When I was first introduced to the Cricut Explore (way back at its launch during 2014), I knew it was love at first sight. My favoritest (yes, thats a word) feature was the amazing blade that could cut through so many materials, and its still my favorite feature that I rave about regularly. If you’re looking into purchasing one, you may wondering exactly what can the Cricut Explore cut. If so, you are in luck, because not only am I here to answer that question, but also some great projects that you can create for your home using these materials.
Ready? Let’s go!
*Update: With the release of the Maker, there are even more cutting options available. The Maker will cut all of items that the Explore cuts, including those below, and more.
What Can Cricut Explore Cut?
#1. Leather and Faux Leather
This is one of my favorites. It’s an obvious choice for fashion items, especially jewelry (my leather cuff from two years ago is still wildly popular), but can also use your Cricut to cut (faux or real) leather to make great projects for your home, such as this buffalo art!
#2. Heavy Cardstock

This metallic gold backed cardstock was a breeze to cut with the Cricut Explore – and the project is available in the Make It Now section, which means you can go from start to finish in just a few short minutes.
#3: Art Board or Chipboard
Rebecca at The Crafted Sparrow created these adorable prism sculptures using art board, which is really thick, and the Cricut still slipped through it like butter. You could paint them any color to match your decor! Black matte or any metallic would be beautiful!
#4. Faux Fur
I was amazed when I saw this one! Who knew that the Cricut would cut through this long, shaggy fur! It makes the cutest rustic pillow that The Project Girl used in her kids room.
#5: Vinyl
Just about everybody knows you can use the Cricut Explore to cut vinyl to create wall decor, but I would have never thought of decorating a vinyl blind with it. This Dalmation roller shade from My Sister Suitcase is one of my favorite Cricut projects.
#6: Iron On (Heat Transfer) Vinyl
When I think of using Iron On around my house, I always think of things like pillows. But these kitchen towels are adorable and add just the perfect pop of color.
#7: Adhesive Foil
Adhesive foil is a great way to decorate your small kitchen appliances, like this mixer makeover by Ariel from PMQ for Two.
#8: Window Cling
Window Cling is a great way to jazz up any glass surface, not just windows. Use it on your glass cabinet doors, vases, picture frames, and more. I love it on these cabinet door inserts!
#9: Craft Foam
This craft foam is thick and soft, but can be cut easily with a Cricut deep cut blade. I love this coffee cup cozy that you can make in minutes in Cricut Design Space.
#10: Felt
Felt is pretty thick, and it may not seem like it could be cut with the Cricut Explore, but it can! You can create awesome home projects like these felt flowers that will never die.
#11: Duck Tape and #12: Magnet Sheets
I don’t know about you, but I often struggle to cut Duck Tape with scissors. It’s so sticky and gets stuck to everything! But the Cricut Explore can cut Duck Tape easily. These diamond magnets are so colorful and fun! I need a set for my fridge.
#13: Balsa Wood and Wood Veneer
Next to leather, I think this is the coolest thing the Cricut Explore can cut. Just imagine the endless possibilities of things you could cut. I am loving these cute little hedgehogs that Stephanie at Crafting in the Rain used as place cards.
#14: Craft Metal
This was one of the first projects my friend Jill at Create.Craft.Love created after we returned from the Cricut Explore Launch Party. As soon as she heard this machine had a blade strong enough to cut through metal, the wheels started turning in her head – literally. The result was this bicycle wheel wreath, isn’t it perfect?
#15: Cork
I love the texture that cork adds to home decor, which is why it is so great that you can cut it on the Cricut Explore. You could create adorable cork monograms that your tween could pin photos on, or these awesome cork labels that Lindi at Love Create Celebrate designed for her pantry.
That’s not even scratching the surface of the list of things this baby can cut. For more materials, you can check out the full cut list here. It’s pretty extensive! I have to say, I’ve never been disappointed in my Cricut Explore’s ability, and I can’t say that about other cutting machines I have owned.
If you own a Cricut Explore, which material do you cut the most? And if you are thinking of buying one, which material are you most excited to try?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
Lydi @ Lydi Out Loud says
Such fun ideas… I love my Cricut! Thank you so much for including my kitchen towels! Have a great weekend.
Janet says
I would cut material for sewing and paper for scrapbooking designs.