You have no idea how nice it is for someone in your position to be real to your audience and tell it like it is! Whether you've worked with Cricut before or not, most Crafters/RU-vidrs care too much that there might be a possibility to work with them in the future that they would never make video and post it and be truthful about the downsides about products for a large brand like Cricut. So I applaud you! Thank you!
For myself, I have had no issues with the press or the vinyl. But with that being said. It depends on the project I have done. The larger it is, at times I can have a bit more hassle weeding etc. I have tried iron on and reg vinyl in assorted brands, for example Siser, and it gives me a lot more hassle then cricut brand. Also just new to the infusible ink as I only recently received the mug press and absolutely love their inks. My projects have turned out fantastic. Being on a pension/budget, I usually look for sales and I do not hesitate at all buying cricut brand. I guess it’s just user preferences in the end. What works for some may not for others. 😊
I almost always have SOME problem weeding Cricut vinyl and getting it to stick to the transfer tape, whereas the times I've used Oracal, it was an absolute dream from start to finish! Thank you for your honesty!
3:54 I wish I had seen something like this weeks ago when I went on a splurge and bought a bunch of Cricut Vinyl after getting a Maker for Xmas. I made my very first project today and it was a nightmare weeding the project. It ended up tearing and I was so frustrated! I do plan on making items to sell at our local craft fairs so I need to feel secure that what I am buying to make these projects with will stand up to the test of time. Thanks for your great videos! They truly are helpful to us beginners!
I'm a Cricut addict as well. I did buy a Cricut Light Pad and returned it the next day. Not sure what I expected but it didn't do what I needed it for. I'd like a smaller size light pad. I thought I was losing my mind with the Cricut vinyl ! It worked before and now it doesn't. I vote for the Cricut Auto press because it opens up when the project is done...way too big and expensive though. I have a love hate relationship with Infusible Ink sheets. Thanks for your honesty!
The light pad is very helpful for me. I am color deficient, and my eyesight is bad. My daughter bought the light pad for me for Christmas a few years ago. She got it 50% off. I wish I had thought to put it up against the window though.
Normally I don't comment but today I think I will. Couple of things: I've had no trouble with the Cricut vinyl. I have phrases and stuff on my walls at work that I made and even a huge sign for my boss's laundry room that he asked for. It's worked really well. The Bright Pad, for me, is really helpful when weeding anything or even other stuff that I do that might require a little more light for these old eyes. As far as infusible ink goes...I love it and think it's a GREAT alternative when you don't have room for another printer dedicated strictly to sublimation. I'd like to get into sublimation but I just don't have the room. And there are companies who have transfer sheets with all kinds of designs that you can use. I just made 5 tumblers using Cricut infusible ink transfer sheets for my boss and 4 friends of mine. While it's hard to wrap around the tumbler, hold with one hand, and put heat tape on it, the results are gorgeous. I actually wish Cricut would make more designs because sometimes the off brand ones don't have the stickiness needed, but they still work. I have the larger heat press but I rarely use it so not sure why I even bought it other than I can use it to make more than one coaster at a time. :)
I would say my skillet with cricut/crafting is advanced, I thought the issues with cricut vinyl was me. I had to make custom cut settings so the vinyl would cut all the way and was weedable. I bought vinyl from j&j packaging and printed the same projects and it printed without issues or the need for my custom cut settings. I have noticed a huge difference with any vinyl that is not cricut. Thanks for the helpful tips!
I just bought a cricut and a whole bunch of vinyl and I have had the hardest time with it! I'm so thankful for this video and your honesty. I'll probably return all of the vinyl I have bought from that brand. Thank God I still have time to return..
Great video! I sent Cricut a message to ask them to make the “PRINT AND CUT” area bigger like the Siser machine! I don’t want to buy another machine just for that feature!
I initially started with Cricut vinyl and was ready to sell or give away my Cricut. Then I found Starcraft and was on the phone calling everyone about it. Lol, unfortunately most of them had no idea what I was talking about but oh well I was excited. 😆 🤣 😂
I need to try another brand of vinyl as I'm REALLY struggling with Cricut brand vinyl to the point that it's becoming frustrating, and I've only been doing this a VERY short time. I have SO much to learn, and your channel is an amazing help.
My sister said same as you about cricut vinyl...i just thought she was crazy as how could such a top name be so bad....but you have now made me apologize to her !!!!! thanks!!!!!!!
The bright pad is perfect for tracing - I know someone who does a lot of embroidery and she traces her designs onto her product using a bright pad - she loves it
I've never had a problem with the Cricut vinyl, but I've had nothing but issues with Orcal! It flakes while cutting, no matter what settings I've used, and just comes apart. Cricut vinyl has always held up well, it's never splintered or flaked off while cutting, and it's definitely my reliable go-to!
Omg I wish I would've seen this months ago and listen to you! I agree 100% of everything you said. I have the the light pad and it's true only glitter works. The heat press, their vinyl and sublimation ink could use improvements. I do not have glue gun, thanks for saving me 40 dollors!!
I fully agree about the vinyl it's horrible and doesn't last. With my t-shirt business, customers immediately saw the differences when I bought a heat press. Your vinyl feels better and lasts longer. I agree 💯 with you. Thanks for being honest! I'm considering moving to cameo 24" because the print n cut on design space will not allow large t-shirt images. If they would fix that, I would stick with design space. It has cost me loads of time cutting images and piecing them together. An order of 25 to 50 shirts takes forever that way.
We jumped right into a multi-function heat press that came with a mug attachment and attachments for making hats and some flat plates for doing smaller flat projects.
I agree that the Cricut vinyl sucks. I had so much trouble when I first started using my Cricut, that I just wanted to give up. I didn't realize it was a vinyl problem--I thought it was something I was doing wrong. Then I bought some Oracle vinyl & could not believe the difference. It was such a better quality, & I am enjoying using my Cricut more often now.
I spent a month watching your videos along with Jennifer maker and bethadilly before I was able to open my maker that was under the tree. So thankful I went with your recommendations on the StarCraft vinyl. I don’t even need to try a different brand. I used what came with my cricut first before ordering more. Never again will I use another brand unless it’s a very special color I see at the hobby lobby that I feel like I must have. It weeds sooooo easy and the cuts are always beautiful and crisp. I got 2 different bundles to get the vinyl as cheap as I could. However I will say the cricut transfer tape does outshine the hobby lobby transfer tape. I just did my baby’s nursery and after putting like 100 butterflies on the walls the cricut transfer tape kept it’s stick so much longer than the hobby lobby transfer tape. I had issues with hobby lobby’s after the very first use and it was more prone to tearing
I agree about Cricut's vinyl. The only brand's vinyl I dislike more than Cricut, is Dollar Tree. I got a Silhouette Portrait 3 a little over a year ago now and when I started cutting with it, I thought I was doing something wrong. I switched over to The Paper Studio, Oracal, and Siser brands and the cutting, weeding, and application process has been soooo much smoother. I have a 9x9 EasyPress 2 and almost got the 13x9 but I didn't because I heard it was heavy and I'm not the strongest, I feel even better about my decision now!
Great video! I would not spend the $$ on a mug press. I use a silicone mug sleeve and my oven at 400° for 15 minutes and it turns out awesome! And you can make several mugs using several sleeves @ about $10 each if doing a big project. Second, I wouldn't spend the $ on a Joy. For the price, I can see that many beginner crafters would outgrow the Joy and wish they had a full machine that can do what the Joy does and more for a bit more $, but worth the investment in the long run.
Thank you so much for being honest! I appreciate hearing the opinion of a professional. I’m glad you aren’t afraid to speak negatively about a product! I know that you will get flack but I for one learned and that’s important. Thanks again 😊
Regarding Cricut vinyl. I do not have any trouble with it. I agree there are other products that are as good and some better. I love the StarCraft sport flex HTV is amazing, for example. The infusible ink is safe if you weed while wearing gloves. I agree sublimating is much easier.
I got a cricut brightpad at target for $40 and I love it for when in working in a darker room. But I have the one that needs to be plugged in the USB charger. I just use a portable charger and take it anywhere. So it would recommend the rechargeable.
I have the bigger easy press and in the last couple of months the temperature on mine will get hotter. I’ll set it for like 365 and next thing you know it starts getting hotter and goes up to like 412. I have to watch it real careful to make sure it doesn’t do that because I already melted a shirt from it acting up. I did get a new heat press for Christmas and as soon as I get my new craft room set up I’ll start using it.
I love my light pad, but I use it for so much more than just cricut projects. Mostly, I use it for tracing sewing patterns. However, I have had amazing success using it for layering vinyl. I only have a mini heat press and I love it! I wouldn't want anything bigger. As for Cricut vinyl, my biggest struggle is getting it off the transfer tape. Other than that, it cuts, weeds, and eventually sticks really well. Infusible Ink just doesn't interest me, and I can't see spending so much on a glue gun...especially since it doesn't have a stand! Great video. Thanks!!
Light pads are amazing however the brightpad is way overpriced and you can get a bigger one on Amazon for less than what you paid for that one that is the same size as the bright pad is like $40 on Amazon
Thanks for the tips. As far as the auto press, I hated to spend the money. My wife and I have health concerns and the auto press works for us. And the infusible ink is really fun for mugs. No problems weeding with the Penpin (your recommendation). Amazon also has a wide variety of infusible ink sheets from other vendors. And we have a sublimation printer and that’s fun too. Thanks again for your recommendations.
I honestly thought I was going to have to give you the side eye about your review but I totally agree with you about your recommendations. I try to steer clear of Cricut vinyl at all costs because it is so hard to work with (I do sometimes, get suckered in when it goes on sale 😅). I have not purchased the lightbox from them but I do have a less expensive one at the recommendation of my daughter. It too only works with iron on vinyl, of any brand, for me-such a waste of $$. Recently, I became discouraged with my heat press and ruined a couple of small pieces that should not have been a problem for such a large heat plate. It got so bad that I finally just broke down and did the project with the mini press. I was worried about having to move the mini because of how sensitive to movement their Infusible Ink can be, but it actually worked MUCH BETTER than my large one. As for their Infusible Ink it has kept me out of the sublimation game because it is so precarious to use (maybe bc of my heat press) and I still have not decided on the "right" sublimation printer to invest my money in as over the years I feel I have wasted so much. New crafters are so lucky to have people like you who are great teachers and bold enough to speak the truth.
Cricut vynil used to be so good. I left crafting for a few years and returned to it after I was gifted about 70 cricut sheets last year. I had such a hard time with it. It kept tearing and felt so flimsy. I had to search for alternatives. Cricut vynil is really, in my opinion, badly and cheaply made. It is terrible. I have about 65 cricut vynil sheets laying around. Terrible product. It was really good at one time.
I haven't ever had a problem with my cricut vinyl ... If you would like to get rid of it I'll pay you for it ... Just give me a price ... LMK please ...
I got the bright pad for Christmas. I have a not so bright craft room, and old eyes, so I kinda like it! It does help me. Wait til you get old and have old eyes. Lol
I have the lamb also and we’ll worth the money it helps me more than anything I do agree the vinyl does stand up to StarCraft I hate weeding cricut products and can’t get them to transfer onto the transfer tape
I just recently bought Infusible Ink. I'm not selling my crafts and the investment $$$ for sublimation is too steep for how often I'd use it so Infusible ink is a good lower cost alternative and fills that particular niche for people who don't want yo invest major $$ but want to try it.
I personally, love infusible ink (I buy a cheaper one on amazon). I can use it on plush blankets, putting names and dates on it. however when i use it i try not to touch the sheets, i use gloves especially with the Circut brand, amazon brand it doesn't leave finger prints on.
Thank you for all of that helpful information. I was unaware of the heating issue with the large Easy Press. Thankfully I have the 9x9 which you said does not have that problem. I agree with you about the light mat. I think it is too expensive and not really necessary. I do have to say that I don't really agree with you about Infusible Ink, though. Not everyone can afford, or has the room for, a sublimation printer. I am one of those people. I have only used Infusible Ink once, but I had no problem with it. I would love to do sublimation someday, but for now Infusible Ink is the best option for me.
Very interesting video! I'm just getting started, and the idea that other vinyl will be easier to weed (while being less expensive at the same time, mind you) is amazing news. I would like to know which heat presses you recommend, as the only one I see linked above is the Cricut Mini?
The Cricut Bright Pad is an excellent tool - it has completely even light distribution, is compact, and works anytime, anywhere. Are you seriously suggesting that putting things up to a window to weed is better? Who among us has a window within reach at their desk? And only weeds on sunny days? And has no problem working vertically for long periods of time? And what if your windows have mullions? I'll keep my bright pad, thank you very much.
I was hoping you would comment on Cricut stencil vinyl. I think that stuff is horrible. What do you think Tanner? I have used all my Cricut removable vinyl for stenciling now I’m ready for something else. Thanks Tanner
I love all your tutorials, I have the auto press. I got it when hsn had a sale on it. I have their card and it was affordable. It's paid for and I love it. I'm into sublimation and it's paying off and it's the perfect real estate for the moment.
i have the auto-press, purchased it through hsn as well. haven’t used it for sublimation yet. actually im afraid of sublimation. since i cant afford a sublimation printer at this time. i did buy an ink jet that i hope will work buy switching the ink to sublimation ink. and one more note: i had to make 80 shirts for my sons 5th grade end of year celebration. i LOVED using my auto press for this large of a project. after all that…my hubby lost my cord…he cannot find a way to simply buy a new cord. so now it sits - UGH!!
@@Zanesmomma69 HI Linda, I use an Epson 2800 eco tank printer and converted over. Sawgrass is very expensive and sounds like it requires more maintenance. I bought mine at staples last year, and I'm very pleased so far. Hope this helps and also search you tube on how to convert to sublimation printer. 😇
I do agree the cricut bright pad does not do much. I have one and its no better than the cheaper version of a drawing pad i had. The vinly i have no problem with it but htvront seem easier to weed.
Interesting comments about the vinyl as I’ve always liked it and not had an issue (although I don’t use a huge amount ) however my vinyl is old and is probably pre change of product so might explain why I wonder why people don’t like it. I really enjoyed the infusible ink as I don’t have the space or need for a separate printer for the amount I would do so the ink sheets allowed my to do a few coasters as I would never be selling products
I have been a beginner cricut user (2 1/5 months). I feel confident doing almost any type of cricut project but not vinyl. Maybe the problem is I’ve been using cricut vinyl. Ty for being honest…
I think everyone goes through a trial and error period, coupled with a lot of research, LOL!, to find what works well for them. Your points are valid based on your personal experiences! Everyone will have different experiences, and everyone has a different budget. I've only used Cricut's IRON-ON (HTV) Holographic/Iridescent and Glitter vinyls and had no problems or issues, but I have heard of many that have trouble with their adhesive vinyls so I have avoided those so far. I do love Starcraft Softflex and find it AWESOME for t-shirt projects I make for my granddaughters--I also adore the matte finish! Because I like it so much, I haven't felt the need to explore other HTVs, such as Siser, although I do hear many good things about it. I have the Cricut EasyPress 2 (9x9") and it has been great for those same projects. I also have the mini press, but I tend to use that for applying HTV to my cards and paper craft designs. As a long-time paper crafter, I have used a window to weed glitter vinyl, but a light pad would probably be more comfortable; I may eventually invest in an inexpensive one like the Crayola brand I gave my granddaughter at Christmas for tracing. I don't need anything particularly fancy, as long as it works. The AutoPress, while cool and would actually benefit someone like me (arthritis and tendinitis), is out of my budget and I don't have the space for it, either. But, if I ever did purchase that style of press, I'd probably go with the HTVRont due to drawer design and that it is 1/3rd the cost of the Cricut brand machine. I don't have room for a sublimation printer, and haven't been keen on it, but I did buy Infusible Ink sheets and markers when I purchased the Mug Press; I'm not wild about the pens, but I had good luck with the sheets using simple, bold designs (including a two-color design), vs. delicate/intricate designs. Also, I use gloves when handling it, so I don't mar the surface with oil from my fingertips, etc. If I ever go beyond occasional use, I'll probably upload my designs to a place that will print the transfers and ship them back to me. I think the Cricut brand Foil Transfer Tips themselves actually work well, however their foil sheets vary greatly in quality so I have a hard time recommending that system for anyone looking to achieve consistent professional results. When it does work, it's beautiful, but more often than not, it is hit or miss and the waste of supplies and time is very frustrating. Which is too bad, because I loved the idea of not requiring heat to foil. 🤷🏻♀
Thanks for the information. I appreciate your honest reviews. I thought you should know the 12" x 10" Easy Press 2 is still listed in your "Shop Our Favorite Products" even though you are now saying you don't recommend it.
I love my bright pad for diamond painting I have had no problems with cricut vinyl. I have the original 9x9 easy press. I would love the autopress as I suffer from chronic pain/arthritis but it is out of my budget.
I wish I had of known this information before I bought a plethora of Cricut vinyl, Cricut infusible ink, a Cricut Bright pad, and the large heat press.
Hey Tanner, I've started watching your videos again b/c I just recently got back into the Cricut again. Unfortunatley, I sold my Cricut Maker b/c we moved and I wasn't really into crafting anymore. However, since moving, I'm kind of missing it and decided to start small with the Cricut Joy. Boy is this ever a small machine, lol. I bought it through Amazon, and unfortunately it has a defect but I did call Cricut and thank goodness they were able to replace it. They said they were disconnecting my current one which doesn't make sense because it doesn't work anyway, lol. So I'm guessing after watching today's video, that you are no longer working with Cricut, lol? I love all your videos and you make crafting fun again for me, thank you. Sincerely Janice in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (formerly BC)
I would love sublimation but realistically I wouldn’t use a printer enough to keep it in good working condition so Infusible ink is as close as I can get
Hello! Love your HONEST reviews!! We are considering updating our heat press and you mentioned that you would link some of your choices but I couldn't find any links...must have missed them. Can you list a few of your favs? Thanks!!!
yep - weeding and cutting, even with a firmer cut pressure is a pain. But I do love the adhesive they use on their permanent vinyl. What make as a permanent vinyl would you recommend?
I really appreciated the host's calmer approach in this video. His high energy, high excitement style is usually too much for me, I'm afraid. Not to try and dim anyone's light! It's my problem, I appreciate that! I just liked his calmer approach today lol
I have the auto press and love it. It works great and it popping up allows me to weed the next thing. For me it was worth it and I sold my 5 in 1 the same day I bought the auto press. I don't like infusible ink compared to sublimation. :)
I agree about the Cricut vinyl, I hate it, the HTV is a little better, I have a drawer full of Cricut vinyl because when I bought my explorer 2 it came with a coupon book and the vinyl was like 5 for $5 like that very cheap and I was also new to Cricut. The only Cricut press I have is the mini and I love it, my other press is a commercial 12x10 and it’s a perfect size for shirts etc and doesn’t take up much room, I do have some infusible ink vinyl that came in a mystery box that I have never used. I love your videos and thank you for all the knowledge you have given me.
I disagree with the Cricut Bright pad. Yeah, I never found that I "needed" it for weeding, but it has come in very handy for many other things, especially when tracing. Now, to be fair, I didn't pay full price for my Bright Pad, I got it on 50% off, so I feel it is definitely worth it when you can get it discounted.
I feel bad, I just dropped over $130 on cricut vinyl in anticipation of my maker 3 coming in the mail 😰 So I have a question about holographic vinyl. Have you had any experience using HTVRONT, TECKWRAP, or Lya vinyl? Thank you for the awesome videos? New subscriber here!
Ty for telling the truth!!! I use to love all cricut products until one failed cricut machine and all they could tell me was buy another one. Now I just like cricut. Buyer beware!
Hi, I am new in this crafting world and a new subscriber. Thanks for all the videos you made! I have a question, I saw in another video you recommending the cricut easy press 2 9x9 and I bought it, I haven’t opened the box but I want to use it for T-shirt’s (personal use), should I return it and get just the mini? I want the mini too so whatever you recommend I would get :) I do trust you! 😂
I just subscribed because Your video just popped up and I think you really explain things well. I love to craft and don’t have a cricut. I was thinking of getting one until I saw the price. Do you have a video for me to figure out if I would be able to use it and if it is easy for me or just a money pit. I am one of those people that when I got my first smart phone my niece had to show me how to use it so I love videos like yours.. thanks for any suggestions
I have such a hard time with cricut vinyl and it does not matter which one I try it's just the brand it's self it won't weed it use to be a great vinyl but sadly it has lost me as a customer but I love my cricut
Hard agree on the Auto Press. Another issue is that you can't get the same pressure from an Auto Press that you can from a traditional clamshell. 95% of the time that won't matter, but for those 5% of projects where you need very high pressure, it sure sucks that the product you put that much money into can't supply it for you. I agree that it's a great solution for people with arthritis or other physical difficulties preventing them from using traditional presses comfortably, but for everyone else it's not worth the price.
Yes I don’t really like Cricut vinyl I act over any thing would and will only use hobby lobby brand line it seems to work really well and seem to run on sale quit a bit
Wish this was out when I first started... :) I so agree with your opinion as I have used all but the glue gun and the auto press. I actually got the Cricut bright pad for diamond art. It really help with seeing the color codes in the design better. either way thank you
