Cricut Christmas Cartridge

cricut christmas cartridge Question on my cricut expression? I'm kind of new at this as I just got my Cricut Expression for Christmas. What I'm wondering is this: I'm trying to cut small letters ...

cricut christmas cartridge

Question on my cricut expression?

I'm kind of new at this as I just got my Cricut Expression for Christmas. What I'm wondering is this:
I'm trying to cut small letters (using Calligraphy cartridge at about 1/2 inch.) and the paper keeps ripping. What is the best way to set the dials to prevent this? (The paper I'm using is just test paper.. the plain paper that comes in a scrapbook, so I don't waste good paper)
Anyways, what are the best settings when cutting smaller shapes & letters on a normal sheet of paper -- not too thick, not too thin??
Please include the actual blade setting, speed, and pressure settings & lots of details and tips if you have them. =)
Thank you so much!

first of all you need to adhere your paper well to the Cricut mat. By that i mean place your paper on the mat and then roll it all over with a brayer. this eliminates all the air pockets that can form and distort the needle cuts into the paper. Secondly, set your needle depth at 4 and speed and pressure at 4. Now, try it and see how it goes. If it still is not to your liking then try lowering the SPEED. sometimes the smaller letters and designs are tough to do, but with practice you can master it. Smart idea to use the test paper. I'm not familiar with the cart you mentioned but I find that when i need small letters <1 inch, I use a cart that has a "block" with the letter inside it and if I cut the block at 1", the letter inside is smaller and just the right size for me. HTH