Love crafting, but hate the waste? Here are a few tips to get the most out of your vinyl and save a few dollars.
Single sheets vs continuous length
Everyone has their own preference, but when it comes to buying your vinyl, continuous length is the way to go. While single sheets are great and easy to just stick down on your 12x12 cutting mat, continuous length means less waste. By placing the continuous length on the mat and leaving the excess overhanging, you can cut off what hasn’t been used, leaving more for your next project. Eg. If you place a 30x30cm sheet of vinyl on your cutting mat and only use 20cm you’ll then be left with a 10cm scrap piece. However, if you’re using continuous length, that 10cm is still attached to your larger piece, allowing you more flexibility next time.
Design setup
Let’s use a cup wrap as an example.
When making a cup wrap, a lot of designs have some blank spaces – especially if your design has multiple layers using different colours. This method will help you use less vinyl and save you some money.
1. Start by creating a print and cut version of your design
Duplicate your layered image, then add a white rectangle just slightly bigger than your final design behind it. Select your design and rectangle > align > centre, then flatten the image.
Tip – I like to change my canvas background colour to grey so it’s easier to see.
2. Now it’s time to ungroup your layers
Some designs might allow you to just ungroup each layer leaving individual shapes. However, if the layers of your design are welded together, you can create individual shapes by using the contour feature.
Select your layer > contour > hide all contours > apply
This will leave you with just one of the shapes from that layer. Then on the canvas screen, you can duplicate that shape to however many you need. And repeat for each colour layer.
Eg. I have altered my design to have just one flower, however my design needs 10. I duplicate that so I have the correct quantity for my project.
You can see on the “make” screen just how much vinyl is wasted by using the original design that had everything cut as one vs how much vinyl you will save by doing it this way.
Comparison
3. Time to make your project
First step is to get your “print and cut” version done. Once the print and cut component is done, I like to go back to the canvas and hide that layer.
Now head back to the make screen to start cutting your vinyl. This is where you can change the quantity if you’re making multiple cups with the same design. You could also cut extra here just to fill the space and get the most out of your vinyl piece, then pop them aside for next time.
4. The fun part – bringing your project to life
Make sure you give your cup a good clean with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or grime – this will ensure your vinyl sticks well and lasts a long time.
Place the printed version of your design inside your cup. This is your guide.
Depending on your design, you could use tweezers to individually place each piece onto your cup, or you might choose to use transfer tape/film.
Tip – Remember, you can use your transfer tape multiple times until it’s no longer tacky enough to lift your vinyl.
Once all your vinyl is on the cup, just remove your printed guide and keep it in a safe place for next time.
