Cricut projects: 14 must-try craft ideas
New Cricut projects and ideas to try for all Cricut craft machines.
Cricut projects and Cricut ideas come in many forms because the popular craft cutting machines are so versatile. Whether you're looking to make Cricut wedding decorations or you want DIY Cricut gift ideas, there are so many options when you have the freedom to design in a wide range of materials.
Below, I've gathered together a range of Cricut projects to try, and they should be suitable for everyone, whether you're just getting started or a seasoned crafter who wants to try something different. From unique gifts and bespoke clothing to party favours and Cricut back-to-school ideas, there’s nothing you can't achieve with a bit of imagination and your trusty machine.
See our pick of the best Cricut machines if you still haven't decided which device is best for you. And if you're looking to turn your Cricut projects into income, also see our piece on how to make money with Cricut for inspiration.
14 Cricut project ideas
In this guide, I’ve put together a list of my favourite Cricut projects and Cricut ideas from YouTube. If you’d rather read your tutorials, there are plenty of ideas on the Cricut blog, and we have our own tutorials on how to make a stencil with Cricut and how to make stickers with Cricut.
01. Cricut back-to-school ideas
Cricut back-to-school ideas can make that time of year more fun. Cricut can be used to personalise school gear, from bags and lunch boxes to pencil holders and more. In the video above, Kayla shows some of her favourite back-to-school Cricut projects, including a homework caddy.
02. Cricut wedding place cards
DIY wedding decor can be a great area for Cricut projects since there are so many things you can make, from table decorations to signage. You could print out vinyl to apply to glass or mirrors with phrases or decorative designs, or make table markers in a wide range of materials. In the tutorial above, Carly Keller shows how she makes custom acrylic place cards using Cricut, showing the step-by-step process.
03. Cricut light-up shadow box
If you're already missing the soft glow of the Christmas lights, then these shadow boxes are a great way to decorate your home. They are an easy project to do, so whether you're new to Cricut or a seasoned professional, you'll have fun making these boxes. Plus, Jennifer Maker is the ultimate Cricut guru, there is nothing that you won't learn by visiting her page. If you're looking for a new year's Cricut idea, start here.
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04. Make a puzzle with Cricut
Kayla's Cricut creations is a brilliant channel packed with different Cricut ideas. But if you're looking to make something that your loved one will cherish, then look no further than this tutorial for making a bespoke jigsaw. It's a great excuse to experiment with different materials and put your Cricut Maker or Explore 3 to work.
05. Cricut St Patrick's Day tea towels
There's plenty to celebrate in March, but probably the most famous day of all is St Patrick's day. So celebrate in style by upgrading your tea towels. Auntie Tay has a great tutorial that shows you all the steps, from creating the graphics to attaching the decals to your materials. Of course, you don't have to stick with an Irish theme, but once you know how to do it, you can create anything you like. I'll be making some St David's ones - who doesn't want Dragons or a Welsh Lady on their tea-towels?
06. Cricut celebration cards project
One of the best things about owning a Cricut Joy is that you never have to worry about forgetting to buy a gift card. This brilliant tutorial by Kim Byers teaches you how to make your own Cricut Joy card designs. She shares loads of handy tips, including how to contour your images, so they fit better on the card.
07. Cricut engraved keychains
Key chains are a great gift for anyone. Cricuting with Delonda shares her tips on engraving and filling acrylic keychains with your Cricut maker. You will need to buy an engraving tool, but once you have one, the opportunities are endless. It's a fun and easy tutorial to follow along with, and at the end of it, you'll have a great new skill.
08. Cricut waterproof stickers
Who doesn't love stickers? They are a great way to personalise your items. I love using them on my suitcase so that when it's going around the belt at baggage reclaim, I can spot it's mine. But of course, they need to be durable and waterproof, so this is a great tutorial by Angie Holden who shares how she makes waterproof stickers on the new Cricut Joy Xtra.
09. Cricut personalised coffee cups
Mr Crafty Pants has put together a tutorial on customising your travel cup with the Cricut. You can also take these skills and customise mugs, water bottles, or anything you like, so long as you get the dimensions right. It's a very simple and easy-to-follow tutorial, and trust me, you're going to want to personalise everything once you get started.
10. Cricut projects: make a hoodie with HTV
One of the best things about the Cricut is that you can personalise any item of clothing. Eric Thomas Bland shares his tips on working with heat transfer vinyl (HTV) and walks through making your own hoodie. It's also a good excuse to get your Cricut heat press out and if you don't have one already, then check out our guide to the best heat press machines in 2023.
11. Cricut DIY home decor
Why buy home decor goods when you can make them? Designed to the Nines has put together 25 mind-blowing DIY projects for you to level up your home decor. Projects include a doormat, a popcorn tin upcycle, tumblers, and a sign. The projects are condensed, but if there's one you fancy, then she has the links to the full-length tutorials under the video.
12. Cricut projects: fall ideas using scraps
Don't throw away any leftover vinyl when you're done working on your project because here's a video that will share some ideas you can make using your scrap vinyl. If you're more of a fall than a summer person, then you'll love this round-up from Kayla's Cricut Creations, her makes include signs, candle decals, and a personalised pumpkin patch.
13. Print designer shirts with Cricut
Learn how to sublimate on a T-shirt with this Cricut project from MamaPlusCEO. It will teach you how to use the Print then Cut function to produce high-quality and professional-looking T-shirts using your Cricut and Cricut design studio. Note you will need to own or purchase a sublimation printer if you're going to follow this tutorial.
14. Cricut DIY Christmas gift ideas
Sure, you can go to the shops to buy Christmas presents, but nothing is more personal than a homemade present as a Cricut project. This video from Amy Makes That shares how to make personalised slippers, mugs, and gift tags ready for the holiday season. The projects are easy to follow and even easier to make so crafters at any skill level.
Cricut projects: frequent questions
Do I need Cricut Design Space?
Yes, you do. When it comes to creating projects in Cricut Design Space, you'll need to have the perfect image to hand. You can do this by using the library in Design Space, which has access to hundreds of images.
Do I need Cricut Access to design?
No, Cricut Access is a subscription service that offers hundreds of images, fonts and ready-to-make projects for free, as well as discounts on the best Cricut accessories. It's a nice option if you use your Cricut regularly.
Where can I find new SVG files?
You can upload your own SVG files when designing for Cricut. Short for scalable vector graphic files, SVG are two-dimensional images that can be layered and resized without any loss in quality. Check out our guide to the best free SVG files for Cricut to learn more on where to find them.
For more on getting the most from your Cricut machine, see our pick of the best Cricut pens and the best Cricut blades. We also have a guide to the best tablets for Cricut to pair with your machine.
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Craft, photography and hardware writer Rachael Penn has written for The Evening Standard, The Independent, Fit&Well, The Radar, T3, and TopTenReviews. She also writes on many other subjects, including lifestyle, travel, food, internet culture and eco-living for online and print publications.
- Ian DeanEditor, Digital Arts & 3D