Are you also fond of being creative but want more options and a personal touch for your creations? If so, plotting might be perfect for you. With a plotter machine, you can create endless different designs. In this blog, you'll learn everything you need to know to get started with plotting.

What is plotting?

Plotting is a technique for cutting highly detailed designs from various materials such as vinyl, paper, cardboard, fabric, and more. You use a cutting machine, also called a plotter. This machine can cut out anything, down to the most minor details. It works similarly to a printer, but a plotter uses a blade instead of ink to cut the material according to your chosen design. Plotting is often used to create stickers, cards and templates and to personalise all kinds of items. 

 What do you need?

Before you start plotting, you'll need several tools and materials. We've listed them for you in a handy checklist below:

1. Cutting machine: This machine will do the cutting work. Cutting machines are available in various models and sizes, so choose one that suits your needs and budget. Well-known brands include Silhouette, Brother, Cricut, and Loklik.
2. Design software: You need special software to create and edit designs that match your style before sending them to the plotter. Most cutting machines work with their own app or software program. The most well-known are Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio, and Brother CanvasWorkspace.
3. Cutting material: Depending on the cutting machine, you'll need a specific cutting material suitable for your machine. This may include vinyl, paper, cardstock, wood, fabric, cutting foil (such as flex foil) and more. Even though most machines can cut many different materials, it's always good to check if your machine is suitable for cutting the chosen material.
4. Cutting mat (optional): Some plotter machines require a cutting mat to hold the material in place during the cutting process. Check the specifications of your plotter machine to determine if one is required.
5. Blades: Plotter machines use blades to cut the material.
   ⁠Tip! Make sure you have spare blades as they can become dull over time.
6. Computer or laptop: You'll need a computer or laptop to use the design software and send files to the cutting machine. Nowadays, plotter machines can also be controlled from an app on a tablet or phone.
7. Power supply: Ensure your cutting machine is plugged into a power outlet. It won't work without power.
8. Optional accessories: Depending on your specific projects and needs, additional accessories may be required. Many accessories and tools are available, such as tweezers, weeding hooks, transfer tape, a heat press, and more. Starter sets are also available, containing the most essential accessories to get started immediately.

Ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools before you start plotting.

How to get started with plotting

Are you excited to start creating your own designs? We've written a simple beginner's guide to help you get started with plotting:

Step 1: Choose your plotter machine

• Research various plotter models on the market and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
• Popular brands include Silhouette, Cricut, and Brother.

Step 2: Install the software

• Download and install the corresponding software for your plotter on your computer or laptop.

Step 3: Create your design

• Open the design software and start creating your design. This can be anything: text, images, illustrations, patterns or a combination of elements.
• Experiment with different fonts, shapes, and graphics to create your own unique designs.
• For some materials, it's important to mirror your design before cutting. Place these materials with the shiny or pretty side down. Cutting in mirror image ensures the design will appear correctly on the surface.

Step 4: Prepare your machine and material

• If necessary, place the cutting material, such as vinyl or paper, on the cutting mat according to your cutting machine’s instructions.
• Make sure the material is correctly secured to the cutting mat to prevent shifting during cutting.
• Insert the blade into the cutting machine’s blade holder. Make sure you're using the correct blade. Thicker materials may require a different blade than thinner ones.

Step 5: Send your design to the plotter

• Connect your cutting machine to your computer or laptop and load your design into the software.
• Follow the software's instructions to select the appropriate cutting settings (such as material type and depth of cut). This is where you send the design to the cutting machine.

Step 6: Cut out your design

• Start the plotter and let it cut out the design according to the set cutting settings.
• Wait until the cutting process is complete, then carefully remove the cut-out design from the cutting mat according to the software’s instructions.

Step 7: Remove excess material

• Use tweezers or a weeding tool to carefully remove the excess material around your design.

Step 8: Apply your design

• Use transfer tape to transfer your cut-out design onto the desired surface, such as a wall, window, t-shirt, or card.
• Press the transfer tape firmly to ensure the design adheres well.

With these simple steps, you can start plotting as a beginner and create unique, personalised projects. Experiment with different materials, designs, and techniques to improve your skills and develop your style.

10 Cutting machine inspiration & ideas

Need more ideas? We’ve got 10 fun and easy projects you can make with your cutting machine.

1. Stickers: Create personalised stickers to decorate laptops, water bottles, notebooks, cars and more.
2. Wall decorations: Create decorative wall decals or stencils for your living room, children’s rooms, and kitchen.
3. Textile decorations: Use vinyl to create personalised designs for t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and caps.
4. Cards and invitations: Design and cut unique cards, invitations and envelopes for special occasions like birthdays, weddings and holidays.
5. Scrapbooking: Add personalised elements to your scrapbook pages, such as titles, embellishments and templates.
6. Party decorations: Craft festive decorations like banners, garlands, table decorations and party hats for birthdays, baby showers and anniversaries.
7. Window and door stickers: Design and cut seasonal window and door decals to decorate your home during holidays or special occasions.
8. Car decorations: Create personalised stickers for car windows and bumpers to add a personal touch to your vehicle.
9. Gift packaging: Design and cut unique gift tags, wraps, and gift boxes to personalise your presents.
10. Interior decoration: Create decorative elements such as vinyl wall quotes, mirror decorations and decorations for flower pots and mugs to give your home or office a personal touch.

With a plotter, the possibilities are truly endless! Be creative and experiment with different materials and designs to create unique and personalised projects that fit your style.