Using an Appliqué Cut File (SVG) with Cricut, Silhouette or ScanNCut

What the cut file contains

The SVG is a plain line drawing with one closed path for every letter outline, and a separate path for each hole in letters such as O, A and B, so the middle of the letter is cut out. The lines follow the placement line the machine stitches exactly, with no extra allowance, so a piece cut to the file lines up with the stitching. The canvas has a small margin around the design.

Import it and keep the size

1. Open your cutting software (Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio, ScanNCut) and upload or import the SVG.
2. Do not resize it unless you also resized the embroidery. The cut file is made at the size of the embroidery, so leave it at its original dimensions.
3. Check the width and height shown in the software against the size on your order.
4. Arrange the shapes on the mat, leaving a little space between them.

Prepare the fabric

• Back the fabric with fusible web or a light stabilizer so it cuts cleanly and does not fray.
• Use a fresh blade and the right fabric setting; test on a scrap first.
• If you iron fusible web onto the back of the fabric, you may need to mirror the shapes before cutting. Check your cutter’s guidance for fabric and web.

Place the pieces

Stitch the placement line, then lay each cut shape on its outline. Because the file has no extra allowance, fabric can shift slightly and leave the tack-down with less to catch. Most cutting software has an offset tool: adding about 1 to 2 mm outward gives the tack-down and satin more fabric to grab, and you trim the extra after the tack-down. If you cut exactly to the file, place each piece carefully. Follow the step-by-step appliqué guide from there.

When you do not have a cutting machine

You can print the cut file at full size, use it as a paper template and cut the fabric by hand, or skip pre-cutting and trim in the hoop after the tack-down.