How to Make Custom Stickers Using Cricut or by Hand

There’s something instantly joyful about custom stickers. They’re small, expressive, and endlessly useful perfect for planners, laptops, water bottles, packaging, or gifts. Whether you love digital precision or hands-on crafting, making your own stickers is easier than you think.

The best part? You can make beautiful custom stickers with a Cricut or completely by hand using affordable supplies and beginner-friendly steps.

Why Make Your Own Stickers?

Custom stickers give you full creative control.

They’re great because:

• You design exactly what you want
• They’re cheaper than ordering online
• You can make small batches anytime
• They’re perfect for gifts or small businesses

Once you learn the basics, stickers become one of the most versatile crafts you can make.

Sticker Types You Can Make at Home

Before starting, decide what kind of stickers you want.

Popular options include:

• Planner stickers (thin, matte paper)
• Vinyl stickers (durable and water-resistant)
• Die-cut stickers (shaped around the design)
• Kiss-cut stickers (easy-peel sheets)

Your method—Cricut or hand-cut—will influence which type is easiest.

Supplies You’ll Need (Cricut vs. Hand-Cut)

You don’t need everything. Choose based on how you want to work.

For Cricut Stickers:

• Cricut machine
• Cricut Design Space (or similar software)
• Sticker paper or printable vinyl
• Inkjet printer
• Cutting mat

For Hand-Cut Stickers:

• Sticker paper or adhesive paper
• Printer or markers
• Scissors or craft knife
• Clear tape or laminate (optional)

Both methods can produce great results—the difference is speed and precision.

Step 1: Create or Choose Your Sticker Designs

Start with the design.

You can:

• Draw designs by hand
• Use digital illustrations
• Create text-based stickers
• Use simple icons or shapes

Design tips:

• Keep details bold and clear
• Avoid super-thin lines
• Stick to a limited color palette

If working digitally, save designs as high-quality PNG files.

Step 2: Print Your Stickers

Printing is the same for both methods.

Helpful printing tips:

• Use the highest quality print setting
• Print on the correct side of sticker paper
• Let ink dry fully before cutting

Always test-print on plain paper first to check size and layout.

Step 3A: Cut Stickers Using a Cricut

If you’re using a Cricut, this step is fast and precise.

Basic Cricut process:

• Upload your design into Design Space
• Choose “Print Then Cut”
• Load your printed sticker sheet onto the mat
• Let the machine cut automatically

You can choose:

• Kiss cut for sticker sheets
• Die cut for individual stickers

Cricut is ideal if you want professional-looking edges or plan to make many stickers.

Step 3B: Cut Stickers by Hand

No machine? No problem.

Hand-cutting works best for:

• Simple shapes
• Small batches
• Relaxed, creative crafting

How to do it:

• Use sharp scissors for smooth edges
• Rotate the paper, not your hand
• Cut slowly around designs

For durability:

• Cover stickers with clear tape
• Trim edges again for a clean finish

Hand-cut stickers feel personal and handmade—perfect for journaling or gifts.

Step 4: Optional Lamination for Durability

If you want stickers to last longer, add a protective layer.

Options include:

• Clear self-adhesive laminate sheets
• Clear packing tape
• Vinyl overlay (Cricut users)

This helps protect against:

• Smudging
• Light moisture
• General wear

Let everything dry completely before peeling or packaging.

Step 5: Peel, Test, and Adjust

Before making a big batch:

• Peel one sticker
• Stick it on a test surface
• Check adhesion and print quality

Adjust if needed:

• Thicker paper for sturdiness
• More laminate for protection
• Slightly larger designs for easier peeling

Testing saves supplies and frustration.

Creative Uses for Custom Stickers

Once you start, ideas multiply fast.

Use stickers for:

• Planners and journals
• Laptop or phone cases
• Gift wrapping
• Small business packaging
• Party favors

Stickers are small but they make a big visual impact.

Tips for Making Stickers Look Professional

A few details elevate your results.

Keep in mind:

• Consistent spacing on sticker sheets
• Clean white borders (or intentional no borders)
• Smooth cuts
• Simple designs over cluttered ones

Clean design always wins.

Cricut or Hand-Cut: Which Is Better?

Choose based on your goals.

• Cricut: faster, precise, great for selling
• Hand-cut: low-cost, relaxing, perfect for beginners

Many crafters start by hand and upgrade later.

Final Takeaway

Making custom stickers whether with a Cricut or by hand is creative, accessible, and incredibly fun. With simple supplies and a little experimentation, you can turn your ideas into stickers you actually love using.

Save this guide for later and start creating stickers that are uniquely yours.