Print Stickers On Cricut Maker: A Step-by-Step Guide

Aug 6, 2025 by Fonts Packs 53 views

Printing Stickers on Cricut Maker: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey crafters! Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of sticker making with your Cricut Maker? This fantastic machine isn't just for cutting; it can also print and cut, opening up a whole new realm of creative possibilities. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through each step of the process, from designing your stickers to the final peel-and-stick moment. So, grab your materials, fire up your Cricut, and let's get started!

What You'll Need to Print Stickers with Cricut Maker

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let's make sure you have all the essentials. Having the right tools and materials will make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. Here's a checklist of what you'll need to create awesome stickers with your Cricut Maker:

Cricut Maker: Obviously, this is the star of the show! The Cricut Maker's Print Then Cut feature is what allows us to create professional-looking stickers at home. Ensure your machine is properly calibrated for print then cut for the best results. This involves aligning the blade with the printed registration marks.
Computer or Mobile Device: You'll need a computer or mobile device to access Cricut Design Space, the software we'll use to design and send our sticker designs to the Cricut Maker. Cricut Design Space is compatible with both Windows and macOS, as well as iOS and Android devices. Make sure you have the latest version installed for optimal performance.
Cricut Design Space: This is Cricut's free design software, and it's where the magic happens. You'll use Design Space to create your sticker designs, format them for printing, and send them to your Cricut Maker for cutting. The software is user-friendly, with tons of design tools and pre-made templates to get you started. Cricut Design Space is cloud-based, allowing you to access your projects from any device.
Inkjet Printer: Since we're doing a Print Then Cut project, you'll need an inkjet printer. Inkjet printers use liquid ink, which is essential for creating vibrant and detailed prints on sticker paper. Laser printers, on the other hand, use toner, which doesn't always adhere well to sticker paper. Look for a printer that's compatible with your computer and capable of printing high-resolution images. For best results, use a printer that can handle thicker materials, like sticker paper.
Sticker Paper: This is where the magic happens! You'll need sticker paper that is compatible with your inkjet printer. There are tons of options out there, including glossy, matte, and even waterproof sticker paper. The type of sticker paper you choose will depend on the look and feel you're going for, as well as the intended use of your stickers. Glossy paper gives stickers a vibrant, shiny finish, while matte paper has a more subdued, natural look. Waterproof sticker paper is perfect for stickers that will be exposed to moisture, like water bottle stickers or outdoor decals. Be sure to select sticker paper that is specifically designed for inkjet printers to ensure the best print quality and adhesion.
Cutting Mat (LightGrip or StandardGrip): The cutting mat provides a surface for your sticker paper to adhere to while it's being cut by the Cricut Maker. A LightGrip mat is generally recommended for sticker paper, as it's less sticky and reduces the risk of tearing the paper when you remove it. However, if your sticker paper is particularly thin or prone to slipping, a StandardGrip mat may be a better choice. Make sure your mat is clean and free of debris before you start cutting to ensure a smooth, even cut.
Weeding Tools: These tools help you remove excess vinyl or sticker paper from around your designs after they've been cut. A weeding tool typically has a sharp, pointed end that allows you to pick out small pieces of material with precision. While not strictly necessary for all sticker projects, weeding tools can be incredibly helpful for intricate designs or when working with delicate materials.
Brayer (Optional): A brayer is a hand roller that helps smooth down your sticker paper onto the cutting mat. This ensures a good bond between the paper and the mat, which is crucial for accurate cutting. Using a brayer can also help prevent air bubbles and wrinkles, resulting in a cleaner, more professional-looking final product. While not essential, a brayer can significantly improve the quality of your sticker cuts.

Having all these materials on hand will set you up for sticker-making success! Let's move on to designing your stickers.

Designing Your Stickers in Cricut Design Space

Now comes the fun part: designing your stickers! Cricut Design Space offers a ton of tools and features to help you create the perfect stickers, whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out. Here’s a step-by-step guide to designing your stickers:

Open Cricut Design Space: Launch the Cricut Design Space software on your computer or mobile device. If you don't have it installed yet, you can download it for free from the Cricut website. Once the software is open, sign in to your Cricut account. If you're new to Cricut Design Space, take some time to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the various tools and features.
Start a New Project: Click on the "New Project" button to begin a fresh canvas. This will open a blank workspace where you can start designing your stickers. Think of the canvas as your virtual crafting table – it's where all your creative ideas will come to life.
Choose Your Images or Upload Your Own: Cricut Design Space offers a vast library of pre-designed images, graphics, and fonts that you can use in your sticker designs. To access the Cricut Image Library, click on the "Images" tab on the left-hand side of the screen. You can search for specific images using keywords, browse by category, or explore the featured collections. If you have your own images or designs that you'd like to use, you can upload them to Cricut Design Space by clicking on the "Upload" button. Supported file formats include JPG, PNG, SVG, and DXF. When uploading images, make sure they are high-resolution for the best print quality.
Size and Arrange Your Images: Once you've chosen your images, it's time to size and arrange them on your canvas. Click on an image to select it, and then use the handles around the image to resize it. You can also rotate and move images by clicking and dragging them around the canvas. Pay attention to the overall layout of your stickers and try to arrange them in a way that maximizes space and minimizes wasted material. Consider the final size of your stickers and how they will fit on your chosen surface. For example, if you're making stickers for a water bottle, you'll want to make sure they're not too large or too small.
Add Text (Optional): Want to add some text to your stickers? Cricut Design Space has a text tool that allows you to add words, phrases, or even personalized messages to your designs. Click on the "Text" button on the left-hand side of the screen to add a text box to your canvas. You can then type your desired text into the box and choose from a variety of fonts, sizes, and styles. Experiment with different fonts and layouts to find the perfect look for your stickers. You can also curve text, change its color, and add effects like bolding or italicizing.
Create an Offset: The offset feature is key to creating professional-looking stickers. It adds a border around your design, making it stand out and easier to peel. Select your image or text, and then click on the “Offset” button in the top toolbar. Adjust the distance slider to control the thickness of the border. A small offset (around 0.125 inches) usually works well. Offsets not only enhance the appearance of your stickers but also help prevent the blade from cutting into the printed design, ensuring clean, crisp edges. You can customize the offset to match the color scheme of your sticker or choose a contrasting color for a bold effect.
Flatten Your Design: This is a crucial step! Flattening your design combines all the layers into a single printable image. Select all the elements of your sticker (including the image, text, and offset), and then click the “Flatten” button in the bottom right corner of the screen. This tells the Cricut Maker to print the entire design as one image and then cut around the outer edge. If you skip this step, the Cricut Maker may try to cut each individual element of your design, which is not what we want for stickers. Flattening ensures a smooth, seamless cut around the perimeter of your sticker.
Duplicate Your Stickers: To make the most of your sticker paper, duplicate your design to fill the page. Select your flattened sticker design and then use the “Duplicate” button to create multiple copies. Arrange the stickers on your canvas, leaving enough space between them for the Cricut Maker to cut accurately. Cricut Design Space will automatically add a black rectangle around your designs, which is used by the Cricut Maker's sensors to register the print and cut lines. Make sure your stickers are positioned within this registration box to ensure they are cut correctly. You can adjust the number of copies to fit your page size and maximize your sticker yield.

With your design perfected, it's time to move on to the printing process!

Printing Your Stickers

Once your designs are ready in Cricut Design Space, the next step is to print them onto your sticker paper. This involves connecting your computer to your printer, selecting the correct print settings, and feeding the sticker paper into your printer. Here’s how to do it:

Send Your Design to Your Printer: In Cricut Design Space, click the “Make It” button in the top right corner of the screen. This will take you to the project preview screen, where you can see how your stickers will be laid out on the cutting mat. Review the layout to ensure everything is positioned correctly and that there are no errors. If you need to make any adjustments, you can go back to the design canvas by clicking the “Customize” button. Once you’re satisfied with the layout, click the “Continue” button to proceed to the printing stage. Cricut Design Space will then prompt you to select your printer and adjust your print settings.
Select Your Printer and Adjust Print Settings: In the print setup window, select your inkjet printer from the dropdown menu. Next, you’ll want to adjust your print settings to ensure the best possible print quality for your stickers. Click on the “Use System Dialog” option to access your printer’s advanced settings. This will open your printer’s native print dialog box, where you can customize various settings, such as paper type, print quality, and color mode. Select the appropriate paper type for your sticker paper (e.g., glossy photo paper, matte sticker paper). Set the print quality to “Best” or “High” for the sharpest, most vibrant prints. Choose the appropriate color mode (usually “Color” or “RGB”) and disable any options for borderless printing, as this can interfere with the Cricut Maker’s registration marks. The specific settings may vary depending on your printer model, so consult your printer’s manual for detailed instructions.
Load Sticker Paper into Your Printer: Now it’s time to load your sticker paper into your printer. Make sure to load the paper correctly, with the printable side facing the print head. This is usually the glossy or matte side, depending on the type of sticker paper you’re using. Check your printer’s manual for instructions on how to load different types of paper. It’s often recommended to load the sticker paper into the manual feed tray or the rear paper feed slot, as this can provide a straighter paper path and reduce the risk of jams. Before printing, it’s a good idea to test print on a plain sheet of paper to ensure your printer is set up correctly and that the ink is flowing smoothly. This can help you avoid wasting sticker paper if there are any issues.
Print Your Design: Once you’ve selected your printer and adjusted your print settings, click the “Print” button in Cricut Design Space to start the printing process. Your printer will then begin printing your sticker designs onto the sticker paper. During printing, avoid touching the printed surface of the sticker paper, as this can smudge the ink or leave fingerprints. Allow the ink to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the type of ink and paper you’re using. Refer to the sticker paper manufacturer’s instructions for recommended drying times. To speed up the drying process, you can gently fan the printed sheet or use a cool air setting on a hairdryer.

With your stickers printed, you're one step closer to having them in your hands! Let's move on to the cutting stage.

Cutting Your Stickers with Cricut Maker

This is where your Cricut Maker truly shines! The Print Then Cut feature uses sensors to detect the printed registration marks around your designs and cut them out with incredible precision. Here’s the process:

Place Printed Sticker Paper on Cutting Mat: Once your stickers are printed and the ink is completely dry, carefully place the sticker paper onto your cutting mat. Align the top left corner of the sticker paper with the top left corner of the mat. Use a brayer (if you have one) to smooth the paper onto the mat, ensuring a good bond and preventing any air bubbles or wrinkles. This is especially important for thicker sticker papers, as they can sometimes curl or lift off the mat during cutting. A smooth, even surface will help ensure clean, accurate cuts.
Load the Cutting Mat into Your Cricut Maker: With the sticker paper securely adhered to the cutting mat, it’s time to load the mat into your Cricut Maker. Make sure the mat is clean and free of any debris, as this can interfere with the machine’s sensors. Align the edge of the mat with the guides on either side of the Cricut Maker and gently feed it into the machine until the rollers grab it. Then, press the flashing “Load/Unload” button to load the mat fully. The Cricut Maker will automatically detect the mat and prepare for cutting.
Select the Correct Material Setting in Cricut Design Space: In Cricut Design Space, you’ll need to select the correct material setting for your sticker paper. This tells the Cricut Maker how much pressure and how many passes to use when cutting. Choose the material setting that corresponds to the type of sticker paper you’re using (e.g., “Sticker Paper,” “Printable Sticker Paper,” or a custom setting if you’ve created one). If you’re unsure which setting to use, it’s always a good idea to start with a lighter setting and do a test cut. You can then adjust the setting as needed to achieve the best results. Test cuts are small cuts that the Cricut Maker performs in a corner of your material to help you verify that the blade depth and pressure are correct.
Send the Project to Your Cricut Maker and Watch It Cut: With the mat loaded and the material setting selected, it’s time to send your project to your Cricut Maker and watch it work its magic! Press the flashing “Go” button on your Cricut Maker to start the cutting process. The machine will first scan the registration marks printed around your stickers. These marks help the Cricut Maker precisely align the blade with your printed designs. Once the registration marks are detected, the Cricut Maker will begin cutting out your stickers. Watch the machine as it cuts, but avoid touching the mat or the machine during the cutting process. This could disrupt the cut and damage your materials or machine. The cutting time will vary depending on the complexity of your designs and the number of stickers you’re cutting.
Unload the Mat and Carefully Remove Your Stickers: Once the cutting is complete, the Cricut Maker will stop and the “Load/Unload” button will start flashing again. Press the button to unload the mat from the machine. Now, it’s time to carefully remove your stickers from the mat. To avoid tearing or damaging your stickers, it’s best to bend the mat away from the sticker paper rather than trying to peel the stickers off the mat directly. This helps to loosen the adhesive bond between the sticker paper and the mat. Use a weeding tool (if necessary) to help lift the edges of the stickers. If you find that your stickers are sticking too strongly to the mat, try using a more flexible mat or reducing the stickiness of your mat by lightly dabbing it with a clean cloth or towel. Once you’ve removed your stickers, you’re ready to start using them!

Congratulations! You've successfully printed and cut your own custom stickers with your Cricut Maker. Now, let's look at some tips and tricks to take your sticker-making game to the next level.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Stickers

To really master sticker making, here are some extra tips and tricks to help you achieve professional results every time:

Calibrate Your Cricut Maker's Print Then Cut Feature: Calibration is key for accurate cuts. If your Cricut Maker isn't cutting precisely around your printed designs, you may need to calibrate the Print Then Cut feature. This involves printing a calibration sheet and having the Cricut Maker scan it to align the blade with the registration marks. You can find the calibration option in Cricut Design Space under the settings menu. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the calibration process. Calibrating your machine regularly, especially if you notice any inconsistencies in your cuts, can help ensure that your stickers are always cut with precision.
Use the Correct Blade: For most sticker papers, the Fine-Point Blade works perfectly. However, if you’re using thicker or more specialized sticker papers, you may need to experiment with different blades. The Deep-Point Blade, for example, is designed for cutting thicker materials and may be a better choice for heavy-duty sticker papers or printable vinyl. Make sure you select the correct blade in Cricut Design Space to match the blade you’re using in your machine. Using the wrong blade can result in poor cuts, damaged materials, or even damage to your Cricut Maker.
Do a Test Cut: Before cutting a whole sheet of stickers, always do a test cut. This will help you ensure that your material settings and blade depth are correct. Test cuts are small cuts that the Cricut Maker performs in a corner of your material to help you verify that the blade is cutting through the sticker paper without cutting through the backing. To do a test cut, select a small, simple shape in Cricut Design Space (like a square or a circle) and position it in a corner of your design canvas. Then, send the project to your Cricut Maker and let it cut the test shape. If the test cut is clean and the sticker peels away easily without tearing, you’re good to go. If not, adjust your material settings or blade depth and try another test cut until you achieve the desired results.
Experiment with Different Sticker Papers: There are tons of different sticker papers out there, each with its own unique properties. Glossy paper gives your stickers a vibrant, shiny finish, while matte paper has a more subdued, natural look. Waterproof sticker paper is perfect for stickers that will be exposed to moisture, like water bottle stickers or outdoor decals. Printable vinyl is a durable, weather-resistant option that’s great for car decals or other outdoor applications. Experiment with different types of sticker paper to find the perfect one for your project. Consider the intended use of your stickers and choose a paper that will hold up well under those conditions.
Properly Store Your Sticker Paper: To keep your sticker paper in good condition, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Extreme temperatures and moisture can damage the adhesive and cause the paper to curl or warp, making it difficult to print and cut. Store your sticker paper in its original packaging or in a resealable bag to protect it from the elements. It’s also a good idea to store the paper flat to prevent it from bending or creasing. By properly storing your sticker paper, you can ensure that it stays in top condition and that your stickers come out looking their best.
Consider Laminating Your Stickers: To make your stickers even more durable and long-lasting, consider laminating them. Laminating adds a protective layer to your stickers, making them resistant to scratches, fading, and water damage. You can laminate your stickers using a laminating machine or with self-adhesive laminating sheets. Laminating is a great option for stickers that will be used on items that are frequently handled or exposed to the elements, such as laptops, water bottles, or phone cases. Lamination not only protects your stickers but also enhances their appearance by adding a glossy or matte finish.

With these tips and tricks, you'll be creating professional-quality stickers in no time! Now, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let's address some common questions about printing stickers with Cricut Maker:

Why is my Cricut Maker not cutting accurately? This could be due to a few reasons. First, make sure your machine is calibrated correctly. Second, check your material settings and blade depth. A dull blade can also cause inaccurate cuts. Finally, ensure your cutting mat is clean and sticky enough to hold the sticker paper in place.
What type of printer should I use for printing stickers? An inkjet printer is recommended for printing stickers. Inkjet printers use liquid ink, which adheres well to sticker paper and produces vibrant colors. Laser printers, which use toner, may not work as well with sticker paper.
Can I use regular paper for stickers? While you can print on regular paper, it won't have the adhesive backing needed for stickers. You need to use sticker paper, which has an adhesive layer on one side.
How do I make waterproof stickers? To make waterproof stickers, use waterproof sticker paper and consider laminating your stickers after printing. This will protect the ink from running and the paper from getting damaged by water.
Why is my sticker paper smudging? Smudging can occur if the ink hasn't fully dried before cutting or handling the paper. Allow the ink to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. You can also try using a sealant spray to protect the ink.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a complete guide to printing stickers on your Cricut Maker! From designing your stickers in Cricut Design Space to printing and cutting them with precision, you now have the knowledge and tools to create awesome stickers for any occasion. Remember to experiment with different designs, materials, and techniques to find what works best for you. And most importantly, have fun and let your creativity shine through! Happy crafting, guys!