Am I using my Cricut the right way?

[maslex]

I must admit, I've had my Cricut Expression for about two & a half years now. I use it basically to make a title on my scrapbook page or to cut out a shape. I used it ONCE to make a Mickey and he didn't come out that great, so I haven't done anymore characters with a lot of parts.

Yesterday, I used the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge to cut out a star. I wanted the star to be 11 1/2 inches. But it wouldn't let me. Even though I had a full sheet of 12x12 paper. I had to downsize it to 10 3/4 inches? Like I said, I only use it to make a title for my page or for a small cutout, so I haven't really sat down to really figure out how all the settings and such works.

What did I do wrong?

 

[lovingthemouse]

I dont have the cartridge in front of me, but it seems correct. Depending on where the points of the star are (top and bottom), it might take up that much space. I have done many of them for my bulletin boards, but I don't think I have set the size that big. I am sure there are others here who might provide you with additional info.

 

[rlovew]

If you want it to be as large as possible then you can cut 1 using the fit to page and it will show you the largest possible for that character.

 

[maslex]

If you want it to be as large as possible then you can cut 1 using the fit to page and it will show you the largest possible for that character.

OOOOOO, I'll have to try that and see if that works. Great!!!

 

[hopemax]

Always remember that there are two dimensions that need to fit on the paper, and you can only select one with the dial. The star on Plantin is slightly wider than it is high. Only, like a 1/4 of an inch" at the size you want, but it's just enough to make it so it won't fit in the cutting space at the larger size.

 

[mecllap]

I must admit, I've had my Cricut Expression for about two & a half years now. I use it basically to make a title on my scrapbook page or to cut out a shape. I used it ONCE to make a Mickey and he didn't come out that great, so I haven't done anymore characters with a lot of parts.

Yesterday, I used the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge to cut out a star. I wanted the star to be 11 1/2 inches. But it wouldn't let me. Even though I had a full sheet of 12x12 paper. I had to downsize it to 10 3/4 inches? Like I said, I only use it to make a title for my page or for a small cutout, so I haven't really sat down to really figure out how all the settings and such works.

What did I do wrong?

I agree that it's tricky to make a full page star -- I ended up doing one by hand when I couldn't get the E to do it.

but, I would encourage you to be more adventurous with the machine. Try maybe a 5-6 inch character and see how that turns out. I've been making really fun paper dolls at the 4 inch size, and they are incredibly fun. I did, however, succumb to the call of the Gypsy not too long after I got my E, and it makes a lot of difference in being able to do a whole lot of things. Check out cricut videos on Youtube -- very helpful.