extra vinyl), and then apply to your base material.
You also have printable inkjet iron-on sheets which allow you to print with an inkjet printer and then cut with your Cricut or hand scissors (if necessary), and then apply to your base material.
And then you have DTF (direct to film) which are designs that are printed for you and all you have to do is apply to your base materials.
If you want to save time making your heat transfer projects then you need to know how each of these 3 materials works and which one is best for you.
In short, if you absolutely hate weeding HTV and you still want to make your own designs, you should invest in an Epson Ecotank 2850 printer or a sublimation printer so you can print your designs and apply them to your base material.
If you don’t want to weed HTV, invest in a printer, or if you’re short on time, you should order DTFs. With this option, all you have to do is press your designs onto your base materials.
Be mindful of where you order your DTFs because some companies won’t make DTFs that have copyrighted material such as cartoon characters, etc.
2. Knowing how to make your own SVG files
If you want to be an above-average Cricut user you need to know how to make your own SVG files. Yes, you can buy SVG files on Etsy, Creative Market, Cricut Design Space, etc., but if you want to get really advanced and create your own designs from scratch, you’ll need to learn how to make your own SVG files.
I recommend you get started with Inkscape, a free graphic design software. It does take a bit of time to learn how to use this software, but you will be forever grateful once you learn how to use it.
With Inkscape, you’ll be able to trace images that you find online and make edits to them to create new designs.
You can also use Adobe Illustrator (about $30 per month), Canva (about $15 per month), or Affinity Designer (about $70 for desktops and $20 for iPads).
3. Knowing where to get the best supplies inexpensively
An above-average Cricut user knows where to get the best supplies for a great price. Casual Cricut users tend to overspend on items because they don’t create enough and they don’t look for sales on supplies.
If you’re a Cricut user who creates often and if you sell your Cricut projects, you’re always looking for sales and you try to avoid paying full price for items.
For the most part, I get all of my Cricut products from Amazon. Check out my Amazon Storefront.
4. Knowing how to use Cricut Design Space
If you don’t know how to use Cricut Design Space, you can’t be an above-average Cricut user.
Updates are made to the Cricut Design Space software all the time and if you’re not using the software regularly the updates will catch you off guard.
An above-average Cricut user will also know workarounds and hacks to use in Design Space to do the things you want to do.
Get my step-by-step Cricut Insider ebook that has screenshots of using Cricut Design Space.
5. Knowing how to ask questions, research, and get help
Above-average Cricut users are ready to research, ask questions, and get help. They don’t get frustrated and shut down their Cricut machine and laptop and let their machines sit and collect dust for months.
They get on Reddit, Facebook, and the “comments” on social media and they ask their questions without fear of judgment.
They watch YouTube videos and read blogs to see what they can do differently.
They’re determined to find a solution to their problem and learn how to create all the Cricut projects they love.
If you’re ready to learn your Cricut machine, book a 1-on-1 session with me. You won’t regret it!
I hope you enjoyed this article on 5 Cricut skills to have to be above average.
Comment below and let me know if you’re an above-average Cricut user and how you will become one if you’re not.
