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How to Make Stickers with Cricut: Complete Beginner Guide

Making stickers with your Cricut is easier than you think. This guide covers everything from design to printing to cutting—plus tips for selling your stickers.

📖 16 min read•Updated February 2026

What You'll Need

Cricut Explore/Maker • Inkjet printer • Printable sticker paper • LightGrip mat • Weeding tools (optional) • Laminate sheets (optional for waterproofing)

How Cricut Stickers Work (Print Then Cut)

Cricut makes stickers using a feature called Print Then Cut. Here's how it works:

  1. You create or import a sticker design
  2. Cricut adds registration marks (black box) around your design
  3. You print the sheet on your home printer (NOT the Cricut—it doesn't print!)
  4. You place the printed sheet on your Cricut mat
  5. Cricut's sensor reads the registration marks
  6. Cricut cuts precisely around each sticker design

💡 Key point: Your Cricut is a cutting machine, not a printer. You need a separate inkjet or laser printer to print your designs first.

Best Sticker Supplies

Sticker Paper

Matte Sticker Paper

Smooth, non-reflective finish. Easy to write on. Best for:

  • • Planner stickers
  • • Labels
  • • Vintage/rustic aesthetic

Glossy Sticker Paper

Shiny, vibrant colors. More durable. Best for:

  • • Character stickers
  • • Photo stickers
  • • Die-cut decals

Recommended Brands

  • Cricut Printable Sticker Paper — Reliable, works great, but expensive
  • Online Labels — Excellent quality, good prices, bulk options
  • Koala Paper — Budget-friendly, decent quality
  • Avery Printable Sticker Paper — Available at office stores

Printer Requirements

✅ Inkjet Printers

Most sticker papers are designed for inkjet. Any basic inkjet works. Popular: Canon PIXMA, HP Envy, Epson EcoTank.

⚠️ Laser Printers

Require special laser-compatible sticker paper. Don't use inkjet paper in laser printers—it will melt and damage the printer.

Other Supplies

  • LightGrip Mat (blue) — Best for sticker paper. Standard grip can damage prints.
  • Fine Point Blade — Standard blade works perfectly for sticker paper.
  • Weeding Tools — Helpful for removing small stickers from sheet.
  • Clear Laminate Sheets — For waterproofing (optional but recommended for water bottles, etc.)

Creating Your Sticker Designs

Option 1: Design in Cricut Design Space

  1. 1. Open Design Space and click "New Project"
  2. 2. Use Images, Text, or Shapes to create your design
  3. 3. For a solid sticker look, add a shape behind your design
  4. 4. Select all elements and click "Flatten" — this is critical!
  5. 5. "Flatten" converts your design to a single printable image

🎯 Pro tip: Add an offset (border) around your sticker for easier peeling. Select your design → Offset → set to 0.05-0.1 inches.

Option 2: Design in Canva (Free)

  1. 1. Go to Canva.com and search for "sticker" templates
  2. 2. Customize or create from scratch
  3. 3. Download as PNG with transparent background
  4. 4. Upload PNG to Design Space
  5. 5. Select "Complex" when asked about cut type
  6. 6. The image is automatically set as Print Then Cut

Option 3: Use Pre-Made Designs

Don't want to design? There are tons of ready-to-print sticker designs:

  • Cricut Access — Thousands of designs (subscription or individual purchase)
  • Etsy — Search "Cricut sticker PNG" for digital downloads
  • Creative Market — Professional design bundles
  • Design Bundles — Often has free graphics

⚠️ Commercial use: If you plan to sell stickers, make sure the designs you use have commercial licenses. Personal-use-only designs can't legally be sold.

Setting Up Print Then Cut

Print Then Cut Settings

  1. 1. Flatten your design

    Select all elements → click "Flatten" in the Layers panel. The design becomes one layer with "Print Then Cut" as the operation.

  2. 2. Check the size

    Max Print Then Cut size: 6.75" × 9.25" on letter paper. Keep your stickers within this area.

  3. 3. Add bleed (recommended)

    In the Make It screen, toggle "Add Bleed" ON. This extends colors slightly past the cut line for cleaner edges.

  4. 4. Arrange on the mat

    Design Space will show a black registration box around your stickers. Make sure everything fits on one page.

Printing Your Stickers

Step-by-Step Printing

  1. 1. Click "Make It" → "Continue" → "Send to Printer"
  2. 2. In the print dialog, check "Use System Dialog"
  3. 3. Set paper type to "Glossy Photo Paper" or "Matte" (matching your sticker paper)
  4. 4. Set quality to "Best" or "High" for vibrant colors
  5. 5. Load sticker paper printable-side UP (usually the shinier side)
  6. 6. Print! Do NOT resize or scale—keep at 100%

⚠️ Critical Print Tips

  • • Never scale the print — must be 100% for cuts to align
  • • The black box must print clearly — it's how Cricut aligns cuts
  • • Let ink dry 5-10 minutes before loading on mat
  • • Don't touch the printed area — oils can affect ink adhesion

Cutting & Finishing

Cutting Your Stickers

  1. 1. Place printed sheet face-up on LightGrip (blue) mat
  2. 2. Align top-left corner of paper with top-left of mat
  3. 3. Select your material: "Printable Sticker Paper" or "Printable Vinyl"
  4. 4. Load mat and press the flashing Go button
  5. 5. Cricut reads the registration marks first, then cuts
  6. 6. Unload and carefully peel stickers from sheet

✅ Kiss Cut vs Die Cut

Kiss cut: Cuts through sticker layer only, leaving backing intact. Best for sticker sheets you peel from.

Die cut: Cuts through everything. Individual stickers, no backing to peel from.

💡 Choosing the Right Cut

For most stickers, use kiss cut settings. Design Space's "Sticker Paper" material setting is already optimized for kiss cuts.

Making Stickers Waterproof

Option 1: Laminate Sheets (Best Results)

  1. 1. Print your stickers as normal
  2. 2. Apply self-adhesive laminate sheet over the entire printed sheet
  3. 3. Smooth out bubbles with a scraper tool
  4. 4. Load laminated sheet on mat and cut as normal
  5. 5. The laminate protects from water, scratches, and UV

Recommended: Cricut Printable Vinyl with Laminate, or separate laminate sheets from Amazon.

Option 2: Printable Vinyl

Use waterproof printable vinyl instead of sticker paper. More durable out of the box.

  • • Cricut Printable Vinyl
  • • PPD Inkjet Vinyl Sticker Paper
  • • Oracal Printable Vinyl

Option 3: Spray Sealant

Apply clear spray sealant after cutting. Less durable than laminate but works in a pinch.

  • • Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer
  • • Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Coat
  • • Apply 2-3 light coats, letting each dry completely

Fixing Common Problems

Cuts are off / not aligned

  • • Recalibrate Print Then Cut: Settings → Calibration
  • • Clean the sensor lens with a soft cloth
  • • Ensure good, even lighting (no glare on the black box)
  • • Make sure paper is aligned to top-left of mat
  • • Don't use transparent or dark sticker paper

Not cutting through sticker paper

  • • Increase pressure to "More"
  • • Check if blade is dull (replace if over 3 months old)
  • • Try 2x cut setting
  • • Make sure mat is still sticky

Cutting through the backing too

  • • Decrease pressure to "Less"
  • • Use "Sticker Paper" material, not "Cardstock"
  • • Custom setting: reduce pressure until just cutting sticker layer

Colors look dull or different from screen

  • • Use "Best" quality print setting
  • • Set paper type correctly (photo/glossy for glossy paper)
  • • Check ink levels
  • • Glossy paper shows more vibrant colors than matte

Tips for Selling Stickers

Sticker Selling Basics

Cricut stickers are one of the most popular items on Etsy. Here's how to get started:

  • Create original designs — Or buy commercial-use graphics
  • Find your niche — Planner stickers, laptop decals, water bottle stickers, etc.
  • Quality matters — Use laminate for waterproof claims, good paper for colors
  • Packaging — Clear sleeves, branded backing cards add perceived value
  • Photography — Lifestyle shots sell better than flat lays

Where to Sell

  • Etsy — Best platform for handmade/craft items, built-in audience
  • Your own website — Shopify, Squarespace, or WooCommerce
  • Local markets — Craft fairs, farmers markets, pop-ups
  • Instagram/TikTok — Build a following, link to shop

⚠️ Licensing Warning

Cricut Access designs have LIMITED commercial use (up to 200 units for most images). For high-volume selling, create original designs or purchase commercial licenses from sites like Creative Market or Design Bundles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Cricut machines can make stickers?

Explore Air 2, Explore 3, Maker, and Maker 3 all support Print Then Cut for stickers. Cricut Joy does NOT support Print Then Cut. Joy Xtra does support it with some limitations.

Do I need special paper for Cricut stickers?

Yes. Use printable sticker paper (matte or glossy) designed for your printer type (inkjet or laser). Regular paper won't work—stickers need an adhesive backing. Popular brands: Cricut, Avery, Online Labels, Koala.

Why is my Print Then Cut not aligning?

Usually a sensor or lighting issue. Ensure good lighting (no glare), clean sensor lens, use white/light sticker paper with the black registration box fully visible. Recalibrate if still off.

Can I sell stickers made with Cricut?

Yes! But use designs you created or have commercial licenses for. Cricut Access images have limited commercial rights. Most sellers create original designs or buy commercial-use graphics.

How do I make my stickers waterproof?

Print on waterproof/vinyl sticker paper, OR apply a clear laminate sheet before cutting, OR seal with spray sealant after cutting. Laminate sheets give the most durable, professional result.

What's the best sticker paper for Cricut?

For beginners: Cricut Printable Sticker Paper (reliable but pricey). For volume: Online Labels, Koala, or Sticker Mule paper. Matte for writing on, glossy for vibrant colors.

Quick Reference

Basic Steps

  1. Design or import stickers
  2. Flatten to Print Then Cut
  3. Print on sticker paper
  4. Apply laminate (optional)
  5. Cut with Cricut
  6. Peel and enjoy!

Settings Cheat Sheet

  • Mat: LightGrip (blue)
  • Blade: Fine Point
  • Material: Printable Sticker Paper
  • Max size: 6.75" × 9.25"
  • Bleed: ON (recommended)

Related Guides

Print Then Cut Not Lining Up?

Fix alignment issues

Best Cricut for Beginners

Which machine to buy first

Cricut Blade Guide

Which blade for every material

How to Weed Vinyl

Pro techniques for clean results

Having Trouble with Your Stickers?

Our troubleshooting wizard can help diagnose Print Then Cut problems.

Start Troubleshooting →