Cutting Vinyl Without A Mat on your Silhouette Cameo

[@mariashayes]

I love how concise and to the point your video is. Thank you!!

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Glad it was helpful!

[@plumagolden]

After watching a bunch of vids, this is the one that really helped me, thanks Expressions Vinyl.

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Glad it helped!

[@hollycrabtree352]

Thank you for this video... short, sweet, to the point! Clear and worked perfect! Thank you!

[@geminidream4347]

Wished I would of found this vid sooner. I gave up on my machine, feeling like a failure because I couldn't cut a simple box design. I was trying it without a mat and did not know this was the reason it went crazy in the machine. So thank you so very much for this tutorial. I wished that they would give you a printed manual for machines again. I'm sure it would of said something in there!

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Glad we could help! Hope it goes better next time!

[@abuubaydullah1]

Do you how hard it is to find people like yourself who show you for start to end, thank you Expressions Vinyl so much for your video .

[@Expressionsvinyls]

We're glad you found us and that we could help you.

[@TuggerAbbey]

Can you do an update of settings for Cameo 4 and the Plus? I cannot get mine to cut matless and it should cut matless

[@RoommateWiLLE]

Thank you, this helped me load and align without the mat on a roll.

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Excellent!

[@luciiid]

Woah, didn’t know this. Might be helpful if i run out of tack on a mat and need an urgent project done. Thanks !

[@darlap4629]

Very well done, easy to understand demonstration and information, Thank You!

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Glad it was helpful!

[@meganlopossa690]

Thank you so much! I moved and can't find my mat and had lots of vinyl projects to get done!

[@franklinpearl9277]

Thank you so much for this. You are so beautiful! I hope this works also for larger sized vinyl sheets

[@sketchestodesigns5239]

Great video. Thanks for share this information

[@doitallent9128]

Thank you so much, i desperately needed this information.

[@Expressionsvinyls]

You are welcome!

[@judithlittle3535]

Thank you for the video. I am using the same blade you are and my settings are 2, 5, 14. I had to bring the force up to 14 before it would cut throughly.

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi Judith, yes each machine can be a little different on the exact settings.

[@chrinamint]

Also if your blade is getting dull.

[@AnnieFSX]

Really helpful video, thank you. One question: if I'm cutting scraps as you showed in 2:56, how do I tell my Cameo software where the various pieces of scrap are on the cutting mat?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

You are able to reposition your designs on the mat shown on the cut screen. You will reposition them according to where you place the vinyl on the mat.

[@billracer92]

Thank you. Just what I needed to know.

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Suuegrl]

How does the cardstock and vinyl stick to the mat? Got my machine today and all videos I see show the vinyl like your scraps sticking to the mat. Thanks for your help

[@Expressionsvinyls]

mats have an adhesive on them to hold the material you are cutting in place. Some mat brands carry different adhesive strengths. Choose that adhesive strength that works best with the vinyl you are cutting.

[@wendyearwood]

Thank you for showing me the settings for cutting without a mat. Cross your fingers! Gonna try doing 45" of cutting!! EEK!

[@Expressionsvinyls]

You can do it!

[@HobbesGrrr]

Hi. Thanks for the video. I'm wondering if cutting without a mat could dull the blade faster or if it cuts too deep ruin the machine? I know it's made to cut without a mat, but it safe to always do it that way...assuming the paper has a backing like your vinyl does. Would this work with stickers?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

The vinyl must have either a carrier sheet attached or a backing to be cut without a mat. We recommend test cuts before sending your design through. Vinyl can also be cut with a mat if you prefer.

[@deborahstreb4732]

Hello. I am new to this and have a cameo 2. Would the settings be any different?

[@siebernb]

Thank you! Im new to cameo 4 and I’m trying to use the cutting feature without a mat. I’m having a problem with my vinyl when it is loading. It curls up and doesn’t end up under the blade. Also it moves around sometimes during cutting. Any ideas?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Is the vinyl able to lay flat before loading it in the machine? Check the roller positions. They may need to be adjusted.

[@abdullahaamer1077]

Which tack type mat do you use, I would assume it would be light tack for vinyl.

[@Expressionsvinyls]

A light grip mat works well!

[@Mw-cw1lc]

Hi I done a cut yesterday on a4 with a mat. And it worked fine and I saved it. The today I cutt it and it cutt on the mat the same design. And everyone now even if I leave a one inch gap it cut the mat.can u please tell me what is going on as this has hap pen lots of times and wasted a lot of vinyl thanks for u video. X

[@ansleysmitherman6990]

Do you know what cut settings I would need to use for a mirrored/reflective vinyl?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

It depends on where you got it from. Here's a chart with our recommended settings for our vinyl. Remember to always do a test cut, but this would be a good place to start expressionsvinyl.com/machine-settings/

[@kaylahubbard4464]

Absolutely love your hoodie!

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Thank You!

[@toricocharo1528]

Hi! How do you get your cardstock off your mat without it tearing? My mat has been well used so it isn't super sticky, but the card keeps tearing when I try to take it off. I am also using the sketch pens, so is there any way to not use the mat at all?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi Tori, that can be a tough one to work with sometimes. The best thing that we have found is to really remove the mat from the cardstock. Turn the mat upside down so the cardstock is on your surface. Then slowly remove the mat from the cardstock. They are thin and can be bent a little. You would not want to cut it without the mat as you need something to stabilize it so it won't move around. Hopefully this helps a little. expressionsvinyl.com

[@lnparker40]

Very new to this as my machine was a Christmas present, Silhouette Cameo 3 - I'm about to attempt this for the first time - can you tell me, were you using 651 vinyl in this demonstration? I'm using 651 permanent vinyl and unsure of settings and worried I may cut through. Also, is there a cheat sheet for settings? Cutting without a mat on different product?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi Nicole, you will love your machine. We have a lot of cheat sheets that are great for the different types of vinyl. Here is the link to that - expressionsvinyl.com/machine-setting.html Also, here is a link to the Silhouette Playlist that we have. It is full of great videos that will help. kzbin.info/aero/PL3ghl46Qz0pRjn9tE7olaOV3_3GYFD0Es

[@ellona3645]

Hi, I was wondering if I can print a design on a rolled vinyl sheet paper that you can buy at silhouette with either an ink jet or laser? Cause I sell stickers & i'm planning to try the vinyl paper

[@Expressionsvinyls]

There is InkJet printable vinyl that you would want to use if you are planning on printing. The other types of vinyl will not hold the ink and it will just wipe off. Here is a link to our InkJet Printable Vinyl for Stickers as well as additional printable. expressionsvinyl.com/printable-vinyls/

[@SmittenKitten.]

When loading into the Silhouette, do you line up the mat against the little mint-colored line (with the arrows)? Do you line up the vinyl (without a mat) against that line?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Yes! To both :)

[@SmittenKitten.]

@@Expressionsvinyls Yay, thank you!

[@bridgetnielsen6727]

so does shiny side not go down when not using a mat?

[@stellaluceat7335]

Hey, uh. How about showing how to move the roller, please and thank you.

[@Expressionsvinyls]

You will need to Lift the lever piece on the upper right hand side, unlock the plastic piece on the right hand side of the roller, move it to the grooves, and then lock it back in place.

[@stellaluceat7335]

@@Expressionsvinyls "unlock the plastic piece." How?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

@@stellaluceat7335 There a little picture of a lock and an unlock on this plastic piece. You will need to rotate this plastic part to the unlock symbol and then you can move it.

[@stellaluceat7335]

@@Expressionsvinyls OK. Thanks so much!!

[@NapperFamily]

What are good heat transfer vinyl settings? Also this wouldn’t work with my auto blade.

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Here is our machine setting guide it has all of the heat settings needed for the HTV that we carry. expressionsvinyl.com/machine-settings/ What vinyl were you cutting? Which settings were you using to cut the vinyl?

[@valzboralrealtor]

when cutting HTV do you have to cut with the clear side down or up?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

The carrier sheet is facing down, remember to reverse your image before cutting your image.

[@nicoledaniels4839]

I have a cameo 2, and the video was done with a 3. Can I do basically the same thing with my 2?! I need to cut something about 3ft long, and all in one piece will be so much easier!! TIA!!

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Yes, you can do this with your Cameo 2, just be sure to adjust your material length in silhouette studio.

[@AmericanWithTheTruth]

I put some scrap vinyl on a mat that came with my cameo to and it keeps failing looking for registration marks but I don’t have registration marks I’m literally using scrap vinyl on a mat. How do you get past the registration Mark air because he keeps looking for it?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Is it set for a print and cut?

[@tarynhattan952]

Can you do this with the silhouette portrait 2??

[@Expressionsvinyls]

We have not tested this ourselves, but we have had customers successfully cut without a mat. It may be something to test.

[@lilboo07]

What settings do you use for Glitter HTV without a mat?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi, you would use the same settings as you would with the mat. Here is a link to all of our settings. These are a starting spot and we do recommend a test cut as all machines cut a little different. expressionsvinyl.com/machine-setting.html

[@emirbell6015]

Hello, can I cut a 48 inch long decal without a mat? I am using a cameo 3. Thank you in advance!

[@Expressionsvinyls]

You would be able to cut this length with not problem.

[@emirbell6015]

@@Expressionsvinyls Awesome, thank you for your insight.

[@sayitwithatshirt]

My problem is it never register the registration marks. If I'm cutting adhesive vinyl or vinyls period are there supposes 2 be registration marks cuz I have none & my mat doesn't either. I've only had my silhouette cameo 4 about a month now & I've only gotten it 2 cut out my daughter's name 3 times. Also there is no selection IN THE MATERIALS DROPDOWN that says adhesive vinyl for the PSV or is it labeled somthing else? But no matter weather I have the registration marks on or off it still tries register marks & fail. What material are registration marks needed 4? I'm only trying to cut vinyl? Thank u

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Registration marks are usually only used for print and cut designs. If you do not have your design prepared as a print and cut, you may need to contact Silhouette customer service to find out why your machine is looking for them. Recommended cut setting for vinyl purchased from Expressions Vinyl can be found here: expressionsvinyl.com/machine-settings/

[@sayitwithatshirt]

@@Expressionsvinyls thank u. i only have a picture of mickey mouse & my son's name & i was trying to send it from the silhouette to my epson 2850 to print it on sublimation paper, but the print preview only shows the mickey picture & not my son's name. dou you know a reason that it might be only sending over the mickey pic, but not his name?

[@zoniagonzales4869]

Will this work with printable vinyl?

[@HappyHappyPanda88]

My feeder keeps trying to feed my letter size because its trying to look for registration marker. Any idea how to resolve this?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Check settings. It's possible the print and cut setting is turned on.

[@TarryLordTarry]

Thank you!!

[@sharonkeen7132]

Hi Jessica! I'm a new newbie for Cameo 3.....thank you for this post! Very helpful.....one question....regarding the 'blade"....you said Rachet Blade...is that the same as the blade that comes with the Cameo or an extra blade you purchased? Thanks! Sharon

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi Sharon, in the Cameo 3 you receive the auto blade. The ratchet blade and the premium blade are ones that you can purchase separately. Here is a link to both of those. Hopefully that helps. expressionsvinyl.com/silhouette-america/tools-accessories/blades-and-tools/

[@sharonkeen7132]

So I CAN use my normal auto blade for the demo you presented...doesn't have to be the 'rachet blade'...correct?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Sharon, Sorry for the late reply. YES absolutely you can use your auto blade. Just make sure that is the blade you have selected in your program. It is usually auto selected anyway. :)

[@GirlArmy21]

Two things? Can you put a box around your vinyl design area for easier weeding? Does the mat have to go in Arrow first? I ruined my mat by cutting in too deep and have a new one. Now I am afraid to use that one? :(

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Yes, you can put a weeding box around your design to help with weeding. It doesn't really matter if you have the arrow first or not.

[@cosmicsugarvt]

Can I do this with sticker paper? I just ordered my silhouette cameo 3 and its refurbished and doesn't come with a mat. I would really love if I don't have to purchase one!

[@Expressionsvinyls]

A mat is handy when you are cutting easyweed stretch, other stretchy vinyl, stripflock, and scraps. Otherwise, as long as the rollers are set properly, it should work! Always test cut!

[@meaghanlarsen1618]

For htv glitter with Silhouette v4.1, I am using a mat does that change my cut settings?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi Meaghan, that doesn't change your settings. We have a list of all the settings we use. Here it is - expressionsvinyl.com/machine-setting.html

[@meaghanlarsen1618]

Expressions Vinyl thank you

[@sarahmarie92292]

How do you move the roller in?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

There is a lever/switch right above the roller bar on the right side. Turn the switch to release the bar. The bar will lift slightly, when it does, you are able to slide the roller to the inner set of arrows. Turn the switch back to the upright position to lock the bar and roller in place. See more detailed instructions on the silhouette website.

[@rebeccathygesen9723]

Jessica, may I ask what vinyl you used for this demo? 651?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi, in this one we were cutting 651 vinyl but you can do this with 631 as well as heat transfer vinyl. Please let us know if you have any additional questions. www.expressionsvinyl.com

[@2tsscreenprinting108]

Thank you for your help : )

[@SA-gw9bb]

On my cameo 3, when I set to 'no mat', the cutting begins about 1-2 inches to the right even though the design is fully to the left within the cut area. Any ideas what might be causing this? The material is being loaded correctly and the 'no mat' setting is correct.

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Try recalibrating your machine. You can do this by unplugging your machine. Then moving the cartridge back and forth a couple of times. If this does not work you may need to do a Firmware update.

[@SA-gw9bb]

@@Expressionsvinyls thank you for the reply! Before seeing this, I manually forced the cartridge back and all good now, so your solution is perfect. Thanks! I'm not quite sure when it got so out of alignment :)

[@markeetrosclair9421]

What cause the paper to slide with or without a mat and what can you do to avoid it

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi Markee, the vinyl could be sliding because of the rollers on the side. You want to adjust the rollers on the right hand side to make sure they are rolling on top of the mat or the piece of vinyl. This should help it from moving. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

[@mhjudge67]

I'm having problems with my settings. I did everything you said but my settings it cutting through my vinyl, when I use a mat I do not have this problem, I have no idea what's wrong. The settings I use 1-1-10 for vinyl

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi, we'd recommend that you decrease the thickness on your machine. That may be the reason that it is cutting all the way through. Hopefully this helps.

[@BeTheChange1]

What would you consider eazyweed vinyl in the Material Section? Is It heat Transfer or Just Regular Vinyl?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

EasyWeed is heat transfer vinyl so you would want to use the settings for that. We also have some helpful charts for the recommended cut settings. You can find them here - expressionsvinyl.com/machine-setting.html

[@markjacobs4085]

thanks so much. You are very helpful

[@meaghanlarsen1618]

Can I use no mat with HTV easyweed stretch ?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi, yes you can. Just follow the same directions. It works great!

[@brittanyhughes8058]

Hello, I'm new to Silhouette Cameo and I have HTV glitter and when I put it on a cardstock with cutting mat, it ben up into the machine and when I use it without a cutting mat and use it as HTV glitter, it cuts to deep and I have it set on auto blade. what might be the problem? thank you

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi Brittany, what are the cut settings you are using? Here are the ones re recommend to start with but you always want to do a test cut to make sure. expressionsvinyl.com/machine-setting.html Also, when you are placing it on the mat, how sticky is your mat? Are you placing anything else with it or just the sheet of vinyl on the mat? Let us know. We'd be happy to help. You can either reply here or send us an email at [e-mail]

[@brittany261]

@@Expressionsvinyls my mat is sticky, but i try to take some of that sticky off just with a shirt and tap on it . But i had change my setting, and now it work great.

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Oh great! We're happy to hear that. Let us know if you have any additional questions.

[@ssergeant9682]

when your test cut fails to weed properly how do you keep from cutting in the same spot?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Instead of the test cut on the software. You can use a Capital R this will give you all of the angels that you have in a cut. By doing this you can move the R over a little ways and redo the cut.

[@muhdafiq227]

i try to test the cutting template on normal A4 paper..because i want to test it first to see the size, position & condition before i apply the cutting on vinyl.. but the cutting on A4 paper become messy..why? i think the mat to sticky or moistly that make the A4 paper become unstable.. do i not to use the mat? i try to set the speed to 1.. it still meessy

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi, sometimes it isn't the want the machine is cutting, it can also be the type of paper. You want to make sure it is really adhered to the mat. If it's paper then you will always want to keep the mat. Make sure you adjust the blade so there isn't as much pressure on it. If there is more pressure and the blade is too deep it tends to drag through the cuts for thinner materials. Hopefully that helps.

[@geribouwman]

I am trying to cut vinyl for canning labels. I keep getting registration mark error. Please please help.

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi Geri, are you using a print then cut image where you have printed something or are you using just regular vinyl for the label?

[@TheXChapter]

i think i need to move my rubber piece. my viynl moves all over the place when sent thru.

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Yes, you want to make sure those are set correctly so that it will hold the vinyl steady.

[@fAaTBrand]

Same here 😞😞😞

[@walterholmes6965]

I have followed all your directions but when I hit send and the machine starts to cut my vinyl starts turning in the machine. what am I doing wrong?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi Walter, thank you for watching our video. We're sorry to hear that it's not working for you. Make sure that you move the rollers to the correct spot so that they are on top of the vinyl. Also, make sure that your roller bar is all the way pressed down. We have seen it come up at times. Please let us know if you are experiencing any other issues with it.

[@BeTheChange1]

Thank You So Much!!!!

[@loriaragon2644]

Thanks Jessica:) I'm wondering about the position of your roller without a cutting mat. When I put it in that position, the roller makes a mark all the way down the vinyl. Will that affect the look of the vinyl after applying it? HTV or adhesive... Thanks, I'm addicted to watching your videos :)

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi Lori, it shouldn't impact the look of the vinyl. Once you have cut your vinyl and applied it, most of that will smooth right out, especially with the heat transfer vinyl. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

[@loriaragon2644]

Expressions Vinyl Thank you! I'll try it and see how it turns out :)

[@cassiewerachowski6043]

You have your roller in the wrong spot. Should be at the 2nd line on the right otherwise leaves marks on the vinyl in the middle of your design

[@Expressionsvinyls]

When cutting without a mat you do need to move the roller in so that the vinyl doesn't move.

[@gwenmangelson]

I have found that I HAVE to use a matt to cut vinyl to get it to work- ugh

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Which vinyl are you trying to cut without the mat? Are you not getting a clean cut when you are cutting?

[@weirdartsociety]

I don’t understand what a mat is

[@weirdartsociety]

Oh never mind

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Thank you!

[@weirdartsociety]

@@Expressionsvinyls You’re Welcome

[@abmlizay5449]

SO I DON'T NEED A PRINTER

[@Expressionsvinyls]

Hi, the only time that you would need a printer is if you are working with Printable Heat Transfer or Printable Adhesive Vinyl. Otherwise, you can do all the cutting without a printer. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

[@cnomo1]

You said "so" 18 times in 3:37.

[@garrethzarb2102]

How do you move the roller please?

[@Expressionsvinyls]

This is how to move the roller! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHiyZHSaosyDb80