A cutter machine is necessary for heat transfer vinyl (HTV) crafts. There are many brands of cutting machines. The common brands are Cricut and Silhouette. And the popular cutter machines are Cricut Explore Air 2 and Silhouette Cameo 3. This article gives a brief introduction to Cricut Explore Air 2 Special Edition - Martha Stewart and how to use it.

Cricut Explore Air 2 vs. Cricut Explore 3: Which is Suitable for You?

The year of 2021 witnessed Cricut rolled out its new line of machines, including the Cricut Maker 3 and the Cricut Explore 3. Similar to other Cricut machines, the Cricut Explore 3 is recognized as a versatile electronic cutting machine for crafting. This is because the Explore 3 is able to cut a line of materials ranging from cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on to glitter paper and bonded fabric. And the newly launched machine is compatible with six different tools for cutting, writing, foiling, and more.

As to the main differences between the Explore 3 and the Explore Air 2, the Cricut Explore 3 is able to cut Cricut Smart Materials and boast enhanced speed by using Fast Mode with a sleeker look. The Explore 3 is also compatible with Cricut's new Cricut Roll Holder for holding Smart Materials.

Specifically, detailed information on the Cricut Explore Air 2 vs. Cricut Explore 3 specs is listed below. The Explore 3 is twice as fast as the Explore Air 2 and has dimensions of 24.5 x 10 x 10.25 inches, contrasting with the Explore Air 2's 17.8 x 53.8 x 15.1 inches. Notably, the Explore 3 is compatible with Cricut Smart Materials, eliminating the need for a mat, unlike the Explore 2. The Explore 3 introduces a unique docking slot and is available in a single color, while the Explore 2 comes in multiple colors. However, the Explore 3 comes with a higher price tag compared to the Explore Air 2

In conclusion, if cutting speed, the ability to use wider and longer material, and the ability to cut materials without a mat are important to you, purchasing the Explore 3 is preferred. However, if the functions listed above don't matter to you, you should buy the Explore Air 2.

How to Use Cricut Explore Air 2?

Cricut Explore Air 2 is applied to many different materials, such as HTV vinyl and cardstock. In the meantime, you can apply HTV design to paper, cotton T-shirts, canvas bags, jerks, pillow cases, glass or metal bottles, windows, cork, and some common fabric, as long as it is not too soft, so that you can create colorful and characteristic craft work and gifts for your teammates, friends, or family to decorate your house and some other interesting projects.

There are some essential tools for HTV crafts coming with the Cricut Explore Air 2 Special Edition. And it is in a pretty pearl color, which makes it different from the common edition. The tools that come with them are a pair of tweezers, scissors, weeder, scraper, and a 12-inch x 12-inch cutting mat, along with over 100 free designs and project ideas.

If you insert a pen into the holder, there will be a marker where you need to fold. The multi-purpose cutting mat can help hold the heat transfer paper firmly in place during the process of cutting.

Let's try to cut out a certain image.

1. You should use the Cricut Design SpaceTM software or app to make the image cut by Cricut.

2. Before starting, line up the heat transfer paper stock on the adhesive-lined mat. Then place it into the loader for the Cricut cutter machine. Make sure there is space behind the Cricut so that there is room for the heat transfer paper feeding through the Cricut properly.
3. Then you need to set the steps of the cutting process for Cricut. Press the "on" button, then the "loading" button, and then "c" on the button panel to start the cutting process. Now you can see all the precise lines and cuts made by Cricut.

4. The mat and the cut image will be ejected once Cricut finishes cutting. Then you can use the spatula tool to remove the excess vinyl.

If you need to create some fonts, you can use the weeder to remove the excess vinyl, as the weeder is sharper for small and precise designs. Except for heat transfer vinyl paper, you can use Cricut to cut cardboard to make banners or destination signs.

Cricut Explore Air 2 Projects to Follow

When it comes to the topic of what you can make with a Cricut machine, the tote bag is a good and sound choice. Due to its convenience and its versatile functionalities, you are able to use the tote bag to shop in the mall, store books or other items, and act as an integral part of clothing. Imagine you are holding a beautiful handbag, posing, and taking beautiful photos. Also, this one can be used as a lunch bag or school bag, so you can use it for almost anything every day. If you are interested in it, you have the chance to get some inspiring project ideas from 100 Amazing Cricut Projects.

What's more, people are prone to using heat transfer vinyl to make T-shirts. No matter what you are creating, be sure to always measure the design and vinyl size for shirts before cutting iron on vinyl for shirts. If you are looking for a vinyl that can stick to glass, plastic, walls, and other objects, check out the adhesive vinyl. For more information, you just need to follow the blog Your T-shirt Vinyl Guide.

In a word, the comparisons between Cricut Explore Air 2 and Cricut Explore 3 specs, how to use Cricut Explore Air 2, and some examples of projects with Cricut Explore Air 2 pave the way for you to boast a sound experience in the crafting world.