5 Creative Cricut Alternatives for Craft Enthusiasts

Are you considering enhancing your craft projects? While precut letters and shapes are convenient, investing in a Cricut machine might be on your mind if you're a dedicated crafter. Cricut machines offer versatility, effortlessly cutting various materials from vinyl to cardstock, and even fabrics like leather and felt.

If you find traditional methods like using an X-ACTO knife or scissors unsatisfactory, a Cricut machine can elevate your crafting experience. However, if you're mindful of your budget and specific needs, there's a range of excellent alternatives to explore. Silhouette stands out as one of Cricut's major competitors, albeit with a higher price point. Yet, Amazon also presents budget-friendly options worth considering.

How our Expert Explain Cricut and Why It's So In

Cricut offers a range of cutting machines tailored to different crafting needs and budgets. Starting from the $129.99 Cricut Joy to the $169.99 Cricut Explore Air 2 and the $249.99 Cricut Maker, there's an option for every crafter. Known for their reliability and user-friendly design, Cricut machines have become synonymous with quality cutting equipment.

Whether you're working with materials like vinyl and paper with the Cricut Joy or delving into fabrics and matboard with the Cricut Maker, these machines deliver precise cuts effortlessly.

Many Blogger highlights Cricut's use of Bluetooth technology, ensuring accurate shapes with every cut. Once you've uploaded your design, the machine's blades get to work on the material secured by the cutting mat, streamlining the process for you.

The Cricut Maker stands out as the premium choice, boasting compatibility with over 300 materials and supporting 13 different Cricut tools. Ideal for crafting intricate monograms, personalized iron-ons, or home decor projects, it offers unparalleled versatility. However, if you're new to crafting and seeking simpler options, other brands in the market also offer reliable cutting-machine alternatives.

Alternative to Circuit

If the Cricut Joy exceeds your budget, there are alternative options to consider. However, before you make a decision, it's essential to consider a few factors.

Firstly, identify the materials you intend to cut. If your projects primarily involve cardstock, paper, and iron, a basic machine suffices without the need for advanced features for cutting thicker fabrics. Conversely, if your crafting ventures extend to sewing or costume making, seek Cricut alternatives capable of handling materials like felt or leather.

Secondly, assess the complexity of shapes you require. Some alternatives, such as the Sizzix Big Shot, lack Bluetooth technology, limiting design options compared to Cricut Design Space. However, if your needs are straightforward or you're not particular about design intricacies, the lower price point may outweigh the feature disparity.

Lastly, consider your skill level. Beginner-friendly options like the Bira cutting machine cater to those new to crafting, offering simplicity and ease of use. Alternatively, more feature-rich alternatives like the Silhouette Portrait provide advanced capabilities at a more affordable price point compared to Cricut machines.

Sizzix Big Shoot

Description:

The Sizzix Big Shot offers a more budget-friendly alternative to Cricut machines, albeit with fewer features. Unlike Cricut, it doesn't utilize Bluetooth technology for pattern creation; instead, it relies on die cuts. However, Sizzix provides a wide range of die-cut options, and the machine excels in embossing tasks.

Why It's a Good Cricut Alternative:

For users focused on cutting and embossing, the Sizzix Big Shot proves to be a dependable choice. Praised by Amazon customers for its precise cuts and suitability for cardmaking projects, it's particularly appealing to beginners who may not require the advanced functionalities of pricier Cricut models. Michaels Rewards members can also benefit from a variety of Sizzix accessories available at the craft store.

Promising Review:

"I am extremely happy with this die-cutting machine and I will be ordering many more Sizzix products and dies. It cuts foam, card stock, and even chipboard with ease."  Dani

Cost: $104.28 (regularly $137.99) at Amazon.com

Bira Craft Die-Cutting & Embossing Machine Combo

Description:

The Bira Craft starter kit includes multiple plates and a cutting mat, offering convenience for embossing and cardmaking tasks. While die-cut options are limited, this machine efficiently completes its intended tasks. Additionally, it boasts a smaller size compared to most other cutting machines.

Why It's a Good Cricut Alternative:

Bira Craft stands out for its affordable price point, priced at $39.99. It presents a significant cost-saving compared to both the Sizzix Big Shot and the current range of Cricut models. Ideal for beginners in crafting who prioritize simplicity over advanced features or intricate designs.

Promising Review:

"This little die machine works great. I was happily surprised to see how well it cuts! That's the heart of any die-cut machine."  Baboonlouie

Cost: $49.99 (regularly $59.99) at Amazon.com

Silhouette Portrait 3 Electronic Cutting Tool

Description:

Similar to Cricut machines, the Silhouette Portrait 3 utilizes Bluetooth technology to seamlessly input your design for precise cutting. Capable of handling various materials including vinyl, cardstock, paper, and fabric, it ensures consistently perfect cuts.

Why It's a Good Cricut Alternative:

Priced at $199, the Silhouette Portrait 3 offers a competitive alternative to Cricut machines. While not the most economical option, it still presents a $50 saving compared to the Cricut Maker, with added versatility surpassing many other Cricut alternatives available.

Promising Review:

"I'm now making my own designs and cutting them on this device. The software from the Silhouette company works great. It's a good tool for anyone working in vinyl, for both heat pressing or adhesive vinyl."  David Dorrell

Cost: $199 at Amazon.com

Spellbinders Platinum Die Cutting and Embossing Machine

Description:

The Spellbinders Platinum boasts the ability to effortlessly cut various materials including vinyl, plastic, cardstock, foil, and more. According to its Amazon product description, it offers compatibility with a wide range of products available in the market, making it convenient for users with dies from other machines that are still functional.

Why It's a Good Cricut Alternative:

Priced at $137.69, the Spellbinders machine offers a more budget-friendly option compared to Cricut machines. Ideal for cardmaking and scrapbooking projects, this die-cutting machine may be compact, but it's highly effective in getting the job done.

Promising Review:

"As a large format machine, the Spellbinders Platinum's cutting power is amazing - up to eight layers at once (with steel rule Contour dies), takes paper, embossing folders, and dies up to 8.5'' wide (letter sized and A4 sheets fit), and, when folded up, actually has a smaller footprint than the Big Shot machine by an inch (which only takes 6'' wide dies and paper)."  Eagle Lobes

Cost: $137.69 at Amazon.com

Sizzix Sidekick Starter Kit

Description:

The Sizzix Sidekick is a portable alternative to Cricut machines, offering a starter kit that includes cutting pads, stamps, and dies to kickstart your paper-crafting endeavors.

Why It's a Good Cricut Alternative:

For users seeking a straightforward cutting machine for thinner, smaller materials, the Sizzix Sidekick offers unbeatable value. While the Sizzix Big Shot is a closer match to Cricut, the Sidekick excels with smaller dies, effortlessly cutting cardstock and paper. It's an excellent choice for scrapbooking and other paper-based crafting projects.

Promising Review:

"This little sidekick does everything I expected it to do with my small cutting dies. So very convenient."  Irmy

Cost: $59.95 at Amazon.com