Easy Cricut Stickers: Kiss & Die Cut WITHOUT Cricut Access
Make Cricut stickers that are easy to peel without Cricut Access!
If you are a non-Cricut Access user you may have noticed that the newest Cricut feature added in 2024, the Sticker Creator, is a paid feature that allows you to make kiss cut and die cut stickers. I am here to show you how to make Cricut stickers without having to pay – and what they don’t want you to know is that its SUPER easy!!
Making your own stickers is not only fun but also gives you free reign on the possibilties. Last year I made each student in my sons class a set of sticker sheets for Valentine’s Day and they loved them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of sticker making then this is the tutorial for you! I promise they are easier than you think…
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Materials and Tools Needed:
- A Cricut machine – this will work on all machines except the original Joy.
- Sticker paper – the pressure and amount of cuts are going to depend on your paper. I am using the Koala brand sticker paper.
- A quality printer – I have the low end Epson ecotank and if you can spring for it (it was a big investment for me) then I say go for it!
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Cricut Sticker Images
I struggle myself with using images other people have created but, you know what, there are people out there (like myself with my SVGs) who want you to use your images! I myself am just not 100% confident in my drawing at times. If you are looking for commercial use images so you can sell your stickers or if you just need ideas (including freebies) then check out Creative Fabrica.
Once you have some images you love, upload them into Cricut Design Space as a print then cut image so we can start adding what we need to to make our die cut and kiss cut stickers.
Cricut Design Space Steps
Step 1: Add your first offset (the kiss cut)
I kind of want to say that this step is option – if you want your sticker to not have a slight outline then skip this. I added a small outline to mine with the offset feature. Make sure to change it to white and then flatten the original image and the offset together. This will create on image to be a print and cut.
Step 2: Make a second offset (the die cut)
Your second offset is going to be your die cut so I made mine a little thicker than the offset that was the kiss. Make sure to change this to a basic cut (not a print and cut) and then contour all the holes (unless you want a hole in a specific place. Really just as long as there is a solid background you are good.
Step 3: Duplicate as needed
I am using a thinner sticker paper in my opinion so the amount of cuts I need compared to you might be different. I duplicated my basic cut offset 2 times for a total of 3 offsets. Send these to the back and center the print and cut and the basic cuts. I changed my basic cuts all to white and attached everything together. So my stickers have four layers – one print and cut layer and 3 layers of backing.
If your sticker paper is thicker you may need to do more pressure or maybe have more of these back cuts. I tested mine 3-4 times before getting it right. The technique is all the same but there are variable factors in play.
Step 4: Send to your Printer and Cricut
You can opt for the bleed vs no bleed and your quality settings on your own printer. For the material I chose Premium Vinyl but again – this might be different for you depending on the paper and your blades sharpness.
Once you’re printed then you can have your Cricut cut the stickers out.
Step 5: Peel off the mat and “weed”
I couldn’t think of another word for it, so weed will have to do. Once you remove the stickers from the mat you will be able to remove the outline from the kiss cut. This will make the stickers an easy peel for you!
The Cricut sticker feature in Cricut Access might be a one press (which isn’t 100 percent true) but this way is free and budget friendly. Plus you can use that $10 monthly fee for more sticker paper!! I know a lot of people love Cricut Access and don’t mind the fee but if you are on the same boat as me, make sure to sign up for my newsletter to learn how to create with Cricut on a budget!
There are endless options in terms of stickers – there are different papers, pictures, sizes, and you can truly make them your own.
In terms of print and cut with Cricut – I know it can be hit or miss. I have calibrated up to 7 times to get a good cut on my machines. They are constantly updating their software and sometimes this isn’t for the best. It seems that Cricut will add a feature which might cause a slight problem with another feature.
Cricut stickers don’t have to be complicated and even without Cricut Access you can make a fun product. Don’t forget to check out how to make sticker sheets for even more crafting goodness!
