Edited: September 30, 2024
This article applies to Cricut Explore series and Cricut Maker series machines, and Cricut Joy Xtra.
The small white rings on your Cricut cutting machine roller bar are called star wheels. These wheels help keep materials from shifting during cutting, especially when using the Print Then Cut feature. However, when working with some specialty materials — like Foil Transfer sheets, cards on Card Mat, leather, felt, and craft foam — star wheels can leave track marks.
Before using these materials – and before cutting with Knife Blade on Cricut Maker series machines – follow the steps below to move the star wheels so they do not roll over the top of your material.
Note: Firm pressure may be required when moving the star wheels for the first time. Stabilize the machine with one hand as you reposition the star wheels.
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If the carriage is in the way, power OFF your machine, then gently move the carriage to either side until you have enough room to maneuver the star wheels.
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Grasp a star wheel between a thumb and forefinger and use gentle pressure to move it toward the larger rubber roller on the right side of the bar. Repeat for each wheel.
Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker series machines (Cricut Maker is pictured)
Cricut Joy Xtra - To avoid track marks on your cards when using Card Mat, star wheels on Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker series machines should be moved to the center of the bar to align with the middle column of Card Mat. For Cricut Joy Xtra, move star wheels to either side of the bar. This ensures star wheels do not roll over the top of your cards.
Cricut Maker (the same process is used for all Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore series machines)
Cricut Joy Xtra
- For all other projects, especially Print Then Cut projects, slide the star wheels back into place, spacing them equal distance apart. Don’t worry – no need for them to be precisely positioned, just evenly spaced.
Tip: When moved to the side, the star wheels may overlap part of the cut area on your mat. We recommend that you cut your material down to allow approximately 1" (2.5 cm) on the right side of the cutting mat; this way, the material won't pass under the star wheels as the mat moves back and forth through the machine.
Tip: Position your design on the Mat Preview screen in Design Space so that it doesn't extend beyond your material on the physical mat. If necessary, change your material size in Design Space to help prevent placing images outside of the material area. Learn how to change material size in Design Space.