Are you wondering about the best Cricut for making shirts? If yes, then I’ve brought you here! In this blog, I will help you find a robust Cricut cutting machine for creating a personalized shirt.
As a crafter, I have also been blogging for the past few years, and I love sharing my experiences through blogs. So, let me tell you about a similar incident that happened a few days ago. One of my cousins, Jenny (a pro crafter), came to visit me, and while chatting a lot, we started talking about my blogs and the projects I was making. Being a crafter herself, she had used almost all types of Cricut machines.
So, I asked her opinion before writing this blog. I was surprised that we both had the same opinion. Want to know what that was? For this, you have to dive into this blog. You will find the answer to the question – what is the best Cricut machine for making shirts, including the pros and cons of using a particular machine? So, let’s get started!
1. Cricut Explore Air 2
Jenny’s and my first machine was Explore Air 2. We have made many shirts on it, and the experience of making shirts over this machine was overwhelming. However, this machine is one of the oldest models in the Cricut Explore series. That day, it used to be my favorite machine, but as Cricut launched its new model, such as Maker or Maker 3, I found these two to be better than their predecessor.
The feature is 22 inches long, 7 inches deep, and 6 inches tall, and it weighs 11 pounds. Now, let me discuss the pros and cons so that you can understand who has the best Cricut for making shirts.
Pros:
- Cuts 100+ Materials, including infusible ink and iron-on
- Support regular infusible ink pens and markers
- Since it is an older model, you can get it at a cheaper price
- Allows you to cut the designs up to the size of 11.5 inches by 11.5 inches
- It can also cut your designs up to 11.5 inches but 23.5 inches, making it a perfect fit for your shirt design.
Cons:
- Can’t cut Smart Materials
- Not suitable for cutting the design in bulk
2. Cricut Explore 3
Okay, so let’s move on to Explore 3, which debuted in June 2021. As of now, this is the latest machine in the Explore series. Currently, its non-sale price is $299.99. However, I felt the weight was the same as the Cricut Explore Air 2, but Jenny was saying it was a hair heavier.
Whatever, now let me tell you the pros and cons to reveal whether it is compatible with making a shirt. As a result, you will be able to find your best Cricut for making shirts.
Pros:
- Cuts 100+ Materials, including infusible ink and iron-on
- Supports regular infusible ink pens and markers
- Can cut Smart Materials without a mat
- However, the cut size is the same as the Explore Air 2 if using a mat and regular iron-on.
- Repeat cuts of larger designs
Cons:
- Comes with a Fine-Point blade only, and hence, extra tool heads cost extra.
3. Cricut Maker
Jenny loves the Cricut Maker, as it was her first experience using such a robust cutting machine. It also easily and quickly cuts a variety of materials. It debuted in 2017 and is currently available for $399.99. Obviously, it was heavier than the Explore machines.
Let’s see the pros and cons to get a better overview.
Pros:
- Cuts 300+ Materials, including infusible ink and iron-on
- Support regular infusible ink pens and markers.
- Comes with a unique swap tools feature, allowing you to use the engraving tip, perforation blade, debossing tip, knife blade, and more.
Cons:
- It is expensive to make shirts only.
4. Cricut Maker 3
Now, here comes the Cricut Maker 3. Jenny and I are currently using this machine. Nothing can replace this cutting-edge machine. But is buying such a premium machine just to make a shirt worth it? The answer is No. If you are planning to design your shirts only, you should not consider it. It would be better if you were doing more than just making shirts.
Although Maker 3 is exactly the same as the Maker model. Let’s see the pros and cons to figure out whether it is the best Cricut for making shirts.
Pros:
- Cuts 300+ Materials, including infusible ink and iron-on
- Support regular infusible ink pens and markers
- Often on sale so that you can get it for cheaper
- Cut size, material types, and speed make it different from its predecessor
- Cut Smart Materials without a mat
Cons:
The only cons I know is that if you are buying it just for making shirts, then it is too expensive for you. Thus, it is better to skip it and consider some other Cricut model.
Final Words
Overall, I have covered all the Cricut cutting machines, and it may help you find the best Cricut for making shirts. Whether you are using the Cricut Explore or Maker series, they can easily help you make the best shirts, but the question is whether all machines are really worth it because it depends on your budget and the purpose. If you are buying machines just for creating shirts, then you should only consider cheaper machines like the Explore series.
FAQs
Question 1: What is the best Cricut machine for making shirts?
Answer: If you want to start your new business for T-shirts, you should go with Cricut Maker 3. This machine is robust and has a lot to offer in terms of precise cuts. This powerful machine can finish your cutting design in a couple of minutes. Multiple tools are supported in this machine, making it easy for you to get the desirable cuts for your T-shirts.
Question 2: What is the best Cricut material for my shirts?
Answer: Cricut iron-on is one of the best materials for use on shirts. Its heat-activated backing allows it to adhere to the base properly when it is heated. Also, it comes with a guarantee to withstand up to 50+ washes, so it lasts really longer than other materials. Hence, if you are making a T-shirt and want a material, you can go for iron-on.
Question 3: How much will it cost me to make a shirt with Cricut?
Answer: Once you have a Cricut machine for shirts, you only have to invest money in materials. You can get the iron-on materials for less than $10. However, the rolls of iron-on will come in the size of 12” x 24”. Besides, you have to buy a new shirt. So, these two items should be included in your cost.