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
  • 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
  • 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) 
  • 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
  • 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)

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