Using the Cricut to Make A Vinyl Sticker

Unlike ordinary stickers, vinyl stickers are not multicolor pre-printed designs. Instead, the Cricut cuts a design of your choosing on a single color piece of vinyl. Vinyl stickers can also sometimes be used as stencil patterns for different surfaces. Vinyl stickers are a great choice for larger designs and simplistic pieces. We also have heat press vinyl which can be applied to clothing! They are also faster to make.

• Using the Cricut to Make A Vinyl Sticker
• 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.
• Self-Checklist
• Materials:
• Set Up Cricut Design Space
• Getting Ready
• Uploading an Image
• Designing Your Vinyl Sticker
• 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 vinyl sticker using the Cricut Design Space software.

PSA: The simpler the better when designing a vinyl sticker.

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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 sticker!

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Designing Your Vinyl Sticker

For stencil designs on vinyl, check out Designing Your Stencil from the stencil tutorial

1. In your workspace, size your design to your liking

2. 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.

3. Once saved and named, you should be brought to the mat sizing page. Here, select ‘Material Size’ on the lefthand side and choose 11”x11” (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 ‘Vinyl’ (or Smart Vinyl)

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 vinyl on the cutting mat. Get the Green mat and peel off the sticky layer. Place your vinyl face up and smooth it out.

If you are using smart vinyl, simply cut your design to size and insert it without a mat

6. Now making sure there is some space behind the Cricut, put the mat into the circut 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. Once your design is done, cut away and remove the excess vinyl until only the design you want is left.

9. Once you’re satisfied, find and apply transfer paper. This paper will peel your design from the mat and keep your pieces together until you are ready to apply your sticker to another surface.

For best results: gently fold your transfer paper sticky side down into a U shape. Rest the bottom of the U in the middle of your design then flatten the other two sides completely down. Try to avoid any air bubbles.

Smooth down your design with a squeegee or your hands.

10. Carefully peel the transfer paper and design from the mat

11. Position your design where you want it to go and smooth it down the same as when applying the transfer paper.

12. Carefully peel off your transfer paper and marvel at your new vinyl sticker!