The Full Glossary of Vinyl Crafting Terms for Beginners

Vinyl crafting is a fun and creative way to personalize objects, make custom decorations, or start a small crafting business. However, if you’re new to the craft, some of the terminology can feel overwhelming. Words like “carrier sheet” and “weeding” may leave you scratching your head. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Below is a beginner-friendly glossary of essential vinyl crafting terms to help you start your creative journey with confidence.

Adhesive Vinyl

Adhesive vinyl is a type of vinyl with a sticky back, similar to a sticker. It’s commonly used to create decals, signs, and wall art. Adhesive vinyl comes in two types:

• Permanent Adhesive Vinyl: Best for outdoor use or items that will be exposed to water, like mugs or car decals.
• Removable Adhesive Vinyl: Perfect for temporary projects like wall decals or seasonal decorations.

Carrier Sheet

The carrier sheet is the backing layer attached to heat transfer vinyl (HTV). This transparent layer holds the vinyl design in place, making it easier to position on your material, like fabric or apparel. When working with HTV, you’ll notice the shiny side of the vinyl is the carrier sheet.

Weeding

Weeding refers to the process of removing the unwanted vinyl from your design after it has been cut. This step is essential to separate your cut shapes, letters, or patterns from the rest of the vinyl sheet. Pro tip: Use a weeding tool (a small tool with a pointed end) for intricate designs to make the process easier.

Transfer Tape

Transfer tape is a sticky, transparent sheet used to lift your adhesive vinyl design off its backing paper and transfer it onto your project surface. For example, it’s widely used to apply decals onto glass, wood, or plastic. Ensure you smooth out air bubbles with a scraper tool for a perfect transfer.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

HTV is a type of vinyl designed specifically for fabrics. Unlike adhesive vinyl, you activate HTV with heat (using a heat press or iron) and apply it to clothing, bags, or other textiles. It comes in a variety of finishes, like matte, glitter, or metallic.

Vinyl Cutter

A vinyl cutter is a machine that cuts designs or patterns out of vinyl sheets. Popular brands like Cricut and Silhouette are often the go-to for crafters. These machines pair with design software that lets you create or upload your designs, which the cutter then follows precisely.

Cut Settings

Cut settings determine how deep the blade cuts through the vinyl. Depending on your material, you may need to adjust the blade’s force and speed. For example:

• For thinner materials, use lighter pressure or speed.
• For thicker or specialty vinyl (like glitter), you may need to increase both.

Backing Paper

Backing paper is the layer found on adhesive vinyl that protects the sticky side before you apply it. When using transfer tape to lift your design, the backing paper is peeled away, revealing the adhesive surface.

Scraper Tool

A scraper tool helps smooth out your design, ensuring the vinyl sticks securely to the desired surface. It’s particularly helpful during the transfer tape process to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.

Burnishing

Burnishing is the process of applying pressure to the vinyl, either onto the transfer tape or directly onto your project surface. This ensures strong adhesion and a smooth finish. A scraper tool is commonly used for this step.

Registration Marks

These marks are helpful when layering multiple colors in a vinyl project. They act as guides to align the different layers accurately. Registration marks ensure your final design is perfectly positioned and consistent.

Layering

Layering involves stacking multiple pieces of vinyl, typically in different colors, to create a multicolored or dimensional design. For precise layering, start with your bottom layer and work your way up using transfer tape and registration marks.

Masking

Masking is another term often used for applying transfer tape. You’re essentially “masking” the vinyl design with transfer tape before moving it to the final surface.

Mat

A mat, or cutting mat, is a sticky surface where you place your vinyl sheet. This mat holds the material in place while the vinyl cutter slices your design. Mats are often categorized by grip strength (light, standard, or strong), and you’ll choose your mat type based on the vinyl you’re working with.

Offset

Offset refers to the small adjustment made to the blade when cutting vinyl. This ensures that the blade cuts cleanly without damaging the backing material. The correct offset setting results in sharp edges and clean cuts.

Oracal®

Oracal is a well-known brand of adhesive vinyl. Their products are popular for their durability and high quality. For outdoor projects, Oracal 651 is a go-to choice due to its strong adhesion and weather resistance.

Reverse Weeding

Reverse weeding is a technique where you apply transfer tape to your design first, then weed the excess vinyl while it’s already on the tape. This method is especially useful for intricate or small designs.

Kiss Cut

A kiss cut is a type of cut that slices through the vinyl layer but leaves the backing layer intact. This technique is essential for creating stickers or designs that will be transferred using transfer tape.

Test Cut

A test cut is a small sample cut used to check if your machine’s cut settings are correct. Always do a test cut when working with new types of vinyl to avoid wasting materials.

Vinyl Roll

Vinyl often comes in rolls for larger projects. These rolls can be stored, unrolled, and cut to the size needed for your crafting work. Keep them stored upright or flat to prevent creases.

Final Thoughts

Vinyl crafting is a versatile and rewarding hobby that allows creativity to shine. Understanding these terms and techniques will give you the confidence to take on any project, from custom t-shirts to intricate wall decals. With the right tools, a little practice, and a solid grasp of the basics, you’ll be making stunning vinyl creations in no time.

Happy crafting!