Thank you Gigi and MeFlick for your great responses. Here are my answers to your questions:
Materials previously used - Cardstock, paper, vellum, all with good results using regular holder and 30 or 45o blade. I "experimented" with the click holder, but the one I had was damaged (had come w the machine) and had to be replaced. This holder is new and this is the first time try on it.
Brand of material/ use - Siser HTV. Using for T shirts. Cutting from reverse side (dull, not shiny - that was an education in itself, hah!), image mirrored. I also have some Cricut "Iron-on" to use. Expect it to require re-adjustment, based on previous postings.
Reason for Cricut mat - twofold - was told "it will work just fine" so have not purchased a SB mat. The one that came w the machine has a foam backing and is about 8x11. I am not sure what it is for. I put it through the machine once with mat side up and cut clean through it
!!
This was when I first got my machine. I was warned about the "steep learning curve" ha-ha! I am having a ball, though!!
Agree it is difficult to see the cuts - I did 4 test cuts and could not see any of them!! I will go in this morning and do some more on the vinyl, re-adjusting with the 2 holders and 45o blade to see what works.
YES, I used the spacer, but then the blade did not touch the vinyl at all. That is when I started messing with the dial on the click holder. Uh-oh.
YES I brayered the vinyl to the mat. The mat is lightly sticky. The blade "lifted" it when positioned at the edge, so I hope that will resolve with better blade position. This was not a problem during the actual design cut. I may try the mat w higher "sticky".
It only took one cut.
Please let me know if I answered all your questions. Thanks again for all your recommendations. I am going to go try a few different things now and see what works. I will report back to you (imagine a salute and heel click).