10 Must-Have Materials for SVG Projects with a Cutting Machine (and Where I Buy Them)
Share
I still remember my very first SVG project… it was a total mess. But with time, the right tools, and lots of experimenting, I found a set of materials that I now rely on for every design I create. Whether you're just starting or already knee-deep in vinyl scraps, here are 10 materials I can’t live without, plus where I get them.
1. Adhesive Vinyl
I use adhesive vinyl almost daily. My favorite projects? Custom mugs and laptop decals. I always keep a stash of matte black and holographic foil on hand—they never disappoint!
✔️ Best for: decals, mugs, signs
🌟 Why I love it: Versatile, long-lasting, easy to work with
💡 Tip: Permanent for mugs, removable for walls.
2. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)
Nothing beats the joy of pulling off the carrier sheet after heat pressing a design. I love using HTV to make gifts; custom baby onesies are a huge hit with friends!
✔️ Best for: t-shirts, bags, pillows
🌟 Why I love it: Durable and soft after pressing
💡 Tip: Don’t forget to mirror your design before cutting!
3. Cutting Mats
I used to think all cutting mats were the same… until my blade started dragging! A good mat makes a huge difference. I always keep extra standard grip mats around.
✔️ Best for: all materials
🌟 Why I love it: Keeps your cuts clean and blade sharp
💡 Tip: Clean regularly with baby wipes to extend life.
4. Cardstock
My paper flower obsession started with a wedding backdrop project. Now I always keep pastels and brights on hand. Great for quick, meaningful crafts too!
✔️ Best for: paper flowers, cards, gift boxes
🌟Why I love it: Strong, colorful, beautiful results
💡 Tip: Try textured cardstock for 3D depth.
5. Faux Leather
I love the “wow” factor of faux leather earrings. They’re lightweight, fun to make, and people always ask if they’re store-bought!
✔️ Best for: earrings, keychains, bookmarks
🌟 Why I love it: Looks expensive, cuts beautifully
💡 Tip: Use painter’s tape to secure corners to your mat.
6. Transfer Tape
I used to dread layering vinyl, until I found the right tape. Now I always keep clear grid tape stocked. It saves time and frustration!
✔️ Best for: applying vinyl smoothly
🌟 Why I love it: Makes layering easy
💡 Tip: Use medium tack for most projects.
7. Craft Tool Set
I cannot survive without my weeding hook and scraper. Trust me, if you’re crafting regularly, the right tools will save you hours (and headaches).
✔️ Best for: weeding, scraping, precision
🌟 Why I love it: Saves your fingers and sanity
💡 Tip: Always keep spare weeding tips, they dull fast.
8. Printable Vinyl / Sticker Paper
I use this to make custom stickers for Etsy orders, packaging, and even just for fun journaling. It’s super satisfying to design and cut your own stickers!
✔️ Best for: planner stickers, labels, branding
🌟 Why I love it: Inkjet printable = creative freedom
💡 Tip: Let prints dry 10 minutes before cutting.
9. Fabric
Whenever I want to make something cozy, I cut felt or cotton with my Cricut Maker. My favorites: soft baby blankets and holiday appliqués!
✔️ Best for: appliqué, sewing projects, patches
🌟 Why I love it: Adds a handmade touch
💡 Tip: Use a rotary blade for clean cuts on a fabric mat.
10. Blanks (Shirts, Mugs, Wood, Totes)
I always keep a shelf full of mugs, shirts and wood signs. They're the perfect blank canvas for trying out a new SVG idea or prepping Etsy stock.
✔️ Best for: applying finished designs
🌟 Why I love it: Transforms SVGs into real products
💡 Tip: Test on a cheap blank first before selling or gifting.
Final Thoughts
Crafting with SVGs is so much more fun (and stress-free) when you use quality materials. These are my tried-and-true favorites, the ones I recommend to every beginner and still use myself. If you try them too, I’d love to hear what you make!
🎨 Want to grab my original SVG designs?
👉 Visit my collection