Ever wonder how to layer vinyl so that it lines up perfectly? Read on for the easy tutorial!
If you craft with vinyl, I know you’ve been there. You have a really great design, you cut it all out and then try to layer the individual pieces and that’s where it all goes wrong. You accidentally place one piece wrong and it is now stuck and you can’t peel it up. WOMP WOMP. This doesn’t have to happen. I’m here to show you how to layer vinyl perfectly each time.
SUPPLIES FOR LAYERING VINYL
- Silhouette or Cricut
- Vinyl (Cricut | Expressions Vinyl)
- Transfer tape (Cricut brand | Silhouette brand | Oracle brand)
- Weeding tools
HOW TO LAYER VINYL
The first thing you need to do to layer vinyl perfectly is to add a few registration marks to the bottom layer of your design. To do this, make sure your design is ungrouped so each layer is separate. Next, draw two boxes (or circles or whatever shape you want) and place them at the top of your design. Align just the boxes and group them together.
Select the boxes and bottom layer, copy and paste. Move that layer aside and delete the original layer. Continue to do this until all layers have registration marks attached to them.
Cut out each layer of vinyl separately along with the registration marks for each layer.
Place a piece of transfer tape over the top layer and adhere the top layer to the transfer tape.
Finally, line up the registration marks exactly to attach the top layer to the bottom layer. Place the vinyl backing between the top and bottom layers to prevent accidental sticking.
Slide the backing out and press the top layer down onto the bottom layer.
Repeat this process for each layer that you have. When you are done with the final layer, you can peel the registration marks off. You should now have a design where the layers are perfectly aligned.
MORE VINYL TUTORIALS
How to Layer Heat Transfer Vinyl
How to Weed Vinyl: 5 Must-Know Tips
The Beginner’s Guide To Heat Transfer Vinyl
How to Use SVG Files: Tips, Tricks & Ideas
LOVE IT? PIN IT!
Julia says
Thank you
Donna says
What a simply great tip thanks so much – common sense ultimately but never seen a post of such simple, sound advice ! #needed ??
Monet Sinor says
Thanks for the useful tip!
Debbie W says
What are registration marks? Thank you
Kelly says
Hi Debbie! Registration marks are the shapes that you draw at the top of your design that you use to line up each layer. They could also be called reference marks.
Saniyah W. says
Registration marks are marks put above the design in design space, which are then cut out along with the design still on top of it. Then, you use the registration marks on all the designs and lights them up to make sure you designs are aligned and perfect. I hope this answers your question Debbie W. 😄
Shasta says
Hi! I’m hoping to attempt this technique tonight. Your tutorial seems straight forward, so thank you! I’m wondering if you could share what font your HELLO is.
Kelly says
Hi Shasta! The font I used is called Miss Magnolia. It is available on Creative Market here: https://crmrkt.com/6pXx5m