How to Make Die Cut Stickers with Cricut
Yep — you can make pro-quality stickers right at your kitchen table.
There’s just something about die cut stickers. The crisp edges. The way they hug your design perfectly. The little pop of personality they add to anything. Whether you’re selling them, sharing them, or sticking them all over your sketchbooks and water bottles like I do, there’s something super satisfying about making your own.
And good news — if you’ve got a Cricut machine and a few basic supplies, you can totally do it yourself. No outsourcing. No mystery settings. Just you, your art, and a little bit of sticker magic.
Materials and Tools
1. Inkjet Printer
You can also use a laser printer, but not all sticker papers are compatible—check before you buy!
- Pros: Affordable, easy to find
- Cons: Ink can smudge if not sealed properly
This is what I use: a Cannon Pixima Pro 200
2. Sticker Paper
I use matte sticker paper and add the laminate later but you can also buy glossy sticker paper depends on your preference.
This is what I use: Online Lables
3. Laminating Sheets or Self-Adhesive Clear Vinyl
These add an extra glossy, protective layer.
- Pros: Boosts waterproofing and durability
- Cons: Slight learning curve to apply smoothly
4. Cutting Tools
- Cutting machine (Cricut or Silhouette for detailed designs)
Pros: Clean edges, professional finish
Cons: Cutting machines are an investment, has a bit of a learning curve
This is what I use: Cricut Maker 3 (If you do want a Cricut cutting machine but don’t want to spend a lot you can buy an older version of the new ones. They pretty much have the same capabilities, just can’t use the smart vinyl function)
5. Squeegee or Credit Card (Optional)
To smooth out bubbles when applying laminate/vinyl
- Pros: Helps get that clean, flat finish
- Cons: None—easy win!
This is what I use: Cricut squeegee (was gifted to me) You can get a cheaper one on amazon or get it from Home Depot. It’s a more frugal option.
add Photo/link here
Step 1: Create the Art
First things first you need to choose a program to use such as Canva, Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, Procreate, or any other program that you can use to make a PNG file. Make sure to make the file at 300 DPI and CMYK color profile for the best print quality. I also suggest that you put a white outline around the stickers to create that classic sticker look. Don’t forget to export as a transparent PNG (no background).
Cricut Settings:
: Both the sticker and backing paper are cut in the shape of the design (Canvas size : 6.75×9.25 inches put a bunch of single stickers on one sheet)
In Circut Design Suite upload with the complex setting. If doing many single designs select all and click attach(it’s like grouping). Press ‘Make it’, then press continue, send to printer, add bleed toggled off, turn on system dialog.
Step 2: Print Your Design
Load your sticker paper into your inkjet printer (or laser if compatible). Print your design using the highest quality print settings. For me when I print I change the color settings Cyan/ Magenta/ Yellow/ Contrast at 10. The photo paper setting will be at ‘Premium Photo Paper Glossy’ and ‘Best Quality’. When the printing is done, let the sheet dry for a few minutes to avoid smudging.
Step 3: Laminate for Extra Gloss and Protection
Apply a clear laminating sheet or self-adhesive vinyl over your printed stickers. Smooth it out gently with a squeegee or credit card to remove air bubbles.If using the Cricut keep the laminate inside the registration marks so the machine will be able to read where to cut.
Step 4: Stick ‘Em Anywhere!
Now your glossy waterproof stickers are ready! Use them on water bottles, laptops, notebooks, or even sell them online.
Absolutely! Here’s how you can naturally promote your own stickers within the blog post using a smooth transition and CTA, right after the tutorial and video:
A Few Tips From the Studio
- Calibrate your Cricut if it’s cutting off-center
- Want waterproof stickers? Laminate before cutting or use waterproof paper
- Save your favorite settings once you find the sweet spot
That’s It!
Making your own die cut stickers is one of those things that sounds harder than it is. But once you do it a couple times, it becomes second nature — and honestly, kind of addictive.
It’s such a fun way to bring your art off the screen and into people’s hands. And if you’re anything like me, once you start… you’ll want to sticker everything.
Got questions? Want me to walk through the printing settings or show how I photograph my sticker packs for Etsy? Drop a comment or shoot me a message — I love helping other creatives figure this stuff out.
Watch: How I Make Die Cut Stickers
Want to see the full process in action? From printing and laminating to cutting with my Cricut—this video walks you through everything step-by-step so you can follow along.
Want Ready-Made Stickers Instead?
If DIY isn’t your thing (or you just want to treat yourself), I’ve got you covered!
I design and sell high-quality **glossy waterproof stickers** featuring retro vibes, playful designs, and a whole lot of personality.
Shop my sticker collection here →https://www.retrobananadesigns.com/shop/retro-stickers
You’ll find stickers perfect for water bottles, laptops, journals, and snail mail.
Ready to Make Your Own Stickers?
Now that you know how to create die cut stickers at home, it’s time to get creative!
Whether you’re designing for fun or starting a shop, this step-by-step method will have you making professional-quality stickers in no time.