To give you a basic idea, the Cuttlbg is an old-school embossing and die-cutting machine that allows you to cut precise shapes from various materials such as paper, cardstock, chipboard, fabric, felt, and even leather. Unlike other modern Cricut machines, it does not use electricity or the internet, just old-fashioned elbow grease. It adds dimension to projects and is suitable for all skill levels.
If you are searching for a tiny, portable, yet reliable manual die cutter, Cuttle bug can be your best option. But can it match the benchmark set by the Cricut brand? That's what this blog is all about; it will give you all the necessary information about the Cuttlegug, how it works, its pros and cons, and lastly, whether it is worth considering buying.
Overview
Cricut Cuttlebug is one of those weird-looking tools that, in the first instance, it's hard to figure out what it is supposed to do. Two models are available in the market, but we will focus on the newer V2 model. As mentioned earlier, Cuttlebug is a die-cutting machine; if you don't know what a die is, let us tell you. A die is a metal shape with a raised edge designed to cut through materials such as paper, fabric, felt, and leather when pressure is placed onto it. The machine only weighs 7 lbs, so you won't have any problem carrying it. Its dimensions are 14.4x7.2x12 inches.
The machine is cleverly designed, and the sides of the machine can be folded up and tucked away. A suction underneath the machine is activated when the sides are folded down to prevent the machine from moving around when running materials through the machine. As it is a compact and portable machine, it does not require much space, and it also comes with a carrying handle so you can carry it anywhere.
What's in the Box?
The Cricut brand is known for providing various accessories, tools, and products. The following accessories come with this unit to help you start die-cutting and embossing. The number of accessories may seem to be less than other products.
- User manual
- 1 A6x8 plate
- A2 embossing folder
- A 6x8 embossing mat
- 2 B cutting plates (6x8)
- 2 metal dies
Note that with the V2 version, you won't get the C plate that used to come with the older cutter versions. So, you have to purchase the C Plate separately if you plan to use dies from Spellbinders and Sizzix.
How Does the Machine Work?
Although Cuttlebug does deliver some deep, professional-looking cuts, you are only limited to a cutting capacity of 6 inches. So, you won't be able to work on folders or dies that are larger than that. Fortunately, it is compatible with A2 and 5x7 inches embossing folders, so you can use them for embossing with Cuttlebug. Also, note that the thickness of the material should not exceed ⅛-inch, and you should not try to force extremely thick materials into the machine as they could get stuck in the machine.
Despite all its limitations, Cuttlebug manages to deliver smooth cuts consistently. It could offer the user more versatility if it could accommodate larger dies and folders. Otherwise, in terms of power, its performance was above average and highly reliable.
How to Use It?
You have an embossing folder in which you have to put your paper. You will find only one design in the box, but you can also buy lots of additional tools if you ever feel the need. Then you place that embossing folder between two plastic boards called 'B' plates. Place that on top of another thick plastic board called an 'A' plate. Then put the stack into the machine and turn its handle. The handle can be easily operated; even kids can do it. The handle can be folded when you are not using the machine. The plate bundle is fed through the machine, and on the other side, you can find the embossing folder with a lovely pattern pressed into the paper.
The only thing you need to remember is that when it comes to the size of the materials, there is a 6-inch limit, and also, there is a thickness limit of ⅛ inch.
What Can You Make With Cuttlebug?
You must run your imagination wild, and the Cuttlebug will take you there. It's the only Cricut machine designed to emboss that can give professional-looking results with clean and crisp cuts. Projects that look simple but require a lot of time and precision, such as creating a bunch of paper hearts. It can be done without scissors; you can leave the heavy lifting to Cuttlebug. You can cut and emboss various materials, such as cardstock, tissue paper, foil, acetate ribbon, and even leather.
The Cuttlebug is compatible with the entire line of Cricut embossing folders and cutting dies. You can use three different spacer plates that come along with this unit to emboss everything. These spacer plates make Cuttlebug compatible with various leading folders and die. So you can use the dies and folder you already own with Cuttlebug.
Conclusion
You will find a way to use this machine if you are a fellow crafter. It will cost you $75, which is not a chump change, and you need to consider the cost of dies. The price of dies ranges from $3 to $25. Cuttlebug does offer a few useful features. It's portable and reasonably powerful, so it can handle most of the cutting tasks. We conclude that Cuttlebug is worth giving a shot at.
FAQs
What are the benefits of the Cuttlebug?
There are numerous benefits of the Cuttlebug.
- It is cheaper than other Cricut machines.
- It's portable and lightweight, so you can carry it anywhere.
- It's quite easy to use and handle.
- It does not require electricity or internet
- You can use dies and embossing folders manufactured by other brands.
What materials can the Cuttlebug cut and emboss?
There are several materials that this compact yet powerful machine can cut and emboss.
- Paper
- Cardstock
- Thin metal
- Thin wood
- Few fabrics
- Tissue paper
- Thin leather
- Chipboard
- Thin felt
- Posterboard
- Fun foam
Note that only use materials whose height is below ⅛" and don't force them through the machine as they can get stuck.
What about Cuttlebug maintenance cost and warranty?
Cuttlebug is a sturdy, well-built machine that is very easy to maintain. And the only thing you need to do is to keep it clean. Although it is entirely polycarbonate plastic, it's solid and strong. Unless you expose this machine to heartless treatment and if you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, you won't face any problems, and the machine will last for a long time. With this unit, you get a 1-year warranty.
