Edited: August 28, 2024
Note: Cricut Rotary Blade is compatible with Cricut Maker series machines only.
Select a link below for Rotary Blade calibration and troubleshooting information.
Rotary Blade Calibration
Cricut Maker comes pre-calibrated for Rotary Blade, so you’re ready to cut fabric right out of the box!
Cricut Maker 3 is not pre-calibrated for Rotary Blade, but when using Rotary Blade with Cricut Maker 3 for the first time, calibration will occur automatically when you send your project to the machine.
Manual Calibration
To get optimal cut performance, sizing, and alignment, you should perform the Rotary blade calibration every time you change your Rotary blade.
Note: Rotary Blade calibration is available only for Cricut Maker machines and must be completed using a Windows/Mac computer.
- Open the Design Space menu in the upper right and select Settings.
- Go to Machines > Machine Calibration, and choose your machine.
- Select the Rotary Blade calibration.
- Insert the Rotary Blade and load a sheet of plain printer paper onto your mat. Click Continue.
- Select your machine from the drop-down menu. It may automatically populate in this field but check to be sure the correct machine is showing. Load the mat and paper into the machine.
- Press the flashing Go button to begin calibration.
- The machine will cut 7 sets of lines. When the cuts are complete, you can remove the mat from the machine.
- Inspect the cut lines to find the set of lines that overlap the most. If you have difficulty seeing the lines, use a pencil and lightly color perpendicularly across the cuts to reveal the lines.
- Select the corresponding number from the drop-down menu for the set of lines that overlap the most.
- When you have made your selection, click Continue.
- Calibration is complete! Close the window to return to the Canvas and continue with your project.
Troubleshooting
Why shouldn't I cut smaller than 3/4 in (1.9 cm) with Rotary Blade?
Cutting smaller than 3/4 in (1.9 cm) creates a very small turn radius for Rotary Blade. This causes the blade to scrape the mat as it turns, leaving a gouge in the mat. This can also wear the blade in a way that will affect the quality of cuts going forward.
Why is the Rotary Blade cutting through my image?
We recommend that your images be no smaller than 3/4 in (1.9 cm) in size and that the space between cut paths be at least 3/4 in (1.9 cm) or more when cutting with the rotary blade.
Due to the curved nature of the blade, it executes a slight overcut of the image cut paths in order to ensure the full length of the line is completely cut. This may cause it to cut over adjacent cut paths that are too close. For this reason, we do not recommend cutting intricate images with the rotary blade.
How long does Rotary Blade last?
As with all cutting tools, the life of the cutting edge depends on what you are cutting and the pressure you're using when cutting. Rotary Blade is intended for use with soft, flexible materials, such as silk, denim, cotton, burlap, and canvas.
Hard, flexible materials, such as a sequined material (sequins are plastic) will wear the blade more quickly and can possibly nick or chip the blade, which will affect the precision of future cuts.
Can I use Rotary Blade with my Cricut Explore series machine?
No, Rotary Blade and Knife Blade are not compatible with Cricut Explore machines. They require a drive mechanism that Cricut Explore machines do not have.