Have you ever wanted to turn your favorite digital art into physical stickers for your laptop, water bottle, or planner? One of the most common reasons people buy a Cricut is to start a sticker-making hobby (or even a small business!). While it might look complicated, the process—known as “Print Then Cut”—is actually quite simple once you know the right buttons to click. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to go from a digital file to a professional-grade sticker.
What is the best way to make stickers with Cricut?
The Quick Answer: The most effective way to make stickers is using the Print Then Cut feature in Cricut Design Space. You first print your designs onto sticker paper using a standard home printer, and then your Cricut machine uses its built-in sensors to read “registration marks” on the paper, allowing it to cut precisely around your designs. To give your stickers a professional look, use the Offset tool to create a white border around the edge.
What You’ll Need
- Cricut Machine: (Explore, Maker, or Joy Xtra models).
- Injek Printer: A standard home printer works great.
- Printable Sticker Paper: Vinyl sticker paper is best for durability.
- Cricut Fine-Point Blade: The standard blade that comes with your machine.
- A High-Quality SVG or PNG: Use a design with a transparent background.
Step 1: Upload and Prep Your Image
Open Cricut Design Space and upload your chosen design.
- Pro Tip: If you are using a detailed vector from our shop, make sure you Flatten the image. This tells Cricut to print the whole image as one layer rather than trying to cut out every individual piece of the design.
Step 2: Add an “Offset” (The White Border)
If you want that classic “die-cut sticker” look with a white border:
- Select your image.
- Click the Offset button in the top toolbar.
- Adjust the slider until you have a nice outline (0.10 to 0.15 is usually perfect).
- Change the Offset layer color to white and Flatten it to your original image.
Step 3: Print Then Cut
Click “Make It.” Design Space will send the file to your printer first.
- Important: Do not close Design Space after printing!
- Place the printed sheet onto your LightGrip (Blue) mat. The machine will “scan” the black sensor lines on the corners before it starts cutting. This ensures your cut is perfectly centered.
Common Questions About Cricut Stickers
How do I make stickers waterproof?
To make your stickers “dishwasher safe” or waterproof, apply a clear laminate sheet over the top of your sticker paper after printing but before cutting.
Why is my Cricut cutting off-center?
This is usually caused by poor lighting or a dirty sensor. Make sure your room is well-lit but avoid direct sunlight hitting the machine, which can confuse the “eyes” that read the registration marks.
What is the “Kiss Cut” vs. “Die Cut”?
- Kiss Cut: Cuts through the sticker but leaves the backing paper intact (perfect for sticker sheets).
- Die Cut: Cuts through both the sticker and the backing paper (perfect for individual stickers to give away).
Summary: Professional Stickers at Home
Making stickers is the ultimate “gateway” project for Cricut owners. Once you master the Offset and Flatten tools, you can turn any digital graphic into a physical product in under 10 minutes.
Ready to make your first set of stickers?
Try our Fruits & Vegetables Hand-drawn Set which is perfect for making a colorful tasty sticker sheet!