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Silhouette vs. Cricut? Study the professionals & cons of the Silhouette Cameo vs. Cricut Discover and determine as soon as and for all which slicing machine is greatest for you!
*This submit was initially printed in 2017, but it surely has been totally up to date as of March 2022.*
Hey buddies! As we speak I’m doing one thing a little bit bit completely different as a result of I’ve gotten loads of questions on slicing machines currently. I will provide you with my 100% unbiased evaluate of Silhouette vs. Cricut slicing machines. Now, I at all times share my sincere opinions even in sponsored posts, however to remove ANY DOUBT, I’ve chosen to jot down this submit as an unsponsored submit. Neither firm is compensating me in any option to write this submit, nor would I need them to. I need everybody to have the ability to learn this utterly unbiased submit and determine which slicing machine is greatest for them, as a result of the reply is probably not the identical for everybody!
It is very important be aware that I’ve not used the latest model of any of the machines that had been not too long ago launched–I’ve not used a Silhouette Cameo 4 (which was launched in September 2019), the Cricut Discover Air 3 or the Cricut Maker 3 (each of which had been launched in June of 2021). This submit relies on my expertise with a Silhouette Cameo and the Cricut Discover Air 2 (I even have the Cricut Maker which you’ll be able to examine right here).
As you learn this submit understand that you want to think about each the slicing machine itself AND the design software program that you’ll use with the machine. Each are essential!
This submit does embody affiliate hyperlinks to each machines for your comfort (which suggests in case you make a purchase order after clicking a hyperlink I’ll earn a small fee which helps hold my weblog up and operating but it surely will not price you a penny extra)! Click on right here to learn my full disclosure coverage. However by together with affiliate hyperlinks to each merchandise, I once more don’t have any monetary motivation for encouraging you to purchase one or the opposite.
Silhouette vs. Cricut: Which Slicing Machine is Proper for You?
My Overview of The Silhouette CAMEO
Let’s begin with the Silhouette Cameo on this Silhouette vs. Cricut debate, as a result of the Silhouette Cameo is the primary slicing machine I received a few years in the past.
I’ve to confess, I fell in love with it instantly as a result of it may do issues SO a lot quicker than I may with scissors or an exacto knife, and it was simply typically an thrilling new DIY device that I had by no means had entry to earlier than. I used to be capable of make indicators, vinyl decals, playing cards, present tags and extra. I used to be PUMPED.
Now, my Silhouette Cameo typically resulted in challenge FAILS and I’ve wasted extra vinyl than I care so as to add up as a result of I might be appalled by how a lot cash I’ve wasted in consequence, however I actually, actually thought that was simply the character of slicing machines. I shrugged it off and accepted that each one slicing machines in all probability have glitches and slip generally, but it surely was nonetheless tremendous irritating.
Now, let me reply some particular questions that I get lots:
How straightforward is the Silhouette design software program to make use of?
Silhouette Studio is software program that you just obtain to your machine to be able to use. I used to be stunned that I discovered the Silhouette Studio software program straightforward to make use of, as a result of lots of people suppose it is tremendous complicated. I discovered it to be a robust software program that allowed me to both purchase or create my personal designs from scratch. However be aware, if you wish to use your individual .svg information, you’ll have to pay to improve the software program to the “Designer” model (I imagine it prices $50 to improve). That mentioned, most individuals shall be simply advantageous with the free software program and can discover that there are tons of nice photos within the library to buy at very low costs.
I personally discover that the photographs out there in Silhouette Studio are a bit extra skilled wanting than these within the Cricut Design Area, although I feel Cricut is certainly catching as much as Silhouette Studio in that regard. You may as well simply sort on a curved path in Silhouette Studio–on the time of scripting this submit, that function is missing in Cricut Design Area.
Backside line… When you have graphic design expertise, then you’ll love the liberty that comes with this software program. If you happen to aren’t skilled in graphic design and are usually not occupied with beginning designs from scratch, you’ll seemingly discover the software program irritating. Everybody I do know who has used each Silhouette Studio and Cricut Design Area agrees that Cricut Design Area is simpler to make use of, particularly for novices.
You possibly can watch the video under for a peek contained in the Silhouette Studio.
How nicely does the Silhouette Cameo machine minimize?
Will depend on what sort of temper your machine is in 🙂 All kidding apart, I discovered that I received unpredictable outcomes when slicing with my Silhouette Cameo.
I encountered most of my points when slicing lengthy lengths of vinyl, which is meant to be one of many BEST options of a Silhouette. You see, Silhouette encourages customers to load vinyl as much as 10 toes lengthy into their slicing machine with no slicing mat–it is referred to as “matless slicing.” And that could be a tremendous, tremendous cool concept in idea, proper? I imply, you’ll be able to create an enormous design and produce it by solely loading your vinyl as soon as and sending via one minimize job?! Sounds nice, but it surely simply does not work that means.
To begin with, it is darn close to inconceivable to simply load vinyl immediately into the Silhouette Cameo. As a result of the vinyl is available in a roll, the top that you want to load is by definition curled beneath, which causes it to simply and repeatedly jam when you are attempting to load it. Even in case you can handle to get it loaded on the primary strive, you nearly at all times need to manually straighten it.
However the greatest drawback is that the vinyl slips throughout slicing even when your rollers are appropriately positioned and you’ve got adopted all instructions completely. Y’all, I can not let you know how disappointing it’s to unload a 6 foot size of vinyl solely to find that it slipped throughout slicing. When it slips, your minimize traces get all wonky and your minimize job is ruined. Wasted time. Wasted vinyl. Wasted cash. It isn’t enjoyable.
Once I created this large quote wall for my twin women’ previous room, I wasted at the least 3 total rolls of vinyl due to the slipping subject. I used to be almost in tears at one level.
In equity, I by no means had points slicing card inventory with the Silhouette Cameo, however my expertise with slicing vinyl with it was not nice. Now, I haven’t got the Silhouette Cameo 4 (the present model), so perhaps there are seemingly some enhancements which were made, however from speaking with different buddies who do have the newest variations of the Cameo, it sounds just like the slipping and hassle loading that I had are points that persist.
How robust is the Silhouette Cameo and what sort of supplies can it minimize?
There was unbiased testing completed on the prior variations of the Silhouette Cameo vs the Cricut Discover. You possibly can view the power take a look at outcomes by clicking right here. Backside line… the Silhouette Cameo wasn’t almost as robust because the Cricut Discover . Here’s a fast abstract of the outcomes (it is a screenshot from the testing report):
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is reportedly stronger than the sooner variations. And it may possibly reportedly minimize basswood and material. However like I mentioned on the outset of this submit, I’ve not personally used the newest model of the machine.
What’s the price of a Silhouette Cameo?
The Silhouette Cameo at the moment retails for round $299. You possibly can generally discover it on sale.
My Overview of Cricut Discover
Subsequent up is the Cricut Discover, which I’ve now used for over 5 years! I’ve the Cricut Discover Air 2, however there are a number of completely different Cricut Discover machines to select from. I additionally now personal a Cricut Maker and you may see my full evaluate of the Cricut Maker right here. And whereas I completely LOVE my Cricut Maker, I do not use it almost as typically as my Cricut Discover Air 2 as a result of I am not often slicing issues like wooden and material. I’ve used (and proceed to make use of) my Discover machine ceaselessly as a result of I exploit it for my on a regular basis “regular” initiatives (like slicing labels out of vinyl, slicing cardstock, and so forth.). I’ve by no means had a single subject or drawback with it since I received it again in September 2016. That is over 5 years of frequent use with no points!
I had NEVER used a Cricut earlier than and since I entered the fantastic world of slicing machines with a Silhouette, I figured I might by no means be transformed. That is simply type of my character on the subject of know-how and automobiles. I get tremendous snug with what I’m utilizing and actually, actually, actually resist change.
So, to say I used to be skeptical after I opened up my Cricut Discover machine is an understatement. However y’all, I used to be instantly intrigued. For starters, the Cricut Discover itself felt way more substantial and sturdier than the Silhouette Cameo. The lid on the Cameo wasn’t safe, so it type of flopped round at any time when I moved it. However extra importantly, the machine belts which are so essential to the operation of the Silhouette Cameo had been nearly inconceivable to not contact at any time when I picked my machine as much as transfer it. So I used to be ALWAYS apprehensive about breaking my Silhouette Cameo. I instantly felt much less paranoid about my Cricut Discover.
Now, let me reply the commonest questions I get about Cricut slicing machines.
Do not it’s important to have cartridges which are bought individually to chop with a Cricut?
No, no, no! I believed that, too, which is likely one of the causes I went with a Silhouette machine to start with. However no, that was true like 8 years in the past, however is now not the case. You possibly can create your individual designs, add photos, buy design elements, and so forth. in Cricut Design Area, so in that regard, it really works similar to a Silhouette.
Is it true you’ll be able to’t add your individual photos to the Cricut Design Area?
Nope! Apparently it is a nasty rumor that was actually by no means true. You possibly can add your customized designs and pictures into Cricut Design Area. It is simple, and in contrast to Silhouette Studio, you do not have to pay to improve your software program to have the aptitude of importing your individual .svg information.
How nicely does the Cricut Discover machine minimize?
Like. A. Dream. Significantly, y’all. The Cricut Discover shocked me. The cuts are quieter, quicker and a lot cleaner. I did not notice how typically I needed to clear up the sides of my Silhouette cuts till I used my Cricut Discover. I discover the cuts on all supplies I’ve used it on to date (card inventory, vinyl and chipboard) to be excellent. I actually was shocked by the distinction within the precision of the cuts between my Cricut vs. Silhouette.
Now, as we mentioned above, you’ll be able to minimize lengths of as much as 10 toes utilizing a Silhouette Cameo (each machines minimize supplies as much as 12″ vast). However with the Cricut, you’ll be able to solely minimize supplies as much as 2 toes lengthy. AND it’s important to use a slicing mat to chop vinyl. Initially, I used to be tremendous bummed and seen this as an enormous downside. *Word: The Cricut Discover 3 now has a higher slicing capability of as much as 13″ x 12′ when utilizing Cricut Good Supplies.
However then I minimize my first massive vinyl challenge utilizing my Cricut Discover and now I get it. I get why you need to solely WANT to chop vinyl with a mat and in sections solely 2 toes lengthy at a time.
This is a photograph of the wall decals I made for what’s now my daughter Attley’s room (we separated our twin women’ bedrooms just a few months in the past). Yep, it is the identical wall the place the opposite wall decal was, however this time I minimize it with my Cricut Discover. I did not waste even one inch of vinyl this time round! Woo hoo! Higher but, I used my Cricut to chop the phrase “colours” out of chipboard after which coated them with material and mod podge and am so pleased with how they turned out (you’ll find the tutorial right here).
How straightforward is the Cricut design software program to make use of?
I will admit… It was actually arduous for me to get used to the Cricut design software program. I am unsure if it is as a result of I used to be so used to the Silhouette Studio, however I did get a little bit annoyed after I first began utilizing Cricut Design Area. One of many frustrations got here from the truth that it relied on Adobe Flash, however thankfully the model new Cricut Design Area has eradicated that subject! YAY!
That mentioned, as I discussed earlier on this submit MOST PEOPLE discover the Cricut Design Area software program is simpler and extra easy to make use of in comparison with Silhouette Studio software program. And I feel if I had began in Cricut Design Area, I would not have struggled with it in any respect. However I used to be so used to Silhouette Studio (and you understand the saying… It is arduous to show an previous canine new tips) I discovered that it had a little bit of a studying curved that I did not completely count on.
Now that I’ve gotten used to Cricut Design Area, I discover it extremely straightforward to make use of and suppose it is excellent for individuals who wish to create easy designs and received’t be creating customized designs from scratch.
Do not get me fallacious, you can create customized designs utilizing the Cricut software program, however your choices are way more restricted than they’re in Silhouette Studio. However keep in mind that the Cricut Design Area was designed for importing present designs created in different graphic design packages into the Cricut software program. In different phrases, Cricut Design Area wasn’t actually created for graphic designers. It was created for artistic shoppers. So, I’ve no subject creating my customized designs in Adobe Illustrator and importing them into Cricut Design Area (that is what I did after I created the graphics for my DIY Santa Sacks).
Cricut Design Area used to require an web connection because it was a web-based program, however now it’s software program that you just obtain (so it is the identical as Silhouette Studio in that regard).
Check out the video under for a peek into the Cricut Design Area.
What’s the price of a Cricut Discover?
The Cricut Discover Air 2 (which is the machine I’ve) retails for round $179. The Cricut Discover Air 3, which is the latest model, retails for round $299. You possibly can generally discover it on sale.
Which machine wins? Cricut Discover or Silhouette Cameo?
For me, the clear winner is the Cricut Discover, particularly now that I’ve gotten used to the Cricut Design Area. The machine is sturdier, stronger and performs higher. And for the overwhelming majority of customers, Cricut Design Area is much extra person pleasant and can match their wants completely. Even when the machines had been completely equal in efficiency (which I do not really feel they’re), I might STILL select and suggest Cricut over Silhouette to 99% of individuals due to the design software program.
The one time I can think about I might suggest a Silhouette to somebody over a Cricut is that if they wish to create customized designs AND don’t have entry to exterior design software program (like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and so forth.). That’s going to be a teeny, tiny proportion of customers they usually might need to accept a sub-par slicing machine to be able to meet their design software program wants.
That mentioned, I discover that most individuals who prefer to design graphics (myself included) already use exterior software program (I exploit Illustrator), making the best choice Cricut Design Area since you’ll be able to add customized .svg information with out having to pay to improve software program. So in case you actually need to have the ability to create designs from scratch AND you need the most effective machine, I would suggest utilizing an exterior design software program so that you could add your customized designs into the Cricut Design Area. That is actually the most effective of all worlds!
Wish to see examples of initiatives you’ll be able to deal with with a Cricut or Silhouette?
You possibly can try all of my Cricut and Silhouette initiatives right here. I’ve used my machines through the years to make so many superior DIY initiatives.
Need assistance studying to make use of a Cricut?
Due to this submit, I get requested lots about the way to do sure issues with a Cricut. There are MUCH BETTER assets than me for studying to make use of your Cricut or different slicing machine when you get one! My good friend Jennifer Maker is a Cricut genius and is the most effective instructor I do know on the subject of studying the way to use a Cricut. She’s educating a session on Customise Your Residence Decor With Cricut on the FREE 2022 Lovely Residence Lovely Life summit!
* In case you are studying this earlier than registration closes on April 4, 2022, make sure to click on HERE to register for the 2022 Lovely Residence Lovely Life summit. It is a FREE on-line occasion devoted to educating girls the way to declutter, arrange and beautify their houses!* Study extra right here.
Not solely will you be taught from 25 consultants on the way to declutter, arrange and beautify your property, you can even take part in over $6,000 value of giveaways (in case you meet the nation of residence and age eligibility necessities). The giveaways embody 6 Cricut slicing machine bundles, a $500 present card to Annie Selke, unbelievable digital programs and even inside design consultations! You have to register for the Lovely Residence Lovely Life summit to be able to enter the giveaways. All of the enjoyable begins on April fifth! And registration closes on April 4 at 11:59 pm EST, so hurry and register right here!
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Questioning how I strategy reworking rooms and areas in our dwelling? Take a look at Designer in a Binder®.
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