Pen fonts for your cutter

Now that we all have clever ways to use various pens and markers with our Cricuts, the problem remains that computer fonts aren’t made to write with pens using strokes like a person writes. Instead, TrueType fonts are defined by closed outlines so that there is open space in the center, and this becomes more pronounced the larger the font is rendered. This is great for cutting, but usually doesn’t give us the look we are after with pens and markers.

There is some indication that SCAL2 will cut with open paths, but it is unclear as to exactly how we can take advantage of that. In the meantime, I’ve tracked down 3 free fonts, that while not the best looking, do a great job of creating a single line look at a wide range of sizes. The sample was done with a gel pen holder from Amy Chomas. The numbers you see on the sample are the default size in SCAL1.

Bauhaus Engraved (last link on page)

Stymie Hairline (look above the capital E for the hidden link)

Agrafa Hairline (free registration required)

Filled in letters with Cricut markers

I’ve heard a few folks looking for a way to create filled in text or shapes when using markers in their Cricut machine. Normally when you cut or draw letters, you get the outline of the font, with open space in the middle. In this Video Tutorial I’ll show you how to apply a screen pattern to the text in Inkscape so that it will fill in with your Cricut markers.

A couple of things to remember

1. Do not try to cut files you make this way, they are for markers only.

2. The size of the screen pattern should not be changed, so work in actual size and import into SCAL at that same size.

3. This takes a very long time to finish marking on the Cricut so take that into account when using this technique.

Download the screen file

Update 8/18/09 here are some great, much simpler, tips for solid lettering with markers on the Cricut from HeatherM.