For those who follow me online, you probably know that for the past year or so I have been a hardcore Cricut fan. I got my Cricut Maker back in July 2019 and since then it has opend up a world of creativity for me to embrace.

Iv’e created things like koozies, stickers, shadowboxes, jewelry, mugs, signage and more! It allowed me to turn my designs into something so much more than a flat image on a screen. 

However, back around September of 2020 I ran into a huge issue with design space. As a creative, I rely on Cricut’s software to allow me to upload my own custom designs to cut. The software bug refused to let me upload anything! I tried and tried and hoped it would get fixed. After all, I had custom orders I needed to get out.

Well. After a couple weeks being down, per the advise from other users, I invested in a Silhouette Cameo 4 plus. I was put on a wait list and was fortunate that it just so happened to ship in October. 

 This article is about my experiences with both my Cricut and Silhouette machines. I will be going into some details on the Pros VS Cons as well as what I use each machine for.  

First I will start off with my Cricut Maker. For those who asked “Why the Maker”- I originally wanted the ability to cut fabric, as I sew. I ended up using my unit for pretty much everything but fabric, but what I really liked was the ease of use. Right out of the box, I could upload and work my designs. It was very easy and simple to use.

Now, granted, I do have a design background and am very familiar with Adobe Illustrator. All of my files are cut ready when I upload them into design space, so I may not be the average user. 

Cons

• Software has a lot of bugs and is cloud based. It goes down a lot for me and is unreliable when operating a business.
• Software is cloud based and needs the internet to run
• Software is very basic and may not offer users the customization options they need
• Need mats for cutting projects
• Can only cut 12×24 in unless rigged (there are ways)
• Print-and-cut produces a lot of waste due to the eye marks
• Mat maintenance- you need to clean and make sure they are sticky enough (taping the edges and sides help)
• No option to do test-cuts for projects
• For print and cut kiss-cut stickers, the normal sticker setting will cut through! You need to set it for washi-tape setting for cutting kiss cuts.

Cons

•  Software may be overwhelming for new users
• Takes awhile to learn the machine and may present a learning curve if you are used to a Cricut
• Glossy print-and-cut may cause registration issues due to glare (also- you need to make sure your design is NOT within the cross hatch region. Adding tape over the eye marks may help, or closing the machine lid to cut)
• Matless cutting pop-out card stock feature isn’t great for small details (ie- detailed shadowbox layers) and it may jam the machine
• Blade exchange is much different than a Cricut. You need to purchase a whole new auto-blade VS getting the tips like you can do with a Cricut
• The vinyl roll piece is a bit flimsy and often pulls the roll off center, skewing or jamming the vinyl. I’m still trying to figure out how to rig it, but the intent is great. This is hit or miss for me and I keep an eye on the large roll jobs.
• Machine is a little loud (I think it sounds like a slot machine

What’s the verdict here?

For the longest time, I was always a hardcore Cricut fan. I love how easy it is to use, I can load a mat and can count on it for all my print-and-cut needs, however with recent events, I have to admit when running a business and doing orders (especially around the holidays), I feel I cannot rely on the Cricut software to work as I like. My machine has gone down more than once and having it be unusable for over a month is really unacceptable.

My Design Space issue presents the following: when I try to upload my custom files (it’s all I work with)- the software puts me in a loop and will not allow me to upload anything. It just goes back to the main screen. As a designer, I rely on my machines to cut my own designs and projects. I upload all my own SVG files that I personally create. 

For crafters wishing to start a business or sell and needs that reliability, I highly advise the Silhouette. When you have orders and clients, you cannot afford to have your machine down for days at a time. The learning curve is worth it in the long run. Not to mention, the matless cutting and large rolls of vinyl are beneficial for large jobs and can add to your service list.

If you are a hobbyist looking to get started on something simple to see how you enjoy the capabilities of cutting, I recommend the Cricut. Even if you are unsure if you want to make money with your crafts, the Cricut is a great machine when the software is working. Some people have no issues and some people have all the issues. 

Most often, I have both of my machines going at the same time, when my Cricut software works. For my shadowboxes that are many layers I often load up the detailed ones on my Cricut via mat so it can take its time, and then use my Silhouette to cut the less detailed ones.

I only do faux leather jewelry, crepe paper and fabric on my Cricut Maker via strong grip mat, although I hear the Silhouette can cut it as well. These ones are one-off jobs though and I don’t do them often.

 What about you? Do you have a Cricut or Silhouette? What has been your experiences?