
The first thing you want to do is slow the speed down....like to 2 or even one. In the Send Panel, slow down the speed at which the blade moves. This can help prevent the tiny cuts from peeling up. Some people will tell you it's actually better to speed up the blade so it doesn't drag in the area causing the vinyl or paper to lift. I've always had luck with slooooooowwww cuts for tiny details, but if it doesn't work you can try the quick approach.
Double cutting - or having more than one pass - can also be helpful especially if you're having trouble weeding the tiny design. Cutting twice just ensures that the material is cut completely so the design is easier to transfer. When cutting adhesive vinyl, I prefer to avoid double cutting on very small designs, but on HTV double cutting is ideal.
To double cut your design increase the Passes setting in the Send panel.
Giving your design a very slight offset can be a huge factor in how well it cuts. If you can give the design even a .010 offset to 'thicken' it slightly without altering the design noticeably, I can pretty much guarantee you'll see a difference in how it cuts.
Look closely and you'll notice that in the design on the right the monogram is slightly thicker than the non-offset image on the left.
Once your small design is cut, you've only won half the battle. Just look how tiny that design is - and it cut great!
But...now you need to weed. Grab your Silhouette hook and a good pair of tweezers. Place your design - still on the backing - on your cutting mat to keep it still while you're weeding. Then carefully weed the design. If you are working with paper, the Silhouette spatula is great for getting tiny designs up off the mat without tearing them.
You may also opt to reverse weed.
Using clear transfer tape is a huge help when placing tiny designs...so is securing your target. (Gotta love painter's tape).
Because you can see through the tape and onto the surface where you're placing your tiny design, you're much more likely to get it perfect! I had the worst time lining up the monograms on these 5/8" acrylic studs until I switched from transfer paper to the see-through clear transfer tape.
I hope these tips have helped you successfully cut even the smallest of projects with your Silhouette. I'm sure I'm leaving a few out ... so please weigh in by leaving a comment!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I received a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!
Thanks for coming to class today at Silhouette School. If you like what you see, I'd love for you to pin it!
What silver vinyl is used here?
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ReplyDeleteHi Please I need your help, I am having trouble with my vinyl lifting, I have slowed the cut right down, then I went a little quicker, then I put on double cut, then I put line segment over cut on and they all haven't worked, I can cut some colours but others just lift of the tiny details.
ReplyDeletePlease can you help
Thank you
I need this too!!! 2.16.2016
ReplyDeleteThanks for your tips... very usefull for me
ReplyDeleteThanks for your tips... very usefull for me
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ReplyDeleteI'm having so much trouble cutting small stuff! Thanks going to try this!
ReplyDeleteAnother tip. I had a very small image that kept lifting and ruining some parts. I rotated the image 90 degrees and it cut great. I previously slowed the speed way down and added overcut line segments and it did help, but one area kept lifting no matter what, and rotating image fixed it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your valuable tips. These tips are very useful. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI luv that there is an Origami Owl bracelet in the picture.
ReplyDeleteAs always very helpful tips! Going to try this and even trying anonymous tips on rotationg my design 90 degrees.
ReplyDeleteSo helpful! Going to try it now - Thank you for posting!
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