HOW TO CUT CRICUT METALLIC LEATHER ON A CRICUT MAKER OR CRICUT EXPLORE AIR 2
Hello crafty friends! Let’s talk about cutting leather with your Cricut Maker!!
Cutting leather with your Cricut is possible. I got my first Cricut machine about 5 years ago. I had no idea what to make with it but I knew I wanted to try and make leather earrings.
At the time, no one was talking about making leather earring. I was on my own! I went to Hobby Lobby and bought some garment leather. I started experimenting.
I created my own cut files within Cricut design space. I ruined SO MANY MATS!!! In the end, I kept on trying. I learned how to design leather earring cut files. You can grab those for free HERE.
I also discovered how to cut leather on your Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2 without loosing your mind! It can be done. I promise.
If you are new to cutting leather on you Cricut, I cannot recommend enough starting with Cricut Brand Leather. Cricut Metallic Leather is a great option! It is versatile and gorgeous. I’m spilling all the things I’ve learned to help you get a clean cut!
CAN A CRICUT MAKER CUT LEATHER?
Yes, your Cricut Maker can cut leather but be sure to do your research before you begin.
Leather comes in different weights and thicknesses. It’s a good thing to know what type of leather you are cutting and the thickness of your leather before you begin.
The trick to cutting leather on your Cricut without losing your mind is asking yourself 3 questions:
What kind of leather am I cutting? All leather is not cut the same on your machine (more about this later).
Is my mat sticky? If your mat has lost its stickiness, the leather may bunch and shift while cutting.
Is my blade sharp? A dull blade will not cut through your leather no matter how much work you’ve done!
WHAT BLADE DO I USE TO CUT LEATHER ON MY CRICUT MAKER?
Again, what blade you use depends on what type of leather you are using. Blades matter when cutting leather on your Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore Air 2.
Here is my shortcut guide to Cricut blades and cutting leather:
KNIFE BLADE - For garment leather and tooling leather, Cricut recommends you use the Knife Blade. This blade is only compatible with the Cricut Maker.
DEEP CUT BLADE - To cut Cricut’s Genuine Leather and Cricut’s Metallic Leather, I use a deep cut blade. It makes beautiful cuts. If you use your blades often, your blade will dull over time. If you notice your cuts are crisp anyone, it may be time for a new blade!
Fine Point Blade. I use this blade to cut Cricut’s faux leather. Note: some brands of faux leather (i.e. NOT Cricut brand) do require a deep cut blade. Do a test swatch before you cut!
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HOW DO YOU CUT CRICUT METALLIC LEATHER ON A CRICUT MAKER AND CRICUT EXPLORE AIR 2?
Remember: if you are cutting garment or tooling leather GO HERE.
If you are cutting Cricut Faux leather, GO HERE.
If you need help cutting Cricut Genuine Leather, GO HERE.
Cricut metallic leather is great for earring making. You can cut it on a Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air 2. We love the rose gold color but it is also available in sliver, gold and bronze. Tip: Cricut does run fantastic sales on Metallic Leather! Be sure to check here first before you buy!
Cricut recommends you cut Metallic Leather with a strong grip mat. We’ve had the best luck cutting this leather with a deep cut blade. Be sure to place your leather FACE DOWN on your strong grip mat.
Use a brayer to ensure your leather has fully adhered to your mat.
Cricut also recommends you move the star wheels all the way to the right before you insert your mat. The star wheels are those white plastic pieces on your roller within your machine. This video explains how to move the star wheels.
WHAT SETTING DO I USE TO CUT CRICUT METALLIC LEATHER ON A CRICUT MAKER?
After you’ve designed your project and are ready to cut, you need to select the proper material you are cutting within the settings. Cricut Maker has its own setting for Metallic Leather. Be sure to select this before you cut.
Tip: I always select MORE PRESSURE when I cut Cricut Metallic Leather. I find that this leather is a thicker than Cricut’s Genuine Leather. More pressure will ensure your leather is cut all the way through!
Cricut has already tested this leather and knows how many cuts are needed to cut this brand of leather for the best cut. This is why I recommend using the Cricut brand leather FIRST when working with leather. Cricut has taken the guesswork out of cutting leather when you use their brand product. You can easily get a clean cut every time.
CAN I CUT CRICUT METALLIC LEATHER WITH A CRICUT EXPLORE AIR 2?
Yes, you can! The best part about using Cricut Metallic leather is that you use the same materials to cut this lather on both machines! In fact, my first Cricut machine was an Explore Air. I made all my first leather earrings with this machine!
All you need to do to cut Cricut Metallic Leather with a Cricut Explore Air 2 is to use a strong grip mat and a deep cut blade.
Related:
Make your own Geometric Earrings with Cricut Metallic Leather
MY TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CUTTING METALLIC LEATHER ON A CRICUT MAKER
Cutting metallic leather doesn’t have to be complicated. Give yourself time to learn about your machine. I’ve made a TON of mistakes. Here are my best tips for getting a smooth cut with metallic leather!
USE A BRAYER. A brayer will make sure your leather has fully adhered to your mat. After I place my leather on the mat, I roll my brayer over the leather a few times to make sure it’s stuck to my strong grip mat.
STICKY MAT. A well-used mat will lose its stickiness. I purchase this 3 pack of mats on Amazon. It’s the best deal I’ve seen on mats! Stock up and keep an extra one handy.
PLACE YOUR GENUINE LEATHER FACE DOWN. Cricut recommends you place your leather face down on your mat. It keeps your mat clean which extends the life of your mat.
SHARP BLADE. A deep cut blade will dull over time. You will know your blade is dull when the cuts are frayed and not sharp. A new blade will give you sharp cuts! Keep a replacement blade on hand.
Other helpful links to cutting leather with you Cricut Maker:
How to cut Cricut Genuine Leather
How to cut Cricut Faux Leather
Free Leather Earring Cut files
How to Upload an Image into Cricut Design Space
Learn about the Cricut Scoring Wheel versus the Cricut Stylus. What is the Cricut Scoring combo wheel? How do you know when to use the Cricut scoring wheel? Can you use the Cricut scoring wheel with a Cricut Explore Air? And so much more!