Cricut has just announced their new lineup of smart cutting machines, and from what I can see, they’re bringing some significant improvements to the creative DIY space. The new Cricut Maker 4 and Cricut Explore 4 will be hitting Australian shores on 14th March, and they’re packed with features that crafters have been asking for.
Having used previous Cricut machines for various DIY projects around the house and reviewed lots of them (check our review on Cricut Maker 3, Cricut Joy Xtra, or Cricut Joy), I’m particularly interested in the speed improvements. According to Cricut, these new machines cut up to twice as fast as previous models when working with materials like cardstock and vinyl on a machine mat. This is a massive time-saver for anyone who’s sat through lengthy cutting jobs before.
The new machines come in fresh colours too – the Maker 4 in a subtle Sage and the Explore 4 in Seashell. What strikes me as particularly clever is the enhanced out-of-box experience. Both machines now include starter materials right in the box: Smart Vinyl samples, cardstock, Smart Iron-on, transfer tape, and essential tools like the Mini Weeder and Light Grip Machine Mat. This means newcomers can jump straight into creating without having to make additional purchases first.
The Design Space software has also received updates to make it more intuitive, which should help smooth out what can sometimes be a learning curve for beginners. For those unfamiliar with Cricut machines, they allow for personalisation across various projects – from custom cards and T-shirts to stickers and home décor.
One feature I’ve always appreciated about Cricut’s Smart Materials is how they load directly into the machine, eliminating the need for a cutting mat for certain projects. The new machines continue this tradition, allowing for continuous cuts up to 12 feet (3.6 metres) in length – perfect for making large signs or detailed wall decals.
In terms of pricing, the Cricut Explore 4 will retail for A$499 in Australia, while the more advanced Cricut Maker 4 comes in at A$699. These aren’t impulse-purchase prices, but considering the included materials and improved performance, serious crafters might find the investment worthwhile.
If you’re eager to get your hands on one, pre-orders are exclusively available at Harvey Norman in Australia, and Spotlight in both Australia and New Zealand. The machines will then be available more widely from 14th March 2025, aligning with their global release.
Visit cricut.com.au for more info.
