Quick Answer: The best felt for Cricut and die cutting machines is 1.6mm acrylic felt. Use the rotary blade on Cricut Maker (or deep-cut blade on Silhouette) with medium-high pressure. Avoid wool felt for die cutting as it's too thick and dense for clean cuts.
Die cutting felt opens up endless craft possibilities — ornaments, appliques, letters, shapes, and layered designs. But not all felt works with cutting machines. This guide covers which felt to use, exact machine settings, and tips for perfect cuts every time.
Which Felt Works with Cutting Machines?
| Felt Type | Cricut Compatible | Silhouette Compatible | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6mm Acrylic Felt | Yes (rotary blade) | Yes (deep-cut blade) | Die cutting, applique, layered crafts |
| 3.2mm Thick Felt | Not recommended | Not recommended | Hand cutting only, structural projects |
| Wool Felt | Difficult | Difficult | Hand cutting, heirloom crafts |
| Polyester Felt | Varies | Varies | Budget crafts (may fray) |
Our 1.6mm acrylic felt is specifically manufactured for consistent thickness and clean cuts — essential for die cutting accuracy.
Cricut Machine Settings for Felt
Cricut Maker (Rotary Blade)
- Material: Select "Felt" from materials list
- Blade: Rotary blade (NOT fine-point or deep-cut)
- Pressure: Default or "More" pressure
- Passes: 1 pass for 1.6mm felt (2 passes if cuts aren't clean)
- Mat: Pink FabricGrip mat or purple StrongGrip mat
Cricut Explore (Deep-Cut Blade)
- Material: Set to "Felt" or custom material
- Blade: Deep-cut blade
- Pressure: Maximum
- Passes: 2-3 passes recommended
- Mat: StrongGrip mat
- Note: Cricut Explore works but Maker gives cleaner results with rotary blade
Silhouette Cameo
- Blade: Deep-cut blade (standard blade won't cut through)
- Speed: 4
- Force/Pressure: 33
- Passes: 2 passes
- Mat: Strong tack mat
Tips for Perfect Felt Cuts
- Clean blade: Felt fibers build up on blades — clean after every 3-4 cuts
- Stick it down: Press felt firmly onto mat. Use a brayer for even adhesion
- Simple designs: Start with shapes larger than 1 inch. Intricate details under 0.5 inch may not cut cleanly
- Mirror NOT needed: Felt has no right/wrong side, so don't mirror your design
- Remove carefully: Peel felt slowly from mat. Use a spatula for delicate pieces
- Replace mat grip: If felt stops sticking, reapply adhesive or use a new mat
Project Ideas for Die-Cut Felt
- Holiday ornaments (Christmas, Easter, Halloween)
- Name banners and garlands
- Applique shapes for clothing and bags
- Felt flowers and bouquets
- Educational shapes for kids (letters, numbers, animals)
- Layered felt cards and gift tags
Where to Buy Die-Cutting Felt
Shop our 1.6mm acrylic felt by the yard in 40+ colors. For bulk projects, our 20-yard felt rolls offer up to 42% savings. Free standard shipping on all U.S. orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cricut Joy cut felt?
Cricut Joy is not recommended for felt cutting. It lacks the pressure and blade options needed for clean felt cuts. Use Cricut Maker or Explore Air 2 instead.
Why is my Cricut tearing felt instead of cutting?
Common causes: dull blade (replace it), insufficient pressure (increase to "More"), felt not adhered to mat (press firmly with brayer), or wrong blade type (use rotary blade on Maker).
Can I use iron-on vinyl on felt?
Yes, but use low heat and peel cold. Acrylic felt can handle low-temperature iron-on application. Test a small piece first. Avoid high heat as acrylic felt may scorch.
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