Unlock Your Creativity with Cricut: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Custom Phrases

Master Cricut Design Space and Create Beautiful Crafts Easily!

Are you excited to dive into creating your own Cricut projects but find yourself stuck on choosing the perfect phrases or design elements? You're not alone! Many crafters find this step challenging. Luckily, Cricut Design Space is packed with built-in phrases and design elements that simplify the crafting process. In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to use phrases to inspire and craft custom Cricut projects step-by-step.

Step 1: Explore Cricut's Built-in Phrases

Open Cricut Design Space and use the Advanced Search feature to find 'phrases.' Here, you'll see hundreds of inspiring ideas ready to be crafted into your projects. Many are available to Access Pass members, but free options are abundant and clearly marked.

1. Open Cricut Design Space on your computer or mobile device.
2. On the Home screen, click “New Project” to open a blank canvas.
3. Click on “Images” from the left-hand toolbar.
4. In the search bar, type “phrases” or use Advanced Search filters:
   - Click "Images"
   - Select "Advanced Search" at the bottom left
   - Under Image Type, select "Phrases"
   - Optional: Check Free under General if you want only free options.

5. Browse through the results. Hover over any phrase to preview it, and look for the green "A" icon to know if it's included with Cricut Access.

Step 2: Add the Image to Your Canvas

Browse through available phrases and select one that fits your project's theme. Whether it’s a seasonal saying, motivational quote, or simple decorative text, you can find the perfect fit. Add your chosen phrase to the canvas to start customizing.

Once you’ve selected your editable image, it’s time to bring it into your design workspace:

1. Scroll through the list of phrases and look for one that suits your project—seasonal, humorous, motivational, etc.

2. Click on the phrase to highlight it, then click “Add to Canvas” at the bottom right.

3. The phrase will appear on your blank canvas, ready for editing.

💡 Tip: Consider your material and project size before selecting—some phrases are better suited to larger formats like wall art, while others fit nicely on cards or mugs.

Step 3: Adjust Your Phrase Size and Style

Resize your phrase to fit your design canvas by simply clicking and dragging corners or using the toolbar settings. Experiment with decorative fonts within Cricut Design Space to match your style or project needs.

1. Click the phrase on your canvas. You'll see a bounding box with resize handles.
2. Click and drag a corner to resize proportionally, or use the size input boxes in the top toolbar (e.g., Width and Height).
3. To change the font or style:
   - if the word is an image, delete it and replace it with your won text
   - If the phrase is ungrouped into text elements, click on the text and go to the “Font” menu.
   - Choose from system fonts or Cricut fonts to match your desired aesthetic.
   - Adjust letter spacing, alignment, and curve (for curved text) from the toolbar above the canvas.

Step 4: Customize with Contour

The Contour feature allows you to customize phrases by selecting and removing unwanted elements. Here’s how:

Make sure your phrase is a single-layer image (flatten or weld first if needed).

1. Select your phrase, then click “Contour” in the lower-right corner of Design Space.
2. In the new Contour window:
3. Click “Hide All Contours” to remove everything.
4. Or, click individual parts of the design to remove or show them.
5. When you're happy with the changes, click the "X" to close the Contour window and return to your canvas.

🎨 Tip: Use Contour to remove parts of words or shapes, creating a custom look or making a phrase more readable for cutting.

Step 5: Mix, Match, and Layer

Don’t be afraid to combine multiple phrases or elements. Layer text and graphics to create depth and visual interest in your project. Position elements around your phrase to create a unique, personalized craft.

1. Go back to the “Images” tab or add text manually using the “Text” tool.

2. Choose additional words, icons, or shapes that complement your main phrase.

3. Use the “Arrange” button to bring layers forward or backward for better positioning.

4. Play with colors using the “Color Sync” tab to keep your design visually cohesive.

5. Use Align and Group tools for precision and easier movement of multiple elements.

Step 6: Cut and Assemble

Now that you've personalized your colors and text, it’s time to bring everything back together to complete your design: Once satisfied, follow Cricut’s guided steps to cut your design from your chosen material. Assemble your project following your creative vision, whether it’s paper art, vinyl decals, or personalized home decor.

1. When you're satisfied with your design, click the green "Make It" button in the top right.

2. Assemble your project based on the type—layering paper pieces, applying vinyl, or ironing on HTV.

3. Once cutting is complete, unload the mat and carefully weed your design if using vinyl or HTV.

4. Load your material into your Cricut machine, insert the correct blade, and press Go when prompted.

5. Click Continue and select your material type (e.g., cardstock, vinyl, HTV).

6. Review the mat preview screen to ensure your design is properly aligned.

7. Select your material size and load type (mat or matless).

Step 7: Show Off Your Creativity

Share your completed projects with friends, family, or even online crafting communities to inspire others. Each project you create builds your skill and confidence as a Cricut crafter. Now that you know the secret to crafting effortlessly with Cricut phrases, it’s time to let your creativity run wild!

• Photograph your finished project in good lighting.
• Share it on social media—tag your post with #CricutMade or share in Cricut communities or groups like:
• Facebook: Cricut Crafters groups
• Instagram: Use tags like #CricutCrafts, #CricutDesign, #CricutIdeas
• Pinterest: Upload your photo with a brief description and a link to your blog/store if you have one
• Save your project in Design Space for future use or to share the file with friends.

Now you're all set!
With these steps, you can confidently use Cricut’s built-in phrases to design beautiful, custom projects that truly stand out.

Would you like this turned into a printable or PDF cheat sheet for your audience? 
Happy crafting!

You can grab an Access membership at anytime to use this feature.