Cricut Maker Bundles: What to Buy First

Why you should trust this guide

I have been following the Cricut ecosystem for years, tracking each generation of the Maker series from the original 2017 release through the Maker 3. My research draws on manufacturer specifications, owner community discussions, and detailed product listings to identify which bundles actually deliver value. I focus on the practical differences that matter when you are choosing between a full starter kit and a focused blade upgrade, or between a new machine and a discounted previous generation.

This guide is built on careful comparison of what each bundle includes, what it omits, and where it falls short. I do not rely on marketing claims alone. I look at real owner feedback about missing accessories, material compatibility, and workflow gaps. Every product section includes at least one honest limitation so you can make an informed decision without surprises.

How we researched

To evaluate these bundles, I weighed several criteria that determine real-world usefulness. The first factor is completeness: does the bundle include everything a typical buyer needs to start their first project, or does it force additional purchases? The second factor is value: are the included accessories and materials worth the premium over buying the machine alone? The third factor is compatibility: does the bundle support the materials and techniques you actually plan to use, such as fabric, wood, leather, or heat-transfer vinyl?

I also considered workflow efficiency. A bundle that pairs a cutting machine with a heat press, for example, eliminates the separate purchase and learning curve of a standalone press. A bundle that includes two machines can serve a household with different crafting needs. I compared each bundle against these criteria using manufacturer specifications and aggregated owner experiences, not personal testing. The goal is to help you match the bundle to your specific project type and budget.

Cricut Maker 3 Everything Bundle – Best Overall

This bundle is designed to answer every common complaint from first-time Maker buyers. It ships with the Maker 3 machine, a rotary blade for fabric, a knife blade for thick materials like wood and leather, a fine-point blade for standard cuts, a scoring stylus for fold lines, multiple cutting mats, and a curated selection of Smart Vinyl and Smart Iron-On. Most buyers report completing their first five projects without a single additional Amazon order, which is a rare claim for any crafting bundle.

The inclusion of both the rotary blade and knife blade is the standout feature. The rotary blade cuts fabric without a backing mat, and the knife blade can slice through balsa wood, leather, and matboard. The scoring stylus adds professional-looking creases for cardstock and paper projects. The Smart Materials allow you to cut without a mat for longer pieces, which is useful for large vinyl decals or banners. This bundle truly covers the full range of Maker 3 capabilities.

One honest limitation is the curated material pack. While it includes a good selection of Smart Vinyl and Smart Iron-On, the colors and finishes are preset. If you have a specific color palette in mind, you may still need to buy additional materials. Also, the bundle does not include a heat press, so if you plan to do a lot of apparel projects, you will need to purchase one separately or consider the EasyPress bundle.

Cricut Maker 3 + Rotary and Knife Blade – Best for Makers and Sewists

This bundle strips away the material packs and extra mats to focus on the two highest-value specialty blades: the rotary blade and the knife blade. It is the right choice if you already own vinyl, cardstock, and mats from a previous Cricut machine and want the Maker 3 specifically for its expanded material capabilities. The rotary blade is essential for fabric cutting without fraying, and the knife blade opens up wood, leather, and thick craft foam.

For sewists and makers who work with fabric, leather, or wood regularly, this bundle delivers exactly what you need without paying for materials you already have. The Maker 3 itself supports Smart Materials for matless cutting, but this bundle does not include any Smart Material rolls. That is fine if you already have a stash of standard vinyl and iron-on. You can also use the included rotary blade to cut fabric directly on a fabric mat.

A limitation here is the lack of a scoring stylus or any mats. If you do not already own a Cricut cutting mat, you will need to buy one immediately. The bundle also omits the fine-point blade, though the Maker 3 typically includes a fine-point blade in the box with the machine itself. Check the listing carefully to confirm what is included with the machine versus the bundle add-ons. Some buyers have reported receiving only the two specialty blades and no basic blade.

Original Cricut Maker Bundle – Best Budget Option

The original Cricut Maker, released in 2017, is still manufactured and sold as a discounted bundle. It has the same 4kg cutting force as the Maker 3, accepts all the same specialty blades and tools, and connects to the same Design Space software. Its only practical limitations are the lack of Smart Materials support and a slightly slower cut speed. For most project types, these differences do not matter. You can still cut fabric, leather, wood, cardstock, and vinyl with the same precision.

This bundle typically includes the original Maker machine, a fine-point blade, a rotary blade, a scoring stylus, a cutting mat, and a sample pack of vinyl and iron-on. It is an excellent entry point if you are new to Cricut and want to test the ecosystem without spending for the latest model. The original Maker is a proven workhorse with a large community of users and thousands of free project files available online.

The limitation is clear: you cannot use Smart Materials, which means you always need a cutting mat for every project. The cut speed is also noticeably slower than the Maker 3, especially on large or complex designs. If you plan to cut long vinyl decals or banners frequently, the matless capability of the Maker 3 may be worth the extra cost. Also, the original Maker uses a different power cord and USB connection, so some newer accessories may not be directly compatible.

Cricut Maker 3 + EasyPress 3 Bundle – Best for Apparel Crafters

Pairing the Maker 3 with the EasyPress 3 creates a complete heat-transfer workflow without the learning curve of a traditional heat press. The EasyPress 3 uses Bluetooth to guide you through temperature and timing instructions, making it nearly foolproof for iron-on vinyl, Cricut Infusible Ink, and standard HTV from brands like Siser EasyWeed. You cut your design on the Maker 3, then press it onto fabric with the EasyPress 3, and the process is seamless.

This bundle is ideal for anyone who makes custom t-shirts, tote bags, aprons, or other apparel. The EasyPress 3 heats evenly and has a larger platen than a household iron, so you get professional-looking results without scorching or uneven adhesion. The Bluetooth feature walks you through the correct settings for each material, which reduces guesswork and wasted vinyl. Combined, these two machines handle the full production run from cut to finished garment.

A limitation is that the EasyPress 3 is not a full-size heat press. It is best for flat items like t-shirts and tote bags. If you plan to press hats, mugs, or three-dimensional objects, you will need a separate mug press or hat press. Also, the bundle does not include any vinyl or Infusible Ink materials, so you will need to purchase those separately. The EasyPress 3 also requires a flat, heat-resistant surface and a few minutes to warm up before each use.

Cricut Maker 3 + Explore Air 3 Dual Bundle – Best for Two-Machine Households

Some Amazon listings bundle the Maker 3 and Explore Air 3 together at a combined discount. This is a surprisingly practical setup for households where one person does fabric work and another focuses on vinyl and paper. You get the Maker 3’s full material range for fabric, wood, and leather, alongside the Explore Air 3’s faster speed for simpler materials like vinyl, cardstock, and iron-on. With two complete setups, you can work on different projects simultaneously without swapping blades or mats.

For small craft businesses or shared crafting spaces, this dual bundle eliminates bottlenecks. The Maker 3 handles heavy-duty cutting while the Explore Air 3 zips through vinyl decals and paper projects. Both machines use the same Design Space software and can share the same account, so you can send projects to either machine from your computer or phone. The Explore Air 3 also supports Smart Materials for matless cutting, just like the Maker 3.

The limitation is that this bundle requires significant space and a higher upfront investment. You need room for two machines, two sets of mats, and two tool kits. Also, the Explore Air 3 cannot cut fabric, wood, or leather, so if you only need one machine for all materials, the single Maker 3 bundle is more practical. Some listings may include only the machines without any accessories, so check whether mats, blades, or materials are included before purchasing.

What to look for

• Included blades and tools: Check whether the bundle includes a rotary blade, knife blade, scoring stylus, or fine-point blade. Specialty blades are expensive to buy separately, so a bundle that includes them offers better value.
• Material packs: Some bundles include Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, or sample packs. If you are new to Cricut, these materials let you start projects immediately. If you already have a stash, you may prefer a blade-focused bundle.
• Cutting mats: The Maker 3 can cut without a mat using Smart Materials, but standard materials still require a mat. Check how many mats are included and what sizes they are. A bundle with multiple mats saves you an immediate purchase.
• Heat press compatibility: If you plan to make apparel, consider a bundle that includes an EasyPress. A separate heat press purchase adds cost and requires learning temperature and timing settings.
• Machine generation: The original Maker is cheaper but lacks Smart Material support and is slower. The Maker 3 offers matless cutting and faster speed. Choose based on your project volume and material preferences.
• Dual machine setups: For households with multiple crafters, a dual bundle can be cost-effective. Make sure you have enough workspace and that both machines serve different material needs to justify the extra cost.

The verdict

For most buyers, the Cricut Maker 3 Everything Bundle is the best overall choice because it includes the rotary blade, knife blade, scoring stylus, multiple mats, and a material pack that covers your first several projects. If you already own vinyl and mats and need the Maker 3 specifically for fabric or wood, the Cricut Maker 3 + Rotary and Knife Blade bundle delivers targeted value. Budget-conscious crafters should look at the Original Cricut Maker Bundle, which offers the same cutting force and blade compatibility at a lower price. Apparel makers will appreciate the Cricut Maker 3 + EasyPress 3 Bundle for its complete cut-to-press workflow. And for shared households or small businesses, the Cricut Maker 3 + Explore Air 3 Dual Bundle provides two machines for different material types at a combined discount. Match the bundle to your project needs and existing supplies, and you will avoid the frustration of missing accessories or incompatible tools.