Rhinestone Template Cutting with Cricut Maker: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 25/06/2025

Ready to elevate your crafting game? This step-by-step guide shows you how to effortlessly cut rhinestone templates with your Cricut Maker. Learn to create dazzling designs on clothing, accessories, and more using this simple yet effective technique. We'll cover everything from design selection and material preparation to weeding and application, ensuring sparkling success with every project. Get ready to shine!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Cricut Design Space

    • Create a new project in Cricut Design Space and upload your rhinestone template image.
    Create a new project in Cricut Design Space and upload your rhinestone template image.
    Prepare Cricut Design Space

  2. Verify and Adjust Template Size

    • Check the dimensions of the uploaded image to ensure it matches your desired rhinestone size (e.g., SS10). Adjust the size if necessary, keeping proportions locked.
    Check the dimensions of the uploaded image to ensure it matches your desired rhinestone size (e.g., SS10). Adjust the size if necessary, keeping proportions locked.
    Verify and Adjust Template Size

  3. Organize Design Elements

    • Ungroup the design elements (template and design elements) to allow for easier manipulation and arrangement.
    • Arrange the design elements within the Cricut mat's cutting area (up to 11.5 inches wide for most Cricut Makers). Consider adding spacing between elements to prevent rhinestone placement issues.
    Arrange the design elements within the Cricut mat's cutting area (up to 11.5 inches wide for most Cricut Makers). Consider adding spacing between elements to prevent rhinestone placement issues. Arrange the design elements within the Cricut mat's cutting area (up to 11.5 inches wide for most Cricut Makers). Consider adding spacing between elements to prevent rhinestone placement issues.
    Organize Design Elements

  4. Add Weeding Box and Attach

    • Add a weeding box/bounding box around the entire design for easier weeding.
    • Attach all design elements together to ensure they cut as a single unit.
    Attach all design elements together to ensure they cut as a single unit. Attach all design elements together to ensure they cut as a single unit.
    Add Weeding Box and Attach

  5. Test and Cut Settings

    • Cut the rhinestone template. Before cutting, perform a test cut on scrap flock material to fine-tune the cut settings (pressure, blade type, multiple cuts). For this example, 340 pressure, single cut was used.
    Cut the rhinestone template. Before cutting, perform a test cut on scrap flock material to fine-tune the cut settings (pressure, blade type, multiple cuts). For this example, 340 pressure, single cut was used.
    Test and Cut Settings

  6. Prepare Rhinestone Flock

    • Prepare your rhinestone flock by cutting a 12x12 inch piece. Remove the backing paper and place the flock smoothly onto the Cricut mat with the sticky side facing up, using parchment paper to help achieve a smooth surface.
    Prepare your rhinestone flock by cutting a 12x12 inch piece. Remove the backing paper and place the flock smoothly onto the Cricut mat with the sticky side facing up, using parchment paper to help achieve a smooth surface.
    Prepare Rhinestone Flock

  7. Cut with Cricut Maker

    • Load the prepared rhinestone flock onto the Cricut Maker and start cutting.
    Load the prepared rhinestone flock onto the Cricut Maker and start cutting.
    Cut with Cricut Maker

  8. Remove Template from Flock

    • Carefully remove the cut template from the flock, avoiding stretching. Use a tool to help lift the template from the mat if needed.
    Carefully remove the cut template from the flock, avoiding stretching. Use a tool to help lift the template from the mat if needed.
    Remove Template from Flock
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Tips

  • Always perform a test cut before cutting your final material.
  • Add a weeding box to streamline the weeding process.
  • Use parchment paper to ensure a smooth flock surface for better cutting results.
  • Avoid stretching the flock when removing the cut template to prevent damage or distortion of the holes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Rhinestone Setting

Reason: Rhinestones are not properly seated in the template, leading to uneven application or stones falling out.
Solution: Ensure each rhinestone is firmly pressed into its designated spot in the template before cutting.

2. Using the Wrong Blade or Pressure

Reason: Using a blade that's too dull or not enough pressure can result in incomplete cuts, leaving rhinestones stuck to the template.
Solution: Use a sharp blade appropriate for the material and adjust the pressure settings on your Cricut Maker to ensure a clean cut.

3. Improper Weeding

Reason: Not carefully removing excess vinyl around the rhinestones can lead to uneven application or damaged rhinestones.
Solution: Use a weeding tool to carefully remove the excess vinyl, ensuring the rhinestones remain securely in place.

FAQs

What type of rhinestone template material works best with the Cricut Maker?
Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) specifically designed for rhinestones is ideal. It provides a strong adhesive and allows for easy weeding and application.
Can I use any kind of rhinestones with this method?
While many rhinestones work, flat-back rhinestones with a strong adhesive backing are recommended for best results and easy application to the HTV.
How do I prevent my rhinestones from falling off after application?
Proper pressure and heat during application are key. Ensure the HTV is fully adhered to the garment and that the rhinestones are securely pressed down. A heat press is recommended for best results.