The Cricut line by Provo Craft has three different machines: the original Cricut (also known as the “baby bug”), the Cricut Create and the Cricut Expression. Lots of people feel confused about the differences between them, so here goes a post that might help you compare Cricut machines.
The Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter is the original introductory model and is great for most needs. I have used & loved that for a couple of years, and only recently bought the Cricut Expression.
The Cricut Expression is the newer, larger model and has some features the first model does not. Here are a few:
Size
The Expression can cut not only larger images, but also smaller. The first Cricut (the “baby bug”) can cut images from 1 inch up to 5 1/2 inches, while the Expression can cut from 1/4 inch to 23-1/2 inches.
Page Layout
With the Cricut Expression you can turn your cutting image from portrait to landscape orientation, which will allow you to cut longer thinner images in a much larger scope.
Mirror Images
With the Expression you can flip the image so you can cut it either left-facing or right-facing.
Multi-Cuts
You can pre-program your Expression to cut over the same image multiple times, and to help cut through thicker material (foam, light chipboard, etc.).
Page Fill
If you want large quantities of one particular cut image, the Expression has an option to fill page with the image you selected, which will give you the most cuts of that image that will fit on your paper.
LCD Screen
The Cricut Expressions has a new screen that displays what buttons you have pushed and what your cut will look like. It also shows the mat size, speed, pressure, and what special buttons you have on at that time.
What about the Cricut Create?
The Cricut Create is the size of the baby bug, but has the extra features of the Expression (except for the larger size cuts).
You can use all the cartridges in any of the Cricut machines.
Whatever the model you have, my best advice is to just play with it. If you decide to compare Cricut machines with your friends, you will be surprised at what even the baby can do! If you’re just starting out, I don’t think you would need any of the features of the Expression. It is when you are comfortable with how to use the Cricut that you can really appreciate the extra features on the more expensive machines.
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