Hi everyone!
I’ve been using the LOKLiK iCraft for a while now, and I’ve learned a few helpful tricks that have really improved my cutting and project results.
For example:
- I always mirror text for HTV
- I don’t have to mirror the text for Adhesive Vinyl
- Keep using your fine-point cutting blade, the titanium coating helps it stay sharper longer than standard blades, so you get clean cuts even after repeated use!
- Check blade depth on scraps before doing intricate cuts.
- check the placement of your design on the 12x12 mat area before you send to cut, you must stay inside the red lines.
I thought it’d be great to open up this thread for everyone to share a couple of their best iCraft tips or hacks especially the things you wish someone had told you when you were starting out!
Let’s help each other out 
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This is a great idea thanks for starting this
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i think it will help a lot Belle, look forward to you adding something 
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This is nice for all beginners! Thank you for starting this topic!
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I think it will work well thanks aimee, hope you got some ideas to add
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I have a cutting machine basics video if anyone is interested. I cover things like SVG’s, what’s the difference between vinyl and HTV and how can you tell which is which. Different cutting mats and some common tools you can use with your cutting machine.
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I think test cuts are a must when using a material that you have not cut before. I like to test cut a Bb because it has straight edges and curves. Let’s you see how good your settings are.
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Also reverse weeding for intricate designs is so helpful. If you have trouble seeing the cut lines to weed, shining a light underneath or putting a bit of baby powder can really help you to see the lines. Unless it’s white, just use the light not powder.
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What tool do you suggest that we need as a beginner? Except for the mat ofcourse. And how do you take care of your mat?
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To help with your crafts, I would get a weeding tool, a scraper tool I like the ones with felt on one side, and a brayer (roller) to help secure your materials on your mat. Really depends what projects you want to make first.
Looking after your mat is easy. Make sure you don’t throw away the plastic part that comes with it. It does have a right side and a wrong side as well, so you can always put a little dot or something on the top so you know which side goes down. Place this on top of your mat when not in use to keep it sticky. Hang or lay your mats flat for storage. If they get dirty and loose stickiness you can give them a warm water wash and a gentle scrub and let air dry. If your mat is super sticky when you first get it, you can give it a hug to reduce it. Green mats are standard grip, mainly for vinyl and htv, blue mats are light grip and are for cardstock, purple mats are strong grip and are for leather, faux leather, acrylic etc I normally use tape the secure the blank as well. Pink mats are for fabric; I normally place transfer tape sticky side up on the cutting mat and use it that way until the transfer tape is to fury. After that take the transfer tape off and then put new stuff on. Keeps your fabric mat lasting longer. Remember cutting mats are consumable items, you will need to replace them eventually.
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finepoint is that 30 or 45 degree ?
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Thanks for the useful tips
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The iCraft fine point blade is a 45-degree blade, this is the standard angle used for general-purpose cutting — including vinyl, cardstock, HTV, and most standard materials.
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Great question! I suggest starting with just the basics no need to buy everything at once.
You’ve already got the mat, which is perfect! Here’s what else I recommend.
- Weeding tool – One usually comes with your iCraft machine, and it’s absolutely necessary for picking out the small bits from your cuts.
- Scraper – This helps lift designs off the mat, but to be honest, I usually flip the mat over and gently bend it — the cuts just pop right off! So I don’t use my scraper often.
To care for your mat:
I always keep the clear cover on when not in use, and I gently clean it with baby wipes mine has only lost a little bit of stick. That usually helps extend the life of the mat quite a bit.
What tools do you already have, Aimee? I can help you figure out what you really need next. 
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very good topic @InkiteeWorkshop !!!
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