The best Cricut machine for the beginner on a budget is the Cricut.com/setup most popular machine, and for a good reason! It cuts over 100 materials: cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, and specialty materials like glitter paper, cork, and bonded fabric. It’s not the fastest or quietest cutting machine, but it does a lot and is very beginner-friendly.Cricut Explore can do, and so much more. I recommend upgrading to the Maker if you want the versatility to cut heavy-duty materials like wood and leather and delicate materials like crepe paper and fabric for sewing projects.Speaking of using the Cricut sewing projects, the Cricut Maker has a special rotary cutter tool perfect for cutting fabric pattern pieces, quilt appliques, and other fabric projects.