How to use Cricut Cutting Machines (For Beginners!)

Hi everyone this video is a complete step by step, start-to-finish guide on how to use Cricut Maker and Explore Air 2. We start with machine unboxing and hook up, Design Space install and project upload, and finish with cutting out a vinyl decal!
To follow along I have included the free PNG used in this video. You can find it here: theappalachianhome.com/wp-con...
The materials I used in this video are listed below.
Cricut Maker amzn.to/3gzsugL
Cricut Explore Air 2 amzn.to/2ZFLzaK
Cricut Took Kit amzn.to/2ZIfmQ4
Cricut Vinyl (Pink Holographic) amzn.to/3cc2Aff
Cricut StandardGrip 12x24 Cutting Mats amzn.to/2X6Y4KT
The products listed may contain affiliate links, of which I may earn a small commission.

[@saltysalch2335]

I'm 12 and im trying to make a gift for my mom without her helping me, thank you so much this was so helpful

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That’s so sweet good luck on your project!!

[@InsomniaSounds.2x]

I’m 12 too and im trying to figure out how to do this without help from my mom 😆

[@Snj1705]

@@InsomniaSounds.2x .. I’m 12 too!! But I’m trying to surprise my sister.

[@ajones7002]

this is 2 sweet... I won't tell my age lol!!!! but retired and would like to make a little extra funds...

[@Jess_Bishop]

This is just the sweetest thread of comments! ❤

[@tracyharrison9238]

Finally! Someone who got down to business and explained the basics!

[@Fuck_Tarentum_Boro]

Finally someone who actually shows how to use the mats and what they are for.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

😊So glad this was helpful!

[@hooksettselfstorage1712]

@@AppalachianHomeCo I also am grateful that someone is actually giving us a demonstration of how to use the cricut. I got mine for Christmas last year and other than opening it I've not touched it!

[@MamaInTheMitten]

Cake looking for this exact thing too!

[@lizasmith2176]

Very helpful than the other videos that I've seen. 🥰

[@ampedupoutdoors7299]

I am trying to learn as much as possible to assist my wife in learning how to use" her " new Cricut. So far, you have been the best at explaining to a pure rookie. Great job. Subbed up to learn more.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Yay I’m so glad these videos are helpful!

[@ajones7002]

Right!!! viewing and gonna do a step by step with her tutorial...

[@manisone9077]

Pls my machine air 2 is not cutting paper. What can I do?

[@sushibinstwt_]

@@manisone9077 vinyl

[@GabrielMartinez-hw9ye]

Lmao I’m doing the same for my wife

[@pepesfrau]

Goodness! My daughter gifted me the Cricut Maker and I was lost as a puppy in the wild! Thank you for this!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You're so welcome!

[@74If]

I’m a complete beginner and still haven’t purchased a Cricut because I’m looking to see how difficult it is to use and what all I can actually do with it.. so far, I’m loving it and your videos are helping me, thank you so much ❤

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You are so welcome!

[@coradunlap1942]

My local library just bought a Cricut machine for patrons to use and I have been hoping to make a couple of Christmas presents with it. This video was so helpful! I feel more confident giving it a shot now. Thank you Christy!

[@justinecampbell356]

What a helpful video! I really like how you go step by step, even on the little things. I’ve decided to take on a few Christmas projects for my daughter and nephew. This helped my anxiety so much because I just got my machine this week!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That’s great I’m so glad this was helpful! Good luck on your Christmas projects!

[@helensmith7177]

Just ordered the cricut maker 2 days ago, can't wait to learn how to use it!!! Thanks for videos like this!

[@madisonwatts5976]

This was very helpful, me and my mom just got one but we had no idea how to use the machine so thank you!😁

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! I’m so glad this was helpful! Good luck with your new machine you will enjoy it!😊

[@lusanda02]

Thank you - quick and concise and straight to the point. I was about to box my Cricut back up and return it today.

[@YKBT512]

Thank you so much for explaining all these tools and what they are for..I've had my Maker for a few months now and this is because I had no idea how to do even the basic stuff. You are making it easy to understand. Much appreciated ma'am..

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Aw you're so welcome!

[@vikinglately]

You did a wonderful job of teaching this! I will be watching again when I unpack. I was intimidated, but this was hugely helpful. Lots of people on YT "know stuff," but they can't "teach stuff" well. Kudos.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I'm so glad this helped thanks for the comment!

[@SteviePaints]

Your videos are so good, Christy - clear, concise, and you have a wonderful voice! I appreciate all your hard work in making these videos.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Oh thank you that’s so nice!

[@ladygeena81]

Spoke for me. And I love the accent!

[@stephaniecrum9720]

I have watched about 20-25 videos on which cutting machine to buy and how each one works. You are BY FAR the best. Thank you for sharing yourself and your knowledge.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Aw I’m so glad!! Thank you😊

[@maryannrao6445]

@@AppalachianHomeCo Does the Machine come with a Cutting Board?

[@AmongUs-pp1dr]

Wow thank you this was so helpful. I’m 14 and I’m starting a designing business and this really did help me a A lot. Wish me luck 😆

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That’s so smart of you I wish I had tried starting a business A LOT sooner!! Best of luck keep working at it, don’t give up, and you will succeed.👍🏻

[@dore8610]

Good luck!

[@footyfan101ful]

Good luck!! Tell me how you are going!!

[@boujeebratz3848]

Good luck 👌

[@abbigoldman5904]

Good luck to you!

[@ettenaejodeveca6707]

Thank you for this video. I'm thinking about buying a Cricut but I never knew exactly how they worked. This video was perfect. XOXO

[@DiyDesignsOnADime]

I want to say Thank you for this video! I had only 1 Q and u had answered it from someone elses comment! I really feel GREAT with getting started now after having this Cricut a month! LOL

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Yay I'm so glad this helped you!!

[@Dachozan1]

Thx I got print press saw this this morning and ordered it praying that I’ll have my business up and going 💖🙌🏽

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That’s great!! Good luck with your business!!👏🏼

[@toyjones3742]

Greatly appreciate the step by step guide, especially for those of us whom are a bit technically challenged at times! ;-)

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you I’m glad this was helpful!!😊

[@christined.3728]

I got this machine for Christmas 3 years ago and it's been sitting because I don't have a clue how to even begin to use it. This is the 1st video that has helped. For people who are brand new to this, it helps to have the person giving a tutorial to speak to us like we've never heard the terminology before, like you did. I may actually be able to do something with this nice machine now--I really need it, just didn't know how to get started, till now. Thanks so much!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Oh that’s so great I’m so, so glad this was helpful for you! Hope you get started using your machine!!

[@evelynquinones7683]

Omg I got the the cricut explore for xmas and I'm so intimidated. I still haven't try..SCARE all the trimology is so confusing to me. Have to learn the cricut language so I can figure this machine out and start crafting..... omg

[@AyeshaShaSha]

You are the cutest! Love your accent! This was such a well filmed and well thought out video! I'm saving up for one of these and can't wait to get one! I bet this has been a great help to many. Thank you!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That’s so sweet of you thank you so much!!😊

[@AyeshaShaSha]

@@AppalachianHomeCo you're most welcome!

[@almalikialmaliki1377]

The best explanations I have found so far! Thank you!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That’s so great I’m so glad! Thank you!😊

[@lorettaperry5146]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us! I’m new at this and also 73 years old.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You’re welcome!! Good for you!🙌🏻

[@user-rk4yu7io1s]

Wonderful video. It was so informative, delivered in a concise, straight to the point way. Thank you!!!

[@amberdean458]

Out of all!!! The video's iv watched. I understand this one. Thanku for explaining so detailed, and slowly.

[@aolcnc]

We have been engaged in the production of digital cutting machines, your video has given us a lot of inspiration！

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That's so great I'm glad!!🧡

[@jopagnotta2456]

Thank you!!! I was hesitant to buy a machine. Because of you... I’m going for it!!!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Yay! You will love it!👍🏻

[@ms.herrera681]

Thank you for a thorough explanation.

[@lauracardona872]

I want to thank you 🙏 so much for for this video ,I have a circuit air 2 for two years and I have never used it because I had not found someone to show me how to use it so that you I will follow you so I can learn thank you so very much

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Aw thank you! I'm so glad you can finally use your machine!💕

[@mandiihuynh6393]

Oh my, I am very eager to use the cricut machine. You have so far explained in depth and precisely. Thank you so much. ❤ 😊

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You are so welcome!

[@rflo777]

Wow..thank you for concise instructions on the use of cricut machine and design space. I feel better to start a small project. Love you demonstrates.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you!😊

[@lashawright9754]

Thank you so much for the introduction it's so helpful. I'm 15 and started my own business thank you so much for explaining everything step by step it was very helpful.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You are so welcome!

[@Solisvanessa748]

Just watched it and I can’t wait til I get to do my business soon when I get my cricut this video is very helpful you explained it on point thank you very much and wish you the best of luck!💓

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you so much good luck with your business as well!💜

[@LauraFunFunFloweries]

Thank you for this vid, & I subscribed. I don't have a, Cricut machine, but my mom & I have been very interested in them, for shirts or tote bags, for us/personal use, since, JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts, first got them. I want to make stuff, but anxiety & I don't know how, holds me back, massively. It's all the talented & helpful people like you, offering up your time, to help all of us, like me, lol. Thank you, so much!!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Aw you are so welcome! I was so intimated by my Cricut ar first but practice a few times and you will love it. Best of luck!🥰

[@seokjinnieminnie4631]

Yes Thank you needed this I’m going to buy one since I wanna start my own online store with my art and stuff

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You’re welcome! That’s great you will really enjoy it!

[@erinkirsch5901]

So helpful! Thank you!

[@MelCarter9]

Your video is extremely helpful. I am new to cricut and am trying to learn as much as possible.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That’s great!! So glad to help you getting started.😊

[@nicolecollins1075]

Amazing video, you’re so clear and concise!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That’s so nice thank you!

[@simplyfurnisart1777]

OMG @ 5:14 you just answered my burning question as to why it was not working. I had it set wrong!! Thanks so much maybe now I can finish my project

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

👏 Yay so glad to help!

[@moviegirl45]

I’m so excited!! I found one at the pawnshop brand new in a box and was able to talk her down to $180!! Thing is in immaculate condition!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That is awesome!!

[@dakoolkidz234]

I am trying to get into tumblr making and vinyl. You’ve been sooo helpful ! ✨

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I'm so glad to be helpful! Best of luck on the tumblers!!

[@josequezada459]

Im a choir director and I needed stickers for choir, this video was the best help I could ever asked for

[@mayukurasaka5344]

Years ago I bought a pink Cricut (breast cancer awareness?) from Michael’s and it’s been sitting in the box collecting dust ever since. I completely forgot what it was even used for! 🤣 Thanks to this vid I now know.

[@lukeslegos9952]

This is a great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@mm-mr7qt]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@bistrotducoin23]

Its the best video that you can find for Cricut user. well-done. keep the the great work.

[@LoveAnne4]

I've had my new Explore Air 2 for months but just NOW getting around to using it. This was an extremely helpful video for a pre-beginner (yep that's a thing!). Thank you for explaining as you went through steps. I'll like AND subscribe!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Awesome thank you! So glad this was helpful for you!

[@lolitacrespo9619]

Your tutorial was great. Easy to understand and very helpful. Thk you.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you so much I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@MrBeezi]

Excellent video Christy!

[@roxinezamora2016]

Thank you Sooooo Much for posting this video. It really helped a lot!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Oh I’m so glad!!!😊

[@barbarasinclair6863]

Thank you for such a great explanation, I purchased a Maker recently, I didn't realise that it was possible to make projects without a subscription to Cricut Access. I am in Australia and we are not listed on the countries with access to subscriptions. I thought I had wasted my money on the machine. I am a new subscriber to your channel and want to make Farmhouse style signs mainly for my own use. I was finding it a tad confusing but it is becoming clearer, I will be watching your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That’s so great I am so glad the videos are helpful and you found my channel!! Thank you!

[@lillee.o]

Just got my cricut! Thanks for tutorial!

[@aprylhawes2665]

This was so helpful! Thank you for sharing!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I’m so glad thank you!

[@dianamccullough1736]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Wonderful information. ♡♡

[@erinstone6490]

Awesome! This was a great starting point for me, a beginner!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That's great I'm so glad this was helpful!!😊

[@miloc6507]

THANK you :") perfections seriously

[@mashonnW6423]

Thank you for simplifying this, now I understand!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I'm so glad this helped!

[@CP-sz6os]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@earthangel3363]

Loved this! So helpful! Thanks!!!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I’m so glad!!😊

[@guerlyq.7036]

This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I’m so glad thank you!!

[@eamoncrosby2368]

Thank you so much !! My teen 15 year old daughter driving me mad to purchase one for her 16th Birthday. Thanks for the explanation. She wants the latest model I take it going to cost a small fortune £££ . Lol 😂 I didn’t realise how many different cutting mats there are . Wow 😮 there so much you can do with this machine . She’s going to make her own gifts for family and friends and a few charities and maybe sell some could pay for it self . Great video !!! Thanks 🙏

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi so glad you enjoyed the video!! She will definitely love it! It really is a great investment I wish I had one at that age!!😊

[@debralavoie9095]

Thanks, always wondered how they worked.

[@SDSYRT]

i just got my machine. im so excited to start projects

[@tdevoy22]

I just got mine too and am scared to death. 🤦‍♀️

[@SDSYRT]

@@tdevoy22 i started and now im addicted to using the machine. Youre gonna love it.. Enjoy

[@susanlocklear2468]

Yayyyyyy this looks pretty simple enough, yes very helpful, hopefully I can do it

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi you can do it ... it is really fun once you learn it!

[@tiffhunny01]

Thank you for making this video!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You’re so welcome!!😊

[@elisemckenzie999]

Thank you for this video. Learning a lot from KZbin these days! (FYI that you can connect via Bluetooth with to the Explore 2 as well, which I discovered a couple weeks ago.)

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! Yes someone actually told me that also ... I just sold my Explore Air 2 but it is great for people that have those!

[@soniadolley8588]

that was so well explained, thank you so much

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You’re so welcome thank you.😊

[@knicholsch]

THANK YOU!

[@Xgonzalezz]

Omg thank you you explained it soo well!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you so glad this was helpful!

[@genastalford573]

nk you for explaining things so well!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You're so welcome!

[@thejulztolife1008]

New sub here thanks for sharing I ordered mine and had not clue what I need thanks for the informative video god bless

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi thank you so much! So glad to help good luck with your new machine!😀

[@liwhite484]

Great tutorial....Thank you! I love my Cricut.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi that’s so great I love mine too🙂 Thanks so much!

[@MrUpsidedowngaming]

Great instructor

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you!!😊

[@TimothyStClair-wu9wq]

this was very helpful

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I'm so glad thanks!

[@Yes-nm4lh]

This is very helpful thank you!!!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Great! I’m so glad this was helpful!

[@knoxurbanhomestead]

Thank you so much for making this video!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You’re so welcome!!

[@bianca102]

thank you so much very helpful i just bought one off someone! thank you !!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Yay! You will enjoy it!

[@bobbyfitzgerald4165]

Thx so much! I was so confused

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You're welcome!

[@martenwithane9234]

This was so helpful. Thanks.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I'm so glad !!

[@wandascreativeart6728]

Excellent explanation!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thanks so much!!😊

[@dashiajames1882]

Very very very interesting & helpful. Thanks alot..!!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you!😊

[@abbylove2373]

Soooo helpful thank you 🙏🏻

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I’m so glad!!

[@chrissewell25]

Thank you

[@hopereynolds6026]

thank you this is super helpfullll!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I'm so glad!!

[@diym.a.s2666]

Very helpful thank you!!!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

So glad it was helpful!! 😊

[@lailah5604]

love it

[@SDSYRT]

THANK YOU SO MUCH YOU HELPED

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That’s great I’m so glad!!😊

[@michellecrockett4627]

Good afternoon, this video was so helpful.. I have as of yet, to use my cricket explore air, but when I do, I can refer back to this video... Side note: I did subscribe💛

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

I’m so glad this was helpful!! Thank you for subscribing.😊

[@Jameonn]

Thanks for the assistance.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Of course!

[@Cricuter]

I love your videos!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

That’s so sweet thank you!

[@cynthiamyers403]

This was very helpful and I’m sure i will be watching again. I don’t have my cricket yet. Waiting to see if Santa gets it for me

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Hi! So glad this was helpful I hope Santa comes thru!!! 🎁

[@happinesshappens6631]

Thank you! I’m to the point where I want to sell my cricut, but I thought I would give it one more chance. I’ve had it a month and HATE how complicated and confusing it is.

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You’re welcome I’m sorry bout your Cricut. There is a lot to learn with cutting machines and different vinyls, what works and what doesn’t, can be frustrating. But after a while it will become second nature and be worth it.😉

[@jillb7234]

There are so many tutorials you can watch to learn! It’s really not that complicated after you practice!

[@MelCarter9]

Me too. It is overwhelming so I am going to immerse myself in cricut videos. I can figure this out, I hope.

[@abeeribrahim4675]

best explaining 😍

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Thank you!

[@xTemperszz]

Well thanks 🙂

[@darcyjoe8222]

thank you so mucj

[@perlaaxoxo]

Thank you soo much for this very helpful video. My boyfriend knows how much i want one and has been looking at them every time we go to a craft store 😂

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

You’re so welcome! You will love it maybe he will come thru and get you one for Christmas!😉🎁

[@perlaaxoxo]

@@AppalachianHomeCo haha! I am hoping, he has been asking me which one i specifically want 😂

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

@@perlaaxoxo Sounds promising!!

[@panzerschreckproductions152]

Thanks for the info i need this for my lego ww2 decals

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Awesome so glad this was helpful!!😊

[@nickdesanto6119]

Remember see this in highschool art class. Was always anxious getting one because the teacher told us she had to do it for us. Thought it would be difficult to learn

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

☺ No it really isn't ..after a few cuts you get the hang of it.

[@lizsean5519]

Thank you for showing how to use this me and my sister got one for Christmas and didn’t know how to use it this really helped I’m 10 and staring a company.Thank you for all of the help and happy new year!

[@AppalachianHomeCo]

Aw that’s so great! Best of luck to your on your business! Never to early to start!!😉