Brother Scan N Cut image to vinyl decal

Today I’m going to show you how to turn any image to vinyl decal. This is perfect for custom shirts, vinyl signs and labels. If you can print it from your computer or draw it, you can cut it out of vinyl with the Brother Scan N Cut. In this post I will show how to create custom vinyl decals with sticky vinyl and with iron on vinyl. You can use to make unique shirts or decorations to mugs, boxes {almost anything!} I’ve added vinyl to mugs, water bottles, snack boxes and so much more.

Any image to vinyl decal tutorial –

I’ve been using my Scan N Cut for about a year now, and using the computer software for designing what I wanted to print. I’ve starting using the scanning function of the Scan N Cut and I LOVE it! SO many options are now open to me, including being able to hand draw or sketch something and then turn it into a cut file. Print clip art and make fun t-shirts with the graphics you find and print. The possibilities are endless! You can check out the video in this post for all the details, but below are two projects made with the Scan N Cut.

• The video in the post has voice over instructions- so make sure to play with sound to get all the details for this tutorial!!

Scan An Image with the Scan N Cut –

I scanned two different types of image to vinyl decal. First, I tested scanning in something I drew with a marker… it scanned in perfectly and I was able to manipulate it on the screen to create a name label for my daughter’s snack box. I just scanned simple letters, but it would work for any picture or design as well. 

Place any image, words, or graphic in the scanning mat and use the scanning button on the Scan N Cut to scan the image into the machine.

You can zoom in on the screen to check that the scan caught all of the lines you want to cut.

The process is the same for a printed graphic or words.

If you are cutting paper or sticky vinyl you can just cut the image as it scans in. Adjust the size as you want, then cut.

Cutting Heat Transfer Vinyl –

If you are cutting and using heat transfer vinyl you need to reverse the image before you cut. First, select the all the words, then merge them into one item by grouping. Use the button that looks like two triangles to reverse the image. Make sure to group the image first! If you reverse before grouping the letters will reverse individually, but the words will not reverse. The grid on the screen reflects the grid on the cut mat

I usually try to conserve vinyl by cutting it just the size needed for what I am cutting. For these words I pre-cut the vinyl to a smaller size. Adjust the cut blade to the correct depth before cutting, and place the vinyl on the cutting mat.  The heat transfer vinyl is cut with the shinny side down. You will NOT cut all the way through this clean plastic, only the iron on vinyl.

After it’s cut, weed out the extra vinyl and you should be left with the design you want to use.

Prep your fabric by heating with the iron, then place your design on your shirt. Press with an iron and hold for about 20 sec on each part of the vinyl. Do not slide the iron, lift and press, pushing firmly with your arm. You can layer the vinyl with one color on top of the other. Make sure you have the clear plastic protecting the vinyl from the iron. When the plastic is cool you can remove. If you see that your design is not fully fused, iron again. What can you dream up with the Scan N Cut?

Here are a few other vinyl projects..

Holiday Pillows

Personalized School Lunch boxes

Copy Fabric Designs to Vinyl