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Print and Cut with your Cricut Explore

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Having your Cricut Print and Cut is easier than you'd expect. I'm here to show you how to use the Print and Cut with the Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker.

Learn how to use the print then cut feature on your cricut

Today I got quite a few things done while Leila was at Preschool, it's the first time in a while that I've been able to do that. Dishes, laundry, posts, project, errands. I can never get that much done in such little amount of time. That's what I love about the new feature on the Cricut Explore.

Print and Cut Supplies for Cricut

Supplies for your Cricut Stickers

Halloween stickers with Cricut

how to use Print then Cut with Cricut

So I'll walk you through it. Remember, you can do this with every shape in the Cricut Design Space that you have access to. This isn't limited to only a few shapes. You'll first want to choose the shape that you want and then it'll pull up on your screen. The next click you'll make is the ‘Flatten' button. This will make your shape one-dimensional. The largest that you can make your shape now is 9.25″x6.5″.

Cricut has some excellent Vinyl and Sticker Paper available now! The Vinyl Paper is thinner and it gives you the opportunity to use it for home decor projects. The Sticker Paper is much thicker and it has a pretty firm grip so you'll want to use it for things like I used it for my treat bags and cupcake topper, etc.

I have an HP printer and the sticker paper will not pull through very well so printable vinyl is what I stick to.

How to flatten images cricut

Next, you'll select the shape and press ‘Go'. It'll give you the option of how many you'd like to make. I wanted 12 cat stickers for my treat bags that I'll be using additionally for another project. You'll then click ‘start'.

Print and cut cricut explore

You'll want to make sure that the paper is loaded in your printer the correct way to ensure the image is printed on the paper side of the Cricut Vinyl or Sticker Paper or whatever paper you've chosen. The Cricut Explore models will only work with white paper when you're using Print Then Cut. If you have a Cricut Maker, it can now work on colored papers but the registration marks will be read best on lighter tones.

Can the Cricut Print or Do I need my Own Printer?

The Cricut is not an actual printer. It will only cut your printed image. A lot of people get confused by the term Print Then Cut thinking that their Cricut will actually print the pages they need but there is no ink cartridges in the Cricut.

cricut reading registration marks
select material with cricut explore

Once those are printed, it will let you know to now load it onto your Cricut Explore. You'll have your Smart Cut Dial on Custom. Load your mat printed side up. Select in your cut settings your Cricut Vinyl or Sticker Paper and it will ‘kiss cut' your paper. That means it will cut your paper at the right depth without cutting through the backing, just like actual vinyl. Once all your stickers or printables have been cut, you are done.

kiss cut cricut

It is just that easy and you have a fabulous, professional-looking project like these treat bags without a lot of work and layering and gluing, etc. I love this feature, I'm going to be using it a lot. I am still amazed at what I can do with this machine every day and the precision that it cuts and all the materials I can cut with my Cricut Explore.

cricut stickers

This is a really great investment and if you haven't noticed by now, I use mine every day. It's also a great gift for Christmas! Have fun and I hope you come back next week for some real fun tutorials.

halloween craft cricut

I've also used the Print and Cut option and made a Scandinavian style Advent Calendar or some other stickers I created for a Twin Baby Shower. Check them out!

Print and Cut with your Cricut Explore
Lindsay
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  1. Bonnie says

    I’m new with cricut explore, I’m trying to learn how to make a family photo of my daughter’s or dog on a shirt or bag. Iron.can you please help.thank you

  2. Jamie says

    I am a newbie to crafting and revelry purchased the Cricut Explore Air. I love it so much already and am excited about the print and cut sticker option. When I am trying to print, the sticker paper is getting jammed in the printer. Can you enlighten me as to what I may be doing incorrectly or a step by step? I know it is prob something simple. But I am new so I’m not sure that I’m doing it correctly.
    Thanks!

  3. Sara Camacho says

    Hi! I am new at this and I was wondering if you could help me. I wanted to know if I can use any sticker paper and still get the same results (the back of the paper is intact) please answer my question, thank you so much!

    • Frenchie says

      Hi, Sara. The sticker paper from Cricut is a bit thick for my own printer. I have ended up using the vinyl sticker paper which works just as well. The stickers aren’t as thick and the stick isn’t as tough but it’s plenty good for all the stickers I’ve created on Design Space. Thanks for stopping by.

      • Frenchie says

        Sorry, I’ve been super busy. The best paper to use is the vniyl paper from Cricut. The actual sticker paper is too thick for mine as well but I have just as great success with the vinyl printable paper. It is a bit more flimsy but it looks the same/

    • Frenchie says

      I’ve never personally tried bringing in my own images to use stickers but I imagine it is the same as bringing in the jpegs to use as cuts. Just be sure to flatten your image. Good luck.

  4. Emma says

    I’ve been searching for a tutorial on sticker-making with the Cricut and yours is the best one I’ve found. I’m almost ready to buy one! I’m wondering – is the process the same for cutting out letters?

  5. Leanna says

    I really love the kiss cut feature. I have a Silhouette and didn’t even know the term to look it up, much less figure out if its an option on my machine.

    Your stickers are great.

    • Lindsay says

      It is an option on Silhouette but you have to have the special printed shapes. With Cricut, you can flatten all images and they’ll print out. I love that feature.

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