How to make your own die cut stickers

Do you love die cut stickers and want to make your own? Then you’ve come to the right place.

Below, you’ll find our expert tips on creating and customizing your stickers at home, what to look out for when researching materials, and how to get that custom cut.

Are you ready? Then let’s jump into the world of custom-printed die cut stickers.

Recap: What are die cut stickers?

Die cut stickers are custom-shaped stickers. They’re cut in the shape of your design, or any other shape you can think of, and can be printed onto your material of choice. For more details, you can learn more about the meaning of die cut.

This custom shape can make it a little tricky to create your own die cut stickers.

Before you jump into DIYing them, have a look at how we print your die cut stickers.

Design tips for die cut stickers

Whether you want to outsource your die cut sticker printing or create your own, it all starts with a custom design.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you want to design die cut stickers like a pro.

1. Design your own

The beauty of going custom is that you can bring your own design to life.

If you don’t have a design ready or don’t have any design experience, don’t worry. You can use free online tools like Canva or Graphic to create professional artwork in minutes or edit pre-made templates to match your brand.

2. Create a custom cutline

With a custom cutline, you set the shape of your die cut stickers. You can easily add a cutline to your design in Adobe Illustrator.

For detailed instructions, check out the video below.

We also give you tips on how to create a kiss cut line. If you’re not sure what the difference is, check out our blog post on kiss cut vs die cut stickers.

3. Add a bleed

After you’ve created your custom cutline, it’s time to add a bleed.

A bleed sits beyond your cutline. It’s a safety zone that ensures the colors of your design will print to the edge of your sticker, avoiding unnecessary white lines or gaps.

What equipment is needed to produce die cut stickers at home?

Let's get into the details. To produce die cut stickers at home, you need the following:

• Sticker paper or vinyl
• A high-quality printer
• A cutting machine
• A laminator (optional)

We’ll cover each area and give you expert tips to help you find the best fit.

Sticker material

The materials your die cut stickers are made from determine their final look and durability. It’s essential to find a material that fits your application.

How to find a suitable material for your die cut stickers

When looking for the right material, consider:

• Durability: This affects how long your stickers last. Depending on your needs, you might need materials that can resist UV rays, water, or wear and tear
• Appearance: Think about how the material will look with your design or when applied to your product
• Printer compatibility: Different materials require different ink types and temperature settings. Make sure your material works with your printer or cutter

Vinyl vs paper: When to use which

Vinyl and paper are the most common sticker materials. Here’s when to use each:

When to use vinyl stickers

Custom vinyl stickers are great all-rounders. They’re scratch-resistant and waterproof, making them ideal for outdoor use or anywhere they might get wet.

Vinyl materials come in a variety of colors and finishes, including transparent and metallic. Just type your favorite material into Amazon and see what options come up.

Some popular uses for vinyl die cut stickers:

• Company signage
• Product labels for candles, drinks, honey, jam, and more
• Limited edition stickers
• Logo giveaways
• Phone and laptop branding

When to use paper stickers

Paper stickers are perfect if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option. They’re usually plastic-free and can be recycled or composted.

Use them mainly indoors, as they’re not waterproof and are more prone to tearing.

Popular uses for die cut paper stickers:

• Product packaging
• Packaging seals
• Labels for eco-conscious brands
• Logo stickers
• Photo stickers

Printing

You’ve got your design and material — now it’s time to print. Make sure your design is print-ready:

• Convert fonts to outlines
• Set your colors to CMYK
• Check your design at actual size
• Use the correct file format
• Choose high resolution

Once you’ve checked everything, hit print.

Choosing a high-quality printer

Your final print is only as good as your printer. If you already have one you like, feel free to skip this part.

But if you’re thinking about starting a sticker business or printing more regularly, you might want to upgrade.

Here are two suggestions:

• Epson XP-7100 – Around $200, great for beginners
• Canon PIXMA PRO-100S – Around $400, for more professional quality

Laminating

Lamination adds durability and allows you to choose a glossy or matte finish for your stickers.

There are two main methods: hot and cold lamination. Which one you choose depends on:

• Whether you want to laminate
• What type of laminator you have or plan to buy

It’s worth looking into bundle deals that include laminators and cutters.

Cutting

You’ve printed your stickers. Now it’s time to cut the custom shape.

For standard shapes, you can find pre-cut sheet labels online. But for a truly custom shape, you’ll need to do a bit more.

Investing in a die cutting machine

Without the right equipment, cutting detailed shapes is tough. Scissors can only take you so far.

If you plan to create lots of designs, an at-home die cutting machine can be a great investment.

Some popular options:

• VEVOR – Manual die cutting machines starting around $200
• Cricut – Digital machines with automated blades, also starting around $200

Manual cutters work mechanically, while digital ones use software-guided blades. Both can deliver high-quality cuts along your custom trim lines.

Ready?

Whether you want die cut stickers to promote your business, decorate your laptop, or sell them, they offer endless creative possibilities.

So, are you ready to make your own stickers? We hope these tips helped.

Or does it sound like too much effort and cost? Let us take care of it for you. If you have questions about our services, just reach out.