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Daydream Into Reality

Bringing people together through creativity!

How to Use Cricut Pens with your Cricut – Draw/Write

This post contains Affiliate Links. Read my full disclosure for more info

Updated on November 10, 2020

Hello Daydreamers!

Today you are going to learn how to use Cricut Pens with your Cricut Maker or Explore!

Seriously!

If you follow along, by the end of this tutorial, you will be a Cricut Pen expert!

Ideally, you will read this tutorial from the beginning because as we go, we will be implementing the concepts mentioned in the previews steps.

In a nutshell, these are the topics I will be covering:

  • Cricut Pens Basics: types of pens, which one you should use, how to install them etc.
  • How to tell your machine to draw/write.
  • How to use Cricut Pens with fonts.
  • How to use Cricut Pens with images.
  • Step by step tutorial of using different Cricut Pen Colors.
Holding Cricut Extra Fine Point Pens with Cricut Make in the background.
Ready to conquer Cricut Pens?

If you are a beginner and are still figuring out Cricut’s software, I recommend that you read my fantastic and Ultimate Cricut Design Space tutorial. 

Are you ready?

Let’s Daydream Into Reality!

Page Content hide
Cricut Pens Basics
Types of Cricut Pens & Markers
Extra Fine (XF) 0.3 mm
Fine (F) 0.4 mm
Glitter Gel (GG) 0.8 mm
Gel (G) 1 mm
Marker (M) 1 mm
Calligraphy (C) 2.0/2.5mm
Cricut Joy Pens
Writing Test with Different Cricut Pens and Markers
How to Install Cricut Pens on your Cricut Maker or Explore
Using Pens in Cricut Design Space
How to Tell your Cricut Machine to Write and Draw
How to use Cricut Pens with Fonts
Outline Fonts:
Writing Fonts
Fixing Cursive Fonts to use with Cricut Pens
How to use Cricut Pens with Images
Using Cricut Pens in a Single Image
Using Cricut Pens in a Multi-layer Image
Let’s practice – Cricut Pens Step by Step Tutorial
Step 1 – Add Image
Step 2 – Change Colors
Step 3 – Add Text
Step 4 – Add Shape and Attach
Step 5 – Duplicate & Attach
Step 6 – Send to Cut and Draw
Sharing is Caring!

Cricut Pens Basics

Learning about Cricut Pens is more than just the steps you take in Cricut Design Space (which I will explain later on).

There are many things about Cricut Pens that you need to know if you genuinely want to take advantage of your Cricut.

Let’s start from the beginning.

Types of Cricut Pens & Markers

Cricut Pens usually come in packages of five, although you can also find them in a box of 30.

According to Cricut’s shop description, all Pens (except the glitter gel) are permanent after dry. And, they are also meant to be used on paper and non-coated materials. (Vinyl, glitter cardstock, and other coated and glossy materials don’t work with Cricut Pens)

There are countless colors and different finishes like metallics, glitter, gel, etc.

It’s very easy to get lost with so many options! Nonetheless, each pen has its name on the side and a letter at the bottom that allows you to quickly identify the type and size of the pen you have on hand.

  • Cricut Pens two packages of five pens.
  • Letters on bottom of Cricut Pens that differences them in pen type and size.
  • Different types of Cricut Pens tips with lines that show how each one looks like

Cricut divides their pens into five different categories, and, in those categories, they have a wide variety of colors and options for you to choose from.

Extra Fine (XF) 0.3 mm

Extra Fine Pens are great for projects that have very intricate designs. For example, Small flowers that are next to each other.

The body of this pen is transparent, and it has an XF at the bottom. There are not many colors available, but I like the finish of them.

Fine (F) 0.4 mm

Fine Pens are the most common ones. Any color you can think of, Cricut has it on this particular size. The body of this pen is white, and it has an F at the bottom.

These pens are quite versatile, and you can use them to make gift tags, cards, coloring pages, invitations, etc.

On the 0.4 Size, you will also find the Cricut Infusible Ink pens. Unlike regular pens that you use for your paper projects, Infusible Ink Pens are for transferring (with your Easypress) to polyester coated materials like T-Shirts, Coasters, Totes, etc.

Holding Cricut Infusible Ink Neon Pens
Cricut Infusible Ink Pens

You can learn how to use Infusible Ink Pens with T-Shirts on this tutorial. Or you can learn more about Infusible Ink on my helpful guide.

Glitter Gel (GG) 0.8 mm

This pen has a beautiful and glittery finish. It’s smooth, and it’s perfect for adding extra details to your projects.

The body of this pen is opaque, it’s cap has a glitter finish, and the bottom has the GG letters.

Gel (G) 1 mm

These pens are quite smooth and silky. The body of this pen is white, and it has a G at the bottom.

You can use them to make very colorful and bright birthday party invitations, or any other project you want to add a silky like finish.

Marker (M) 1 mm

Cricut Markers are one of my favorites! The body of this pen is white, and it has an M at the bottom.

Markers don’t come in a whole variety of colors, though. Mainly you will find them in black, gold, silver, and other metallic colors. They are perfect for wedding invitations and projects were you need a classy and edgy finish.

On this Pen Size, you will also find the Fabric Pen and the Infusible Ink Markers, these work just as the Infusible Ink Pens.

Calligraphy (C) 2.0/2.5mm

Calligraphy pens are quite different from the rest of the other pens and markers that Cricut has.

They come in size of 2 and 2.5 mm, and just like the markers, you will find them in black and metallic colors. The body of this pen is white (black calligraphy pen is grey), and it has a C at the bottom.

Use these pens on projects with Calligraphy of handwritten fonts from Cricut Design Space.

IMPORTANT: The right way to use your Calligraphy pen is by tilting on a 45° angle during the installation process.

Pens come with a little triangle that points the direction on which you should install your pens. This little arrow doesn’t matter on any of the other pens, but it does with the Calligraphy Pen!

  • Holding Cricut Black Calligraphy Pen
  • Holding Cricut Black Calligraphy Pen with a 45° degree mark.
  • Installing Cricut Black Calligraphy Pen

Tip: Using the arrow mark of your pen, tilt it 45°, and use a different marker to add a mark. Use this mark as a reference point to install your Calligraphy pen on your Cricut.

Cricut Joy Pens

In 2020 Cricut released the Cricut Joy. A teeny tiny home cutter machine that also allows you to write and draw.

The Cricut Joy Pens look quite different than the regular pens, and that’s because the tool holder of this machine is smaller.

  • Cricut Joy Featured Image
  • writing inside Cricut Joy card mat

These are the types of pens are markers you’ll find with the Cricut Joy:

  • Extra Fine Pen 0.3
  • Fine Pen 0.4
  • Glitter Gel Pen 0.8
  • Gel Pen 1.0
  • Marker 1.0
  • Infusible Ink Pen 0.4
  • Infusible Ink Marker 1.0

There’s no calligraphy for the Cricut Joy.

The only difference between the regular Cricut pens/markers and the Cricut Joy pens/markers is the size.

The steps in Design Space are identical, therefore the tutorial on this article will work for you.

Of course, the size of your project will be smaller.

Related: Make Cards with the Cricut Joy

Writing Test with Different Cricut Pens and Markers

In the following photo, you’ll be able to see how fine and thick, different types of pens and markers look after writing with Cricut.

I ran into some trouble with the Glitter Gel and the Gel pens; as you can see, I had to complete the initial letters of the pens because they were new and the ink wasn’t ready to come out yet.

I was going to repeat it, but I figured you would benefit from my mistake by learning from it and not making it!

How Cricut Pens look when using different sizes.
Write on a paper before using Cricut Pen

Tip: Before using markers on your project, make sure to test that the ink is coming out on a different piece of paper; this is especially important with Glitter and Gel pens.

How to Install Cricut Pens on your Cricut Maker or Explore

Installing pens on your Cricut is quite easy. But sometimes, especially if you are a newbie, it can be tricky.

Not to scare you, but my Cricut Pen adapter broke one day when installing the Scoring Stylus. I am sure I was careful, but after that experience, I am extra careful to install my pens. (I called customer service, and they replaced that part)

Pens always go on the Clamp A of your Cricut machine. To install a pen, open the clamp, then insert it.

There’s always going to be a little bit of resistance when installing the pen, so you need to make sure it clicks. Be firm, but also gentle. Once the pen clicks, close the clamp.

  • Pink Cricut Pen in clamp A
  • Finishing installing pen in the Cricut Maker

Note: If you have a Cricut Explore One, you will need a Cricut Pen Adapter to install any Pen.

Using Pens in Cricut Design Space

At this point, you should know what types of pens. Cricut has, how they look, and how to install them on your machine. Now you are going to learn all the necessary steps you need to know to use them with your Cricut Machine.

As we go, I will be showing you the essential things to learn and to keep in mind. But, I will only be covering the drawing (and cutting) process on the final practice Step by Step tutorial.

Let’s start from the beginning!

How to Tell your Cricut Machine to Write and Draw

Linetype Drop down menu to select drawing in Cricut Design Space

Pretty much everything you add to Cricut Design Space is set to cut. So, if you want to use pens, you need to tell your machine to draw.

First, start on your Cricut Design Space canvas area.

Note: Make sure the on the upper right upper corner of the window you have selected the machine you own (Maker or Explore).

Then, select the layer (text or image) you want to use pens with and change the linetype to draw.

By default, when you select draw, your Cricut will use the Black Fine Point pen. To change this just click on the little color box next to line type and select the color want to use.

Design Space to choose Cricut Pens and different colors

Important: When you are working with more than one color, it’s always a good idea to select the type of pen and color you will be using. Cricut uses very random orders to color, so if you don’t assign them right, you may use the wrong pen.

Not all Pens are in the System: I love Cricut, but sometimes I do run into some troubles, and I don’t want you to feel the same frustrations I do.

When choosing the pen color, try using the size and the color that matches your pen to the best of your abilities. Right now, not all of the pen colors match the Pen name, or they aren’t even available.

For instance, the Silver pen doesn’t appear at all when you choose the Calligraphy pen.

That doesn’t mean you can’t use the Silver Calligraphy Pen. But it does mean that you will need to select a silver color from different a size.

I did submit feedback and let’s hope for the best!

Note: Even though I get a little frustrated at times, I still love Cricut and recommend it all the time. I come from a family of engineers, and sometimes, it is hard to get everything right in the software. So, let’s be patient!

How to use Cricut Pens with Fonts

Most people like using Cricut Pens with fonts!

Why not?

Your projects will look so beautiful, and people will think you have terrific hand-lettering skills.

I won’t go into details on all of the things you can do with text (I do have an amazing Cricut Text tutorial) but I will show you what you need to know about fonts and pens.

The first thing you need to consider is what type of font or effect you want for your project.

Do you want a Writing (handwritten) or Outline style?

Screenshot Design Space: Use Cricut pens with writing or outlined fonts.
Writing vs. Outline (Draw) fonts

Outline Fonts:

Pretty much all fonts can be outlined. For sure all of the ones you have on your system.

First, you need to type in your text, then select it and change the linetype (explained above) to draw.

Easy Peasy. Right?

Writing Fonts

If you want your pens to write fonts in a handwritten style, you need to use Cricut’s Fonts.

You can see very quickly if a font has a writing style, by selecting it and then clicking on the Style drop-down menu on the top panel of the canvas. If the font has the Writing font, then you know you can use it for handwritten style projects.

When you choose writing your Cricut will automatically change the linetype from Cut to Draw.

To find all these types of fonts, write your text and then (while still selected) click on the font icon located on the top panel.

There you can filter your fonts by writing.

Screenshot Design Space: choosing writing fonts.
Find Writing Fonts

These fonts aren’t usually free, but most of them can be used with the Cricut Access membership, or by purchasing before cutting/drawing.

Note: Your machine does come with free fonts; to find them, select both, the Writing and My fonts options.

Check out more examples of writing fonts on the screenshot down below.

Screenshot Design Space: Examples of writing fonts
Examples of writing fonts
Fixing Cursive Fonts to use with Cricut Pens

When working with Cursive fonts in Design Space, you will notice that they are disconnected from each other.

Why? I don’t know.

But what I am sure of is that you don’t want to use Cursive fonts all separated. Right?

Check out the following screenshot and let’s chat about how to fix script fonts.

Screenshot Design Space: Fixing cursive fonts to use with Cricut Pens.
Fix Cursive Fonts to use Cricut Pens

First, you need to add your font and change it for a writing font (I used the font Ballroom).

Always start by reducing the letter-spacing located on the top menu of the panel (your text needs to be selected). Most times, letter-spacing will fix any cursive issues, but sometimes it’s not enough.

If your font doesn’t look good enough, select it and click on the advanced menu (on the top panel) and then click on Ungroup to Letter.

After ungrouping (you will be able to move each letter on its own) organize each letter, so everything looks even and smooth.

Important: When you are done organizing your word, select all letters and click on attach located at the end of the layers panel. (You can’t weld writing fonts)

Learn more about attach, group and weld on my friendly tutorial.

Tip: Unless you want to fix each letter, I recommend you using Cursive fonts with small words or short phrases.

How to use Cricut Pens with Images

Did you know you can use Pens with your Images (SVG files), or with Cricut’s images?

I can’t tell you enough how cool this is!

You can personalize invitations, cards, gift tags, and more with all of the images Cricut has.

Note: You really can’t use Pens with Print then Cut images because you would only draw the outline of the image and not the interior of it (Read my article on how to use Print then Cut).

You can also use images that are specifically designed for drawing with your pens. To find them, click on images (located on the left panel of the canvas) and then type in draw in the search box (located on the upper right corner).

Screenshot Design Space: Choosing images ready to draw in Cricut Design Space
Find images designed specifically for Cricut Pens

There are so many images you can use!

Seriously, experiment and don’t worry, your computer or phone isn’t going to break!

Using Cricut Pens in a Single Image

Now let’s see how to use Cricut Pens in a single image (layer).

For this mini-tutorial, I decided to add an elephant from Cricut’s Library. If you want to follow along, click on images (like the previews step) and then type in the code #MCE354A.

When the elephant appears, click on insert images and voila!

Although this elephant is made out of many pieces, all of those pieces are combined in a single layer. So, to draw this elephant, you will select it and then change the linetype from Cut to Draw.

After setting Draw as Linetype, you can change the color of the pen you want to use.

Screenshot Design Space: use cricut pens in a single layer image
Cut Image vs. Draw Image

Note: You can add different colors to your image using the contour tool. I will show you how to do this in the full step by step tutorial.

Using Cricut Pens in a Multi-layer Image

Multi-Layer images are the ones that are made of more than one layer. You can distinguish them from single-layer images because they have different colors.

In Cricut Design Space, every color represents a material you are going to use (paper, cardstock, iron-on, etc.). Typically, most of the images are set to cut.

Look at the following image (Code #M44441) and let’s talk about it.

Screenshot Design Space: using Cricut Pens in multi-layer image.
Attach Draw Layer to Cut later

As you can see, the original design is red and sort of like a grey. If you want to use the Pens with this image, you have two options.

The first one is to change both layers to draw; this means that you won’t cut anything and you will be drawing a flower with the “Just Because” design.

The second option (and the one I chose) is to cut the flower (green) and draw the “Just Because” design with the pens.

Important: When you are cutting and drawing at the same time, make sure you select both layers and click on the Attach button located at the end of the layer panel. If you don’t attach, each design will be in a different cutting mat.

Note: Most Multi-Layer designs are grouped, to edit the linetype of a single layer from the group you either have to ungroup layers and select the from the canvas. Or keep the group intact and choose the layer of the layers panel.

If you feel confused about that (again) check my weld, attach, and group tutorial.

Doesn’t it look pretty?

  • Holding a project made with Cricut Pens.
  • Project made with Cricut Pens and fine point blade

Look at these two other examples as well (Codes: #M3F100 and #M9F3B8D). I used simple images, and I just changed the Linetype of the internal design to draw.

Screenshot Design Space: Using Cricut Pens with multi layer images. More examples.

It’s so simple, and Cricut has thousands of options for you to create this sort of effect. Again, don’t forget to attach the Cut and Draw layer.

  • Holding a flowe cut and drawn with the Cricut Pens
  • Cricut Maker drawing and cutting flowers

I decided to cut and draw the flower and see how beautiful it looks!

Let’s practice – Cricut Pens Step by Step Tutorial

At this point, you should know the basics of the Cricut Pens. Now we will be applying everything you just learned plus how to change colors of a single layer image, and finally, how to proceed after you click on Make it.

Let’s do this!

Step 1 – Add Image

To follow along, log in to your Cricut Design Space canvas area and click on images, then type in the following code #MA931415.

When the “camera” image appears on your screen, select it and click on insert images.

Add Image to Cricut Design Space
Find and Insert Image

The screenshot down below shows how the camera should look after you insert it. As you can see, although the image has different components, everything is in one single layer.

If I were to change Linetype and send my project to Draw, I would only need one pen. But, in this case, I want to use different pen colors.

Image on the Cricut Design Space canvas area.

How do I do that?

Very simple! You can use the Contour tool.

Step 2 – Change Colors

There’s a little trick to change colors of one image!

The tool behind this trick is called Contour, and once you use this technique, you won’t stop playing with images and Cricut Pens.

Changing Pen Colors in Cricut Design Space with Contour.
Change colors of your image using Contour

Follow the next steps to change colors:

  1. Add the image you want to use.
  2. Change Linetype from Cut to Draw.
  3. Duplicate (located on the top of the layers panel) the image until you have a different image layer for each pen color you want to use. For this design, I used the Extra Fine Point pens.
  4. Select all layers, click on align (located on the top panel of the canvas) and select the option Align Center.
  5. From the Layers panel, select each layer and click on Contour (located on the bottom of the Layers panel) and hide the elements you don’t want to use for each color.
  6. When you are done changing colors, select all layers and click on attach. Very Important!

If this sounds a little complicated, make sure to read my How to Contour in Cricut Design Space. I have tons of screenshots for this sort of technique.

Step 3 – Add Text

Now let’s add a little text!

The Text option is located on the left panel of the Canvas. When you click there a box will appear in the design space area where you can type in.

I used one of my systems fonts; however, you can use any of the ones Cricut has, or your system fonts.

Since I used my fonts, I can’t use a writing style. Therefore, the only way to use pens is by changing the Linetype from Cut to Draw.

Adding text and changing linetype for draw
Add Text to your design

As you can see, the font looks outlined. Oh, and for this text, I used the Lime Green Extra Fine Point pen.

Step 4 – Add Shape and Attach

You can use the pens on a single piece of paper without cutting. But, to show you all the possibilities, we are going to draw and cut.

Related: Read my how to Write and Cut with your Cricut

For this tutorial, I decided to draw my design on a circle. To add a circle, click on the shapes icon (located on the left panel) and select the circle option.

You can change the color of the circle, just like you would do with pens. However, leave the linetype in the cut option.

Since the circle is the newest layer, all of the other elements will be in the back. To rearrange everything again, click on the circle and click on the arrange icon (located on the top panel) and select the option Send to Back.

Add a shape and attach drawings to it.

Once the circle is in the back place, select the camera and text layers and place them on top of the circle.

Last but not least, before you draw and cut, select everything on your canvas and click on Attach.

Step 5 – Duplicate & Attach

You don’t have to do this part! But since I love showing you more options, you can also duplicate the design to create more copies.

Making copies is extra helpful if you are creating invitations, gift tags, and even stickers (can you imagine stickers with Cricut Pens!!!).

To do so, select the previously attached design and duplicate it until you have the number of copies you need. Then AGAIN, click on attach.

Before you click on Make it, make sure that your final designs aren’t larger than 11.5 x 11.5 if using a 12 x 12in Mat. Or 11.5 x 23.5 is using a 12 x 24 in Mat.

Duplicating a drawing design in Cricut Design Space

When you are ready to draw and cut, click on Make it!

Step 6 – Send to Cut and Draw

If you followed all the steps, everything should be in order and ready to go like the preview shows.

However, if you didn’t attach, everything will be in different mats and a whole mess (If that’s the case, go back and attach :P).

Drawing with different pens in Cricut Design Space Cutting Process

If everything looks right, click on the continue button and go ahead and select your materials.

For this tutorial, I just used regular Copy Paper. If you have an Explore Machine, move the Smart Set dial to paper, but if you have a Maker, browse the materials and select paper.

Select Materials Cricut Design Space.

After selecting the material, install the Fine Point Blade. For the pen, Cricut will tell you which one you are going to start with.

It’s always a random Pen, so make sure to install the correct one. Cricut will also tell you what other pens you will be using, but when it’s time to change them, usually you will only see the color.

———

Super hyper mega important tip

If you think you will be using more than 2 or 3 hues of the same color (blue, pink, orange, etc.), or different tip sizes (0.3, 0.4, 0.8, 1, 2, 2.5) of the same color I recommend you to assign a different color on Design Space for each size or similar hue that you can identify when Cricut brings it up on the drawing process.

The reason for that is that sometimes Cricut will tell you to install the black pen, BUT NOT THE 0.3, or 0.4, 1, or 2.00 mm, and if you have different sizes of black… Well, you won’t know which one to install!

So, if you assign let’s say blue as a color when Cricut says install blue, then you’ll know that that blue color, is one of the black pens.

I hope this makes sense!

Now that I got that out of my chest lets continue with our tutorial!

———

In this case, Cricut decided to start with the Pink pen.

Go ahead and install the pen following the instructions I gave you at the very beginning of this tutorial, then load the Mat to your Cricut and press the flashing Go button.

  • Install Pen to Cricut Maker start drawing process
  • Uploading Mat to Cricut Maker

When Cricut is done with the first pen, a little window will pop up, asking you to change the pen.

Change Pen in Cricut Design Space
Change Pen – Pop Up Window

This time, Cricut asked for the blue pen. After installing the pen, Design Spaces calls for you need to press the Flashing Go button again to resume your cut.

Repeat this process until your Cricut is done with the drawing process.

When your machine finishes drawing, it will finally proceed to cut the circles.

  • Installing another pen to Cricut Maker on a design with multiple colors
  • Removing design from Cricut Mat
  • Final design made with Cricut Pens

After the drawing and cutting process, are done, unload Mat from your Cricut and remove design by bending the Mat.

There you have it!

A simple and beautiful project made with Cricut Pens.

Sharing is Caring!

Congratulations. If you followed this tutorial to the tee, you are a Cricut Pen expert.

I am so happy to help you with your Cricut journey!

Also…

Do you know that it takes me around 15 hours of work to complete a single Cricut article? I know, it’s crazy! But I like to make sure that you understand EVERYTHING!

I would appreciate your support on Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Facebook as I am trying to grow my audience so I can keep producing great content!

Pin it for later alligator!

Dear Daydreamers!
Due to maternity leave, comments will be turned off from Nov 9th - Feb 9th.
Thank you for your understanding!

Make T-Shirts with Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets and Markers
Save, Open & Edit Projects in Cricut Design Space Desktop and App

Comments

  1. Sandi says

    July 23, 2020 at 1:53 pm

    I want to write on a picture that I want to cut out. I am new to cricut and never used pens yet. Just want to make sure I need to do the draw then cut the images out?

    • Catalina says

      July 28, 2020 at 4:56 pm

      I don’t know what design you have. But I do have a tutorial at the end of this article that can help you to understand the concepts of cutting and drawing.

  2. Melanie says

    July 9, 2020 at 7:33 pm

    Hi! Sorry if this has already been asked and answered but can you tell me the names of the bright neon pens in the main picture? Or if they come in a package together? 🙂 thank you!!!!

    • Catalina says

      July 15, 2020 at 6:33 pm

      They are called Extra Fine Point Pen Set, Brights (5 ct.)! They are lovely, aren’t they?

  3. Arlene P Mozingo says

    June 18, 2020 at 1:36 pm

    This is great, but I’m 75 and do better being able to read hard copy as I am working. Is there a pdf version of your notes that I could print?

    • Catalina says

      June 24, 2020 at 5:32 pm

      No at this point! I am working hard on an ebook, though!

  4. Cynthia Fraser says

    June 16, 2020 at 2:03 pm

    I am brand new to Cricut (Cricut Maker) and wanted info on the different pens and what they do. Your article was perfect. Thanks!

    • Catalina says

      June 22, 2020 at 5:47 pm

      I am happy I was able to help! 🙂

  5. Phyllis says

    June 15, 2020 at 1:53 am

    Thank you for your tutorials, they are very helpful. I’m new to Cricut and have learned a lot from you. I find them very well thorough and well written. Great Job! Thanks so much!

    • Catalina says

      June 22, 2020 at 5:39 pm

      You’re very welcome 🙂

  6. Tabitha says

    June 2, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    Thank you for sharing. This is super helpful!

    • Catalina says

      June 18, 2020 at 4:47 pm

      You’re very welcome 🙂

  7. holly zawadiuk says

    June 2, 2020 at 8:49 am

    I love all your tutorials. I seem to actually learn and understand things better than the people who are making videos. thankyou

    • Catalina says

      June 18, 2020 at 4:47 pm

      You’re very welcome! 🙂

  8. Eloise says

    May 17, 2020 at 10:38 pm

    I am new to Cricut, so just learning and really enjoyed this!
    I’m 86yrs old so I need a lot of help😉.
    Making T-shirts for our family camp, sure help.

    • Catalina says

      May 28, 2020 at 8:44 pm

      That’s the attitude. Age is just a number! 🙂

  9. GIGI says

    May 12, 2020 at 5:16 pm

    I want to use the draw function for a flower line drawing that I want to place in an IKEA frame and hang in my daughter’s minimalist bedroom. The frame is about 11 1/2 x 15 1/2. Will a construction cardstock at 330 gsm work for this? Also, will I require a different mat at 12×24? I have only used my cricut for vinyl and iron on, so this is a new adventure for me…I thank you so much for all of the information you provided!

    • Catalina says

      May 28, 2020 at 8:09 pm

      I don’t see the problem. Cricut can cut virtually any type of cardstock. And you’re correct you need a 12x24in mat.

  10. Sharon Braxton says

    May 4, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    This was a great write-up! I have an Explorer 2. I use it to cut vinyl. I used the pens once for a batch of certificates. It took me hours! Wish I had read this before then. However, I’m now confident enough to try my hand at some cards. Thank you so much!

    • Catalina says

      May 28, 2020 at 6:54 pm

      I agree pens can take a lot of time sometimes. I am glad I was able to help!

  11. Jocelyn says

    May 1, 2020 at 3:27 pm

    Hello i just purchased a bunch of the glitter and gel pens for may maker but i can’t seem to find the colors listed in the drop box of color lists 🙁

    • Catalina says

      May 28, 2020 at 6:29 pm

      Sometimes the colors are not in Design Space :/ it’s such a bummer, I placed a suggestion. I did mention in this article about this problem. I hope they add them.

  12. Amanda says

    April 6, 2020 at 2:33 am

    Do the pens work on dark-colored paper?

    • Catalina says

      April 23, 2020 at 4:17 pm

      Yes, but with any dark paper and any pen, the color won’t look vibrant. The best pens for dark paper are metallic colors.

  13. Jeannie says

    February 6, 2020 at 6:17 am

    I would like to use the cricut to draw images for hand embroidery on cloth and not get the double lines when you upload the images. How does Cricut make the draw images.

    • Catalina says

      February 11, 2020 at 6:59 pm

      You need to use images from Cricut that are specifically designed to draw. You can filter them in images and also type in “draw.” The double images will happen if you upload your own images. It has to be with the way the file was designed.

      I hope this makes sense.

  14. Ellen says

    January 17, 2020 at 9:39 pm

    I cannot thank you enough for this! I have been searching for days trying to figure out how to write with the pens then cut. I just did my first card because of this, thank you, thank you, thank you!

    • Catalina says

      January 27, 2020 at 8:47 pm

      Yay! you’re very welcome, Ellen! So happy to hear!

  15. Meredith says

    December 7, 2019 at 2:35 pm

    I love using my pens but find that for some fonts, only outlines show up rather than filling in the whole letter/word. Have you found a way to get around that yet? I used a font for my Christmas cards and ended up having to manually color in the thicker parts of the letters because they only appeared as outlines.

    • Catalina says

      December 18, 2019 at 4:57 pm

      Hi Meredith, you need to use writing fonts. I cover this topic on the article! Have a lovely day.

  16. Kym says

    December 3, 2019 at 10:31 pm

    I didn’t see any mention about how to store the Cricut pens, so the pens do have the gel & glitter pen issues you did mention Cricut recommends storing ALL Cricut pens tip down (the way you would have it in the machine) to ensure the ink is at the tips when you are ready to use them.

    • Catalina says

      December 3, 2019 at 11:24 pm

      Thank you, Kym! I will add it to the article at some point. I store them in a pen case, and I just make sure the ink is ready to go before I use them. But for the glitter and gel pens, this is a great way to do it! Thank you for your input.

  17. Cat Blackbone says

    November 4, 2019 at 3:17 am

    I have the five pack of 0.3 fine point pens. Was hoping to create business cards. Anyhoo, it seems no matter which pen i use or which setting i use, being paper or cardstock plus, there will always be a letter or couple lines that does not take. very frustrating to say the least.

    • Catalina says

      November 14, 2019 at 5:40 am

      Hi Cat, this happened to me with the glitter pens, you need to make some strokes in a piece of paper if they are brand or haven’t been used in a while. Have you tried Print then cut for your business cards instead? Pens are awesome, but can also take a long time.

  18. Erica L. says

    August 4, 2019 at 1:40 am

    I received an original Cricut machine last July. I knew they could cut lots of great shapes, patterns, images and letters from paper, but had never used one myself. I was instantly addicted! I upgraded to the Cricut Explore Air 2 just after Christmas- I got a great deal at Joann! ?
    I know a little more than the basics but I struggle to find great resources online when I’m trying out something new like attaching or welding. Not only did you just teach me more than I knew about the pens, but you also shared some really great ways to use them! I love that you took the time to actually explain how to do the attach and weld. It’s so helpful to have this written out rather than watching it on a YouTube video. Thanks to you, I understand these much better and I can’t wait to put the kids to bed tonight so I can head to my craft room and try these out. Keep up the great work!

    • Catalina says

      August 15, 2019 at 7:59 pm

      Hi Erica,
      I am so happy I was able to help you with your Cricut journey! Comments like yours truly motivate me to keep writing.
      Thank you so much!

  19. Brittany says

    August 2, 2019 at 8:42 pm

    I just purchased a cricut maker and this was INSANELY helpful!

    • Catalina says

      August 15, 2019 at 7:59 pm

      I am glad I was able to help!

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