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)
Update: here’s a great looking font you will want to grab to use with your gel pens.
Rose Water (thanks to Christy of the SureCutsALot Yahoo group for pointing this out)
I love the look of the Stymie font, but can’t seem to figure out how to download from that site. All I see is a preview of the font.
Good question, Louise. Look directly above the capital E and you will see a link hidden there.
Love, Love the Stymie font!!! It prints really nice. Thanks so much!
Thank you. I was looking for some good fonts to use with the pens.
Thank you for the information, they look like good fonts to use. I have linked to this post and the other one on text fill.
Where did you get the gel pen holder from? Did you buy it or construct it somehow?
It was ordered from Amy Chomas. Please see the link there in the post where you see her name.
Thank you! This font issue has been an ongoing, annoying one. Hope SCAL 2 comes through. Appreciate these options.
A very UNRELATED comment…but I was googling “vinyl with my cricut” and a thread came up that you had commented on. Under your comment… you had the a link linking to Tallahassee Democrat photos of “why your son was covered in red glitter!” I must say that I am a diehard FSU fan and was touched when I read the article several months back about his recovery. As a season ticket holder, I want to thank these boys profusely for raising the spirits of all of our fans.. even throught he worst of games! On another note, glad to have stumbled upon your blog! Go Noles!
Hello,
thanks for the info! Your pen holder looks a bit different then the ones that Amy has on her blog… maybe a different ‘model’ 🙂 I’m trying to decide about getting one – I guess the only part I don’t ‘understand’ is what holds the pen in place and it doesn’t just slide out of the tube (thus it touching the paper all the time)?
Pressure!
Thank you for sharing this info, I have been looking for good single line fonts, but am too cheap to buy some:)
Alyssa
Thank you so much. You are so helpful to us less informed folk.
a much belated reply with a link to “10 Free Classy Thin Fonts” http://www.design-by-izo.com/2011/01/07/10-free-classy-thin-fonts/
new link for Stymie Hairline http://www.fonts101.com/fonts/view/Uncategorized/45668/Stymie_Hairline
Thank you, Caroline! I’ve updated it.