How to Use Pens on Cricut: A Complete Guide for Beginners
If you are a Cricut user, then you are likely familiar with its capabilities and versatility. It is well-known that Cricut is a leading brand of crafting machines, but did you know you can also write and draw with them? Yes, Cricut machines can create beautiful designs! Here, I will explain how to use pens on Cricut.
Using a Cricut pen is straightforward, but knowing the process is essential. You just need to understand which pen is suitable for your DIY project and how to use it on your Cricut machine. So, let’s get started with the different types of Cricut pens and markers they provide!
Different Types of Cricut Pens
Before we delve into the process of learning how to use pens on Cricut, it is crucial to understand the variety available and which pen suits your crafting project best. Here are the types of pens compatible with a Cricut machine:
Fine Point Pens: These have a 0.4mm tip and come in multiple colors.
Extra Fine Point Pens: It is an even sharper pen with a 0.3mm tip.
Pens/Markers: They have a 1.0mm thickness and can be used interchangeably.
Gel Pens: No tip, with a 0.8mm roller ball, suitable for glossy or textured materials.
Glitter Gel Pens: They are similar to Gel Pens but with glittering ink.
Calligraphy Pens: These are marked with a “C” and angled at 45 degrees for calligraphy.
Fabric Markers: They are made specifically for writing on fabric.
Infusible Ink Pens: For sublimation ink onto poly-coated surfaces, with a 0.4mm tip.
Infusible Ink Marker: A thicker version of the infusible ink pen with a 1.0mm tip.
Now that you know about all of the Cricut pens available in the market, you can select the right pen for your writing and printing needs.
How to Load a Pen on a Cricut Machine?
Before you start working on how to use pens on Cricut, it is important to know how to load the pen onto your machine. Cricut pens work only with newer models like Maker 3, Explore 3, or Joy. Older Cricut machines are not made to fit in pens, and trying to use them on such models, like Maker or Explore Air 2, may damage your materials.
When you open the machine, you will see two clamps: Clamp A and Clamp B. Clamp B is always created for the pen. Just open Clamp A, gently insert the pen until it clicks into place, and then close the clamp properly. After that, you are ready to continue your crafts using the Cricut pen.
How to Use Pens on Cricut in 3 Easy Steps?
Once you have loaded the pen into your machine, it will be ready to start. To begin your DIY projects, perform the steps in the section below:
Step 1: Create a Design on the Cricut App
These are the things you have to do to make a design:
In the beginning, open the Cricut Design Space app on your device and pick a canvas size for your design.
Then, choose the Writing option. Here, you can select your desired font.
Optionally, you can add images for a unique look to your design.
Type in your text using the chosen font, and it will automatically appear in the design.
After that, select the color you want for the font.
Finally, your design is now ready for writing.
Step 2: Choose the Material
Now, you should load the material on your Cricut machine.
Choose the material onto which you want to print your design.
Then, put the material onto the mat and insert it into your machine for printing.
Your material is ready for printing now.
Step 3: Cut the Material on Your Cricut Machine
Once you load the material into your machine, you can start the cutting process.
To start printing, press the Load button on the machine, which will start printing your design on the material.
Once the printing is done, unload the material, and your design is ready on your material.
Now, you can continue to cut it into your shape and place it wherever needed.
Conclusion
Now you know how simple and easy it is to learn the procedure of how to use pens on Cricut. This post covers all the essential things for using a Cricut pen. After reading this blog, you can select a pen based on your needs, load it into your Cricut machine, create a design, choose the material, and write or draw your design using the pen.
FAQs
What Is a Cricut Pen Used For?
A Cricut pen can be used for multiple purposes. Here are some of the things you can create with them:
Coloring pages
Sweet gift notes
Greeting cards
Kitchen pantry labels
Labels for your study-related items
Adding doodles
Birthday banners
Apart from these, you can create many more things.
How Can I Write on My Cricut Instead of Cutting?
If you prefer writing with a Cricut machine instead of cutting, it is possible. However, not all Cricut machines support the writing feature. Only the latest Cricut models like Maker 3, Explore 3, and Joy can write with a Cricut pen. In order to write in your machine, open clamp A, then insert the pen and close the clamp. After that, choose a design, load the material, and start writing.
Can I Write on a Fabric with a Cricut Pen?
Yes, you can write on any of the fabrics with a Cricut machine. But for that, you have to make sure you use the right tool—a special Cricut fabric marker. With this marker, you can create beautiful quotes and designs on t-shirts, tote bags, pillowcases, and various other fabrics.
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