Tutorial: How to Create Round Vinyl Monograms Using the Silhouette CAMEO

Note: Since I wrote this post, there are literally hundreds of monogram fonts available to purchase for just a few dollars like THIS one; honestly, that’s probably faster than using this technique!

I love round monograms, but could never figure out how to make one using my Silhouette CAMEO.   So, here’s my “hack” using an iPhone app and my Silhouette.

{You can read how Amy made these darling jewelry bowls here}

I have a monogram app on my iPhone, because my daughter and I love to make fun wallpaper for our phones (if it’s your birthday I might text you a cute graphic, too)!

There are literally dozens of online monogram generators out there, too, that you can use instead.

First, I created the monogram on my phone.  A solid black background with white letters works best for the Silhouette to be able to read the cut lines on the imported graphic:

Then I transferred it to my desktop (you can either email it to yourself and download it, or sync your phone).

I opened Silhouette Studio and clicked “File” and “Import to My Library.”  I then started a new Untitled.studio file, opened “My Library” and “My Own Designs,” and selected the monogram file:

Next, I selected the “Trace” feature on the top right toolbar, clicked “Select Trace Area” and dragged a square over the monogram.  Then I clicked “Trace” under the “Apply Trace Method” section.

I then moved the original monogram out of the way and deleted it:

Then the graphic is ready to size and cut.  I’ve cut these as small as 0.5″ and as large as 12″ in diameter.  Once the extra pieces are weeded out, you get a beautiful clean line.

***I get asked all the time about the vinyl I use.  I buy all my vinyl from ExpressionsVinyl and I’ve mostly used  {this} gold vinyl for this monogram (select “gold metallic” as the color, but it looks great in other colors, too.  It weeds beautifully, which is HUGE, especially when you’re working on a small project! (Tip:  If you sign up for their emails, they send out coupons every week.)***

(UPDATE:  if you select “Low Pass Filter” and uncheck “High Pass Filter” under your Trace settings, and then click “Trace,” you will get a much cleaner cut outline.  To remove the red box that will appear around your monogram, just right mouse click, select “Release Compound Path,” click on the red box and delete it, and then highlight your monogram, right click, and click “Make Compound Path.”  You won’t have as much weeding to do that way!)

We’ve used these on coffee cups and Tervis tumblers, phone cases, apothecary jars, notebook binders and pencil pouches, and trays and ice buckets.  I’ve also used heat transfer material (this one’s the best) to put them on our cute tote bags that we carried to the Haven conference.  I fully intend to try the gold foil and this monogram on a few more projects.  Happy Monogramming!

I’m sure this goes without saying, but if you’re planning to create monograms to sell, then you should buy a licensed round font.  There are quite a few out there that are licensed for commercial use, some are just a few dollars like {this} one.

UPDATE:  Here’s the vines monogram, using the same tutorial.  Click here to read/pin that one!

 If you’re not a Silhouette owner yet, I’ve had mine for four years and love it.  The best prices are usually {here}.

Disclosure:  Some of the links used are affiliate links.  You don’t pay a cent more than you would otherwise. Read our full disclosure policy HERE.

 

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