What can I do with SVG files?

You can purchase pre-designed, frugal SVG files for all kinds of crafts and kids activities (especially if you’re equipped with a Cricut or Silhouette cutting machine)! Here’s a list of project ideas that are easy to complete with an SVG file.

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All of the photos included in this article are actual projects I’ve made with SVG files. Many of the projects below were created using a cutting machine (such as a Silhouette or Cricut).

MAKE YOUR OWN TSHIRTS/APPAREL

• VINYL TSHIRT: Use the SVG to cut heat transfer vinyl (HTV), then apply the HTV to your tshirt. (Don’t forget to mirror the design before you cut it out!)
  • Supplies needed: Cutting machine (such as a Silhouette or Cricut), heat transfer vinyl (I’d suggest Siser Easyweed), blank tshirt or other apparel, heat press or iron (I highly suggest using a heat press to ensure proper adhesion)

• SCREEN PRINTED TSHIRT: Use the SVG to cut a stencil from heat transfer vinyl, then apply the HTV vinyl to a screen with a heat press. Put a trash bag inside your tshirt. Tape off any areas you don’t want the ink to leak through (with painter’s tape), then lay your screen on top of your tshirt. Apply screenprinting ink to the shirt. Let air dry, then heat set in your dryer.
  • Supplies needed: Cutting machine (such as a Silhouette or Cricut), blank tshirt or other apparel, Siser Easyweed HTV – color doesn’t matter, screen printing kit, heat press, screen printing ink, dryer

• PAINTED TSHIRT: Use the SVG to cut a stencil, then apply the stencil to your garment and paint the design. Remove the stencil and throw it away.
  • Supplies needed: Cutting machine (such as a Silhouette or Cricut), tshirt or other apparel, stencil material (I’d suggest 631/651 vinyl – which stick on with adhesive backing or freezer paper – which can be applied to the tshirt with an iron or heat press), fabric paint (or acrylic paint – mix with fabric medium for best results), paint brush

• BLEACHED TSHIRT: Use the SVG to cut a stencil from adhesive vinyl, then put a trash bag inside your dark colored tshirt. Apply the stencil to your garment and spray the design with bleach. Be careful with bleach – I would not use this method indoors or with kids around!
  • Supplies needed: Cutting machine (such as a Silhouette or Cricut), dark colored tshirt or other apparel, 631 or 651 vinyl for stencil, bleach, spray bottle

MAKE YOUR OWN DECOR

• VINYL DECOR: Cut the design from adhesive vinyl, then apply it to a piece of wood, tile, glass, etc for easy home or classroom decor!
  • Supplies needed: Cutting machine (such as a Silhouette or Cricut), item to be decorated (wood, tile, etc), 651 permanent adhesive vinyl, transfer tape

• PAINTED DECOR: Cut the design from temporary or stencil vinyl to make a stencil, then apply the stencil to a piece of wood/tile/glass/etc and paint the design. Remove the stencil and throw it away.
  • Supplies needed: Cutting machine (such as a Silhouette or Cricut), item to be decorated (wood, tile, etc), 631 vinyl or stencil vinyl, transfer tape, paint brush, acrylic paint, mod podge or other sealant (optional)

• PAINTED WOOD ORNAMENT: Cut the design from temporary adhesive or stencil vinyl to make a stencil, then apply the stencil to a wooden ornament and paint the design. Remove the stencil and throw it away.
  • Supplies needed: Cutting machine (such as a Silhouette or Cricut), blank wooden ornament, 631 vinyl or stencil vinyl, transfer tape, paint brush, acrylic paint, mod podge or other sealant (optional)

• GLITTER ORNAMENT WITH VINYL: Decorate the inside of the ornament using glitter or fill it with an object (like beads, small bells, a hospital bracelet, etc). Cut the design from permanent adhesive vinyl, then apply it to the ornament.
  • Supplies needed: Cutting machine (such as a Silhouette or Cricut), blank glass or plastic ornament, decoration for the inside of the ornament, 651 vinyl, transfer tape

• CARVED OR LASER CUT DECOR: Carve or cut out the design into a piece of wood or other material using a CNC machine or laser
  • Supplies needed: wood or other material, CNC machine or laser, paint, paint brush

I hope to make more in-depth tutorials for each of these options eventually, but thought I’d go ahead and give you an overview of a few projects you can complete with SVG files!

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