TFDL Makerspace Training

Rules for Using the Cricut 

• Please use cutting mats provided.  
• Please DO NOT throw out the plastic dust covers, and replace them when you are done. 

Design Space

• Go to Cricut website and download the app by clicking on Design Space on the left-hand corner. If you’re using the computer in the Makerspace the app is already downloaded.  
• Login or create a new account with the Cricut app using your email address. This will bring you to the Home screen. 
• From the Home screen, under My Project, you can get quick access to your latest projects. You can also browse featured projects from a variety of categories from this page. 
• From the Home screen, select any project to learn more about it or start a project from scratch by selecting New Project. 
• Starting a new project brings you to the Canvas, where you can lay out and edit your designs. 
• The Edit bar on the Canvas located on the top part of the page contains the most useful tools for editing images and text. 
• Click on Projects (left side of Canvas) to access project library and browse ready-to-make projects. 
• You can also Upload (left side of Canvas) image files. 
• At the right side of the Canvas, you can modify the layer properties for each layer of your design. 
• Click Make It on the Canvas when you're ready to create your project. 

How to Use the Cricut Explore Air

• Turn on the machine by pressing the button at the top right corner. 

• For the Custom Personnalisable, based on the material that you are going to use, choose a material category.  

• Take a green pad, remove the plastic cover (do not throw out!), then place the top left corner of the paper right onto the top left corner of the grid. 

• Open the machine by pressing the button on the left side. 

• Place the vinyl face-up on the mat, align it with the grid. Place the pad in the center, align the mat edges under the rollers. 

  Note: The mat displays inches and centimeters on different edges, but Design Space uses metric units by default. In these photos, we show aligning vinyl using the metric grid only.

• Press the up-down arrow button to load the pad. Gently push the mat toward the rollers as you press Load to help the Cricut grip and pull it in smoothly. 

• Once the pad is properly loaded and you are ready to make your project, press the "C" button to start cutting.​ 

• When the project is finished, press the up-down arrow button to unload the pad. 

How to use transfer tape

• Weed the design. Use the weeder to lift unwanted vinyl.

• Cut transfer tape slightly larger than your design. Place tape sticky-side down on the design. Press the transfer tape firmly in place with the scraper.

• Flip the design and slowly peel the vinyl backing so that the vinyl lifts onto the tape.

• Position the transfer-taped design on the final surface. Apply pressure and burnishing through the transfer tape to transfer the vinyl to the surface. Remove transfer tape slowly.

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