If you are a Cricut user, then surely you know that this brand makes some smart tools and machines. You know about its capabilities and how useful it is. But did you know that apart from cutting materials, you can use pens to simplify the crafting process significantly? But how to use Cricut pens? Cricut machines are not only used for cutting different shapes out of paper or vinyl. These machines use pens to create doodles, illustrations, and intricate designs. However, you need to know some basic steps you need to perform when you are designing your projects to make them better.
Using the pens is easy and straightforward, but the important thing is that you know the process. Read this blog to discover all about Cricut pens and what projects you can make with them.
What Types of Cricut Pens Are Available?
All of the current Cricut machines can use a pen, whether Maker, Explore, or Joy. The Maker and Explore machines have interchangeable pens, and Joy has a lineup of small pens. Joy pens are incompatible with other machines due to their unique, smaller size. Before you proceed with how to use Cricut pens, here is the list of pens that you can use with the machine:
Fine Point Pens
This has an F stamped on it for fine, has a 0.4mm tip, and comes in multiple colors.
Extra Fine Point Pens
These are finer, and the pens are just 0.3mm thick.
1.0 Pens and Markers
They have a thickness of 1.0mm and can be called markers, too.
Gel Pens
Gel Pens have a roller ball instead of a tip and are 0.8 mm in size.
Glitter Gel Pens
It has a roller ball and is 0.8 mm in size.
Calligraphy Pens
These pens have a gray barrel and have C stamped to denote calligraphy.
Infusible Ink Pens
It has a 1.0mm tip, and it is used for sublimation and infusing the ink on the surfaces.
How to Use Cricut Pens: Easy and Simple Steps
Placing or installing pens is easy, but if you are a beginner, then it will be a new thing for you. Always use the pens carefully, and pens should always be fitted to the clamp A of the cutting machine. Here, I am going to show you something different about using Cricut pens to create a simple gift tag. Now, let’s look at the below process to understand how to use it:
- First, go to the Design Space and click on a new project to create a design.
- Then, create a design, or you can choose a text that you want to use with your pen. Cricut Design Space has its own vast library of images for your DIY projects.
- Now, remember you have to draw, not cut the image. So, go to the Edit toolbar, and from there, select the Draw option in the Layers panel.
- When you click the colored square box next to the line type dropdown, you can select the type of pen and choose the Fine Point pen.
- After you have completed drawing your design, it is time to add text. In the Font menu, you can filter by Cricut Writing fonts. Choose the writing style font.
- You can insert a shape into your Canvas. Then, using the Align tool, you can change its size and color and move it to the back of your Canvas.
- Next, select your drawing and text layer and click Attach on the right-hand side of the Layers panel.
- On the preview screen, your image will appear on the mat. Click Continue, and in the Make screen option, select the material you are using. Here, I am using cardstock. The Cricut Design Space app will prompt you to insert your pen, and you can use a fine-point blade.
- In the last step, you have to insert your mat into the machine, and your machine will draw and cut the tag.
Conclusion
Now you know how simple it was to learn ‘how to use Cricut pens‘.? In this post, I have explained the types of pens and how you can craft your project with the pen. After reading this blog, you can choose a pen for your project, load it into the machine, and start crafting. Start crafting with your pen and unlock the full potential of the machine.
FAQs
How Do You Load the Pen Into Cricut Machine?
When you open the machine, you will see two clamps: Clamp A and Clamp B. To load the pen into your cutting machine, open Clamp A and insert the pen into it. Gently press the pen into the clamp until it fits properly, and you hear a click sound. Then, close the cover, and you are ready to use the machine.
What Are Cricut Pens?
Cricut makes different types of pens, which are great ways to add drawn or handwritten details to your projects. Cricut pens come in different sizes and can be easily loaded into the machine. This can be used for various creative projects, such as writing on gift tag cards or adding doodles.
What Is the Difference Between Cricut Pens and Markers?
A Cricut pen usually has a fine tip, which allows it to create a thinner line, compared to a marker, which has a thick tip and creates a thicker line. Pens are ideal for writing detailed text, signatures, or fine lines within a design, whereas markers are better for filling large areas with color.