How to Set Up a Cricut for the First Time (Printable Instructions)

Materials

• Cricut Permanent Vinyl
• Cricut Transfer Tape
• Cricut mat

Tools

• Cricut cutting machine
• an internet connection
• a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet or smart phone

Instructions

1. Plug the Cricut into an electrical outlet using the little input at the back. Make sure there's a lot of space in the front and the back of your Cricut.
2. Go to Cricut.com/setup and download a program called Cricut Design Space. Once you have that program downloaded and installed on your computer simply follow the prompts to set up your new machine.
3. You can connect your machine to your computer using the included USB cord in the box or you can connect it via Bluetooth. Connecting it by Bluetooth is really going to depend on your type of computer
4. Then, you can set up a Cricut ID account using your email address and register your machine. Once your machine is registered it's all ready to go. Cricut Design Space provides a few test cut images, but here’s an easy project to start out with: a vinyl mug decal!
5. In Cricut Design Space click "New Project". Then, click on the "Image" icon on the left. I found this free "she was born to create" image - I searched "create" - and I'm inserting it into my new project. Click the left button that says "Templates" and search for a "mug template". This is going to help you make your mug decal the right size.
6. Click on the image, and use the little arrow in the lower right hand side to resize the image. You can also change the width and the height to whatever you'd like using the "Size" menu at the top. Move the image to where you want it on the Mug Template.
7. Now, turn your Cricut on. Your Cricut comes with the Fine Point Blade already inserted.
8. In Cricut Design Space Download , click "Make It" and you'll see how the design is going to look cut on your vinyl. Then click "Continue" and you can select your Cricut device in the drop down menu.
9. Now put some Cricut Permanent Vinyl material on the Cricut mat. Remove the protective clear sheet on the mat and then attach your material to the mat. 
10. Next, turn the dial on the machine to the material type you're using - Cricut Permanent Vinyl. Put your mat inside the machine and click the "Load" button. Once the mat loads, click the Cricut button and it's going to begin cutting your design.
11. Once your cut is all finished, press the "Load" button again to unload your design. Now weed the design - that means removing all of the excess vinyl from your design. You can do this with your fingers or you can use Cricut's tools to help you get those little bits and pieces.
12. Once you're all finished weeding your design, use transfer tape to transfer your design perfectly onto your mug. Cut a piece of transfer tape that's the same size as your design and then smooth it onto the design with a Cricut tool. Now take your mug and wipe it with a degreasing cleaner.
13. Then, take the decal that you made and remove it from the transfer tape. Place it upside down and remove the backing. Then, carefully place your design on the mug making sure not to touch that sticky back of the vinyl. Smooth it in place
14. Finally, remove the transfer tape from the corner and your mug is all finished! These mugs can be hand washed or I've had success washing them in the top rack of my dishwasher as well.