Did you know that you can cut felt with your Cricut Maker but also with the Explore family and even with the Cricut Joy? But be careful, there are some subtleties and that's what I'll explain.
There are several types of felt and they are not all created equal!
So I'll explain the differences and which Cricut with which blades can cut them. This post contains links to affiliated products for your convenience and at no additional cost to you. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Cricut felt
A material that is made by Cricut also means that it is a custom-designed material for Cricut machines.
Cricut felt comes in combo packs containing 12 x 12 sheets of different colours. Here is an example:
But it is thinner than regular acrylic felt (see next category).
Much thinner.
You can see the difference here:
Acrylic felt
This is the one you've probably seen the most.
It is easily found online and mostly in DIY stores and even in dollar stores. It is often identified as 100% polyester.
But this is the first time, in September 2022, that I see acrylic felt at Dollorama that is as thin as Cricut felt!
So I'm going to have to differentiate between "regular acrylic felt" and "thin acrylic felt". You'll see why below.
Felt made with a mixture of merino wool and rayon
Its name says it, it is real wool mixed with rayon. If you're ready to invest a bit of money in your project, this felt is really great! It has the thickness of acrylic but is softer.
On this, I'll take my friend Cori from Hey Let's Make Stuff word, because not only is this felt hard to find in Canada, but it's also expensive. See below under what conditions I recommend this felt.
Which Cricut to use to cut felt?
If we summarize, for the types of felt, we have:
- Cricut felt
- Regular acrylic felt
- Thin acrylic felt
- Wool-rayon felt
What is important to know is not which Cricut can cut which felt, but rather which felt can be cut with the fine point blade!!! The blade that comes with all Cricut.
All the felts mentioned above can be cut with the fine point blade, except the regular acrylic felt. It seems to be just too thick!
Even the Cricut felt with the parameter "Cricut felt" needed a second pass. (Hence the importance of always checking if the cut is complete before unloading the mat!)
And again, there were a few little threads left that were not cut.
It was the same for thin acrylic felt. I managed to cut it with the fine point blade, the "Cricut felt" setting and by adding a second pass.
Do you have a Maker?
If you have a Maker, you will be able to use the rotary blade.
The rotary blade? What's that?
It is a blade that only works in the Cricut Maker family and that allows you to cut fabric (and other materials).
👉 This is by far the best way to cut all the felts and my favourite way. It is also the only way to cut the regular acrylic felt.
If you are lost and want to know more about the different blades and tips and know what material you can cut with them, check out this post and download my free cheat sheet!
Which felt to choose?
Several things are to be considered as what machine you own, what type of project you want to make and also what colours you need!
Machine and blade
First, consider which Cricut machine you own.
Note that if you have the Maker you are lucky The rotary blade is included in the box. However, it is not included with the Maker 3.
👉 If you have the rotary blade, you can cut any felt.
👉 If you have a fine point blade only, you should avoid regular acrylic felt.
Colours
Acrylic felt, regular and thin, is rather limited in colour choices! Especially if you buy it at the dollar store.
The Cricut felt comes in packs of several colours that are, let's say, "more to my taste"!! 😅
The type of project
Some projects will be more suitable for thick felt. Like for example, rolled flowers.
If you only have the fine point blade and your project requires a thick felt, the purchase of wool-rayon felt would be recommended.
Which Cricut mat to use to cut felt?
You can use just about any mat to cut felt. The important thing is that there's good adhesion to prevent the felt from moving.
I have occasionally added a piece of tape to the corners to make sure the felt fits in place.
One thing is certain, felt will leave a residue on your mat. You can see here what the Cricut felt left. 😥
But know that you can wash your mat. Did you know? It's super simple! Watch this short video:
Unfortunately, acrylic felt (and especially dark colours) leaves even more residue than Cricut felt!!!
That's why I advise adding a backing to the felt!
I use the sticker paper sold to cover the books. Yes, the one that can be found at the dollar store. See how to do it here:
