Customization Made Easy: Master Vinyl Plotting Techniques
Master the steps and unlock the power of customization
Vinyl plotting is popular among hobbyists and professionals alike. Learn to create designs, optimize your file for cutting, weed to remove excess vinyl and to reveal your design, and the basics of application for both Adhesive Vinyl and Heat Transfer processes. Use vinyl plotting to make custom stickers, professional branding, stencilling, and home decor. It can also be used to make apparel using heat-transfer vinyl (HTV) to transfer designs onto clothing, tote-bags, or other fabrics. Sign up today and start crafting custom vinyl projects with confidence!
Vinyl Plotting for Signage, Labels, and Decor
Vinyl plotting is a precise and versatile technique used to cut intricate designs from vinyl sheets. Whether you’re making custom decals, signage, or decorative stickers, vinyl plotting allows you to create professional-quality graphics with ease. By using a computer-controlled blade, a vinyl cutter follows your digital design to produce clean, accurate cuts. Temporary vinyl can last up to 3 years for indoor use, and Permanent vinyl may last up to 8 years for outdoor application. Vinyl works best on all flat surfaces, including walls, windows, mugs, and more!
Personalize Apparel, Totes, and anything Cotton
Using Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), you can create designs in any digital vector drawing sofware such as Adobe Illustrator, VCarve Pro, or Inkscape (free) to press into T-Shirts, Tote-bags, Hats, and other fabrics! Create meaningful handmade gifts with the vinyl plotter and heat press! Vinyl t-shirts made with Siser HTV can last up to 100+ washes. We will go over basic t-shirt care so you can make sure your designs last longer!
Upcoming Vinyl Plotting Classes
Vinyl Plotting Class Details
Duration: 3 hour Classes – Check in up to 15 minutes before the start time
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00pm (please note: depending on the participants, the class may run late and exceed 3 hours)
Maximum # of Participants: 4
Difficulty: Beginner
Prerequisites: Basic computer literacy (how to use a computer, browse the internet, etc.) required. 2D CAD experience, drawing with other vector programs like Illustrator or Inkscape is a plus!
**Please note registration closes 1 week prior to class** Feel free to reach out to us via [email protected] to see if there is any availability.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the class for sign-in and to ensure it starts on time, those arriving late will not be able to attend. In the event of low registration, the class will be canceled and participants registered will be rescheduled to an alternate class date.
Safety First!
- Participants must be wearing closed toed shoes, and tie back long hair!
Not a member? If you love the class and want more shop time we offer great incentives for new members on the day of the workshop.
Instructor: Patricia Lin
Patricia is a hands on maker and designer at Maker Cube in Langley, BC. Her creative path started with miniatures and grew into a love for woodworking. She graduated from Langara College’s Design Formation Program, a two year multidisciplinary program that spans retail display, exhibition design, graphics, and web. For the past five years, she has taught woodworking at Maker Cube, blending design thinking with practical shop skills and helping makers across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley build safely and confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the vinyl plotting class beginner-friendly?
Yes – perfect for first-timers. Aside from basic computer literacy, no previous experience is required. We start at the beginning and get you hands-on quickly with basic design and vinyl plotter operation.
Can I eat during the vinyl plotting class?
Lidded water bottles are welcome. Please keep food out of machine areas to maintain a clean, safe laser cutting environment. Quick snacks are okay in our reception area before/after class.
What should I bring with me?
Think about a design you want to put on your project! This can be for a personalized gift, a logo, or something for yourself!
What software do we use for vinyl plotting? Can I bring my own files?
We use LightBurn. You’re welcome to bring vector files (SVG, AI, DXF, or PDF) and high contrast raster images (PNG/JPG) on a USB stick to personalize your class project. We’ll show you how to prep the file for the vinyl plotter.
What materials can I run on the vinyl plotter?
Great candidates for laser cutting include acrylic, plywood, MDF, cardboard, cork, mylar, and more. We can engrave many natural materials and mark coated metals (e.g., anodized aluminum). We do not cut PVC/vinyl, fiberglass, unknown plastics, or materials that emit toxic fumes. When in doubt, ask us first.
Materials for class will be provided, your choice of acrylic or MDF.
How big can we cut? What’s the work area?
We’ll cover bed size, focus, and fixturing during class. If you have a specific project in mind, bring approximate dimensions and we’ll help you plan a laser cutting approach (including tiling or nesting when appropriate).
Will this certify me to use the laser cutter independently?
Yes—successful completion satisfies our laser cutting orientation. After class and registration of membership, you’ll be able to book and use the laser under our standard shop policies (membership or day-use options available).
What is the minimum age limit for the laser cutting class?
This class is designed for adults. Reach out if you’re inquiring about a mature teen—we can advise on suitability and supervision requirements.
Where are you located?
We are located at Maker Cube, 5947 206A Street, Langley, BC, in the heart of the Fraser Valley.
Conveniently positioned in Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, our makerspace is easily accessible from Coquitlam, New Westminister, White Rock, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Mission, Surrey, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack. Maker Cube serves local artists, entrepreneurs, and creators from Agassiz to West Vancouver with studios, shared space, and community workspace opportunities.
Where can I park?
Maker Cube’s parking lot has ample space available. Should the lot reach capacity, there is additional street parking along 206A St.
How early should I arrive?
Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in and complete the waiver so we can start on time.
What if I’m late?
Safety instructions are covered at the very beginning of the class. Those who are arriving late may not be admitted to the workshop if they have missed this.
How do I cancel or reschedule a Laser Cutting class?
Refunds or credit for future classes will only be provided if we are notified by email to [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance of the class. No refunds will be provided for late cancellation, and a re-booking fee of 50% of the cost of the class will be applied to reschedule a class.
Processing fees are not refunded.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes—gift cards are available and can be used toward this beginner woodworking class.
You can purchase a digital giftcard by clicking here, or you can purchase a physical card at our front desk.