Using the Cricut to Make A Stencil

Stencils can be used for many things, but primarily they are used for painting as ways to create consistent designs. Many spray paint artists use stencils, but also bakers who want precise placing for frosting too!

• Using the Cricut to Make A Stencil
• This documentation assumes that you have had training and are familiar with safety practices of the Cricut Machine. See our Cricut Introduction for a refresher. We also assume that your png./jpg file has already been created and is ready to go.
• Materials:
• Set Up Cricut Design Space
• Getting Ready
• Uploading an Image
• Designing Your Stencil
• Cutting

Self-Checklist

Materials:

Set Up Cricut Design Space

Here we will learn how to set up our png. or jpg. file to be turned into a stencil using the Cricut Design Space software.

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Getting Ready

1. Go to Cricut Design Space, agree to the terms and conditions and then download Cricut Design Space [CDS].
2. When you download CDS, create an account or sign in if you have one already.
3. You are all set to start using the Cricut!

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Uploading an Image

1. In your Cricut Design Space homepage, click the green New Project button in the top right corner.

2. In that new page, click the Upload Image button.

3. Drag and drop your creation or browse your computer to upload the creation you want to use. For stencils make sure your file type is a png, jpg or gif.

4. The next page will allow you to delete the background of your image. If you want to delete the background for your sticker, select the automatic remove background button on the middle left, this will be good enough most of the time. If it does not remove the background correctly, you can use the manual tools to remove the background. When you are ready to print the sticker, select the green Apply and Continue buttons in the bottom right.

5. In the next page, it will say Convert Upload To. Scroll down and select single layer then click the green Continue button in the bottom right.

6. In the next page, name your image and select what collection you want to save your image in, if any. When you are done, click the green Upload button in the bottom right. This will automatically add the image to your workspace and you will be ready to start designing your stencil!

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Designing Your Stencil

It is important to remember that any floating shapes (shapes not connected to any other part of the stencil) will not end up a part of the stencil. Try to avoid non-connected shapes.

1. In your workspace, find the ‘Shapes’ button in the left tool bar. Here we need to add a background to your stencil.

2. Click on your new shape and send it to back. (’Arrange’ on the top bar and then send to back).

You may also have to change the color of your image and shape to show the contrast.

3. Once you’ve positioned your image over your shape how you like, select both your image and shape together. Then, with them selected, go to the bottom right and select ‘Splice.’

4. This will change your layers on the side to three options. The bottom most one should show your final stencil. The top two are unimportant. You can either delete the top two, or select the eye - icon on the side of each top result and hide it from view.

5. You should now be able to see the back square grid through your image. Size to your desire.

6. Once you are satisfied, select the green ‘Make’ button in the top right corner. This will prompt you to save your design and name it.

7. Once saved and named, you should be brought to the mat sizing page. Here, select ‘Material Size’ on the lefthand side and choose 12”x12” (you can choose longer if your design is longer).

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Cutting

1. Connect the Cricut’s USB cable to your computer.

2. Select material type as ‘Acetate.’

3. In the ‘Pressure’ settings, select ‘More.’

4. It now says what tools should be in the Cricut. Most likely the tools are already in the Cricut, however if they are not ask an educator to change them.

5. Now it’s time to put your acetate on the cutting mat. Get the Purple mat and peel off the sticky layer. Place your acetate down and smooth it out.

6. Now making sure there is some space behind the Cricut, put the mat into the cricut and press the blinking insert button on the right of the machine.

7. When it’s ready, click the blinking go button and watch the magic happen.

8. When it’s done DON’T REMOVE THE MAT! Instead, without touching/moving the mat, press ‘go’ again. The cricut should begin to re-trace the cut in the exact same place. Without this step, the Cricut may not cut fully through the acetate.

9. When it’s done, press the insert button again to retrieve the mat.

10. Peel off the cut material and now you have your cut creation!

10. Before you’re done, put the plastic back on top of the mat so it stays sticky.