Vinyl/Craft Cutters

Vinyl cutting, also known as craft cutting, is a method of 2D cutting using a machine with a stylus-style blade. This method is cheaper than other 2D methods like laser cutting. While there's no engraving option, other than the standard vinyl, a craft cutter can handle many different materials including cardstock, paper, t-shirt transfers, and fabric.

There are two general types of vinyl cutters: hobbyist and professional. A good hobby-grade machine can cost under $200 and can be a nice introduction to the 2D design and cutting process for makers before taking the leap of purchasing a laser cutter. For specialized vinyl sheets and membership-based access to pre-drawn templates, there are operating expenses. The process for using either type is similar: create a vector-based image, cut the material, "weed" the unwanted pieces, and transfer the cut material onto the desired surface.

Start using vinyl/craft cutters in your classroom projects.  Check out this video full of examples and techniques from our presentation at the 2021 MassCUE Virtual Conference.

Cricut Explore Air 2 Vinyl Cutter  - Tutorial

Common Vinyl/Craft Cutters Available

Cricut Craft Cutters

• Software: Browser-based
  • Cricut Design Space
• Suggested age range: 9+
• Background knowledge needed: None
• Capability: vinyl stickers, iron-ons, cardstock, fabric, balsa wood, soft foam sheets, etc.
• Platform: MAC/PC/Tablet/Chromebook

Silhouette Craft Cutters

• Software: Free Download
  • Silhouette Studio
• Suggested age range: 9+
• Background knowledge needed: None
• Capability: vinyl stickers, iron-ons, cardstock, fabric, balsa wood, soft foam sheets, etc.
• Platform: MAC/PC

Roland Vinyl Cutters

• Software: Download Included (single license) 
  • Roland CutStudio
• Suggested age range: 11+
• Background knowledge needed: familiarity with graphic design software (Illustrator, Inkscape, etc) and PC/Windows reccomended.
• Capability: adhesive-backed vinyl, heat-transfer vinyl
• Platform: Windows (machine must be plugged into a PC running Roland drivers/software)
• Cons: large and expensive

US Cutter Vinyl Cutters

• Software: starting at $59.99, single user for cutting, multiple users for designing
  • VinylMaster
• Suggested age range: 11+
• Background knowledge needed: familiarity with graphic design software (Illustrator, Inkscape, etc) and PC/Windows recommended.
• Capability: adhesive-backed vinyl, heat-transfer vinyl
• Platform: Windows (machine must be plugged into a PC running US Cutter software and drivers)