The Best Cricut Tools and Accessories for Beginners in 2026

Are you looking for the best and most essential Cricut tools and accessories for your new Cricut machine? I’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a list of essential basic tools, optional accessories, materials, and beginner advice.

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Must-Have Cricut Tools

Weeding Kit

The first accessory you need is a basic tool set. The Essential Tool Set from Cricut comes with a spatula, a weeding tool, a scraper, scissors, and tweezers.

I have several weeding tools, but I use the Cricut one exclusively. It’s just at the correct angle to get all those little pieces of vinyl! The tweezers are great at getting leftover pieces off of the Cricut mat when I’m trying to clean it off, and I love using the spatula to help lift cardstock off without harming the mat. 

Brayer

A brayer is a roller used to press materials flat onto your cutting mat. This tool helps ensure the material adheres evenly to the mat and prevents bubbles from forming.

You will find other opinions that you don’t need a brayer, but I have found mine to be very useful for getting the best cut from my Cricut.

Cutting Mats

Cutting mats hold your material while your Cricut cutting machine is cutting it. They have a sticky surface that your material clings to. There are four types of Cricut cutting mats, and each progressive mat has a stronger adhesive:

• LightGrip Mat
• StandardGrip Mat
• StrongGrip Mat
• FabricGrip Mat

When you first start out, you will most likely use the LightGrip (blue) and StandardGrip (green) mats the most. You’ll need a StrongGrip (purple) Mat to cut glitter cardstock, glitter vinyl, or thicker materials.  

You may have seen or read about off-brand Cricut Mats like Nicapa mats. If your Cricut is still under warranty, it is recommended that you use Cricut brand mats. Using non-branded mats may void the warranty for your cutting machine, so you may want to hold off on off-brand mats like Nicapa until your Cricut is out of warranty.

Not all machines come with a cutting mat. Some of the machines provide Smart Material samples that you can cut without a mat.

1. Cricut Joy: StandardGrip cutting mat
2. Cricut Joy Xtra: No mat
3. Cricut Explore Air 2: LightGrip cutting mat
4. Cricut Explore 3: No mat
5. Cricut Explore 4: LightGrip cutting mat
6. Cricut Maker: LightGrip and FabricGrip cutting mats
7. Cricut Maker 3:No mat
8. Cricut Maker 4: LightGrip cutting mat
9. Cricut Venture: no mat

You will probably still need a set of Cricut cutting mats for cutting scraps and smaller designs or if you plan on using other brands of adhesive vinyl.

Scissors

You’ll also need a good pair of scissors. These aren’t your fabric or paper scissors; they’re simply good craft scissors that you can use to cut pieces of vinyl and cardstock, along with the occasional plastic wrap, etc.

Craft Glue

If you’re going to work with fabric or cardstock, you’ll need a good adhesive. Craft glue is much stronger than Elmer’s. It can bond to many different materials. E6000 is a common brand that many Cricut crafters use. I also use Aleene’s Tacky Glue and Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue.

General Office Supplies

Rubber bands, binder clips, pens, pencils, and Post-its have come in handy. I keep these office supplies on a small desk. I use drawer organizers to separate the supplies, but you can certainly easily make some custom-fit and cute ones!

Blades

Unless you plan to cut fabric, you won’t need another Cricut blade other than the Premium Fine Point Blade to begin with. For the first three months, I used the Fine Point Blade for my Cricut. I was taking online craft classes, but almost all my projects were cardstock.

If you want to cut fabric, you will need the Cricut Rotary Blade. It is a QuickSwap Blade that requires the QuickSwap housing. The Rotary blade comes with the Cricut Maker but does not come with the Cricut Maker 3.

Also, you don’t need to get extra blades right now. If you keep your blade clean, it should last for a while. But you may want to have a backup around just in case your blade doesn’t cut well right out of the box, and you need to replace it (this happened to me with both of my Maker series machines). 

Read my post on The Guide to All Cricut Blades to learn more about the different Cricut blades.

Optional Cricut Tools

Roll Holder

If you plan to make a lot of long, continuous cuts, you’ll want to get an optional roll holder for your Cricut Explore 3/4 or Maker 3/4. These holders are designed to hold rolls of Cricut Smart Materials used for matless cutting.

Cricut XL Scraper

Cricut’s extra-large scraper tool is a great tool to have. A small one comes in the Cricut Essential Toolkit. If you use the small scraper, you will quickly notice how much work scraping paper and vinyl off your mats is. The large scraper is more efficient and easier to use. I prefer the large scraper because it’s easier on my arthritic hands. Plus, you can use it to help clean your mats quickly.

Use instead: Bondo Spreader (I haven’t used this, but it was recommended.)

Cricut Pens

Use Cricut pens to create cards, invitations, sentiments, and more. They come in many colors and types! You’ll want at least one black pen around, especially if a birthday catches you off guard! Washable fabric pens are also a great Cricut tool to have for sewing projects.

The Cricut Joy series machines have their own pens, so be sure to get pens sized for your Cricut cutting machine.

               Use instead: Use non-Cricut pens in your Cricut

Self-Healing Mat

A self-healing mat can save your work table from harm while crafting. I use a simple 12×12 self-healing mat so my work table doesn’t suffer damage.

              Use instead: cardboard cutouts

Craft Knife

A craft knife is another essential Cricut tool for vinyl crafters. It’s perfect for cutting out small details in your projects.  I also use it to cut around any vinyl I need to weed so that I don’t have to wrangle with so much vinyl.

               Use instead: Fiskars Heavy Duty Craft Knife

Kraft or Butcher Paper

If you’re going to paint or do anything that might mar your table surface that requires a larger space than 12″ x 12″, consider getting a roll of craft/butcher paper that’s at least 18″ wide. I keep two rolls in my craft room: one that is 18″ wide and one that is 36″ wide.                        

Use instead: Pieces of cardboard.

Portable Trimmer

A portable paper trimmer is a must-have tool if you work with vinyl and/or cardstock. Even if you don’t do vinyl crafts, you will have scraps. It’s perfect for all types of paper projects and can save you from having to use scissors (which I am not good at).

If you use Cricut Smart Materials, you’ll need a 13″ trimmer. If you already purchased a Cricut Essential Tool Set, check to see if it came with one so you don’t end up with an extra trimmer.

               Use instead: scissors

Adhesive Roller

This stuff is indispensable to me. It’s super easy to use and keeps me from pulling out my hot glue gun on the regular.

               Use instead: hot glue and hot glue gun

Tape Measure

A tape measure will come in handy while crafting. It’s perfect for measuring the dimensions of your projects and ensuring that everything is cut to size. I use my tape measure so much that I wear it! I also have two of them on the table at a given time because I’m so prone to forgetting where I put one. I double-measure everything, it seems.

If you are going to work with fabric, a tape measure is a must!

               Use instead: ruler (won’t work for everything)

Small Trashcan

Crafting with vinyl generates a lot of waste material. It’s helpful to have a small trash can next to your work area so you can easily discard the excess. I use it for almost all of my weeding.

Use instead: a larger trashcan around the house or a Tweexy weeding ring.

Cricut Access

Although Cricut Access is a digital subscription and not a physical item, it needs to be considered because of the content that it provides. There are two Cricut Access subscriptions: Standard and Premium. You can also get a 30-day free trial.

Learn everything there is to know about the Cricut Access subscription in my post, Cricut Access Subscription: Do You Need It?

Cricut Materials

Copy Paper

You can use copy paper for testing designs for cardstock, stickers, and decals. If you don’t normally keep copy paper in stock at home, you’ll want to purchase a couple of reams.

Cardstock

I recommend getting a decent supply of inexpensive, plain white cardstock. It can be very helpful for beginner Cricut crafters. It is an affordable option for learning to use your Cricut cutting machine. You can also save money by using cardstock to test design cuts before cutting your more expensive materials.

Some cardstock drags and does not do well in the Cricut, though. I recommend reading the reviews and searching specifically for digital die-cutting machine users. I use Recollections, American Crafts, and Astrodesigns white cardstock, and I prefer to purchase cardstock that is 12” x 12”. I also prefer 65# (65 pound) over 80# (80 pound) for most projects.

Adhesive Vinyl: Permanent

Purchase permanent vinyl if you plan on creating outdoor vinyl projects or drinkware (mugs, tumblers). Some people buy less expensive vinyl in bulk on Amazon, while others purchase brand-name vinyl from well-known online vendors like Oracal and Siser from Expressions Vinyl.

If you want to make long, continuous cuts, you’ll need Cricut Smart Materials vinyl.

If you plan to sell your adhesive vinyl crafts, I recommend using high-quality adhesive vinyl like Oracal 651 and Siser EasyPSV. You can learn more about adhesive vinyl in my posts, The Different Types of Adhesive Vinyl and The Best Permanent Vinyl for Cricut.

Adhesive Vinyl: Removable

Adhesive vinyl comes in removable as well. It’s a great option for beginners because it is easier to reposition. If you are planning to make indoor vinyl projects like decals for mirrors, glass, frames, and walls, consider purchasing some removable vinyl.

If you plan on making mugs and tumblers with vinyl decals, be sure to get permanent vinyl and not removable vinyl. You can learn more about vinyl in my post, The Different Types of Adhesive Vinyl.

Transfer Tape

If you plan to make adhesive vinyl crafts, you will need transfer tape. There are many different brands of transfer tape with varying degrees of stickiness.

You don’t have to use transfer tape made by Cricut. Use the brand that works best for you and your projects. I try to buy mine in bulk when Cricut and Amazon have large discounts.

You can even use alternatives to transfer tape, as it can become expensive if you craft frequently. Learn more about transfer tape in my post, How to Use Adhesive Vinyl Without Transfer Tape. 

Cricut Everyday Iron-On (HTV)

T-shirts and other fabric crafts use iron-on vinyl, otherwise known as heat transfer vinyl (HTV). You don’t have to use Cricut Iron-On Vinyl with your Cricut cutting machine. You can use other brands instead.

If you need to make long, continuous cuts for your HTV projects, you’ll need to use Cricut Smart Iron-On. Otherwise, I recommend the Siser brand.

You can find Siser Easyweed Vinyl on Amazon and other online vendors. I recommend purchasing from Expressions Vinyl. They have many colors and types to choose from, great customer service, and reasonably fast shipping.

 If you don’t have a heat press and plan to use a household iron, consider investing in a Cricut EasyPress. Heat presses like the EasyPress have a larger surface area that maintains a consistent temperature well. This is especially important if you plan on selling your HTV crafts.

Learn more about Iron-On/HTV in my article What Are The Different Types of Heat Transfer Vinyl?

Cricut Infusible Ink

If you’re a beginner and want to dabble in sublimation crafts, consider buying Cricut Infusible Ink products.

Infusible Ink sheets are ready-to-use sublimation ink patterns that you can use on a variety of sublimation blanks. You can make mugs, coasters, earrings, polyester t-shirts, and more without needing a sublimation printer.

They come in different widths, so be sure to get the size that works with your Cricut cutting machine.

Make sure that you have a good portable or standalone heat press that can consistently maintain the high temperatures required for sublimation. If you want to sublimate 3D projects like mugs and tumblers, consider getting a mug press or convection oven.

Read more about sublimation in my post, The Best Convection Ovens for Sublimation.

Printable Vinyl Sticker Paper

If you want to make stickers, decals, or printed labels, consider getting some sticker paper and/or printable vinyl. For the cost-conscious, try Avery Shipping Labels for experimentation and practice.

If you want to learn how to make stickers with your Cricut, check out my post, How to Use Create Sticker in Cricut Design Space.

If you don’t have a Cricut Access subscription and still want to make stickers, learn how in my post, How to Make Print Then Cut Stickers for Cricut Beginners.

If you want advice on which printable vinyl to purchase, read my post, The Best Printable Vinyl for Stickers and see how the different brands tested.

Organizational Items

Iris Boxes

These Iris boxes from Michaels are perfect for storing your supplies. They can hold cardstock, adhesive vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, transfer paper, and more. They even hold some regular-size rolls!

The 12″x 12″ x 3″ size is great if you’re starting out with craft storage solutions. They stack nicely, allowing them to fit in easy places such as corners and closets. They even fit several on top of each other in a 13” cube organizer.

As your supplies grow, each box will have room. You can buy more and continue to divide your supplies into multiples.  

Craft Tool Organizer

A tool organizer is helpful for Cricut crafters. One that seems to be on everyone’s list is the Simply Tidy Storage Desktop Carousel at Michaels. It’s not too expensive and goes on sale from time to time.

If you need something less expensive in the beginning, consider a smaller iris box or other portable organizer to carry your tools to your crafting area. It will make a difference to have them placed conveniently next to you while you craft.

Advice for Cricut Beginners

Buy Plain Cardstock

The material I use the most is white cardstock. I practice and test my projects a lot before I run the “real” project through. I use white cardstock mostly when doing this, so I don’t waste money on expensive materials. If you choose to do the same, stock up on white cardstock. It’s less expensive than the other cardstock as well.

Use Copy Paper

I also use copy paper for tests and practice for high-value card stock projects, stickers, and practice sublimation transfers. It can be worth keeping copy paper around if your projects involve these areas.

Buy Supplies as Needed or In Bulk

Some people buy their supplies as needed (by project), and some buy them in bulk. You need to find out what works for you. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Will you be doing projects just for you? Or will you make crafts for friends and family as well?
• Do you plan to sell the crafts you make?
• Do you know specifically what type of crafts you will be making?

The answers to these questions will help you decide how much and when to buy your materials.

As for where to buy, I have found that Cricut tends to have the best material prices during sales events, which happen frequently. Adding in the discounts that you get with a Cricut Access subscription, I’m hard-pressed to find better prices anywhere else, including Amazon.

But if you need something quickly, I recommend Amazon or your local craft shop.

Find all of my recommended vendors on our Where to Buy page.

Buy Only What You Need

You don’t need to buy all the supplies at once. In the beginning, try cardstock projects. Then try adhesive vinyl. Pick the one thing you’re most interested in first and buy supplies for it.

Some craft project types will require more supplies than others. For example, if you choose adhesive vinyl or HTV crafts, you will also need to buy craft blanks like mugs, tumblers, and T-shirts. Paper crafts are a good place to start because the required materials are much less expensive.

Use Your Materials

Don’t be afraid to use your materials. That’s why having a big supply of white, inexpensive cardstock is important. You will make a lot of mistakes. Allow yourself to make them so you can learn. And don’t forget to have fun!

Conclusion

I hope this list has been helpful in providing you with the tools, accessories, materials, and organization items that will be essential to your Cricut crafting. If you’ve found anything you can’t live without or something that’s been important to you, please share it in the comments below so I can add it to the list. I love hearing from you!

Also, if you’re interested in what you might need for sublimation, check out our guide on Everything You Need for Sublimation. 

Until next time, happy, happy crafting!

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