When you first get your Silhouette Cameo, it can be quite overwhelming. I remember finally getting everything installed and sitting there staring at the machine thinking, “Okay…what now?” However, I assure you, it’s not nearly as complicated as you think it is.  Today I will be sharing a step by step tutorial with pictures in hopes of making your first cut a success!

1. Choosing the Design

Once you have set up your machine and installed the software to your computer, you can begin. You will first need to choose your design. You can do this in several different ways:

• Pre-downloaded designs – These designs were freebies included in your package from Silhouette. When you installed them they automatically appear in your “Library.” To access them go to the tab in the top right corner that says library. Once you have accessed this, you will need to click on the Recent Downloads under Local User: Library. When you do this your library will show all designs that were pre-downloaded.
• Visit the Silhouette Store and purchase a design. These are usually about 99 cents. Some machine bundles come with a gift card to the Silhouette Store. When you purchase these designs they are saved in your library. To access them you need to visit the Library tab again. Then you will click go to the library associated with your email address and again find recent downloads. This will show all designs in your account library.
• Design your own. For example, an easy first project would be a monogram. You could easily design your own with fonts saved in your computer.

You can also find cut files on Etsy. Do not purchase SVG designs unless you have upgraded the Silhouette Software to the Designer version. You will not be able to open them.

Once you have decided on your design, import it into the software (unless of course it is something you already created). You can import the files from your library by double clicking on the design you desire. It will instantly open it in the program for you. For future reference, if you are choosing to add something from the library to an existing design, you will need to right click, and then select Merge.

For this example, I am making a decal to go on a coffee mug (Dollar Tree y’all!). I am adding a design I created in Silhouette Studio. You can download the free (for personal use) SVG or Silhouette Studio file  by visiting my free page here.  Please contact me if you wish to use this for commercial purposes.

2. Selecting the material

As you probably know, there is a practically infinite list of things you can do with your Silhouette. It can cut many, many, materials. You can do cardstock, paper, foil, vinyl, metal sheets, chipboard and so much more! For this project I am going to be using 651 vinyl which is probably the easiest material for a beginner to cut. This vinyl can be applied to almost any surface and makes customizing things a snap!

3. Preparing to cut

The first thing you will need to do is secure your material to the mat. Your machine likely came with a cutting mat, as pictured. Be sure you are using this one and not the Pixscan mat. Make sure you have pulled the paper off the mat exposing the sticky side. This is what holds that mat in place. Be sure to smooth your material as you apply it, so there are no bumps or raises in it.

Before cutting the design, you need to make sure it is ready to cut. Measure the object you are applying it on, and decide how big you want it to be on there. Adjust your design  in teh Silhouette Studio software accordingly. Also be sure to move your design to where you want it cut on the material. For example, the upper right corner. If you used a fancy script font (like shown here), you will need to weld it. This makes sure that your design is cut as one seamless piece, instead of individual letters being cut. To weld text you need to right click, then click weld.

*Please note, if you have chosen HTV vinyl as your first project, you will need to mirror (right click: mirror) the design. You will also need to cut the paper SHINY side down to make sure it cuts correctly.*

 Before cutting, double check to make sure your machine is plugged in to both the wall, and your computer.  You will need to manually feed the mat to the machine.  Align the mat in between the blue arrows at the bottom and push it in until it is right beneath the wheels on the roller bar.  You will then need to click load, and your machine will pull the mat into place.

To cut, you will need to click the Send tab, in the upper right corner. You will see where the Tool 1 screen is showing. Here you will need to click on cut and choose your material to see the suggested settings for your machine.  These are generally pretty close, though you may find you have to tweak these sometimes depending on the material. You may also have to manually adjust the blade if you are using an older Cameo.  The Silhouette Cameo 3 however, comes with an auto blade that will adjust itself.

4. Weeding the design

Once your material is cut, you will need to remove it from your mat. I always cut it down to close to the edges to make it easier to deal with. I save my scraps for using on other projects. You will be weeding around the words, unless making a stencil. I also like to use an exacto knife to cut lines in between the text. This helps the vinyl not get stuck on other pieces, which can ruin your whole design. When weeding the design be sure to get out all the center pieces with your weeding tool. Go slowly, especially on designs with swirls, as they can be a bit trickier to weed. Learning how to weed accurately can have a small learning curve, so don’t get frustrated if you make a few mistakes. Soon it will be second nature.

5. Applying the Design

Once your design is weeded, you need to apply it to a transfer sheet. I use a large roll of transfer tape to save money. I have tried contact paper, like you might see suggested in groups, and found it leaves a sticky residue. You can buy contact paper with a backing, or without. I found over time, without the backing was easier for me. Yon can also get it with and without the grid lines. Initially I relied on these to help me center designs, but over time I found I could do it without.

Once transfer paper is applied, use a credit card or other thin object with a hard blunt edge to help it get firmly secured. Once it is secure, it will lift up off the sheet. You will then need to adhere it to your surface. It helps if you clean it with rubbing alcohol first. For curved surfaces, like the mug I am using, I have found it best to keep the design small, and press from the inside, then to the outside corners. You will need to firmly press down on the vinyl to make it stick well.

Once you have your design applied, peel off the transfer tape! Viola! Your masterpiece is complete! With 651 vinyl, such as pictured, it needs to cure for 48 hours before being washed. It is permanent grade vinyl, however, if someone tries hard enough it can be peeled up. Heat from the dishwasher or microwave can also cause the vinyl to warp, so hand wash only and no microwave use.

The first cut is the most intimidating by far. It can take awhile to get the hang of it, but you will. The best way to get better is to keep creating! Before you know it, this machine will be your best friend and you will wonder how you ever lived without it!

Please let me know if you have any more questions, or suggestions. If there is a tutorial you’d like to see, please let me know in the comments!

Happy crafting y’all!!