How to make stickers at home

Product team
July 4, 2025
7 mins
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How to make stickers at home

You can make great-looking stickers at home using tools you already have or a few affordable extras.

You can keep it simple with just scissors and tape, or use a printer and cutting machine for a more polished look. Some methods are quick and fun, others are better for high-quality designs you can sell. Here's how to try both.

What you’ll need to make your own stickers

To make your own stickers at home, you’ll need a few basic materials, most of which you probably already have at home. 

Basic supplies (for DIY/no-machine stickers)

These are the essential items you’ll need to make your own stickers without a cutting machine. This method is simple, low-cost, and perfect for beginners or quick crafts.

  • Paper – Use printer, drawing, or even recycled paper.
  • Scissors – For cutting out your designs by hand.
  • Parchment paper – Works as the non-stick backing for your stickers.
  • Packing tape or clear contact paper – To seal and protect your images.
  • Printed or hand-drawn images – Use photos, doodles, or designs.
  • A flat surface – For layering and assembling your stickers.

This method is fun, quick, and doesn’t require any apps or fancy tools.

Advanced supplies (for polished or sellable stickers)

If you want your stickers to look more professional or you're planning to sell them, these tools give you more control over quality and finish. This setup is great for creating waterproof, custom designs that are easy to use and look sophisticated.

  • Digital drawing device – An iPad with Procreate or a graphics tablet gives you full control over your artwork.
  • Design app – Use tools like Procreate, Canva, or Illustrator to add fonts, adjust images, and create clean content.
  • Sticker paper – Choose from matte, glossy, or vinyl depending on the finish you want. Make sure it’s compatible with your printer.
  • Printer – An inkjet or EcoTank printer lets you print vibrant designs. Pigment ink is more water-resistant than dye ink. If you're using waterproof vinyl paper, it may be water-resistant without sealing, but lamination adds protection from scratches and fading.
  • Laminating option (optional) – Use self-adhesive laminate, clear contact paper, or spray sealant to seal and protect the surface.
  • Cutting machine – A Silhouette or Cricut cutter helps cut precise outlines.

These tools provide more options for finish, durability, and design. They're also useful if you're producing stickers in bulk or for online shops.

Step-by-step: DIY stickers without a machine (budget method)

This method is perfect if you want to make your own stickers at home without spending much. It only takes a few supplies and works well for casual use, crafts, or decorating. No machine or special tools needed—just a little time and a clean flat surface.

Step 1: Prepare your images

Start by drawing, printing, or cutting out the photos, graphics, or doodles you want to turn into stickers. You can use paper from notebooks, sketchpads, or ready-made print designs. Make sure to leave a small border around each image for easier cutting later.

Step 2: Lay down the tape

Place a sheet of wax paper or freezer paper on a table. Tear a piece of packing tape and lay it sticky-side down on the surface. This becomes the sticker's backing.

Step 3: Add your images

Lay your image face up on parchment paper. Cover it with a strip of packing tape, pressing down to seal. If you want extra thickness, add a second layer of tape on the back. The correct order is: parchment paper → image → tape (front) → optional tape (back).

Step 4: Cut and finish

Use scissors to cut around each sticker. Leave a border so the layers stay sealed. When you're ready to use them, just peel the sticker off the parchment paper backing and stick it where you want.

Want a more detailed guide? Read how to make stickers with tape.

Step-by-step: professional-quality stickers at home

This method is ideal if you want professional-looking stickers you can sell or give as high-quality gifts. You’ll get clean cuts, durable finishes, and better control over how your images turn out. It takes more tools, but the results are worth it.

Step 1: Create your design

Use a drawing tablet like an iPad or a design app such as Procreate, Canva, or Illustrator. You can sketch, add text, or upload photos to build your layout. Export your work as a high-resolution file, ideally 300 dpi, for the best quality.

Step 2: Print your design

Load your printer with the right sticker paper, matte, glossy, or vinyl, depending on the look you want. Use pigment-based ink if you want your stickers to be waterproof. Always test your sticker first to make sure the colors look right.

Step 3: Seal the surface (optional)

To make your stickers more durable, seal them using one of the following methods:

  • Add a self-adhesive laminate sheet for a clear, glossy finish
  • Use spray laminate or cold press laminators

Sealing is optional, but it's helpful for preventing scratches and protecting against moisture.

Step 4: Cut your stickers

If you wanted sticker sheets, you’re done here! However, if you want individual stickers, place the printed sheet on your cutting mat and load it into your cutting machine. Use Silhouette Studio or Cricut Design Space to set your cut lines. Make sure your blade is calibrated correctly, especially if you’re switching paper types. If you're cutting by hand, use scissors or an X-acto knife and take your time for clean edges.

Step 5: Store

After cutting, store them flat until you’re ready to use or sell them. You can keep them on the original backing paper or pack them in protective sleeves if you're selling them.

Final thoughts

Making stickers at home is easy once you figure out what works, but it might take a few tries. Most mistakes happen when you rush, like using the wrong paper, skipping the seal, or cutting too deeply. Test things first, and let your prints dry before cutting or laminating to avoid smudging or peeling.

If you're looking for professional results but don’t want to invest in tools or go through trial and error, you can always order custom stickers from Sticker it. We use high-quality materials, offer tons of options, and even provide sample packs if you want to test out the quality before you commit. One of the most popular shapes is a circle sticker!

Whichever method you choose, the best way to improve is to keep experimenting. With a bit of practice, you’ll have a setup that works, and stickers you’ll be proud to peel, apply, and share.

FAQs

Can I use parchment paper to make stickers without ruining the design?

Yes, parchment paper is perfect for homemade stickers. It acts as a non-stick backing and won’t ruin your images when removed. Just make sure the tape or laminate is firmly pressed down before you slide the sticker off.

What’s the easiest way to design stickers?

You can easily design stickers using apps like Canva or Procreate. These apps give you full access to fonts, shapes, and layering tools that work well for creating clean, printable designs, even if you're just starting out.

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