Cricut Smart Materials are crafting materials that work without the use of a cutting mat. They can be used with compatible Cricut machines like the Cricut Maker 3, Explore 3, and Joy Xtra. Using these kinds of materials can save you time, so let’s look at what Smart Materials are.
What Makes a Material “Smart”?
Cricut figured out a way of creating a special backing they can add to their cutting materials that allows you to cut without the use of a mat! This means you can cut longer lengths without having to reload your cutter. You can cut up to 12 feet in one go, which is ideal if you’re a small business owner or crafter who needs to cut designs in bulk. Simply load the Smart Material straight into your machine without a mat and begin cutting. This saves so much time, which is a game changer for small business owners who need to use their time wisely.
Which Machines Work With Smart Materials?
Cricut’s Smart Materials only work with newer versions of their machines. The Cricut Maker 3, Explore 3, and the Joy Xtra all have the capabilities to cut Smart Materials. So if you have an older model, you won’t be able to cut with Smart Materials.
Types of Cricut Smart Materials
Not all materials come in Smart formation, however the main materials like vinyl, iron-on vinyl, label sheets, and paper are all available. These are great to play around with to see what can save you time in your craft projects.
How Long Can I Cut with Smart Materials?
Smart Materials come in rolls so you have more flexibility to cut the exact amount you need. If you have a Cricut Maker 3 or Explore 3 you can cut up to 12 feet in length! That’s a whole lot of cutting while you sit back and relax. If you opted for the Cricut Joy Xtra, you can only cut up to 4 feet in length, but this is still a great time saver.
Benefits of Using Smart Materials
- No mat required = faster setup
- Great for big projects or bulk designs
- Works seamlessly with Cricut Design Space
- Cleaner cuts with less prep time
- Less waste—only use what you need
Can I Use Regular Materials Without a Mat?
Regular vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock must be placed on a cutting mat before cutting as they are too thin to hold themselves up and you won’t get the crisp, clean cut lines you want. So if you hate using cutting mats, Smart Materials can save you that hassle.
Are Smart Materials Worth It?
YES, if you…
- Want to create long decals or signs of up to 12 feet (or 4 on the Joy Xtra).
- Run a small business and bulk cut your designs to save time.
- Want to crack on with your projects instead of spending time setting up your cutting mat.
Maybe not, if you…
- Make small projects that fit on the mat or one-off designs.
- Own an older Cricut machine that doesn’t support Smart Materials.
- Already have a ton of standard vinyl and paper to use up.
Common FAQs About Smart Materials
Do I need a mat with Smart Materials?
No mat is required. Just load the material directly into the cutter.
Can I use Smart Materials on the original Cricut Maker or Explore Air 2?
No, they are only compatible with Maker 3, Explore 3, and Joy Xtra.
Are Smart Materials more expensive?
Yes, slightly. This is due to the no-mat convenience and longer rolls. So factor this into your business expenses before committing.
Can I cut intricate designs?
Yes, but use a slower setting for very detailed cuts.
Can I reuse leftover Smart Material?
Yes! Cut the leftover piece and use it again. If it’s too small to auto-feed, you can tape it to your mat.
Where to Buy Cricut Smart Materials
Make sure the products say “Smart” on the packaging.
- Cricut’s Official Store
- Amazon
- Michaels, JoAnn, Hobbycraft (UK)
Are Cricut Smart Materials Right for You?
Smart Materials aren’t an essential part of crafting but definitely help make cutting more convenient. They’re ideal for bulk craft projects or small business owners. They help speed up production and can reduce mess, but check your Cricut machine is compatible first before buying.
🔗 Helpful Links
- Browse all our Cricut-compatible SVG files [insert link]
