How would it be if I used Cricut mats in Silhouette Cameo? You might have thought this once in a while. We will see if you can or not. When we talk about Cricut and Silhouette, they both are cutting machines. However, they have some differences from features to accessories. Cricut has an endless lineup of accessories, while Silhouette is far behind in the race.
Now the question is, why would someone want to use Cricut mats in the place of Silhouette Cameo? The answer is simple, Cricut mats are more affordable than SC and can be bought at a 50% discount from amazon. The second reason is Cricut accessories are readily available at stores. And lastly, the Cricut mats can hold the material better than thinner Silhouette Cameo. So, can Cricut mats be used in silhouette cameo? Let’s find out.
Can Cricut Mats Be Used In Silhouette Cameo?
Yes, Cricut mats are used in Silhouette Cameo as the mats are interchangeable. Although, both the mats are slightly different from the other. The Cricut mats are usually longer and wider than Silhouette, and you will require a straightedge and razor knife to make it fit for Silhouette dimensions. It’s a little tricky to perform the precision cuts such as vinyl scraps. Hence, you need to make certain adjustments to use Cricut mats in Silhouette Cameo.
However, both cutting machines have the same grid area size and boxes with different margins. Margins create a big difference. If you don’t adjust your Cricut mat before using it with Silhouette, the machine will cut the design in the wrong place and waste your material.
Remember there are a few risks over using Cricut mat in Silhouette. The Cricut mats are thicker than Silhouette mats, and using them too often may damage the roller grips. Although, you can prevent the grips by correctly putting Silhouette mats into your machine.
First of all, collect all the supplies you need. You will need one of each cutting mat – Cricut and Silhouette, a razor knife, painters of masking tape, a straight edge ruler, and a sharp marker.
How To Use Cricut Mats With A Silhouette Cameo?
Mats of either brand come with a protective layer. So, you will need a clear sheet that resembles the mat you are making. If you are creating a Cricut mat, you will need one clear sheet to make the work easy. Then, take your Silhouette mat to a safe surface and lay the clear Cricut sheet on the top of the Silhouette’s mat, and match the corners. You might see one of the sides doesn’t match, but it doesn’t matter until one side and top are correctly lined-up. Now tape both of your cutting surfaces with the painters or masking tape. After settling them in place, use smaller strips of painters or masking tape to cover the outside area of the Silhouette cutting area. These small strips are like boundaries to your mat.
Once you have marked all the corner boundaries, remove your Silhouette cutting mat. The excess tape must be left behind; use it to hold your cutting surface. In the next few steps, we will only learn to cut the middle of the clear Cricut sheet.
First, align your straight edge ruler to the corners, and using a razor knife, cut through the ruler corner to corner. Avoid cutting into the sides of the mat. After removing the middle, you can discard the excess tape. Then, take your Cricut mat and adjust the clear plastic sheet. You can also secure the corners with painter’s tape. Once done, you can take the sharp marker and mark the lines. Marking the borders is vital. However, you can mark the full border. Finally, you’ve used the Cricut mat in Silhouette Cameo.
Conclusion
You get an answer on can Cricut mats be used in Silhouette Cameo. It’s not a big deal to convert your Cricut mats into Silhouette mat. Although, you have to follow the steps carefully to avoid mistakes and correctly create the mat. Both machines may have some interchangeable accessories, so the mat is one of them. The accessories are also costly and make you swap the supplies between these two machines.
You can use the Cricut mats with Silhouette only when you make certain changes. For that, you need a metal straightedge and a craft knife to do so.
FAQs
Can I Use A Cricut Blade In A Silhouette?
The sharp cutting blades can only be used with the Silhouette Cameo 3 machines. If you use Cricut blades in any other machine, it will damage the machine.
Which Is Better, Cricut Or Silhouette Cameo?
Cricut is one step ahead due to its features and ease of use that attract newbies. Previously Silhouette Cameo was the popular one. But, the arrival of Cricut Maker 3 has changed the game. However, the SC didn’t lose its charm and still has a hand in cutting strength.
How do Cricut And Silhouette Cameo Differ?
Well, both are cutting machines and have design software to prepare your digital crafts and customize your own designs. They both perform cutting on different materials, and their design space needs an internet connection to run. However, the Cricut has more features and cuts the materials deeper and faster.
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