The Untold Story of Discontinued Cricut Cutting Machines!

 

The History of Discontinued Cricut Cutting Machines

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Introduction

Cricut is one of the most popular cutting machines on the market, and it has been around for over 20 years. With many companies coming and going from the machine industry, it's sometimes hard to keep track of! So here's a brief history of discontinued Cricut cutting machines so that you can see how far this company has come since its humble beginnings. Today, cutting machines can be used for almost anything, from making vinyl decals, iron on transfers, fabric and sewing projects, and even wood cutting. You can upload designs to your Cricut using SVG and PNG files! Like the ones from our cut file shop!

 

 

2003 Cricut Create

The Machine That Started it All!

In 2003, the world was introduced to the pioneering Cricut machine. It was a chunky piece of technology adorned with an abundance of buttons, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey. At that time, Cricut was affectionately known as Provo Craft, and the possibilities for unleashing creativity were unlocked through the purchase of cartridges filled with an extensive library of design files. This first-generation Cricut machine laid the foundation for a revolution in crafting, setting the stage for the remarkable advancements yet to come.

Feature	Information
Release Date	December 21, 2003
Machine Type	Cutting Machine
Manufacturer	Provo Craft (now known as Cricut)
Design Usage	Cartridge-based system with a library of files

 

 

2005 Cricut Personal

An Iconic Milestone in The World Of Crafting!

The Cricut Personal machine boasted an improved blade with 8-way rotation, ensuring precision and accuracy in every cut. The release of the Cricut Personal machine marked a turning point in the world of crafting, empowering individuals to express their creativity with ease and precision.

 

Feature	Information
Release Date	January, 2005
Machine Type	Cutting Machine
Manufacturer	Provo Craft (now known as Cricut)
Design Usage	Cartridge-based system with a library of files

 

 

2010 Cricut Expression

A True Game Changer

The Cricut Expression machine, with its sleek design and advanced capabilities, quickly became a favorite among crafters seeking expanded possibilities. With an increased cutting size of 12 x 24 inches, this machine opened doors to larger and more ambitious creations. It also offered compatibility with a wider range of materials, enabling crafters to explore diverse mediums and bring their imaginative ideas to life.

 

Feature	Information
Release Date	February 28, 2010
Machine Type	Cutting Machine
Manufacturer	Provo Craft (now known as Cricut)
Design Usage	Cartridge-based system with a library of files

 

 

2010 Cricut Cake Machine

A Delightful Twist

Manufactured as part of the Martha Stewart Range by Provo Craft, this unique machine introduced a new dimension of creativity to the realm of cake decoration. Designed specifically for decorating cakes, cookies, and cupcakes, the Cricut Cake machine allowed bakers and pastry enthusiasts to cut intricate designs out of various edible materials. Fondant, frosting sheets, gum paste, and more could all be effortlessly transformed into stunning embellishments, elevating the art of cake decoration to extraordinary levels. However, despite its innovative nature, the Cricut Cake machine faced certain challenges. Many cake decorators preferred the traditional approach of hand-cutting icing, resulting in limited adoption of the machine. As a result, the Cricut Cake machine did not gain widespread popularity, and its production was eventually discontinued.

 

 

Feature	Information
Release Date	April 14, 2010
Machine Type	Cutting Machine
Manufacturer	Provo Craft (now known as Cricut) - Martha Stewart Range
Design Usage	Cartridge-based system with a library of files

  

 

 

2010 Cricut Imagine

CUT AND PRINT?!?!

A groundbreaking addition to the world of crafting. Combining both printing and cutting functionalities into a single machine. Although the Cricut Imagine machine may no longer be available, its influence and impact on the crafting community are still felt today. It paved the way for further innovations, leading to the development of more advanced cutting machines and printing technologies in the crafting realm. Crafters could now not only cut intricate designs but also print vibrant, full-color patterns and images directly onto their materials. This integration of printing and cutting capabilities was a game-changer, providing crafters with expanded options for customization and personalization. However, despite its innovative concept, the Cricut Imagine machine faced several challenges during its time in the market. The machine experienced technical issues and limitations that hindered its performance and user experience. As a result, Provo Craft made the difficult decision to discontinue the Cricut Imagine and shift their focus back to cutting machines exclusively.

 

 

Feature	Information
Release Date	Summer, 2010
Machine Type	Cutting / Printing Machine
Manufacturer	Provo Craft (now known as Cricut)
Design Usage	Cartridge-based system with a library of files

  

 

 

2011 Cricut Expression 2

Introducing Design Software

The Cricut Expression 2 marked a significant leap forward in the world of crafting by offering improved image manipulation functionalities. Crafters could resize, rotate, flip, and mirror their designs with ease, providing greater flexibility in their projects. The machine came loaded with a remarkable collection of 200+ pre-loaded designs, including fonts, images, and sayings, ready to be utilized for a wide range of creative endeavors. One of the standout features of the Cricut Expression 2 was the introduction of Cricut Craft Room. This software allowed crafters to access an extensive library of additional images and designs, further expanding their creative options. With Cricut Craft Room, crafters could explore an ever-growing collection of digital content to personalize their projects and unleash their imagination.

 

 

Feature	Information
Release Date	September 26, 2011
Machine Type	Cutting / Printing Machine
Manufacturer	Provo Craft (now known as Cricut)
Design Usage	Cricut Craft Room

 

2012 Cricut Mini

Computer Connectivity

The Cricut Mini machine brought the power of crafting to a more compact and portable form. This cutting machine offered a smaller footprint without compromising on functionality, making it an ideal choice for crafters seeking convenience and versatility. As its name suggests, the Cricut Mini machine was designed to be compact, lightweight, and easily transportable. Its smaller size made it a practical option for crafters with limited space or those who preferred crafting on the go. Despite its smaller stature, the machine still packed a punch in terms of capabilities and performance.
One of the notable features of the Cricut Mini machine was its integration with home computers. With the help of Cricut Craft Room software, crafters could connect the machine to their computer and access an extensive library of digital designs and images. This seamless integration expanded the design options available to crafters, enabling them to explore a vast collection of pre-made designs or create their own unique masterpieces.

Feature	Information
Release Date	2012
Machine Type	Cutting / Printing Machine
Manufacturer	Provo Craft (now known as Cricut)
Design Usage	Cricut Craft Room - Connects to Computer

 

 

2012 Cricut Explore One

Introducing Design Software

One of the standout features of the Cricut Explore One was the introduced of wireless technology through its integration of Bluetooth. Crafters could connect wirelessly to their computers or mobile devices, enabling them to design and cut their projects without the limitations of cords and cables.
With its user-friendly interface and intuitive design software, the Cricut Explore One machine made crafting accessible to everyone. Whether you were a seasoned crafter or just starting your creative journey, this machine provided the tools needed to bring your imagination to life.

 

Feature	Information
Release Date	2015
Machine Type	Cutting / Printing Machine
Manufacturer	Provo Craft (now known as Cricut)
Design Usage	Cricut Craft Room - Bluetooth Connection

 

  

Conslusion

Discontinued Cricut cutting machines are products that the brand has phased out, either due to their age or poor sales. Many customers opted for newer models such as the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore, leading to the discontinuation of these older machines. Nevertheless, several of the discontinued models still perform exceptionally well today (if they are in working condition), and you can find them at bargain prices on platforms like eBay or Amazon.

 

Source:

• How to Heat Press, 2020, Cricut History: Types of Cricut Machines From First to Last!

• Try it Like it, Take a Look at The Evolution of Cricut Machines