Does Cricut Explore Air 2 Cut Felt?
Felt is a popular material for crafting due to its soft texture, vibrant colors, and ease of use. However, when it comes to cutting felt with a Cricut Explore Air 2 machine, many crafters have questions about its capabilities. In this article, we will delve into whether the Cricut Explore Air 2 can indeed cut felt and provide some tips and tricks for achieving the best results.
Can the Cricut Explore Air 2 Cut Felt?
Yes, the Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut felt, but it’s important to note that it may not work as well as cutting thicker materials like cardstock or vinyl. The Cricut Explore Air 2 has a cutting depth of 2.4 mm, which is sufficient for cutting felt, but it’s essential to use the right settings and tools to ensure a clean cut.
Preparing Your Felt for Cutting
Before you start cutting felt with your Cricut Explore Air 2, make sure to prepare the material properly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose the right type of felt: Opt for a high-quality felt that is not too thick. Thicker felt may require more force during cutting, which can lead to uneven cuts or jams.
2. Cut felt in small pieces: Felt can fray easily, so it’s best to cut it into small pieces to minimize fraying.
3. Use a stabilizer: Place a thin piece of stabilizer, such as heat-resistant paper or Cricut’s FabricGrip mat, under the felt before cutting. This will help to prevent the felt from slipping and ensure a clean cut.
Settings and Tools for Cutting Felt
To achieve the best results when cutting felt with your Cricut Explore Air 2, follow these settings and tool recommendations:
1. Material type: Select “Felt” from the material options in the Cricut Design Space software.
2. Blade depth: Set the blade depth to “3” or “4,” depending on the thickness of your felt.
3. Pressure: Set the pressure to “3” or “4.”
4. Cutting speed: Set the cutting speed to “3” or “4.”
5. Tool: Use the fine-point blade for cutting felt.
Additional Tips for Cutting Felt with the Cricut Explore Air 2
Here are some additional tips to help you achieve a clean cut when cutting felt with your Cricut Explore Air 2:
1. Let the machine warm up: Allow the Cricut Explore Air 2 to warm up for a few minutes before cutting felt to ensure the blade is at the correct temperature.
2. Use a cutting mat: Always use a cutting mat when cutting felt to prevent jams and ensure a clean cut.
3. Test your settings: Before cutting your final design, test your settings on a small piece of felt to ensure the blade is cutting correctly.
4. Be patient: Cutting felt can be a bit slower than cutting other materials, so be patient and allow the machine to work through the material.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cricut Explore Air 2 can cut felt, but it’s important to use the right settings, tools, and preparation techniques to achieve the best results. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create beautiful felt projects with your Cricut Explore Air 2 machine.
