What is the Best Cricut Machine for Shirts in 2023?

Are you looking for the best Cricut machine for shirts? We've got you covered in this blog. If you are a Cricut crafter and now want to make intricate designs on your shirts, then you can follow this complete guide. This blog will help you find the best cutting machines offered by Cricut, including the Cricut Explore, Maker, and Joy series. Along with that, we will provide a brief description of each machine, which means it will help you choose the best Cricut machine that you can try to make your shirts.

 

To make shirts, you can try materials such as iron-on vinyl. Also, what we will discuss in this blog will not be limited to shirts only. However, you can design t-shirts, baby bodysuits, tanks, and more. Let's explore all the Cricut machines individually to find the best machine.

 

1.  Cricut Explore Air 2


 

The Explore Air 2 still works perfectly and is used widely by many crafters. It can also cut materials of more than 100, including iron-on and infusible ink. Besides, the Air 2 is suitable with markers, and regular infusible ink.

 

It can cut the designs with a size of 11.5 inches by 11.5 inches with a mat size of 12 x 12 inches. If you are using a 12-inch by 24-inch mat, then you can only cut up to 11.5 and 23.5 inches. Hence, you have the freedom to cut any designs for your shirt.

 

Above all, the Cricut Explore Air 2 does not support Smart Materials. So, for bulk production, you can only use the 12-inch by 24 inches mat, which is the maximum size. But for fewer productions, this is more than enough.

 

2.  Cricut Explore 3


After Cricut Explore Air 2, the Explore 3 was added to the Cricut’s lineup. This is the newest model in the Explore family, and hence, the machine is capable of doing much more than you expect. In terms of weight and size, this is just like the Explore Air 2. Having the ability to cut more than 100 materials, it can also cut iron-on and infusible ink.

 

But now the question is if the Explore Air 2 and Explore 3 are almost the same, then why do we need to buy the Explore 3? The key difference is the length of cutting, and it can be cut without a mat using Smart Materials. If you are using the mat, then the cut size will remain the same.

 

3.  Cricut Maker


Maker 3 is a fast and powerful cutting machine that is very popular for its incredible features and performance. Coming to its overview, the machine cuts 300+ materials, including Infusible Ink and Iron-on. Its compatibility with regular Infusible Ink pens and markers makes it versatile from other cutting machines.

 

In addition, the machine comes with a unique set of tools, such as a perforation blade to engrave, deboss, and more. So, if you want a Cricut machine for shirts, then Maker can be the best fit for you. Its ability to cut fabric using a rotary blade is incredible!

 

4.  Cricut Maker 3


 

Here is the Maker 3, an upgraded version of Cricut Maker. This device also has the same features as Cricut Maker. However, Maker 3 has some extra features, such as the ability to cut different types of materials and speed. The maximum cut width is 13 inches for Smart Materials and 12 inches for an iron-on with a Cricut mat. 

 

Coming to its speed, the Maker 3 is faster than the original one. However, the faster speed will give you more output in less time. Hence, if you plan to start your shirt or t-shirt designing business, then you can easily do this with Cricut Maker 3.

 

5.  Cricut Joy


 

The Joy can be the perfect Cricut machine for shirts as it offers many amazing features. The small and compact size makes it too handy. The device is capable of cutting 50+ materials, which includes Infusible Ink and Iron-On.

 

The Joy can cut shapes up to 4 feet long and repeat cuts up to 20 feet long (with Joy Smart Materials). However, the maximum cut you can make is 5.5 inches.

 

Note: Smart Materials are the kind of materials that do not need any cutting mat.

 

So, if you want to make baby shirts/bodysuits and adult shirts in a smaller size, then Cricut Joy can handle them easily. For designs with 5.5 inches or smaller, you can use a Smart Iron-On, as it can cut 43 designs in one go. In other terms, simple math is used here, i.e., dividing the 240 inches of Smart Materials by 5.5 inches, which is equal to 43.64.

 

This machine could also be a reason for saving your precious time as it can handle a bunch of designs at once.

 

Conclusion

In short, all the above devices are the best Cricut machine for shirts. However, you just need to figure out the need, for example, if you need a mat while cutting or not. If needed, then go with a machine that supports cutting the design with a mat only. Also, figure out the importance of cutting length and see if a particular machine can fulfill your production demands. In simple terms, all machines are perfect for making shirts, but it depends on the needs of the makers.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Question 1: What Cricut machine can I use for shirts?

Answer: There are plenty of options available for Cricut machines, and they offer incredible features for various purposes. However, price also depends on many factors, but if you want to focus on only shirt designing, then you must go with the second or third generation of the Cricut Explore machine. They are good to offer everything you need for shirt design.

 

Question 2: Which Cricut cutting machine works on fabric?

Answer: You can use all types of Cricut machines for fabric, but still, we recommend using the Cricut Maker. This device is the best for working on fabric as users don’t have to bond their fabric before cutting anything. Since the rotary blade can be used only on a Maker machine, you can quickly cut the unbonded fabric such as butte.

 

Question 3: Which Cricut materials are the best for shirts?

Answer: Cricut iron-on is the most preferred material for shirts and other Cricut projects. This is because Iron-on is a heat-activated material that adheres properly to your shirts. Also, the iron-on materials can last up to 50 washes; even though it is not permanent, but can last longer to meet your demand.


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