Are you looking for easy cricut projects using adhesive vinyl? Learn all about the types of craft vinyl available and get tons of ideas for craft projects using vinyl right here!
If you are a cricut beginner, adhesive vinyl is a great material to get started with for your first project. It can be cut on the Cricut Joy, Cricut Explore air, and the Cricut Maker as well as other brands of machines.
The best thing about having a digital cutting machine (Cricut or silhouette) is all the amazing things you can make with it! The most stressfull thing about getting started is ALL the things you can make with it! I know I felt really intimidated to open the box and use the machine. If you are just getting started with a new cricut machine, or just looking for ideas, here are some vinyl project ideas to get you crafting!
Different Types Of Vinyl
Adhesive Vinyl vs Iron-on Vinyl
There are two types of vinyl that are used in crafting. Adhesive vinyl and heat transfer vinyl (interchangably called iron-on vinyl). Adhesive vinyl is a vinyl with a sticky backing that can be applied to a hard surface such as glass or plastic. Heat Transfer Vinyl is applied using heat with an iron, Cricut Easypress, heat press typically to a fabric item.
When working on a project you will need to consider how it is being used before you start so that you know which type of vinyl to buy.
Adhesive vinyl is available in two different types – removable vinyl and permanent vinyl. Removable is great for home decor options because it will be taken off the painted drywall with the least amount of damage. Permanent Vinyl is used for anything you want to stick for a long time. Any outdoor projects or anything that will be washed will need a permanent type of vinyl.
Transfer Tape
Transfer tape is used to pick up your vinyl and transfer it to your project in one piece. There are many different types and brands of vinyl out there as well as hacks for other things to use. I find most crafters will pick one that works from them and stick to it, which is great! I tend to use both Cricut transfer tape and another that is transfer paper. Try a few out and see which you like best.
The strong grip transfer tape is best for glitter vinyl but is too sticky for small vinyl pieces. Regular transfer tape works fine for everything else. Often transfer tape will have a grid printed on it which is helpful to line up your design and keep everything applied straight.
Great Vinyl Design Projects
When you are looking through Cricut Design Space for a cute item to cut out, a great idea for your first time using vinyl is a very simple shape. You can search images and filter by operation type – select cut only. Select images with a single layer or multi-layer. You can also filter by material and select vinyl.
Why Vinyl Projects?
I love working with vinyl because I can add a temporary design as a decorative feature for a holiday and remove it when the event is over! I’ve made a lot of holiday decor items for every season and I always get rave reviews from guests. Who doesn’t love re-using plates, cups, and other items for more events – I LOVE when I don’t have to spend money.
Easy Craft Projects Using Vinyl
Here are some simple Cricut Crafts to get you started with your Cricut Explore.
Holiday Vinyl Projects
Household & Gifts
- Never lose your cake plate again! Add a monogram or your last name to a cake plate cover!
- Use vinyl to label school supplies and never lose them again.
- Make car decals to share your hobbys, family, or anything else with pride.
- Giving Plate from Kara Creates
Looking to learn more advanced vinyl projects? Here are some tutorials to show you the ropes.
- How To Organize Your Craft Vinyl
- Looking for the most professional looking shirts? Check out this t-shirt design placement guide.
- Make your own stickers and learn the Print Then Cut feature!
Happy Crafting!
Comments & Reviews
Christie says
I love the cake covers. How did you make those? I’m brand new to Cricut. Those are super cute.
Brooke says
You would use adhesive vinyl (the regular kind, NOT anything labelled iron on or heat transfer). Check out this post for all the types of vinyl and how to use them. https://brooklynberrydesigns.com/the-ultimate-craft-vinyl-guide/