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How to Cut Mask Hooks on Silhouette CAMEO (FREE Ear Saver Design Download)

Silhouette crafters have been answering the call for homemade masks and mask hooks to help anyway they can during the pandemic.

Freebie Friday, Ear Saver, Free Studio Files, Silhouette Cameo 3, Silhouette Cameo 4

The original mask hooks or 'ear savers' as I've been calling them are easy to print with a 3D printer including the Silhouette Alta. But if you don't have an Alta or the new Alta Plus we now have a free cuttable version of the ear saver....and I'm including the best Silhouette Cut Settings.

Start by downloading the free cuttable Ear Saver Design. I am giving you two sizes. The longer size is ideal to be worn above a ponytail or bun.


Freebie Friday, Ear Saver, Free Studio Files, Silhouette Cameo 3, Silhouette Cameo 4

The shorter size is for wearing closer around the neck. 

Freebie Friday, Ear Saver, Free Studio Files, Silhouette Cameo 3, Silhouette Cameo 4

Open the design into a work area and duplicate if you want to cut multiples.

The struggle with cutting the mask hooks is you need a materials that's flexible, sturdy enough to hold up to being pulled on my elastic, and cuttable with any Silhouette machine or blade.

Freebie Friday, Ear Saver, Free Studio Files, Silhouette Cameo 3, Silhouette Cameo 4

Two option that have been popular with crafters is plastic place mats and plastic folders.  People keep telling me to go to the dollar store and get plastic place mats..I've been home for 5 weeks, I'm not going anywhere right now. But I did find plastic folders on Amazon and they delivered in just one day.

The nice thing about cutting the design in plastic is the process is faster than both 3D printing and using shrink sheets. You can also cut a large number in bulk getting a bunch on a single sheet making the price far more affordable. Finally, the plastic is thin enough to be cut and pliable to easily bend around the shape of the head. But it's thick enough to stand up to the pulling from the elastic. 

I spent then spent several hours determining the best design and Silhouette cut settings for cutting the folders with Silhouette CAMEO and Portrait. 

Freebie Friday, Ear Saver, Free Studio Files, Silhouette Cameo 3, Silhouette Cameo 4

Use scissors to cut the folders in half then remove the pocket from each half. You now have two cuttable sheets.  Place the plastic sheet on a very sticky cutting mat. 
In the Send panel change the cut settings to a Blade of 10, Speed of 5, Force 33, and 7 passes. Yes, 7. 
 
You can use an Autoblade or ratchet blade to cut the plastic folder sheets. The Deep Cut and Premium Blade should also work, but I would recommend avoiding a Kraft Blade.

Freebie Friday, Ear Saver, Free Studio Files, Silhouette Cameo 3, Silhouette Cameo 4

After the cut is complete, you may need to use a tool to pop out the design.

Freebie Friday, Ear Saver, Free Studio Files, Silhouette Cameo 3, Silhouette Cameo 4

If you're interested in making DIY Fabric masks or 3D printing mask hooks be sure to check out these tutorials and free designs as well.

Freebie Friday, Ear Saver, DIY Fabric Masks, Fabric Masks, Coronavirus

Freebie Friday, Ear Saver, Free Studio Files, Silhouette Cameo 3, Silhouette Cameo 4


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4 comments

  1. I'm trying to add the design for the ear saver to my cart and it doesn't add. Is there another way to get the design so I can start making these? Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. thank you for the fantastic idea! Hubby was complaining about his ears, so I made him one this morning, using stencil material. I cut four and glued them together with E6000. it worked beautifully. Sturdy yet flexible.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I must have some thick folders because I have it set to do 10 passes a and send it through several times and it still isn't cutting through. It's not cutting enough to even pop the thing out. It's a brand new blade as well.

    ReplyDelete

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