Here are the items you will need:
● A blank t-shirt
● T-shirt vinyl ● Silhouette cutter
● Weeding tool - You can also use sharp tweezers or a pin
● Heat press
*Things to note:
If a t-shirt has been worn and washed the vinyl may not stick to the fabric as nicely as it should. Sometimes it may not attach at all. If you must wash before attaching the vinyl make sure you do not use fabric conditioner.
Be sure to note whether the vinyl is hot or cold peel and find out what the recommended heat settings are in terms of temperature and time length. Majority of the time you can find this information on the supplier’s website. Keep in mind that special types of vinyl like puffy, reflect, or glow in the dark might have specific instructions. Be sure to buy the proper stuff got the application to these fabrics.
You could use an iron but it is difficult to get it to the right temperature for an even application. This may lead to vinyl warping and a wasted t-shirt. You can ask your local Makerspace if you don't have a heat press of your own.
These instructions are under the assumption you have and are familiar with a Silhouette cutter and using the Silhouette Software. If you do not feel free to check out my previous blog posts all for beginners and using the Silhouette machine for the first time!
Step 2: Create the Text in Silhouette Studio.
Once you open the Silhouette studio and select create a new project, you can use the text tool to add whatever kind of text you’d like. To determine the size of the text, you can hold the Silhouette guide sheet up to your shirt and use that grid to help you figure out which would work best. You can then resize it in the software and rotate if necessary to fit it on the page!
Step 3: MIRROR THE TEXT!
This step is so important! Make sure when you are cutting the t-shirt vinyl that you are cutting it from the back then turning it over to apply to the fabric. In other words, you are mirroring the text. Flip it either horizontally if you read it from left to right or vertically if it has been rotated on the screen.
Step 4: Check the Cut Settings.
There might be a chance that the cut depth settings may not suitable for vinyl even if you have used the Silhouette previously. Be sure to click on Cut settings then Vinyl so you can choose the appropriate cut depth. Usually, a cut depth of 8 is fine but you can always do a test to be sure.
Step 5: Load the Vinyl into the Silhouette
Take a look at the sheet of vinyl and notice that it has a glossy side and matte side. The glossy side is a clear sticky plastic sheet that you will end up peeling off. Make sure it stays intact by sticking the glossy side to the guide sheet so the matte side will be the one that gets cut. Look at the sheet of vinyl. It will have a glossy side and a matte side. Doing both this and flipping your design before cutting, are the two most important steps that differ cutting vinyl for fabric and cutting vinyl for murals.
Once you press the load button you will be ready to go!
Step 6: Send to Silhouette!
The easiest step. All you have to do is sit back and wait for the SIlhouette to cut your design!
Step 7: Weed the Vinyl
First, make sure you cut around the designs so you can save the rest of the vinyl for future projects. Then grab your weeding tool and peel away all the excess vinyl until you have just your design. Your design should be backward so just turn it over and position it on your shirt and you will be ready to press it on.
Step 8: Apply Heat.
It’s important that you know the right settings for the vinyl you are using. Depending on which vinyl it needs to be pressed at a certain temperature in order for it to stick correctly.
Step 9: Peel the Vinyl
You can either peel it straight away (hot peel) or wait until it’s cool and then peel (cold peel).
OPTIONAL BIT.
You can do a quick second press by putting a baking sheet over the design and pressing it at the same temperature for 5 seconds.
Now it’s time to wear your designs and show it off with pride!
**Silhouette Cameo: Which Machine Should I Buy?
Silhouette Cameo 4 with Bluetooth, 12x12 Cutting Mat, Autoblade 2, 100 Designs and Silhouette Studio Software - White Edition
https://amzn.to/38OI9DB
Feel free to share your prints in the comments below!
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When you’re first starting out with a Silhouette, it makes sense only to buy the basics you need. Once you know what kind of projects you’ll be using the machine to make, you’ll find it easier to choose from the many different Silhouette Cameo tools that you can buy.
Here is a list of my favorite Silhouette Cameo tools – the ones I use the most and even have extras of. Once you have these tools, you’ll be ready to handle most of the projects you might want to try using your Silhouette.
The Essentials
Tool Bundle
Whether you work with paper or vinyl, you won’t get far without a Silhouette Tool Bundle! They’ll help you to pull up extra material that you don’t need for your designs.
Silhouette Design Studio
This is probably the most essential tool there is for working with your Silhouette – buy different designs through the Silhouette store or design your own. You get access to Silhouette Design Studio just by purchasing your Silhouette machine.
Extra Blade and Mat
You might not need these if you don’t use your Silhouette all that often, but once you get started crafting with it all of the time, it’s a good idea to have a backup blade and mat.
(Side note: when you’re using a new mat, make sure to dab it with a clean cotton cloth first! This takes away some of the stickiness of the mat so it won’t ruin your vinyl or paper when you try to pull it up. Also, if you like to use glitter paper, an extra blade is essential – nothing wreaks havoc on a blade like glitter.)
Extras
Sketch Pens
These are great if you love scrapbooking, and also if you like to write on tags or make coloring pages.
Vinyl Bundles
You’ll find that you’ll primarily be using two types of vinyl with your Silhouette, transfer and permanent. Heat transfer vinyl is ideal for designs that you’ll use on clothing on fabric. For canvases and glass blocks, you’ll want to use permanent vinyl.
Sticker Paper
If you want to try a ‘print and cut’ project, you’ll need full sheets of sticker paper as well as plenty of ink in your printer.
Silhouette Transfer Paper
In my experience, regular contact paper isn’t nearly as good as Silhouette brand transfer paper. The Silhouette paper sticks much better to the vinyl, making it easy to place it on your project.
Scrapbook Paper Bundles
If you plan to use your Silhouette for scrapbooking, you’ll want to stock up on colorful and pretty paper! The best time to buy is when your favorite local or online craft store has a sale.
**Silhouette Cameo: Which Machine Should I Buy?
Silhouette Cameo 4 with Bluetooth, 12x12 Cutting Mat, Autoblade 2, 100 Designs and Silhouette Studio Software - White Edition
https://amzn.to/38OI9DB
Using the Cameo 3 for the first time can be a little overwhelming especially when setting it up for the first time. I broke down the entire setup process to make it easier for you:
First things first, time to get it out of the box. Here are the things you can expect to find:
● Silhouette Cameo 3 cutting machine
● A/C adapter and power cable
● USB cable
● Crosscut blade
● AutoBlade
● 12″ cutting mat
● Bluetooth removal tool
Once all the items are unpacked and the tape is removed, it's getting the machine connected.
How to Install Silhouette Studio Software.
Now head on over to the Silhouette site where you should see a turquoise rectangle in the top right-hand corner of the screen saying ‘update software’.
Head over to the Silhouette site and you’ll see a rectangle at the top that says update software. Click that button and a link will pop up for you to download the Silhouette Studio. You can choose either the Mac or Windows option depending on your computer.
When on a Mac you will be directed to drag and put the SIlhouette STudio icon into the applications folder. If you’re a Windows user you will need to just follow the on-screen prompts.
Head over to the Silhouette site and you’ll see a rectangle at the top that says update software. Click that button and a link will pop up for you to download the Silhouette Studio. You can choose either the Mac or Windows option depending on your computer.
When on a Mac you will be directed to drag and put the SIlhouette STudio icon into the applications folder. If you’re a Windows user you will need to just follow the on-screen prompts.
Connecting Your Machine to the Software.
First, plug the Cameo into the electric plug using the A/C adapter and connect it to the computer using the USB cable. Turn the machine on using the power on/off button and you’ll be able to see the LCD screen light up and guide you through the setup process.
How to Activate Bluetooth.
Now that everything is installed you will be able to activate Bluetooth, allowing you to connect the cutter to your computer wirelessly. How cool?!
In the top left corner on your Cameo LCD screen, you should see the Bluetooth symbol. If it does not show that it is connected and working you will need to turn the Bluetooth on by touching the settings menu and activating.
Then, you can open up the Silhouette Studio software again and click on Silhouette from the tabs at the top and scroll down to Add Bluetooth Machine option.
Once your Cameo 3 appears you can click connect and your computer will start syncing together. Once the screen says ready you will know it is finished.
If you are using a Mac, you can find the Bluetooth icon in your System preferences menu and you can click it to make sure the Bluetooth is enabled. Then you can find your Cameo 3 in the list of Bluetooth devices and click Pair. It may take a few seconds before it shows they are connected.
Getting to Know Silhouette Studio.
Silhouette Studio isn’t too tricky with the design software to be able to understand it however if you're a beginner it might seem a little more difficult. The easiest way to get your hands wet is to simply take a look around.
Once you open up the software on your desktop you’ll see a blank page. This represents your 12 x 12 inches cutting mat and will work as your canvas for all your designs. Open up the software via your desktop and you’ll find yourself greeted by a blank page.
If you want to change the dimensions of the page, you can easily adjust these using the Page Settings toolbar which runs down the right side of the screen. It’s very useful when creating longer designs or using a longer cutting mat. If you are unsure of what an icon means you can hover your mouse over it and it will show you what it does.
Designing in Silhouette Studio.
Once you get the hang of craft cutting and getting more familiar with designing, you will probably want to invest in more specialized software like Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, or Sure Cuts A lot. You can upload your custom designs to the Silhouette Studio software which will allow you to send to your Cameo 3.
However, here are a few things you can do from just designing inside the Studio:
Shapes
You can easily create a design using simple shapes like lines, circles, squares, and more. These shapes will be in the margin on the left of the page. You can even draw more complicated shapes like polygons and arcs from that margin too.
Free Drawing
You can also draw freely within the software by using the Draw Freehand and Draw Smooth Freehand tools that can be found in the left margin menu. It may take some time to get used to and perfect but we all know practice makes perfect!
Text
Feel free to add text to your designs and use the software to change the font, size, weight, spacing, and position of the text. Once you're designing is complete make sure that you have placed it within the red margins of the page so you know it’s not going outside of the cutting area. Then, press page setup and you’ll see how you can place your material on the cutting mat.
Adjusting Your Cut Settings
Now that you’ve finished your designs it’s time to send them to the Silhouette. However, before you do that it is a good idea to adjust your cut settings so you can be sure that you are getting the most accurate and high-quality cut.
Under the Silhouette tab at the top of the screen, select ‘Cut Settings’ from the drop-down menu. This will show you the Cut Settings on the right side of the screen. You can then select what material you are using or create custom settings. This will allow you to select the speed and thickness of the blade manually or it will be done automatically if you select what media type you are using from the list.
You will also be able to select what tools you want to use from the same menu and that will be very helpful when you decide to use the Cameo 3’s dual carriage function which we will cover soon.
You can select your tools for each line or image in your design and you can adjust the order of images that will be cut and their cut style by looking through the cut conditions menu. Once you are happy with your settings you can click on the send to silhouette button that will appear either at the bottom or top right side of the page. You will then be given the option to upload your design. Once you press this button you can remove your design and start the transfer!
How to Print and Cut
Now it’s time to Print and Cut. This is a very popular function on the Silhouette Cameo 3 and it is very easy to operate from inside the Silhouette Studio. First, be sure that the paper you are printing on matches the size and design of your page in the Studio. This will assure you that the lines cut and match up together when on the paper print and cut material. You can check this easily by clicking the Show Print Border checkbox in the Design Page Settings menu on the right side of the page.
You can then add your designs to the print area and make sure they are within the print order area. Once you print the document make sure that the design looks right and all registration marks are printed.
Once the document is printed load it on your cutting mat and carefully align it and feed the mat into the machine while pressing Load Cut Mat on the LCD screen.
The Machine should automatically detect your registration marks but if it doesn’t you can click Retry Manually after clicking Send to Silhouette.
Once you click the arrow signals to realign your design then click Register and get to cutting!
Learn how to use the Silhouette Cameo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9uQwfyv0RU
**Silhouette Cameo: Which Machine Should I Buy?
Silhouette Cameo 4 with Bluetooth, 12x12 Cutting Mat, Autoblade 2, 100 Designs and Silhouette Studio Software - White Edition
https://amzn.to/38OI9DB
There are two different cutting machines made by Silhouette. Both the Cameo and the Portrait have very unique qualities but they mainly differ in size.
The Cameo (affiliate) includes a 12” x 12” cutting mat which can be cut out on a larger space. Silhouette makes an even larger cutting mat for larger projects as well. While the plus to the Cameo is being able to cut out larger projects there may be more waste when you’re cutting the smaller projects. The 12” x 12” sheets you see at any craft store fits perfectly in the Cameo.
The Portrait (affiliate) includes an 8″ x 12″ cutting mat which makes it a better option for smaller projects. This machine has the same cutting capabilities except it is just smaller. The difference in prices explains a lot as well.
When you own a manual die-cutting machine, you may experience that it cuts fine however it limits you by dies which can become pretty costly. Sometimes around $25-$40 each! Owning a Silhouette machine can save you this cost.
When it comes to electric cutting machines there are several other brands sold in craft stores. However, a lot of them require expensive dies or sets. Those cost always end up adding up fast and it also requires a trip to the store to get the new dies.
With the Silhouette, you can easily download designs for only $.99 or less you go to the Silhouette online store when they are on sale. They make it so simple. Just go online, download, then cut away!
This is great especially if you do a lot with lettering. You won't have to purchase a design you just choose a font size and adjust it to your project. The Silhouette Cameo makes these projects feel like a piece of cake!
However, the main secret is all in the software. Both the Portrait and the Cameo come with Silhouette Studio Software and a variety of pre-loaded designs. You can also get their software upgrade called Silhouette Studio Design Edition (affiliate) which sells for $50.
There are also a countless number of projects if you subscribe to Silhouette’s blog. They give you so many ideas!
An awesome feature is a print and cut. It allows you to set your design in the software, send it to the printer, and send it back to Silhouette for cutting. How convenient?!
Vinyl is one of the most popular uses for the Silhouette. Cutting on vinyl can really open up a whole new world of possibilities as it gives a different experience than cutting on regular fabric. It makes great stencils and awesome lettering.
Some things to remember when it comes to the Cameo machine is that cutting fabric requires a ‘fabric’ blade and when cutting letters for applique you can iron on the fusible web like Heat and Bond Lite to the back of your fabric. Then you can peel off the paper backing and stick the fabric to the mat with the fusible side down. Once you load it into the machine you can then hit cut!
**Silhouette Cameo: Which Machine Should I Buy?
Silhouette Cameo 4 with Bluetooth, 12x12 Cutting Mat, Autoblade 2, 100 Designs and Silhouette Studio Software - White Edition
https://amzn.to/38OI9DB
I would love to hear more about your experience using your machines! Feel free to leave a comment down below!
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