The Provo Craft company makes three versions of its popular Cricut personal die cutting machines. You can choose the best machine for your craft needs and budget. If you’re just starting out with paper crafts, the small Personal Electronic Cutter may be your best bet. The Expression is larger and more versatile, but is slightly more expensive. Cricut’s new hybrid model, the Create, is a third option, and is marketed exclusively by Michael’s Craft Stores.
Here’s a quick rundown on all three machines. They have several things in common:
ALL ARE CARTRIDGE-BASED.
Your project options are determined by the kinds of cartridges you own. A keyboard overlay comes with each cartridge, and allows you to select the cuts you want. The cartridges are compatible with all three Cricut machines.
ALL THREE MACHINES OPERATE IN THE SAME WAY.
The Personal Cutter, the Expression, and the Create function the same way, so if you learn how to use one, you’ll be able to operate the other two.
First, insert the cartridge, apply the keyboard overlay, and turn the machine on. Choose your desired die cut, then place your paper or cardstock on the compatible cutting mat. Then, press a button to load the mat into the machine. Press the button again to select your design. Finally, select “Cut,” and the machine will produce your die cut.
MOST ACCESSORIES ARE COMPATIBLE WITH ALL THREE CRICUT MACHINES.
Like the cartridges, other accessories work in all three machines. The inks, blades, tools, and design software can be transferred between the Personal Cutter, the Expression, and the Create. The sole exception is the cutting mat; each machine requires a specific mat size.
Though the Cricut machines share many features, each has a unique appeal:
DIE CUT SIZE VARIES BY MACHINE.
The Expression is the most versatile machine; it can produce die cuts ranging in size from ¼ inch to 23 ½ inches, in quarter-inch increments. The Create produces cutouts ranging from ¼ inch to 11 ½ inches in quarter-inch increments, while the Personal Cutter has a range of 1 inch to 5 ½ inches in half-inch increments.
WHICH MACHINE SIZE BEST SUITS YOUR NEEDS?
If you’re looking for a portable machine, choose the Create or the Personal Cutter. Crafters who like to travel or work in groups will appreciate the compact lightness of either model. You may not have a permanent workstation at home; the Personal Cutter and the Create both pack away easily when not in use. If you have lots of room for crafting, however, you may prefer the larger, heavier Expression.
EACH MACHINE HAS SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS AND MODES.
The Cricut machines share basic modes, but each machine type offers several unique functions. All three offer the fit-to-page mode, which adjusts the die cut size to the size of your desired material. Another basic is the center point function, which aligns the cutting blade with the center of the material and cuts around it. The Expression offers many modes and functions beyond these basics. The Create also gives some measure of mode and function versatility. The Personal Cutter, while less elaborate, offers an adequate range of options for smaller projects. Each machine is accompanied by a guidebook that provides detailed operating information. The Cricut website is an excellent supplement to these guides.
DIFFERENT MODELS, DIFFERENT PRICES
Predictably, the Cricut Personal Cutter is the most economic option, and is priced at $299.99. The Create comes in at $399.99, and the Expression costs $499.99. You may not need to pay full price for your machine, though; check local craft stores and online stores for great savings on all three models.
This piece of hardware tends to become more and more accessible, so the prices may no longer be so accurate already.
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