How to Layer Vinyl – The Easy Way

Time needed: 10 minutes

Here is an easy tutorial on how to add registration marks to your different vinyl colors in order to easily layer them for your finished project. I am layering my monogram over a patterned base shape. You can find step-by-step instructions on How to Create a Monogram in Cricut Design Space here. If you would like to use your own system fonts vs. Cricut Design Space fonts, you can find information on how to install and use fonts with Cricut Design Space here.

1. Add Shape Markers in Cricut Design Space
   

   With your layered design ready to go in Cricut Design Space and using the shape tool, add a triangle. Resize to about half an inch.

2. Duplicate the Triangle

   Multiply the triangle (using the duplicate tool) for as many layers as your design has. (2 layers = 2 triangles) Select all triangle layers.

3. Center the Triangle Layers

   With all triangle layers selected, click the Align Tool and select Center. This stacks the triangles on top of one another in the design software. They are still each on their own layer even when stacked.

4. Assign Layer Colors to Each Triangle

   Select a single triangle layer in the layers panel on the right side of the canvas and change to one of the colors of your design. Note: Each layer should have its own color. Repeat for the second layer. If using more than 2 layers, repeat for all layers.
   
   

5. Attach the Same Colored Layers
   

   Select the like-colored layers and Attach them. Repeat for the final layer.
   

6. Make It

   Click Make It and proceed to the Mat Screen. You will see each layer has a triangle where we placed it on the canvas screen. Click Continue.
   
   NOTE: If your triangles are not in the same spot for all layers you did not ATTACH them. Please go back to step 5 and verify.
   
   

7. Cut Your Vinyl

   Connect your machine, select your material, load the mat, and cut. You can find detailed information on cutting adhesive vinyl on a Cricut here.

8. Weed Excess Vinyl from Triangle and Design.

   Using a weeding hook remove the excess vinyl for each layer leaving the triangle and your design.

9. Prepare your Layers

   Start with the TOP layer of vinyl on your workspace. In this case, the top layer is my monogram. Add transfer tape over your design. Use the scraper too to burnish the transfer tape to the first layer of vinyl to make sure it has properly adhered to the transfer tape. Do not remove the paper backing liner yet.

10. Expose the Triangle Marker

    Peel back the paper backing ONLY exposing the triangle. Cut away that area of paper backing, leaving the bulk of your design still covered by the backing paper.

11. Line Up the Layers

    Line up the triangle of your top layer with the triangle of the layer that goes underneath (in this case our bottom layer).
    
    Keeping the bulk of your design covered with the paper backing ensures that you don’t get premature sticking from static cling or the sticky back of your top layer vinyl!!

12. Adhere the layers

    When you are happy with the alignment, press down firmly and use the scraper tool to adhere the entire exposed transfer paper area to the layer below.

13. Remove the Top Layer of Backing Paper

    Carefully fold the top layer over and remove the remaining paper backing from the top layer. Be sure to keep the triangles adhered.

14. Layer The Vinyl

    Carefully return the fold to its original position and use the scraper to firmly adhere the top layer to the bottom. Be sure to smooth out any bubbles.

15. Remove Complete Decal Backing Paper

    Now that your layered design is complete. remove the bottom layer of paper backing from the transfer paper.
    

16. Remove Triangle Markers
    

    Easily peel the triangle markers off the transfer tape

17. Apply your Layered Design

    Apply your layered design to your prepared base material. You can find details on how to properly prepare blanks for vinyl application here.
    

18. Enjoy your Project