3 best cutter machines

Cutter machines, often referred to as "die-cut machines," are versatile tools used in various creative and crafting endeavors, particularly in the realms of scrapbooking, stamping, and other arts and crafts. These machines are designed to precisely cut various materials into specific shapes, making them a valuable asset for hobbyists, crafters, and artists. Here are some key points about cutter machines:

Die Cutting and Embossing: Cutter machines are primarily used for die cutting and embossing. Die cutting involves using custom-shaped dies to cut out precise shapes from materials like paper, cardstock, fabric, and even thin metal. Embossing, on the other hand, adds raised or recessed designs to materials.
Materials: Cutter machines can work with a wide range of materials, including paper, cardstock, vellum, vinyl, fabric, leather, foam, and more. The ability to work with different materials makes them versatile tools for various crafting projects.
Operation: Cutter machines operate by passing the chosen material through rollers and using pressure to cut or emboss the material according to the selected design. The design templates or dies are typically made of metal or plastic and come in various shapes and sizes.
Electronic vs.Manual: There are two main types of cutter machines: electronic and manual. Electronic machines are often computer-controlled and allow for more intricate and precise designs. Manual machines require hand-cranking and physical effort but are still capable of producing excellent results.
Software Compatibility: Electronic cutter machines are often compatible with design software that allows users to create custom designs and patterns. These designs can be imported into the machine for cutting or embossing.
Applications: Cutter machines are used in a wide range of applications, including scrapbooking, card making, vinyl cutting for decals and signage, fabric cutting for quilting and appliqué, and creating custom invitations and paper crafts.
Brands: Several popular brands offer cutter machines, including Cricut, Silhouette, Sizzix, and Brother. Each brand may have its own line of machines with varying features and capabilities.
Accessories: To enhance the functionality of cutter machines, there are various accessories available, such as different types of blades, embossing folders, cutting mats, and adapters for using third-party dies and embossing folders.
Crafting Community: Cutter machines have a dedicated crafting community, and many users share their project ideas, tutorials, and tips online through forums, social media, and crafting blogs.

In summary, cutter machines, also known as die-cut machines, are valuable tools for crafters and artists. They enable precise cutting and embossing of various materials, making them versatile for a wide range of creative projects in the realms of scrapbooking, stamping, and arts and crafts. These machines come in both electronic and manual versions, each with its own set of features and capabilities to cater to different crafting needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best cutter machines on the market

Cricut Explore Air 2 Mint

Cricut

Based on 16 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Cricut explore air 2 is a DIY Speed machine. This quick, smart cutting machine lets you make projects with over 100 different materials. Plus, save even more time with Cricut mobile Apps and predesigned projects.

CREATE MORE: The Cricut Explore Air 2 is your personal DIY cutting machine. It will flawlessly cut over 100+ different types of materials including premium vinyl, iron on and htv vinyl, cardstock, faux leather, adhesive foils, specialty paper, poster board and more
ENDLESS PROJECT POSSIBILITIES: The Cricut Explore Air 2 makes it so easy to create a wide arrange of DIY projects. Make custom stickers, personalized home decor, home-made gifts and party favors, unique greeting cards, custom designed apparel, and more
INCLUDED WITH MACHINE: Each machine includes a Cricut Premium Fine Point Blade and Housing, a Cricut 12 inch x12 inch Light Grip Adhesive Cutting Mat (perfect for vinyl and htv projects), a Cricut Black Fine Point Pen, access to Cricut's design software Design Space, and a 2 week free trial to Cricut Access
DESIGN FOR FREE: Upload or create and design your own images for free from your computer, tablet or mobile phone using Cricut's free design software design space. Enhance your design space experience by subscribing to Cricut Access, Cricut's vast library of over 100,000 images, fonts, and make it now projects and designs
BECOME A PART OF A COMMUNITY: We know it can be intimidating to start creating your first DIY projects, so don’t do it alone. When you buy a Cricut you become part of a close-knit community of crafters, makers and DIYers. There are dozens of groups across all social media platforms that allow our members to share tips, ask for help and share their projects and inspiration with an amazing community

User questions & answers

Question:	Can i use with a window based computer or does it have to be a MAC
Answer:	We just got out of a Cricut class tonight, 10/14/2019) at a local Michaels. We (my wife and I) both downloaded the DesignSpace software in class from the Cricut website to our Windows 10 laptops and after downloading a small Windows add-in, were able to launch DesignSpace, create and cut projects successfully from out laptops. We also had out Apple iPads and downloaded the Apple Store DesignSpace app and had no problem using them to design and cut. Can’t speak about the Mac though...
Question:	I am looking to get my first Cricut machine. Will the faster speed matter or should I save some money and get the previous version to learn on
Answer:	The only difference between the air1 and air2 is the speed of the cut and the color options for the machines. I have the air2 and I honestly haven't even tried the faster cutting option because I've been cutting really delicate things and I was afraid that it would rip the material at a faster speed. I guess this question depends on how much you would use it and for what. I don't, by any means, think the air1 is "slow".
Question:	I want a machine to cut out my own designs from photoshop/illustrator, I'm not interested in any of the library images etc. Can this do this, well
Answer:	Through personal experience, the Cricut Design Space software let’s you upload svg files, but not ai or eps. The best advice for cutting images from Illustrator is to use a USCutter instead, it uses a software called Sure Cuts A Lot and works with alot of file types (ai, eps, svg)
Question:	what are included in the box in addition to the mashineeverything you need to get started (what’s included in the box) • cricut explore air™ 2 machine
Answer:	here is whats included.....Cricut Explore Air 2 machineCricut Design Space software and appGerman carbide premium bladeUSB cord and power cordAccessory adapter100+ free images50+ free projectsGetting Started guidePen and cardstock sampleCricut 12″ x 12″ StandardGrip cutting mat

Product features

Cut

Cut intricate details with ultimate precision, from lace stationery designs to fine snowflakes and spider webs for holiday decor.

Write

Use Cricut Pens to make 'handwritten' cards and projects. Choose from over 370 fonts, or use a favorite font from your computer for free. Then sit back and watch Cricut Explore write away!

Score

With the Scoring Stylus, Cricut Explore machines create perfect fold lines for cards, envelopes, boxes, 3D paper crafts, acetate pinwheels, and much more.

Cut And Write Up to 2x Faster.

Make the most of every minute with the new Fast Mode – up to 2x faster cutting and writing for vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock. Get it exclusively with the Cricut Explore Air 2.

Cut 100+ Different Materials.

This machine cuts everything–from thin vellum to thick leather. The Smart Set dial and custom material selection in Design Space put more than 80 different material settings at your fingertips.

Design Anytime. Anywhere.

Are you a designer? Then this one’s for you! Upload and cut out your own artwork absolutely free. Upload files, and turn your masterpieces into home decor, cards, gifts, fashion, and more. Design on your computer, iPad, or iPhone with Design Space–free, cloud-based, easy-to-use software that lets you edit, customize, and preview projects. Choose from ready-to-make projects and thousands of Cricut images, or upload your own designs. Download the Design Space app for iOS to craft on the go, and try our new offline feature to design without an Internet connection!

Your Designs. Our Tools. Endless Possibilities.

Are you a designer? Then this one’s for you! Upload and cut out your own artwork absolutely free. Upload files, and turn your masterpieces into home decor, cards, gifts, fashion, and more.

Go Wireless.

The Cricut Explore Air and Cricut Explore Air 2 offer wireless cutting, writing, and scoring with built-in Bluetooth.

Choose Your Image.

Find images for every project, holiday, and style in the Cricut Image Library! We offer more than 60,000 images.

Print Then Cut. Simple As That.

Print full-color images and patterns, then watch your Cricut Explore machine cut them out for you! There are more than 50,000 printable images and 920 printable patterns in Design Space. Or you can simply upload your own!

Cricut Joy Machine - Compact and Portable DIY Machine For Quick Vinyl, HTV Iron On and Paper Projects | Makes Custom Decals, Custom T Shirt Designs, Personalized Greeting Cards, and Label Maker

Cricut

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Turn your inspiration board intentions into action with a little help from your DIY best friend, Cricut Joy. Ridiculously easy to set up and use, this smart little cutting and writing machine helps you make more in less time, so you'll find yourself personalizing, organizing, and customizing every single day. Cut vinyl decals for custom water bottles or wall decor. Quickly make kitchen or office labels. Bust out a birthday banner or a just-because card. It also works with Cricut Smart Materials for super-easy, super-long cuts without a cutting mat. Just load & go. With a plethora of projects that take just 15 minutes, Cricut Joy makes it fast and easy to make something unique for you – or anyone – at a moment's notice.

DIY Made Easy Whether you are new to DIY, or a seasoned crafter looking for a more convenient way to complete those quick projects. This smart little cutting, writing, and label making machine is perfect for you. Cricut Joy's small size makes it the perfect companion to the Cricut Air 2 or Cricut Maker machines
Add that personal touch adding that extra touch to your projects is easier than ever. Cricut Joy can make continuous cuts up to 4 feet and repeated cuts up to 20 feet using Cricut smart materials. (Available in Vinyl, HTV Iron On, and Label Vinyl varieties.) No cutting mat needed. Just load and go. Or use other popular materials like Cricut Infusible Ink, Cardstock, or Insert Cards using Cricut Joy Cutting Mats and Cricut Joy Card Mats
Get organized: See you later label maker. Cricut Joy can cut and write custom labels for a variety of home organization projects. Organizing the pantry, toiletries, storage bins and more with Cricut Smart Vinyl and Cricut Pens
Design for free: Upload and create your own designs for free using Cricut design space. Design on your computer tablet or mobile device using our iOs or Android apps. Take your design space experience to the next level with Cricut access, a monthly subscription to our vast library of over 100k images, fonts, and make-it-now projects
Included in the box: Cricut joy cutting machine, premium fine point blade and housing, fine point pen, standard grip mat (4. 5" x 6. 5"), welcome card, power adapter, free trial membership to cricut access (for new subscribers, 50 ready-to-make projects online, and sample smart material for a practice cut.)

User questions & answers

Question:	Do I have to have a laptop or printer
Answer:	Yes. You can use the Cricut Joy with your smart phone, Ipad or laptop. Is very easy to connect with bluetooth. Good Luck!
Question:	Where can I buy a new power cord
Answer:	I would check on amazon google it you might have to say what the cord is for. I would do it that way
Question:	I sometimes like to make my own cards, can i use my own cards with the cricut joy or do i need to buy cards and inserts from cricut joy
Answer:	You can use your own cards as long as they are A-2 size, and you need the card cutting mat. Beware: most images on the Cricut site cost extra money.
Question:	Can it cut 8.5 x 11 sheets
Answer:	No, the widest it can cut is 6.5" but the length can be 10'+!

Gemini Twin-Function Cutter & Embosser Crafter's Companion Junior Jnr Portable Die Cutting and Embossing Machine, White

Gemini

Based on 663 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Crafter's Companion Gemini Junior Portable Die Cutting and Embossing Machine The Gemini Junior machine is faster, lighter and quieter than other die-cutting machines The perfect machine to use if space is limited Portable and ideal to take to craft classes or weekends Platform size is 6" x 8. 9"Compatible with most thin metal dies and embossing folders The Gemini junior is perfect for portable use as it is a small compact and efficient machine. It is a good size platform so it doesn't compromise with crafting possibilities. Perfect to keep on the desktop or craft station for ease of use and accessibility and also portable to take to craft weekends, classes or to make around the house. The Gemini junior machine is faster, lighter and quieter than other die-cutting machines and has a sleep, low-profile design. It has been designed for intricate dies as well as for cutting heavyweight cardstock, vinyl, foil and multiple layers for fabric (depending on the dies used). It uses higher pressure than many other die-cutting and embossing machines allowing better cutting of elaborate designs. The machine also enables edge-to-edge cutting. It has the facility to pause, resume and reverse the plates within the machine. The platform size is 6x 8. 9. It is also compatible with most thin metal dies and embossing folders. All you need to get started is some card. Also included: 2 metal dies (11 pieces)1 3-D embossing folder2 clear Plates1 magnetic shim, 1 metal shim, 1 rubber shimPLEASE NOTE - This machine is 120V and therefore only compatible in the USA.

Gemini Jr comes with everything you'll need to get started right away
Works with most thin metal dies
Higher pressure than other machines allows for better cutting on elaborate designs
Works with heavyweight cardstock, vinyl, foil, leather, multiple layers of fabric and more
PLEASE NOTE DUE TO VOLTAGE DIFFERENCES THIS MACHINE IS ONLY COMPATIBLE IN THE USA

User questions & answers

Question:	Can you use this on 220v power outlet in Korea
Answer:	You can get a USB adapter if that helps
Question:	Does it connect to wifi
Answer:	Unfortunately, this machine doesn't connect to wifi.
Question:	would you need this one and the Gemini jr or is one enough
Answer:	I have all three. I mostly use a Gemini jr and Gemini go. Love them!
Question:	how many die cuts are included in this kit and what are their shapes and sizes? I am looking specifically for a square template
Answer:	There were none. The machine came with cutting plates, but no specific dies! It is a complete cutting machine but there are no dies with it!

Product features

Gemini Junior

The Gemini Junior is perfect for portable use as it is a small compact and efficient machine. It is a good size platform so it doesn't compromise with crafting possibilities. Perfect to keep on the desktop or craft station for ease of use and accessibility and also portable to take to craft weekends, classes or to make around the house.

The Gemini Junior machine is faster, lighter and quieter than other die-cutting machines and has a sleep, low-profile design. It has been designed for intricate dies as well as for cutting heavyweight cardstock, vinyl, foil and multiple layers for fabric (depending on the dies used). It uses higher pressure than many other die-cutting and embossing machines allowing better cutting of elaborate designs.

The machine also enables edge-to-edge cutting. It has the facility to pause, resume and reverse the plates within the machine. It's platform size is 6" x 8.9". It is also compatible with most thin metal dies and embossing folders.