Vinyl/Craft Cutters

2D cutting using a machine with a stylus-style blade. This method is cheaper than other 2D methods like laser cutting. A craft cutter can handle many different materials including cardstock, paper, craft foam, t-shirt transfers, and fabric.

2D cutting using a machine with a stylus-style blade. This method is cheaper than other 2D methods like laser cutting. A craft cutter can handle many different materials including cardstock, paper, craft foam, t-shirt transfers, and fabric.

There are two general types of vinyl cutters: hobbyist and professional. A good hobby-grade machine can cost under $200 and can be a nice introduction to the 2D design and cutting process for makers before taking the leap of purchasing a laser cutter. For specialized vinyl sheets and membership-based access to pre-drawn templates, there are operating expenses. The process for using either type is similar: create a vector-based image, cut the material, "weed" the unwanted pieces, and transfer the cut material onto the desired surface.

Start using vinyl/craft cutters in your classroom projects.  Check out this video full of examples and techniques from our presentation at the 2021 MassCUE Virtual Conference.

Cricut Explore Air 2 Vinyl Cutter  - Tutorial

Common Vinyl/Craft Cutters Available

Cricut Maker cutting machine with various colorful vinyl designs cut out on red material

Cricut Craft Cutters

  • Software: Browser-based
  • Suggested age range: 9+
  • Background knowledge needed: None
  • Capability: vinyl stickers, iron-ons, cardstock, fabric, balsa wood, soft foam sheets, etc.
  • Platform: MAC/PC/Tablet/Chromebook
Cricut cutting machine with purple paper cut into decorative shapes and star patterns

Silhouette Craft Cutters

  • Software: Free Download
  • Suggested age range: 9+
  • Background knowledge needed: None
  • Capability: vinyl stickers, iron-ons, cardstock, fabric, balsa wood, soft foam sheets, etc.
  • Platform: MAC/PC
CAMM-1 Servo cutting plotter machine on wooden desk with paper and blue cartridge

Roland Vinyl Cutters

  • Software: Download Included (single license)
  • Suggested age range: 11+
  • Background knowledge needed: familiarity with graphic design software (Illustrator, Inkscape, etc) and PC/Windows reccomended.
  • Capability: adhesive-backed vinyl, heat-transfer vinyl
  • Platform: Windows (machine must be plugged into a PC running Roland drivers/software)
  • Cons: large and expensive
Titan3 vinyl cutter plotter with blue housing and included VinylMaster software

US Cutter Vinyl Cutters

  • Software: starting at $59.99, single user for cutting, multiple users for designing
  • Suggested age range: 11+
  • Background knowledge needed: familiarity with graphic design software (Illustrator, Inkscape, etc) and PC/Windows recommended.
  • Capability: adhesive-backed vinyl, heat-transfer vinyl
  • Platform: Windows (machine must be plugged into a PC running US Cutter software and drivers)

‍

Things to Consider

  • Safety features and classroom management - Look for cutters with enclosed blades, automatic blade retraction, and safety sensors. Consider models that allow teachers to control cutting remotely and have clear safety protocols for student supervision around sharp cutting tools.
  • Educational value and curriculum alignment - Evaluate how vinyl cutting supports learning objectives across subjects (art, design thinking, engineering, math concepts like scaling). Consider whether the technology introduces valuable digital fabrication skills while remaining accessible to various grade levels.
  • Total cost of ownership beyond initial purchase - Factor in ongoing expenses including replacement blades, cutting mats, vinyl rolls, and various material costs. Budget for software licensing fees if required, and consider bulk educational discounts when calculating per-student costs.
  • Ease of use and student independence - Assess the learning curve for both teachers and students. Look for intuitive software interfaces, clear visual feedback during operation, and machines that allow students to work independently after initial training while maintaining safety.
  • Documentation, training resources, and technical support - Ensure robust educational resources are available including lesson plans, troubleshooting guides, and video tutorials. Verify that technical support understands educational environments and can provide timely assistance during class periods.
  • Material versatility for diverse projects - Consider the range of materials the cutter can handle (cardstock for prototyping, fabric for textiles projects, vinyl for signage) to maximize cross-curricular applications and justify the investment across multiple subject areas.

    • Related Projects

    Shadow Boxes
    Shadow Scenes
    Constellation Box with Lights
    Paper Canoes
    More projects
    Black version of the MIT Edgerton Center logo
    Facebook iconYouTube iconInstagram icon
    © 2026 K-12 Maker Lab at the MIT Edgerton Center. All rights reserved.