Cricut® unveils the next generation of smart cutting machines: Cricut Maker™ 4 and Cricut Explore™ 4. From unboxing to creation, check out our review for the Cricut Maker™ 4.
The Cricut Maker™ 4 and Cricut Explore™ 4 are the latest additions to Cricut’s lineup of cutting machines, offering a host of exciting new features designed to elevate your crafting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just getting started, the Cricut Maker™ 4 promises precision, speed, and versatility, making it an enticing option for a wide range of DIY projects. In this review, we look at the key features and user experience, especially for those that are new to the Cricut family.
Next generation crafting
The new Cricut Maker™ 4 and Cricut Explore™ 4 machines offer an elevated out-of-box experience with more materials and tools included, speeds up to two times faster than the previous generation, and an improved user experience in Design Space™.
To help new users jump into their first projects faster and easier, both machines come with a starter pack in the box, including Smart Vinyl™, Cardstock, Smart Iron-on™, Transfer Tape, and essential tools like the Mini Weeder and Light Grip Machine Mat. These added materials empower users to kickstart their creativity with everything they need to complete their first 10 projects.
When cutting materials like cardstock and vinyl on a machine mat, Cricut Maker™ 4 and Cricut Explore™ 4 offer cutting speeds up to twice as fast as previous models.
There are many new features recently added to the Cricut Design Space™ app that make it more intuitive and easier to use. Create popular projects like custom cards, T-shirts, and full-colour stickers and more. Save time with easy-to-use Smart Materials™, which load directly into the machine to create long, continuous cuts up to 3.6 m. Making bold signs and detailed wall decals has never been faster. Enjoy endless inspiration, precise cut settings, and a simplified making experience with Cricut Design Space™.
The review: Getting started
I’ve always had a desire to pursue more creative hobbies. There was just one thing stopping me … my complete lack of artistic talent! I know what I want something to look like but these hands are trained to type, not to design, draw or construct.
And then the Cricut Maker™ 4 comes along.
I’ve heard of Cricut (pronounced like “cricket”) machines but I was never really sure what they did. However, after a couple of hours of creating, I am absolutely hooked! The Cricut machines are basically a cutting machine but the Cricut Maker™ 4 does so much more than just cutting. It embosses, it scores, it draws, it colours. And it does all of it effortlessly.
Out of the box, the Cricut Maker™ 4 is a sleek machine that takes up little space on a desk or counter. The set-up was super easy. Just plug it in, download the Cricut app to your phone, create an account, connect, and you’re done.
Getting creative
For absolute beginners like myself, the Cricut Design Space™ app made it easy to get started with my first creation. Step-by-step instructions including helpful video guides show you how to create a sticker using the included Smart Vinyl™. The Smart Materials™ can be put straight into the machine. Other materials use the Machine Mats to keep the materials in place.
I used the app to customise the sticker design with my name. This was a simple process, like a graphic design app, enabling me to choose fonts and resize. Then, the adhesive vinyl goes into the machine. Press go and it pulls it in, measures it, and then in a matter of moments, the Cricut begins cutting the vinyl. When it’s done (and it wasn’t long at all!), it spits it out. This project was a cut-out design so all I needed to do was peel the sticker away from the backing material. There was a little piece of vinyl remaining inside the “e” that needed some attention but the included “weeding” tool made short work of that. Then the sticker was ready to be applied to my drink bottle.
Other ways to create designs require use of transfer tape which makes it easier to apply intricate designs and keep them aligned. I reused the “cut out” letters from my drink bottle sticker on my phone case which could have been done with the transfer tape.
Exploring different materials
Next up I wanted to try out the Light Grip Machine Mat so I chose a design for a butterfly to use the Cardstock that was included in the box. I peeled back the protective cover from the mat and aligned the Cardstock in the top corner, as instructed. Into the machine it went and soon I had an intricate and delicate butterfly that would have been impossible for me to cut out manually. I plan to purchase additional Cardstock in other colours and create a flurry of butterflies in different sizes (super simple with the app) to be applied to a canvas. Then I can say, “Yes, I made that!” (with a little help from Cricut!).
I had a good look around the Design Space™ app to see what other projects I could make and was amazed at the range of ideas including cards, bookmarks, 3D sculptures, custom apparel with iron-on transfers, labels, signs, ornaments and more. Each of the projects guides you to confirm the materials needed or available to be used.
I wanted to try out the fine-point pen that was included so I chose a Christmas-themed gift tag. The design includes an option to have the recipients name included in the design for an all-round aesthetic. There are lots of colours available in the Cricut pens which enable you to include beautiful writing in intricate fonts or colourful drawings. The Cricut drew the delightful snowflakes and then effortlessly cut out the tag.
Going freestyle with design
Exploring the Cricut Design Space™ I uploaded a logo of the local sports club and found that I could easily adapt it into a design that could be used for a range of ideas. There is so much to discover in the app that it can be a tad overwhelming but there is an amazing array of helpful how-to videos for Cricut users both in the app and on YouTube. The Cricut community is amazingly talented but you don’t have to be an artistic superstar to create some wonderful projects.
Conclusion
The Cricut Maker™ 4 is a stunningly creative machine with amazing adaptability through the purchase of additional materials and tools. It’s so much fun to use that I may need to set myself a creativity budget or I’ll be buying ALL of the supplies! My son has already lodged his request for a iron-on transfer for his cricket uniform … or should that be Cricut uniform?!
Where to get yours
Cricut Explore™ 4 is available in Seashell colourway with a RRP of $599. Cricut Maker™ 4 comes in a subtle Sage colour and is $799. Both machines are available now at Harvey Norman and Spotlight NZ.
This article includes information provided by Cricut.
Julie was provided with a Cricut Maker™ 4 for the purpose of the review. Views are those of the reviewer.
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Written by Julie Lankow
Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously.
Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”
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