Are you ready to dive into the fun world of sticker making? As a content creator here at amazingprint.net, I know firsthand how rewarding it is to create custom stickers. If you’ve been wanting to learn How To Print Stickers using your Cricut machine, you’ve come to the right place! Many beginners find the “Print Then Cut” feature on Cricut a bit tricky, and I totally understand that frustration. I remember spending countless hours watching YouTube tutorials and searching Google, trying to figure it all out.
But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you step-by-step through an easy method to print and cut your own amazing stickers using Cricut. Let’s get started and unlock your sticker-making potential!
For this tutorial, we’ll be using a pre-designed sticker sheet in PNG format. This is a common format you might find on platforms like Etsy, and it’s perfect for Cricut because it supports the Print Then Cut feature. The PNG format is crucial as it allows for transparent backgrounds, which Cricut recognizes for cutting around your sticker designs accurately.
I’ll be using my own Whimsical Print and Cut Stickers for this guide – they are already formatted as PNG files and ready to go. Trust me, I know the initial learning curve can be steep. I’ve even shed a few tears trying to get print and cut to work perfectly! But this tutorial breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps, making it easier and more enjoyable for you.
The Joy of Print and Cut Stickers
Like many of you, I’ve always been a huge sticker enthusiast. From childhood trips to stationery stores, stickers have always held a special appeal. I fondly remember visiting “Pandemonium,” a delightful store in the mall, and being mesmerized by all the fun stickers and stationery. The nostalgia is real!
Now, with print and cut stickers, the possibilities are endless. You can create and print any stickers you desire, whenever you want! Imagine the delight of your younger self having this kind of creative power.
“Adulting is hard. Stickers help.” – Unknown
Why Stickers are Incredibly Useful
Stickers aren’t just for kids; people of all ages love them! They are not only fun and decorative but also incredibly practical. The convenience of printing and cutting your own stickers at home opens up a world of creative and organizational opportunities.
Stickers are fantastic for a wide range of applications, including arts and crafts, school projects, personalizing stationery, decorating planners, scrapbooking, journaling, and so much more! The satisfaction of designing, printing, and cutting your own stickers is truly rewarding.
This tutorial focuses on using PNG format sticker sheets. The beauty of PNG files is their transparent background and pre-designed white trim around the stickers. This format simplifies the print and cut process with Cricut significantly, making it beginner-friendly.
You can find sticker sheets formatted like this in my Etsy shop, if you’re looking for designs ready for this tutorial. And if you sign up for my newsletter (form below), you’ll get a 15% discount on your first order!
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For this guide, I’ll be using my Cricut Maker, which is my go-to machine for all print and cut and SVG projects. Below is a list of all the materials you’ll need, followed by detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to print and cut stickers using your Cricut.
Materials You’ll Need for Cricut Print and Cut Stickers
Gather these materials to get started on your sticker-making journey:
- Cricut Cutting Machine (Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore series, or Cricut Joy Extra – any Cricut machine compatible with Print Then Cut)
- Fine Point Blade (standard blade for your Cricut machine)
- Inkjet Printer (essential for Print Then Cut – laser printers are not compatible)
- Sticker Paper (various types available, more details on this later)
- Cutting Mat (StandardGrip mat (green) recommended)
- Cricut Design Space Software (installed on your computer)
- PNG Sticker Sheet File (pre-designed sticker sheet with transparent background, like my Whimsical Print and Cut Stickers)
Quick Note: You can always print the sticker sheet directly and hand-cut your stickers if you prefer. However, this tutorial focuses on using the Cricut Print Then Cut feature for precise and professional-looking stickers.
Now that you have everything ready, let’s jump into the step-by-step guide!
I’ll be using my whimsical sticker sheet as an example, but these steps will work for any PNG sticker sheet.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Print and Cut Stickers on Cricut
1. Select Your Sticker Sheet Design
Begin by choosing your sticker sheet design. Ensure it’s a pre-designed sheet in PNG format with a transparent background. As mentioned, my Etsy shop offers several options specifically formatted for Cricut and Silhouette in PNG format.
2. Open Cricut Design Space and Log In
To use the Print Then Cut feature, you need a Cricut machine and a Cricut Design Space account. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up at https://design.cricut.com/#/. Log in to your account to proceed.
3. Start a New Project
Once logged in, click on the “New Project” button to start a fresh design space. This will open a blank canvas where you’ll upload and prepare your sticker sheet.
4. Upload Your Sticker Sheet to the Canvas
Now, upload your sticker sheet file to Cricut Design Space. Here’s how:
Click “Upload” at the bottom left of the canvas.
On the next screen, select “Upload Image.”
Click “Browse” to locate your PNG sticker sheet file on your computer, then click the green “Continue” button.
Choose “Complex” as the image type, then click the green “Continue” button. This ensures all details of your sticker design are preserved.
On the next screen, you don’t need to make any changes. Just click the green “Apply & Continue” button.
Finally, select the “Print Then Cut Image” option and click the green “Upload” button.
5. Add Sticker Sheet to Your Canvas
Your uploaded sticker sheet will now appear in the “Recently Uploaded” section. Click on the file (a green outline will appear), and then click “Add to Canvas” at the bottom right.
6. Resize Your Sticker Sheet
Once your sticker sheet is on the canvas, you’ll need to resize it for Print Then Cut. Cricut has a size limitation for this feature: the printable and cuttable area is 6.25 x 9.25 inches.
Click on the sticker sheet, then drag the corner handles inward to resize it. Maintain the aspect ratio while resizing to fit within the 6.25 x 9.25 inch limit. You can use the rulers in Design Space as a guide. Ensure no warning triangle appears, indicating the size is within the printable boundaries.
Once resized correctly, click the green “Make It” button in the top right corner.
7. Load Sticker Paper into Your Printer
Now, it’s time to prepare your printer. Load your chosen sticker paper into your inkjet printer. Refer to your printer’s manual to determine the correct paper orientation (face up or down) for printing.
8. Send to Printer from Design Space
In Design Space, the print preview screen will appear. Click the “Send to Printer” button.
A “Print Setup” dialog box will pop up. Choose your printer from the dropdown menu. Ensure the “Bleed” option is turned OFF (if it’s green, click it to turn it white/off). Then, click “Print.”
9. Collect Your Printed Sticker Sheet
Retrieve your printed sticker sheet from your printer. You’ll notice a black box printed around your stickers. These are registration marks that the Cricut machine will use to accurately cut around your designs.
10. Place Sticker Paper on the Cutting Mat
Place your printed sticker sheet onto a Cricut cutting mat. I recommend using the StandardGrip (green) mat. Align the sticker paper in the top left corner of the mat, using the grid lines as a guide. Ensure the sticker paper adheres well to the mat.
Pro Tip #1: Use a brayer to firmly adhere the sticker paper to the mat, ensuring smooth, even adhesion. If you don’t have a brayer, you can use your hands on a flat surface.
Pro Tip #2: Some sticker papers, like Silhouette brand, may require a bit more drying time for the ink. Ensure the ink is completely dry before handling the printed sheet to avoid smudging. If the ink is still slightly wet, handle the edges or non-printed areas to adhere it to the mat.
11. Select Material Settings in Design Space
Go back to Cricut Design Space to select your material settings. This step determines how your Cricut machine will cut the stickers. You have two main cut options:
- Kiss-Cut: Cuts only the top sticker layer, leaving the backing intact. Stickers remain on the sheet and are peeled off for use. For kiss-cut stickers, use the “Sticker Paper, Removable” setting. Search for “sticker paper” in the materials list to find this option.
- Die-Cut: Cuts through both the sticker and backing layers, creating individual, fully cut-out stickers. For die-cut stickers, try the “Sticky Note” setting, which has a deeper cut.
To find these settings, click “Browse All Materials” and type either “sticker paper” or “sticky note” in the search bar. Select your desired setting and click “Done.”
Disclaimer: Material settings may vary based on sticker paper brand, mat stickiness, and machine condition. Experiment to find the best settings for your specific materials and Cricut machine.
12. Adjust Cut Pressure
Under “Pressure” settings in Design Space, I recommend selecting “More” pressure to ensure clean cuts, especially with sticker paper.
Verify that your Fine-Point Blade is loaded in Clamp B of your Cricut machine. The double arrow button on your Cricut machine should be blinking, indicating it’s ready to load the mat.
13. Load the Mat into Your Cricut Machine
Carefully insert the mat into your Cricut machine, guiding it under the two plastic tabs on each side. When the arrow button on your machine is flashing, press the “Arrow” button to load the mat.
14. Start Cutting
Once the mat is loaded, the “C” button on your Cricut machine will blink, indicating it’s ready to cut. Press the “C” button to begin the cutting process. The Cricut will first scan the registration marks to align the cut, which may take a moment.
15. Unload Mat and Remove Stickers
After the Cricut finishes cutting, the double arrow button will blink again. Press the “Double Arrow” button to unload the mat.
Pro Tip: To remove your stickers without curling them, flip the mat over, and gently peel the mat away from the sticker sheet, pulling downwards.
Congratulations! You’ve just printed and cut your own stickers! Now, the fun part is deciding where to use them.
Optional: Trim Registration Marks
You can trim off the outer margins and black registration marks using scissors or a paper trimmer for a cleaner look.
Sticker Paper Recommendations
Choosing the right sticker paper is crucial for quality stickers. Here are a few types I’ve used:
- Cricut Sticker Paper: High-quality and durable, but quite thick. It might require some printer adjustments to feed properly, and may not be compatible with all printers.
- Silhouette Sticker Paper: Thinner and decent quality. Ink may take longer to dry, so handle with care after printing.
- Avery Full-Page Labels: Many crafters recommend Avery full-page label sheets for sticker making, though I haven’t personally used them yet.
Currently, sticker paper is primarily available in 8.5 x 11 inch (US Letter size) for most brands.
Cutting Mat Tips for Stickers
I’ve used both Cricut and The Paper Studio brand mats:
- Cricut Mats: StandardGrip (green) mats work well for sticker projects. LightGrip mats might also be suitable.
- The Paper Studio Mats: These mats (from Hobby Lobby) are stickier than Cricut mats. If using this brand, consider LightGrip mats to avoid tearing thinner sticker paper during removal.
I hope this comprehensive tutorial helps you confidently print and cut stickers with your Cricut! Let me know in the comments if you found this guide helpful, or if you have any questions.
Happy creating, and enjoy the sticker magic!
Always live intentionally, create creatively!
Love,
Alexis
