bloglovinBloglovin iconemailfacebookFacebook iconinstagramInstagram iconlinkedinLinkedIn iconpinterestPinterest iconrssRSS iconsoundcloudSoundCloud icontwitterTwitter iconyoutube bananaBanana graphic bananaleafBanana leaf graphic bird-with-leavesBird with leaves graphic blue-chocolate-popsicleBlue chocolate popsicle graphic blue-popsicleBlue popsicle graphic cactus-flower-topCactus w/ flower top graphic cactus-pink-topCactus w/ pink top graphic cactus-yellow-topCactus w/ yellow top graphic cherriesCherries graphic coconutCoconut graphic coffee-cupCoffee cup graphic firecracker-popsicleFirecracker popsicle graphic flamingoFlamingo graphic frozen-bananaFrozen banana graphic kiwi-popsicleKiwi popsicle graphic kiwiKiwi slice lemon-wedgeLemon wedge graphic lime-wedgeLime wedge graphic orange-popsicleOrange popsicle graphic pineapplePineapple graphic pink-chocolate-ice-cream-popPink chocolate ice cream pop grahpic pink-ice-cream-popPink ice cream pop graphic pink-popsiclePink popsicle graphic pink-sundae-conePink sundae cone graphic pink-swirl-conePink swirl cone graphic pizza-slice-basilPizza slice w/ basil graphic pizza-slice-olivesPizza slice w/ olives graphic pizza-slice-onionsPizza slice w/ onions graphic rainbow-swirl-coneRainbow swirl cone graphic rainbow-waffle-coneRainbow waffle cone graphic strawberriesStrawberries graphic strawberryStrawberry graphic sunSun graphic text-helloHello text graphic text-shine-onShine On text graphic text-yayYay text graphic watermelon-largeWatermelon slice (large) graphic watermelon-smallWatermelon slice (small) graphic

This post contains affiliate links. 

Let’s talk leathuhhhhhhhh. Specifically, let’s talk about how the heck you should cut leather using your Cricut Explore…because you should cut leather with your Cricut Explore, you really, really….really should!

Your Cricut Explore will cut over 60 materials, but leather is my fave so today I’m taking you to school and giving you the precise play by play on how to use your machine to cut leather. Follow along and you’ll have everything you need to create your own leather projects  – like a personalized monogram leather keychain. Are you ready? Because craft is now in session!

HOW TO CUT LEATHER WITH CRICUT EXPLORE

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

To cut leather with a Cricut Explore, you’ll need to have:

Before we tackle the technique, here’s a quick rationale for how to cut leather with Cricut Explore. In most cases, with most other materials, you will place the material directly onto the cutting mat. In the case of leather (and other fibrous materials for that matter), do not…I repeat, do not, place your material directly onto the cutting mat. This will quickly ruin the cutting mat and your precious dollars will be wasted.

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

Instead, we’re going to use the Cricut Transfer as a buffer between the leather and the cutting mat. It’s a simple, quick adjustment that will save you money and frustration.

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore |damask love

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

Cut the transfer tape to the size of your leather, then adhere the transfer tape to the back of the leather. Last, place it onto the cutting mat with the transfer tape serving as a buffer.

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

Once you’ve loaded the leather into your machine, be sure to turn the dial to “Custom” where you will then be able to select “Heavy Leather” from the drop down menu.

For my project, I a few leather keychains by using my own fonts along with free shapes from Cricut Design Space. I simply created to letters, mirrored one of the letters, then welded them together with a rectangle shape.

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

Once the cutting is done, you’ll be able to peel back the transfer tape and reveal a clean cutting mat beneath. No more little leather bits ruining your cutting mat!

HOW TO MAKE A LEATHER KEYCHAIN

Now that you’ve cut your leather, it’s time to assemble the keychains!

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

You’ll need:

  • Leather monogram shapes
  • keyrings
  • leather glue
  • bull clips (not pictured)

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

Thread one side of leather monograms through the key ring, then bend the leather in half and glue each side together with leather glue. Use bull clips to hold the sides together until the glue has fully dried.

Last up, is the fun part. Add a little color to your key chains with acrylic leather paint. I created a color-dipped effect by taping off a diagonal strip with washi tape.

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

And now you know how to cut leather with Cricut Explore! So easy – so cool and so fun.

shopthisproject

Keep on crafting with these other posts

74 thoughts on “How to Cut Leather with Cricut Explore

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.