Cuttlebug vs Cricut: Which Craft Machine is the Best Value for Your Money?
When it comes to crafting, one of the most popular choices is between a Cuttlebug and a Cricut machine. Both machines allow crafters to create intricate designs easily, but which one should you choose?
The Cuttlebug is a versatile machine that can emboss and cut various materials. It is lightweight, portable, and easy to use. The Cricut machine is a cutting and writing tool used on paper, vinyl, fabric, and other thin materials. It’s ideal for scrapbooking, card making, and home décor projects.
In this article, I’ll compare Cuttlebug to the newer Cricut machines and find out which is better for your crafting needs.
What is the Cuttlebug?
The Cuttlebug is a die cutter and embossing machine. It’s a manual machine that doesn’t require a computer connection.
It has an adjustable platform that accepts both A2-sized (4.25″ x 5.5″) and 12″ x 12″ materials. It also comes with several different dies, including intricate shapes and letters, to create unique designs.
Is Cuttlebug made by Cricut?
The Cuttlebug cutting machine was originally manufactured by Cricut.
What Kind of Material Can You Use with Cuttlebug?
Many different materials can be cut or embossed using your Cricut Cuttlebug machine. Here are a few of the materials that you can use with it.
These are just a few but you can use other supplies as well.
The height of your cutting materials should not exceed 1/8″. Attempting to cut through materials that exceed this height may result in incomplete cuts and may negate the machine’s warranty.
What is the Cricut?
Cricut is a brand that makes craft machines. Each Cricut model is an electronic cutting machine that can cut, write and/or engrave using different materials. The original Cricut Maker and other older models had several cartridges with pre-programmed designs, fonts, and shapes. But now you can find lots of designs in Cricut Design Space and Cricut Access.
The different models in the Cricut line include:
- Cricut Explore Air
- Cricut Joy
- Cricut Maker machine
The new Cricut machines require a computer connection. They are easy enough for beginners to use. You don’t have to tech savvy but if you get stuck, there are tips and tricks to connect Cricut to a computer.
You can use them for scrapbooking, greeting cards, and home décor projects. The Cricut also allows you to upload your own designs to cut out of a wide variety of materials, including vinyl, fabric, and paper.
Cuttlebug vs. Cricut: Which is Better?
When it comes to deciding between a Cuttlebug or a Cricut machine, it really depends on your crafting needs. Here are some of the main differences between these two:
Usability
The Cuttlebug is a little machine. It’s no bigger than a small pasta machine. So it’s great for creating intricate designs with embossing and cutting. It is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to take on the go. If you don’t have a lot of space and looking for easy storage of your machine, then it’s your best bet.
The main advantage of a Cricut machine compared to manual machines is that it’s digital. This allows you to use it with a mobile device with an internet connection.
With the newer Cricut machines you can use thousands of designs from Cricut Access or make and upload your own svg files.
Versatility
The Cuttlebug can be used to emboss and cut various materials, including paper, cardstock, thin metal sheets, fabric, and vinyl.
The Cricut machine has an adaptive tool system that includes a fine point blade and a deep cut blade. So you can use it on a wide range of materials. Let’s take a closer look at some of the things that you can cut and engrave with it.
- paper
- thin metals
- balsa wood
- fabric
- cardstock
- glass
- aluminum
Costs and Availability
When considering Cuttlebug vs. Cricut, it’s also important to consider both the price point and availability of both machines. The Cuttlebug is usually more affordable than the Cricut while offering excellent results.
However, the Cricut is a bit more expensive and may require additional accessories like cutting mats or blades. The biggest differences are that the Cricut machine is widely available from craft stores and online retailers, while the Cuttlebug may be harder to find in some areas. You might have some luck finding one at local garage sales, eBay, or internet forums.
Why is Cricut Discontinuing the Cuttlebug?
Recently, Cricut decided to discontinue Cuttlebug and Cuttlebug accessories. But the good news is that if you have an old Cuttlebug, you can still find Cuttlebug accessories like Cricut Provo craft cartridges and Cricut cartridges on Cricut’s website, at craft supply stores in your area, and online in places like Amazon.
Cricut states that it had to make the hard decision to discontinue the Cuttlebug because they want to focus on its cutting and writing products that are more popular with customers.
Final Thoughts
Cuttlebug and Cricut are both excellent machines for crafting. The Cuttlebug is more affordable and is good for small die cutting projects, while the Cricut is great for anything from big projects for small businesses or smaller personal projects.
I hope this article has helped you understand the differences between these two machines and make the best decision for your needs.
