you have to slow down the speed, too ~ I originally had the personal Cricut, and used that, I got the Expressions (big one) for Christmas, and have used it too. Makes great big letters. You can use either the Lite or Ultra Heat-n-bond... it does not work well at all when you use Wonder Under (I've tried them all). The lite spray starch on top of it all helps, too. Slow down the speed to the slowest setting, make sure you have a sharp blade, and that your blade depth is on at least 3-4 (5) for heavier fabrics) but quilting cottons I use 4 for my pressure. I use it all the time, but it does dull the blades (I think its the glue that dulls it)