The Cricut Knife Blade is here! Created for the Cricut Maker machine, this powerful tool is going to bring your crafting to a whole new level. In just a few quick steps you’ll be ready to cut materials you never could have imagined!
If the Cricut Knife Blade has been on your wish list (or if you’ve got one in your hot little hands) this blog post will walk you through a few easy steps to get yourself cutting. And here’s a little secret – if you make it to the end I’ve got a little materials giveaway to share!
{FTC disclaimer: I received some items in the post free of charge, but the opinions are mine all mine! This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a commission if you purchase something – at no additional cost to you.}
Ordering from cricut.com? Use code CRICUTCREATORS10 for 10% off and FREE shipping on any order over $50. Includes sale and clearance prices, does not include machines (anything with a plug). Cricut items can also be found at HSN, Amazon, and JOANN stores.
Ordering from amazon.com? Then check out my Cricut Tools and Accessories page!
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH THE Cricut KNIFE BLADE
Before you can start creating with the Knife Blade there are two important “first steps” to prepare your machine. It does not matter which one you do first!
1. Calibrate the Knife Blade
Once you’ve received your blade you will need to calibrate it to your machine. This can be done in just a few minutes and all you need is a clean Cricut Mat and a piece of copy paper from your printer!
2. Move the Star Rollers
Did you know those little white things on the metal bar were called star rollers? Me neither! They are – and they need to be moved to the right on your machine before you can start cutting thicker materials.
CREATING YOUR FIRST PROJECT
Now you are ready to cut with your Knife Blade! You will need a few supplies to get started:
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
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Strong Grip Mat (12×12 or 12×24)
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masking/painters tape
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Brayer (not a “must” but so so so helpful!)
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thicker material (I’ll go over the specifics in a later post – but you can use materials up to 3/32″ thick) I used the new Cricut Chipboard that is AMAZING!
I’ll be sharing several Knife Blade posts over the next few weeks including:
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Top ten things to know about the Cricut Knife Blade
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What materials can be cut with the Cricut Knife Blade
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How to change the Cricut Knife Blade
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Five supplies you need when using the Cricut Knife Blade
But I would love to hear what you are interested in learning! Let me know what your Cricut Knife Blade questions are – one fabulous person will receive a sampler of some of the materials the Knife Blade can cut along with some of Cricut’s newest releases (Iron-On Designs anyone?)!
I can’t wait to see what you create!
To learn more about other Cricut tools and how to use them, click below!
Jeff S says
Where are good place to buy thin sheets of balsa wood and bass wood?
Beth says
Hey Jeff! I bought mine at Michaels and Hobby Lobby. Once I figure out which I prefer I will probably buy it online cheaper (in bulk), but they were great places to just grab a couple sheets to practice with. You just have to make sure that they are not any thicker than 3/32”.
Lee Renee says
I don’t have the knife blade yet….but I would love to see what all that you can cut with it! I’m impressed so far with the chipboard cut! Do you know how many cuts/projects you can cut before you have to change out the blade? Curious how often I’m going to have to change blades!
Missy Dixon says
hi will moving the star rollers hurt them? weaken them? do we have to pretreat the wood in anyway before cutting thank you!!
Beth says
Hi Missy! Nope – they slide really easily and I just left them there – the only time you really need them is for Print then Cut so I’m just going to leave them to the side until I need them! 🙂
And you don’t need to do anything to the wood beforehand – just grab a sheet and go! 🙂
Sherry says
What if I wanted to cut paper to adhere to the top of the chipboard. Do I adhere it first or after its cut. I’m thinking I would have to cut it out separately and there afterward.
Beth says
Hi Sherry! I am working on a project where I am putting paper on with my Xyron and then cutting it…I’ll share the results with everybody once I’m done! 🙂
Nadine says
Waiting to see how this is received, but remind people to turn off sleep mode.
Eunice says
Yes – I’d definitely be interested in what else it can cut, please. 🙂
Beth says
Hi Eunice! I just found this great chart that gives you all of the materials!
• Balsa wood, up to 3/32”
• Basswood, up to 1/16"
• Tooling leather, up to 7 oz
• Garment leather, up to 5oz
• Cricut® Chipboard, 2mm
• Matboard, 2-ply or 4-ply
• Craft foam, up to 3mm
LB says
I don’t have a Cricut maker, I really want one.