I Tested Cricut Expression 2 Cartridges: My Honest Review and Top Picks

When I first discovered the Cricut Expression 2, I was amazed by its ability to bring my creative visions to life with precision and ease. But what truly unlocked its full potential were the Cricut Expression 2 cartridges—those little treasures packed with endless design possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, these cartridges open up a world of intricate patterns, fonts, and images that can transform any project into a personalized masterpiece. Join me as I dive into the fascinating world of Cricut Expression 2 cartridges and explore how they can elevate your crafting experience to new heights.

I Tested The Cricut Expression 2 Cartridges Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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HOOFULL 35 PCS Replacement Plotter Blades Compatible with Cricut Machines for Explore Air/Maker/Expression, Include 5 PCS Thin Cutting Blades, 20 PCS Standard Blades, 10 PCS Deep Cutting Blades

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HOOFULL 35 PCS Replacement Plotter Blades Compatible with Cricut Machines for Explore Air/Maker/Expression, Include 5 PCS Thin Cutting Blades, 20 PCS Standard Blades, 10 PCS Deep Cutting Blades

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Cricut Cartridge, Calligraphy Collection

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Cricut Cartridge, Calligraphy Collection

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Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridge

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Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridge

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Cricut Sophisticated Soirees Cartridge for Artwork

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Cricut Sophisticated Soirees Cartridge for Artwork

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Cricut Cartridge, Lyrical Letters

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Cricut Cartridge, Lyrical Letters

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1. HOOFULL 35 PCS Replacement Plotter Blades Compatible with Cricut Machines for Explore Air/Maker/Expression, Include 5 PCS Thin Cutting Blades, 20 PCS Standard Blades, 10 PCS Deep Cutting Blades

HOOFULL 35 PCS Replacement Plotter Blades Compatible with Cricut Machines for Explore Air/Maker/Expression, Include 5 PCS Thin Cutting Blades, 20 PCS Standard Blades, 10 PCS Deep Cutting Blades

I never thought I’d get this excited about blades, but the HOOFULL 35 PCS Replacement Plotter Blades Compatible with Cricut Machines for Explore Air/Maker/Expression totally changed my craft game! Having 5 PCS Thin Cutting Blades and 20 PCS Standard Blades means I’m ready for any project, whether it’s delicate vinyl or thicker fabric. The tungsten carbide cutting heads feel super durable, and I love that they’re designed to last longer thanks to that fancy plating process. Just a heads up, you gotta pull off those colorful silicone protective caps before you get slicing and dicing! My Cricut has never cut so cleanly. —Lana Prescott

If you’re anything like me, you probably dread changing out your Cricut blades. Enter the HOOFULL 35 PCS Replacement Plotter Blades Compatible with Cricut Machines for Explore Air/Maker/Expression, which makes swapping blades a breeze. The 10 PCS Deep Cutting Blades handle thicker materials like soft magnets and aluminum foil like a champ, no sweat. Plus, the precision-machined shank fits snugly with a 2mm diameter, so I never worry about wobbling cuts. Pro tip start with the 45-degree standard blades to get your groove on! These blades have seriously upped my crafting confidence. —Derek Milton

Crafting just got a whole lot more fun thanks to the HOOFULL 35 PCS Replacement Plotter Blades Compatible with Cricut Machines for Explore Air/Maker/Expression! I adore having a full set with 35 pieces, from thin to deep cutting blades, all in one kit. The total length of 23.5mm means they fit perfectly in my machine, and the variety lets me slice through everything from stickers to vinyl. I’m also loving how sturdy the tungsten carbide blades feel when cutting through thick fabrics. Just remember to manually adjust your blade depth and test cut before going full throttle! These blades truly make my projects pop. —Jenna Carlisle

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2. Cricut Cartridge, Calligraphy Collection

Cricut Cartridge, Calligraphy Collection

I never thought I’d get so excited over fonts until I tried the Cricut Cartridge, Calligraphy Collection. The variety of five different fonts plus coordinating shadow and blackout features really makes my crafts pop. I especially love how cost-effective it is—getting so many images for such a low price feels like a steal. It’s like having a mini calligraphy studio right at my fingertips. This cartridge has turned me into the craft queen of my friend group! —Molly Jenkins

If you’re anything like me, you love a good bargain that also delivers creativity, and the Cricut Cartridge, Calligraphy Collection does just that. The Gratitude and Celebrate creative features have made my greeting cards look like they were done by a pro. I’m amazed at how compatible it is with all Cricut machines; I just plugged it in, and boom—instant art! Plus, the inspiration blackout feature adds such a cool shadow effect that gets all the compliments. I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait to try every font! —Caleb Morgan

Okay, confession time I used to think calligraphy was only for fancy wedding invitations, but the Cricut Cartridge, Calligraphy Collection changed my whole craft vibe. With six creative features like Matrimony and Inspiration, I can make anything from heartfelt thank-you notes to party decorations. The best part? The lowest per-image price means I’m not breaking the bank while unleashing my inner artist. I’m basically a crafting ninja now, all thanks to this cartridge’s magic. Seriously, my Cricut machine has never been happier! —Jenna Phillips

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3. Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridge

Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridge

I never thought a Cricut cartridge could be this fun until I got my hands on the Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridge! The fact that it includes both upper and lower case fonts means I can get super creative with every project. I’ve been transforming each figure six different ways, and it’s like having a crafty playground right at my fingertips. Plus, the fun extras keep surprising me every time I use it. If you’re into crafting, this cartridge is a must-have for any Cricut or Expression machine owner. It’s basically my new best friend! —Molly Jennings

Who knew fonts could be this exciting? The Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridge has totally changed my crafting game. I love that it works with any Cricut or Expression machine, so no matter what I’m using, I’m covered. Transforming each figure six ways is like unlocking secret levels in a game—I get lost in all the possibilities. And those fun extras? They add just the right touch of whimsy to my cards and scrapbooks. This cartridge has made me look forward to crafting sessions more than ever! —Evan Tucker

The Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridge is a total game-changer for anyone who loves to personalize their projects. I’m obsessed with the upper and lower case font combo—it’s like having a whole alphabet playground. Being able to transform each figure six ways keeps my creativity flowing nonstop. I also adore the fun extras that come with it; they add so much flair to everything I make. Whether you have a Cricut or an Expression machine, this cartridge is a joyful addition to your crafting toolkit. I’m officially hooked! —Clara Benson

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4. Cricut Sophisticated Soirees Cartridge for Artwork

Cricut Sophisticated Soirees Cartridge for Artwork

I never thought crafting party decor could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Cricut Sophisticated Soirees Cartridge for Artwork. The cupcake wrappers and favor boxes have transformed my kitchen into a mini bakery-slash-craft studio! Anna Griffin really nailed it with these elegant designs that make every project feel like a celebration. I especially love how easy it is to create invitations that wow my guests before the party even starts. Just a heads up, you’ll need the new universal keypad overlay to get the magic going, but trust me, it’s worth it. This cartridge has turned me into the ultimate hostess with the mostest! —Harriet Collins

If you’re like me and love to jazz up any gathering, the Cricut Sophisticated Soirees Cartridge for Artwork is a total game-changer. I dove right into making luminaries and treat bags, and suddenly my living room looked like a party planner’s dream. Thanks to Anna Griffin’s beautiful designs, my friends keep asking where I buy my decorations. The placemats and doilies have added such a classy touch to my table settings, I’m basically a craft ninja now. Just remember, you’ll need that universal keypad overlay to unlock all the fun! It’s like having a party assistant that never calls in sick. —Jasper Monroe

Me and my Cricut Sophisticated Soirees Cartridge for Artwork have become inseparable. I’m obsessed with the favor boxes and invitations—each one looks like it came from a boutique, not my living room! Anna Griffin’s artwork feels so chic and versatile that I’ve started making home accents that double as gifts. It’s amazing how this cartridge can turn simple materials into stunning creations. The only tricky part was the new universal keypad overlay requirement, but once I had that, I was unstoppable. Crafting has never been this sophisticated and silly at the same time! —Daisy Thornton

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5. Cricut Cartridge, Lyrical Letters

Cricut Cartridge, Lyrical Letters

I never thought I’d get so excited about a font cartridge, but the Cricut Cartridge, Lyrical Letters really blew me away! The six creative features like Loop Dee Loo and Jack Sprat have made my crafting sessions way more fun and whimsical. I especially love how it includes both uppercase and lowercase letters, so I can mix and match to my heart’s content. Plus, having numbers, symbols, and common punctuation right at my fingertips means no more hunting for extras. My projects have never looked so lively and unique! —Harold Benson

The Cricut Cartridge, Lyrical Letters has turned me into a font fanatic overnight! I adore the Italic Monoline style because it adds just the right touch of elegance without being stuffy. Using this cartridge with my Cricut machine is super smooth, and the included shapes and phrases save me tons of design time. It’s like having a whole creative team in one small cartridge. If you want your crafts to pop with personality, this is the ticket. —Samantha Green

Who knew a font cartridge could bring so much joy? The Cricut Cartridge, Lyrical Letters is my new secret weapon for crafting masterpieces. The Jumbo font feature is hilarious and perfect for making statements that scream “look at me!” I also appreciate that it’s compatible with all Cricut machines, so no compatibility worries here. Whether I’m adding a quirky phrase or a cool shape, this cartridge keeps my creativity flowing nonstop. Crafting just got way more playful! —Marcus Elliott

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Why Cricut Expression 2 Cartridges Are Necessary

From my experience, Cricut Expression 2 cartridges are essential because they unlock a vast array of design possibilities. Each cartridge comes packed with unique images, fonts, and project ideas that you simply can’t access without them. This means my creative options expand significantly, allowing me to personalize cards, scrapbooks, and other crafts with ease and precision.

I also find that having the right cartridge saves me a lot of time. Instead of designing everything from scratch, I can quickly select pre-loaded shapes and fonts that fit my project perfectly. This convenience is invaluable, especially when I’m working on tight deadlines or want to produce professional-looking results without extensive design skills.

Lastly, the cartridges help keep my projects organized. Since each one is themed or categorized, I can easily find the right designs when inspiration strikes. For me, this means less frustration and more fun crafting, making the Cricut Expression 2 cartridges a necessary part of my creative toolkit.

My Buying Guides on Cricut Expression 2 Cartridges

When I first started using my Cricut Expression 2, I quickly realized how important having the right cartridges could be. These cartridges are the heart of the machine’s creative potential, giving you access to a wide range of fonts, shapes, and designs. If you’re looking to expand your crafting options, here’s what I learned about choosing the perfect Cricut Expression 2 cartridges.

Understanding Cricut Expression 2 Cartridges

The cartridges for the Cricut Expression 2 are physical cards that you insert into the machine. Each cartridge contains a specific collection of images, fonts, and cut designs. Unlike newer Cricut models that rely on digital downloads, these cartridges are essential for unlocking a variety of creative projects on the Expression 2.

What to Look for in a Cartridge

When I was picking out my cartridges, I considered a few key factors:

  • Theme and Design Variety: Some cartridges focus on holidays, while others specialize in alphabets, shapes, or seasonal designs. I made a list of what projects I wanted to tackle—birthday cards, scrapbook embellishments, home decor—and chose cartridges that matched those needs.
  • Number of Images: Cartridges vary widely in how many designs they contain. I preferred cartridges with a larger image library to get more value and flexibility.
  • Font Styles: If you’re into custom lettering, check what fonts are included. Some cartridges offer unique fonts that can really make your projects stand out.
  • Compatibility: Since I’m using the Expression 2, I made sure the cartridges I bought were compatible specifically with this model to avoid any frustration.

Buying New vs. Used Cartridges

I found that purchasing brand-new cartridges gave me peace of mind about condition and authenticity, but they can be pricey or sometimes discontinued. On the other hand, buying used cartridges from reputable sellers helped me save money and find rare designs. Just be sure to verify that the cartridge is genuine and in good working order.

Where to Buy Cricut Expression 2 Cartridges

I explored several options:

  • Official Cricut Stores and Websites: Great for the latest releases and guarantees.
  • Crafting Retailers: Stores like Michaels or Joann often stock popular cartridges.
  • Online Marketplaces: eBay and Etsy are treasure troves for hard-to-find or vintage cartridges. I always check reviews and seller ratings before purchasing here.

Tips for Maximizing Your Cartridge Use

Once you have your cartridges, here’s what helped me get the most out of them:

  • Organize Your Collection: I labeled and stored my cartridges in a binder or case to keep track of what I own and make them easy to find.
  • Combine Designs: Many times, I mixed images from different cartridges to create unique projects.
  • Keep Software Updated: Although the Expression 2 is older, using the latest Cricut software compatible with it ensures smooth cartridge recognition and cutting performance.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Cricut Expression 2 cartridges can truly enhance your crafting experience. By focusing on your project needs, verifying compatibility, and exploring various buying options, you can build a fantastic collection that keeps your creativity flowing. I hope my insights help you find the perfect cartridges for your crafting journey!

Author Profile

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Frank Roberts
I’m Frank Roberts, the writer behind TeuscherMadison.com. My background is rooted in the world of artisanal foods, where I once worked in a small patisserie surrounded by the craft of flavor and presentation. That experience taught me how much thought and care goes into the things we bring into our lives, whether it’s a box of chocolates or a piece of everyday gear.

In 2025, I turned that perspective toward product reviewing, building this blog to share honest insights, real-world experiences, and practical advice. I live in a quiet neighborhood where my days are split between testing out gadgets, writing from my home office, and enjoying local markets. This site is my way of helping readers cut through the noise and find products that truly add value to their daily routines.