My Favorite Tools and Why I Can’t Craft Without Them

As a longtime Cricut crafter, I’ve tried a lot of tools. Some were game-changers; others collected dust in my drawer. But there are a few ride-or-die Cricut tools I find myself reaching for again and again — the ones I can’t imagine crafting without. Whether you're new to Cricut or just looking to upgrade your setup, here are my absolute must-haves (and why they deserve a spot in your craft space).

1. Cricut Basics Tool Set

Why I love it: Precision matters when working with intricate vinyl designs, and this set is a lifesaver. The set contains one Spatula to lift cleanly; one Weeder for precision; one Scraper to clean quickly; one pair of Scissors to cut cleanly and one set of Tweezers to hold the pieces securely. The sharp hooks and tweezers help me lift tiny pieces without ruining the design or stretching the vinyl. Bonus: the scraper in this set works wonders for cleaning your mat, too.

Another great option for a basic tool kit would be the set from Corey-Z on Amazon. It even comes with a really nice travel case.

✂️ Tip: Keep a small container nearby to collect weeded vinyl scraps — it keeps your workspace clean and your sanity intact. I have two that I use on a daily basis and highly recommend; tweexy Craft Vinyl Weeding Scrap Collector Ring and iVyne Berry Suctioned Vinyl Weeding Scrap Collector.

2. LED Weeding Tool

Why I love it: As someone who’s constantly working on intricate vinyl and iron-on designs, this LED Weeding Tool has quickly become one of my absolute favorite crafting companions. What sets it apart is the built-in LED light—a total game-changer when you're trying to weed those tiny, hard-to-see cuts. Whether I’m working with Cricut or Silhouette machines, the light helps me spot fine details effortlessly and reduce eye strain.

It comes with both a hook-style and pin-style tip, which makes it super versatile for all types of materials—from vinyl and paper to iron-on projects. I love how it adds precision and ease to my everyday crafting, making even the most detailed projects feel a lot less frustrating.

Plus, it's so lightweight and portable—about the size of a pen at just 7.5 inches long—making it easy to store in my tool case or take on the go. If you do a lot of DIY crafting like I do, this tool is not just a helper—it’s a must-have.

3. Brayer Tool

Why I love it: This simple roller might not look like much, but it helps your material (especially fabric, paper, and vinyl) stick to the mat evenly and securely. No more bubbles or shifting mid-cut!

💡 Pro Tip: Use the brayer on Infusible Ink sheets to avoid ink cracking during the press.

4. XL Scraper

Why I love it: Sure, the small scraper does the job — but the XL version is a serious time-saver when you’re working on larger projects. It's perfect for smoothing out vinyl, cleaning cutting mats, and applying transfer tape over big designs.

5. Cricut TrueControl Knife

Why I love it: This precision knife is like an X-Acto but better. The grip feels amazing, and the blade-locking mechanism gives me more control and safety. It’s perfect for trimming vinyl, paper, or even chipboard.

🧽 Bonus Use: I also use it to cut heat transfer vinyl (HTV) when I need to resize a design after cutting.

6. Cricut EasyPress (and Mat!)

Why I love it: If you’re doing any kind of iron-on or Infusible Ink project, the EasyPress is a must. It combines the power of a heat press with the convenience of an iron — minus the guesswork. Pair it with any Heat Press Mat for perfect pressure and temperature every time.

🔥 Craft Win: I use the EasyPress for everything from custom tees to tote bags, and the results are consistently flawless. I also use the EasyPress Mini for smaller and more precise jobs.

7. Standard Grip Mat (Green)

Why I love it: This is my go-to mat for most projects — not too sticky, not too loose. It works great for vinyl, iron-on, and cardstock. I always keep a few on hand and rotate them to make them last longer. Also for those larger projects there is 12x24 format of this mat.

🧼 Care Tip: Clean your mats regularly with baby wipes or a lint roller to extend their life.

8. Transfer Tape (Strong Grip and Regular)

Why I love it: What good is a vinyl cut if you can’t transfer it cleanly? I use regular transfer tape for everyday vinyl, and strong grip tape for glitter or textured vinyl. Having both ensures I’m ready for anything.

🎯 Hack: Save used transfer tape by sticking it to the inside of a plastic folder — reuse it until it loses stick.

9. Cricut Roll Holder with Built in Trimmer

Why I love it: The Cricut Roll Holder has completely streamlined my cutting process, especially when working with long rolls of Cricut Smart Materials. I love how it keeps the rolled material perfectly aligned, so every cut comes out clean and precise—no more shifting or wrinkling midway through a project!

The built-in trimmer is another favorite feature. It gives me a straight, professional edge every time, which saves so much time compared to cutting manually. Plus, it fits a wide range of roll lengths—from 3 meters to a whopping 22.8 meters (4ft to 75ft)—so I never feel limited when working on larger designs or bulk projects.

10. Cricut Extension Tray

Why I love it: This extension tray has been a total lifesaver for keeping my projects smooth and frustration-free. It offers perfect compatibility with my Cricut Maker 3, Maker, and Explore Air series—including the Air 2 and Air 3—and works flawlessly with 12" x 12" standard grip cutting mats and vinyl materials.

What I really love is how it holds the mat flat and steady during cutting, preventing it from bending or slipping. No more mat jams or misaligned cuts! The extender tray supports the mat throughout the process, keeping everything straight and secure—even when the material feeds in and out of the machine.

11. Desk Tool Organizer or Caddy

Why I love it: This little storage solution keeps my tools in reach and my workspace tidy. Whether it’s the caddy specifical made for the Cricut brand tools or a repurposed desk organizer, having an organized space makes crafting faster and more fun.

🧽 Bonus: I also use a tool organizer created to fit in the Cricut cover to store my blades. It keeps them all organized and at my fingertips.

Final Thoughts

Crafting with Cricut can be addictive — in the best way — but having the right tools can take your projects from frustrating to fabulous. These favorites have become essentials in my craft room, and I promise they’ll make your creative process smoother too.

🛒 Want to try them out? I’ve linked all of these tools in Our Favorite Crafting Tools & Must-Have Supplies — check it out!

Do you have a Cricut tool you can’t live without? Let me know in the comments — I’m always looking for new favorites to try!