How to make stickers without a Cricut

Not everyone has a Cricut. And honestly, you don’t need one. If you’ve been wanting to make stickers for fun, journaling, or even to sell, there are plenty of easy ways to do it without any fancy machines. Some methods use a printer, others don’t. You can pick whatever works best for you. Let’s find your match.

Why skip the cutting machine?

Cutting machines like Cricut or Silhouette are popular, but they’re not for everyone. Here’s why you might want to skip them:

• They’re expensive. If you’re just getting into sticker making, it doesn’t always make sense to invest in a whole new machine.
• They take up space. Not everyone has room for another device, especially one that needs its own tools, mats, and materials.
• They require setup. You’ll need to learn the software, troubleshoot issues, and calibrate the blade, which can feel like too much if you just want to make stickers quickly.
• You can get great results without one. With good sticker paper, an inkjet printer, and a pair of scissors, you can hand-cut your own stickers and still get vibrant colours and clean edges.
• It’s more flexible. You can print one sticker sheet or ten, try different shapes like die cut, or experiment with personalised stickers. No extra tech required.

Sometimes, keeping it simple is just more fun.

What you’ll need to start making stickers

Here are the basic tools and materials to get started with sticker making, no cutting machine required:

• Inkjet printer – great for vibrant colours on sticker paper or printable vinyl
• Sticker paper – choose from matte, glossy, or waterproof options depending on your project
• Scissors or a craft/X-Acto knife – perfect for clean hand-cut edges
• Cutting mat – helps protect your table and keeps cuts smooth
• Packing tape – used in DIY methods like the tape sandwich trick
• Wax paper or cereal bag plastic – acts as a peelable backing layer
• Optional: Light pad or image editing software like Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or Procreate

That’s all you need to make your own stickers at home.

Method 1 – Print and hand-cut your own stickers

This is the simplest way to make your own stickers at home:

1. Design your stickers using Canva, Procreate, or Adobe Illustrator
2. Print them with an inkjet printer on sticker paper or printable vinyl
3. Cut them out by hand using scissors or a craft knife (tip: go for simple shapes)
4. Optional: add a laminating sheet if you want them to be more durable or water-resistant

It’s a beginner-friendly method that still gives you a lot of flexibility.

Method 2 – Make stickers without sticker paper using packing tape

This method is very budget-friendly and works with just regular paper, no sticker paper required.

1. Print your image on plain paper
2. Place it between strips of packing tape and a base layer of wax paper or cereal bag plastic
3. Press down firmly using a ruler or card to smooth it out
4. Cut around the taped image
5. Slowly peel it off the backing when you’re ready to use it

It’s quick, fun, and kid-friendly. Great for simple projects or just testing out sticker ideas.

Method 3 – Make vinyl stickers without a Cricut

This method is perfect if you want more durable, long-lasting vinyl stickers.

1. Draw or trace your design onto adhesive vinyl sheets
2. Trace the design using carbon paper, a light pad, or even a permanent marker
3. Carefully cut it out by hand using a craft knife and mat
4. Use clear transfer tape to line it up neatly when you apply it

Bonus: you can also use printable vinyl and an inkjet printer for full-colour designs.

It’s a bit more hands-on but gives you that polished vinyl sticker finish without needing a cutting machine.

Additional sticker-making ideas without a Cricut

If you’re in the mood to try something different, here are a few fun ways to make stickers without any machines:

• Hand-drawn stickers – sketch your design, outline it, add colour, and cut it out
• Washi tape stickers – layer washi tape onto paper and cut out shapes
• Sticker collages – use magazine clippings or patterned paper for a mixed look
• Adhesive labels – print or draw directly on pre-cut labels for a quick option
• Decoupage stickers – glue layered paper designs and seal them for a textured finish

These are great for journaling, scrapbooking, or just having fun with different sticker designs.

Want to make waterproof stickers without a Cricut?

If you want your stickers to hold up against water or daily use, you can make them waterproof at home without a cutting machine. Start by using an inkjet printer to print your designs on waterproof printable vinyl. Once they’re printed, sealing them is the key step.

You can use laminating sheets (manual or thermal), a spray sealant, or Mod Podge to add a protective layer. Let everything dry completely before trimming. For extra protection, especially if the stickers will be used outdoors or on water bottles, you can seal the edges with clear nail polish to keep moisture out. However, test one sticker first to avoid any discolouration.

This simple method helps your stickers last longer and stay looking good.

Can you make stickers to sell without a Cricut?

Yes, you can absolutely start a sticker shop without fancy tools. The key is to focus on quality and presentation. Start by designing with your audience in mind, and think about what they’d actually want to buy or use. Print your designs on good sticker paper that makes the colours pop and holds up well.

Since you're cutting by hand, take your time with the edges. Clean, smooth cuts go a long way in making your stickers look professional. Once they’re ready, package them neatly. Cellophane bags, backing cards, or even a small branded label can instantly make your product feel more polished.

Before sending anything out, test how well the stickers stick and how they hold up over time. A little attention to detail goes a long way when you're selling handmade products.

See which printers are best for sticker making.

Final tips for sticker-making success

If you’re just getting started, keep things simple. Use basic shapes and practise your cutting to get cleaner results. Experiment with different papers and materials to find what fits your style.

Don’t worry about making everything perfect. Handmade stickers have their own charm. A cutting mat can help you stay steady and avoid slipping while you cut.

If you’re designing digitally, tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator can help you get the right size and layout before printing.

If you still want a more professional finish, you can always send your designs to Sticker It. We’ll turn them into high-quality stickers you can use for your own projects or sell in your shop. It’s an easy way to bring your ideas to life without the extra tools or effort. Start by checking out sticker sheets.