How to Layer Vinyl Decals With a Silhouette Cameo

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Learn the simple trick to layer vinyl decals with a Silhouette Cameo machine that only takes a few extra seconds before you hit cut in your Silhouette Design Software.

Layering vinyl decals with a Silhouette Cameo have always confused me. I look at other people’s projects and have never understood how they can line up layers of vinyl and have no imperfections. Because let me tell you, I never could do it myself.

I’m not one of those people who can eyeball it. Honestly, all the designs I’ve done that to are incredibly crocked and off center.

So…I needed a better way to do things.

Once I figured out that there’s actually a really simple trick to layer vinyl decals correctly it all clicked. My designs have started to look so much better!

Layered vinyl decals can end up looking amazing but if you’ve never done it before it can be very intimidating. And I don’t know about you, but if I’m nervous about trying something I tend to put it aside and “try it later”.

Which really means….I never get around to doing it.

Layering vinyl has always been one of those things that required a little bit of skill and practice. For this project you can kind of eye ball where the design goes and how to line it up properly. But sometimes you can’t! And sometimes you want to be more precise so eyeballing it just doesn’t work.

It’s all about what you’re comfortable with.

And unfortunately, I am TERRIBLE at lining things up/getting them straight so I need all the help I can get!

Whenever I use permanent vinyl on projects I cut out two small boxes on the top of the design that I can layer on top of each other as I’m placing each piece of the design on my project. It really helps me get the pieces right every single time!

And…if you need a quick tip on how to quickly (and easily!) weed tiny pieces of vinyl, check out this post!

I’ve learned a lot of this through trial and error. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a fool-proof way to do things. You may still mess up. Things may not look perfect once you’re done with them.

That’s OKAY.

Every time you do a project you will get better. You’ll learn tricks that help you be more efficient and get better results each time. It’s all about putting the time in to practice and get better! So don’t get discouraged if your projects don’t turn out perfect the first time around.

(Check out these 15 projects to make with vinyl if you’re looking for simple ideas to practice with!)

My fails have been well documented on Instagram stories! We all mess up. 😅

You can also read about my Halloween Trick or Treat bag fail here. That one was pretty funny!

If you want to try to layer vinyl decals, read this first!

Do you have to take steps to line the design up in the software or can you do it after you cut everything out?

Honestly it is much easier on your if you do it in the software. I just use two small boxes on the sides of the design and cut them out with each layer. It takes a few extra seconds but saves you lots of time and frustration in the end.

What is the easiest way to line up all the layers of vinyl after you cut and weed your designs?

The easiest way is to weed the bottom layer first and then layer the other parts of the design on top of it with transfer tape until it’s all put together. Then transfer it onto your material.
PRO TIP: This will work if you’re doing more than two layers but I have always had the most success when only doing two layers for a vinyl decal.

If you’re putting vinyl decals on a coffee mug, what is the best vinyl to use?

Always use 651 (also known as permanent vinyl) on coffee mugs, tumblers and thermoses. Really…you should use it on anything you want to permanently stick it to.

Are there special care instructions for washing mugs with vinyl on them?

YES! Never ever soak anything that has vinyl on them. Also refrain from using an abrasive brush on the vinyl. You want to hand wash your mugs in warm soapy water and then let them drip dry. Don’t ever put them in the dishwasher because the heat can cause the vinyl to peel up.

Do these tips apply to coffee mugs or can you use it for other projects?

These tips can apply to all sorts of projects you’re doing! Use the box technique to line up layers on signs, t-shirts (just remember to remove the boxes before you use your heat press!), Christmas ornaments, and anything else you make.

I know monograms are huge in the South (and rightly so, we like putting our initials on everything!) so I’m really loving this mug. I really love how the white monogram stands out against the green cup and the multi-colored vinyl. If you’re not big into monograms you could always put your full name or even just leave it blank. So many options!

Check out these quick and easy vinyl crafts that you need to try if you want to get in more practice!

How to Use Printed Heat Transfer Vinyl on Leather,
DIY No Soliciting Sign, and
DIY Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Sign (and a FREE SVG file!)

If you want to buy some pretty patterned vinyl you should check out this post for where to shop! (the shop I bought the patterned vinyl on my mug is linked here).

This how to layer vinyl trick is:

simple,
easy to do, and
saves you time!

Learn How to layer vinyl decals with a Silhouette Cameo!