Vinyl Cutting

To cut vinyl, you need an SVG file. In Week 2, you’ll find an Inkscape tutorial that explains how to create a vector graphic and save it as an SVG file.
👉 Click here for the Inkscape tutorial

Working with the Cricut Cutter

I use the Cricut software for the Cutting with an Cricut Machine. In our Fablab, we have a Cricut available, and I appreciate the user interface as well as the various options for cutting and drawing.

Steps for Cutting Vinyl with the Cricut

1. Create or Download an SVG File

Use Inkscape or another vector graphics program to create your design.
Save the file in SVG format.

2. Open Cricut Design Space

Import the SVG file into the Cricut software.
Adjust the size and position of the design. Make sure that the size is not more than the matt.

Note: I encountered an issue where the inner area appeared gray. To fix this, I merged all elements and ensured that the inner area was deleted. If you experience similar issues, check the fill and path settings in Inkscape.

There was an error because of the size. To big for the cutting mat. So i change the size:

3. Select the Cutting Settings

Choose the correct material type (e.g., vinyl).
Adjust the cutting depth and speed according to the material.

Tip: Cricut often provides preset settings for different materials, such as vinyl or heat transfer foil, so you don’t need to manually adjust pressure or cutting depth.

4. Prepare the Vinyl

Place the vinyl on the cutting mat. Make sure it lies flat and without bubbles.

Tip: If you are using heat transfer vinyl (HTV), you need to mirror your design before cutting so that it appears correctly after ironing.

5. Start the Cutting Process

Load the cutting mat into the Cricut Cutter with the arrow Button on the machine.

Start the cutting process via the software or cricut button.

6. Remove the Cut Vinyl

Use tweezers or a weeding tool to remove excess vinyl.
Transfer the finished design onto the desired surface using transfer tape.

Note: I haven’t applied my sticker yet because it will be part of my final project, and it’s not ready yet. Coming soon!

If you need my SVG file, click here: SVG file

The cricut file is not aviable because there is no option to download this file.