Using the Cricut to Make Stickers

Using the Cricut to Make Stickers 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 Sticker Printing to Sticker Paper Cutting

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.

In this tutorial we will be covering steps on how to create a sticker using the Cricut.
We will go over:

Setting up Cricut Design Space

Setting up Printer & Cricut Machine

Self-Checklist

You’re using supported materials

You’re using the correct mat

There is enough space behind the Circut

Not touching the Circut while in motion

You watch over your project while it is running

Clean up by removing project from mat, throwing away scrap material, and covering the mat

Materials:

Sticker paper

Ink jet printer

Green Mat

Weeding tools

Set Up Cricut Design Space

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

Getting Ready

Go to Cricut Design Space, agree to the terms and conditions and then download Cricut Design Space [CDS].

When you download CDS, create an account or sign in if you have one already.

You are all set to start using the Cricut!

Uploading an Image

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

In that new page, click the Upload Image button.

Drag and drop your creation or browse your computer to upload the creation you want to use. For stickers make sure your file type is a png, jpg or gif. SVGs and other vector file types are used for vinyl cutting and cannot be used for stickers.

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.

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

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!

Designing Your Sticker

In your workspace, select your uploaded image and then click the Create Sticker button in the top middle right.

You will have to choose what kind of sticker you want to have. If you want the sticker to fully cut out of the paper then select die cut. This is the best option if you are planning on selling stickers. If you want the sticker to be able to be peeled off of the sticker sheet select kiss cut. This is the best option for handing out stickers for badging or during a class.

If you want a border, under the border option select what type of border you want, from none to thin to standard to wide to custom. There will be a preview of what the border will look like if you are unsure. The border color will automatically be white, but you can select black or choose a specific color for you border using the plus button.

When you are happy with your sticker, click the green Apply button to finalize the design. However, if you are not happy with the sticker design, you can always select the sticker and then click the Edit Sticker button in the top right where the Create Sticker button used to be.

After your sticker is designed, use the white boxes in the corner of the sticker to make it the correct size. The maximum dimensions your sticker can be is 7.25”x 9.75”. Cricut sometimes automatically resizes your image so always double check it is the correct dimensions.

Printing to Sticker Paper

When you are ready to print your sticker, make sure Maker 3 is selected in the top right corner and then click the green Make button in the top right corner.

In this next page, make sure that it says Print Then Cut on the left side, the material load type is on mat, the material size is 8.5” x 11”, and it is not mirrored.

When everything is correct, click the green Continue button in the bottom right.

Go to the printer where you are planning on printing the sticker and put 8.5” x 11” sticker paper with the shiny side up into the printer’s multi-purpose tray.

Connect the printer’s USB cable to your laptop if necessary.

After the sticker paper is in the printer, click the green Send To Printer button in the middle of the screen. This will start the printing process.

In the Printer Setup window, turn on Use System Dialog then click the green Print button.

In the print system dialog, select the Canon Generic Plus UFR II (Copy 1) printer.

Click Preferences.

Go to Paper Source. Select Multi-purpose Tray as your paper source

Click OK.

Click Print.

Cutting

Connect the Cricut’s USB cable to your computer.

If you are making a paper sticker, select Sticker Paper (Green Backing) as your material.

If you are making a vinyl sticker select Vinyl Paper Waterproof.

If you are die cutting have the pressure be medium.

If you are doing a kiss cut, have the pressure be less.

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.

Now it’s time to put your printed sticker paper on the cutting mat. Get the green mat and peel off the sticky layer. Place your printed sticker paper on the mat in the grid area.

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.

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

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

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

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

Careers of the Future (reasoning and sources)

Using the Cricut to Make Stickers