Hello Daydreamers!
Today you are going to learn how to make the most gorgeous cake toppers with your Cricut (Maker or Explore) for any occasion.
Not only will I teach you how to make them from scratch in Cricut Design Space, but I will also provide you with over 10+ SVG cake topper templates that will suit all your crafting needs. (Christmas, Wedding, Birthday, Valentines’ Day, etc.)
Ideally, you will read this tutorial from the beginning because as we go, we will be implementing the concepts mentioned in the previews steps.
There are many ways to make cake toppers with your Cricut, and today I am going to teach three different methods that will set you up for success for any cake topper project you want to take on.
In a nutshell, these are the techniques I am going to use through this tutorial.
- Materials you need for any cake topper
- How to Make a cake topper with Fonts
- Making cake toppers with Cricut Images
- Make cake toppers with the Free SVG Templates I provided you with
Note: Since all the cake toppers go through the same cutting and assembly process, I will only cover the cutting process of the first one. (I don’t want to be repetitive)
Are you ready?
Let’s Daydream Into Reality!
Materials for Cricut Cake Toppers
Do you know what is the key to making the most amazing cake toppers?
It’s PAPER!
Paper is something you never want to go cheap on. Especially if you are making a cake topper; because although little, this little piece will often be in the center of your party.
Here’s a list of the materials you’ll need
- Cricut Maker or Explore
- Glitter Cardstock
- Colorful Cardstock for the back of the topper (optional).
- Fine Point Blade
- Cake topper Sticks
- High-Quality Glue (please don’t use cheap or kids glue)
- Standard Green Mat
- Scraper (for cleaning up the mat)
- Brayer (optional, but my favorite tool in the Cricut world)
How to Make Cake Toppers with Cricut Fonts
Something that is a little hard to understand, even for advanced Cricut users, is what is going to fall out after a cut, and what is going to stick together.
When you are making a cake topper, you need to make sure that everything you want stays together.
To teach you this concept we’ll be making a Happy Birthday Topper with letters.
Step 1 – Add and Edit Text
Click on the “Text” button located on the left panel of the Canvas and type in “happy birthday.”
Initially, your text will be Cricut Sans, but since we are working on Party Decoration let’s change the font.
Select the text, and click on “Font” and choose your favorite one. For this tutorial, I picked “A Child’s Year” because it has a good (party) vibe.
Tip: For cake toppers, I recommend you use a thick font because it will stability to your project.
Once you change your font, keep your text selected and go to the top panel on the canvas, click on “Advanced” and select the option “Ungroup to Letters.”
Ungrouping to layers will allow you to edit each letter on its own.
To edit each letter, select it and rotate it, increase the size, and unlock proportions from each one of the corners of the selection.
You can learn more about the text, and how to edit it, in this handy tutorial.
Step 2 – Overlap and Weld Text
It’s time to give shape to the cake topper and to do that we need to organize all letters.
This is the most time-consuming part of the project, but also the most important because it will ensure that all of the letters will remain together after your Cricut cuts the cake topper.
Start by overlapping all letters. I decided to have “happy” on the top, and birthday at the bottom.
You may struggle to join all off the letters. That’s when rotating, and unlocking the proportions of each letter comes in handy. If you pay attention to the screenshot down below, you’ll notice that everything looks different.
The goal here is to have everything connected. Oh! And don’t forget the “tittle”. As you can see I connected the dot (for the letter “i”) with the letter h.
When all of your letters are overlapped, select all of the items you have on the canvas and click on “Weld” (located on the bottom panel) to create a single layer.
Step 3 – Copy and Flip Design
Usually, most cake toppers will have a cute paper on the front and a white plain nothing on the back side.
Well…
Not today my friend!
This thing where you have to place the cake in a certain position to hide the “dark side” of the cake topper will be a thing of the past.
Not only your cake topper will look more beautiful if you have another (or the same paper from the front) paper on the back, but it will also add extra sturdiness to the final project.
In other words, it’s a win-win.
To add a different color on the back of the Topper, duplicate it (top of layers panel), then select one of the copies, click on “Flip” and select the option “Flip Horizontal”
There you have it; the front, and the back of the cake topper.
Step 4 – Resize, Change Color and Make it
At this point, you can change the colors of the cake topper, I decided to go with purple for the front and a rainbow-like color for the back.
Note: Change colors by clicking on the color box next to linetype (you need to select the later first).
Also, and before you cut the design, check the size of your project.
If you need to increase or decrease the size of the project, make sure that the top and front of the topper measure the same.
As a reference, mine ended up being 7 X 4.6 in.
Once you are happy with your design, go ahead and click on the green “Make it” button.
Note: Make sure to select the type of machine (Explore or Maker) you own before you continue the cutting process.
Step 5 – Cutting Process
When you send your project this is the view you should have. There are two mats that represent each material. Although if you decided to have the same color for the front and back you will only have one mat.
If everything looks good, click on the continue button.
It’s time to choose your materials.
Instructions for Cricut Explore: if you have any of the Explore family machines, move the smart set dial of your Cricut to Cardstock Plus.
Instruction for Cricut Maker: if you have a Cricut Maker select your materials from Cricut Design Space by clicking on “Browse All Materials.”
The following instructions apply to both types of machines.
For the tools, you need to install the Fine Point Blade and prepare your mat. Now, let’s move to some real photos so you can see what to do next.
For this project, I will be using a Standard Green Mat, but you can also use a purple mat and place your Cardstock pretty side down.
Place the cardstock on top of the mat and secure it with your hands, scraper, or with my FAVORITE TOOL in the world, the brayer!
If you don’t have one, make the little investment today
After securing the paper to the Mat, load it to your Cricut and press the Flashing Go button to start the cut.
Yay!
When your Cricut finishes the cut, unload the mad and remove the material from it.
The best way to remove the cake topper is by bending the mat and letting gravity do most of the work. (Check the photo right above)
Now, clean up the mat with the Scraper and repeat the same process for the second mat.
For the second cut, I used a different material, so I had to change the material again.
If you are also using another material don’t forget to make the necessary changes, like moving the Smart Set Dial (Explore machine) or changing the material in Design Space if you have a Maker.
Once you have both cuts, it’s time to assemble your Birthday Topper.
Something I always say on all of my posts that use glue is to stay away from kid’s glue. It’s not meant for these projects; they won’t look good because the paper gets wet and bubbly.
I love and always recommend Beacon 3-in-1 advanced glue.
You don’t need to add a whole lot of glue, a little bit goes a long way. Also, as you glue, make sure everything is aligned.
Let the topper dry for a little bit, and turn it around to glue the cake topper stick (I actually used lollipop sticks). The idea is to place the stick in the middle of the design; you want it in a place where you can’t really see it when you are holding it.
Further, in this article, I have some examples of where I had to use two sticks.
Doesn’t it look gorgeous?
I don’t know about you, but this post is already making me hungry for some yummy cake.
Before we continue…
From now on, I will assume you read and understood all of the concepts I just explained, if you are just getting started with your Cricut, I recommend you read before you move on (I don’t want you to get lost).
Making Cake Toppers With Cricut Images
If you are looking for something quick, or even more elaborate, you can use Cricut Images (located on the left panel of the canvas).
Cricut’s library is full (over 100k) of designs for any occasion and you can filter all of them by categories, keywords, etc.
If you are looking for a particular occasion you can type in the word that would describe it best. For instance, I filtered by “wedding” and I got a lot of options.
Here’s the thing, not all images are for cake toppers!
If you want to cut right away with minimal editing you need to find an image where all letters look overlapped (just as we overlapped the birthday topper).
Down below you have some examples of the cake toppers you can make.
Although, the selection is big for you to make cake toppers; there’s going to be a time where you like an image that’s no ready!
Like the image, I selected on the screenshot right above. As you can see, everything is separated.
Don’t despair though, if that’s what you want, let me show you how to make a simple image from design space into a cake topper
Step 1: Insert the image to the canvas area.
Step 2: Duplicate (copy/paste) until you have three copies. Note: if you have more lines of text or elements that are scattered you need to have more copies.
Step 3: Use the contour tool (bottom of the Layers panel) to only show the first line of each design.
For the “about” part, you don’t need to contour, but to delete or hide the pink layer underneath.
If you don’t know how to use contour, check out my tutorial.
Step 4: Make the different elements into a cake topper by overlapping each line (wild, about, u).
Step 5: Select all lines and click on “Weld” to have all items in one single layer.
I decided to add an extra touch of creativity with glitter!
Don’t you think it makes the cake topper pop up? How cute will this topper look on a romantic Valentine’s date?
I use a patterned paper for the back. I would pick something else for next time, but it looks ten times better than a boring white background.
Free SVG Cake Toppers
As I promised. here are the free SVG cake toppers that you can use for any of your personal projects.
Please don’t share them on any social media like Facebook groups or the “Public” option in Cricut Design Space. If you want to share them with someone, why not share this link so they can access them as well?
To save them click on the buttons down below. They can only be saved from a Desktop Computer
Before you download, support my work by following me on Instagram and subscribing to my Youtube Channel.
If you want to follow along for the last technique (my favorite) save the “Love SVG” to your PC.
Oh! And just so you know, I also have a FREE growing library with tons of printables and SVG files ready to be cut.
I would love for you to be able to get access to all of them. It’s 100% Free for my daydreamers (aka subscribers) check out a live preview here, or get access here.
Let’s roll!
Making Cake Toppers with Uploaded SVG files
After saving the “Love” file to your computer, log in to Design Space and when you are on the canvas go to the Upload option (located on the left panel) and click on “Upload Images.”
Follow the prompts that Design Space brings up, and once your image is saved, you can see it in Recently uploaded images; select it and click on “Insert Images.”
Duplicate the image, and flip horizontally one of the copies for the back of the topper.
For this cake topper, I want to teach you how to add a beautiful embellishment effect.
Duplicate the front of the topper again and add a square to the canvas (shapes are located on the left panel) and unlock the proportions to form a rectangle.
Have the rectangle cover the lower part of the word love like I show you in the screenshot below.
After placing the rectangle on the half-bottom of the word select it along with the rectangle and click on “Slice.”
Move all of the “Slice Result” pieces and keep one of the “lower” cuts, and delete the rest of the piece.
Change the colors before you send the project to cut. I went with bright and dark pink.
Look how the extra decoration looks when we place it on top of the front of the topper.
When you are happy with the colors, and size, click on “Make it.”
Fast forward…
Look how elegant and fine this Love Cake Topper looks.
More Cake Topper Ideas to Make with your Cricut
Look at all these other possibilities you have when making Cake Toppers with your Cricut.
Are you planning a baby shower? Look qt this “It’s a Girl” Topper.
Tip: Materials that are strong and double-sided like Metallic Posterboard are also great for this type of project. (you don’t need to make a backside cut)
Look at the “It’s a Boy” topper. To give good stability to the topper I had to use two sticks.
Isn’t it adorable?
For birthdays you can also use the age of the birthday (girl or boy) like this “One Cake Topper”
It’s simple, but also elegant.
Check out how the paper you choose for your projects can make the difference!
Wouldn’t this ‘Yay!” Topper look great on a luau cake.
Let’s not forget about Christmas!
Look how I used some of the SVG Files I provided you with to create two different styles.
The first “Merry Christmas Topper” has a background made with Green Corrugated Paper, and the second topper is made of glitter cardstock only.
BEAU – TI – FUL
Last but not least!
If you are getting married or helping a friend with her wedding, make sure you use your Cricut to make a Wedding Cake Topper!
The “Ever After” topper is in Cricut Design Space under the code #M10842C2. The “Mr & Mrs. Cake Topper” is available to download on this post (in the Free SVG Files section).
Aren’t they all super cute?
Sharing is Caring
Did you like these Cake Toppers?
I really hope you feel encouraged to make the most beautiful toppers for your parties and gatherings.
Do you know that it takes me around 15 hours of work to complete a single Cricut article? I know, it’s crazy! But I like to make sure that you understand EVERYTHING!
I would appreciate your support on Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Facebook as I am trying to grow my audience so I can keep producing great content!
Sonia M Reyes says
I’m new in Cricut, this is amazing. Thanks a lot for sharing. I am learning with you.
Catalina says
You’re very welcome!
Nathalie says
Thank you so much for this! i enjoyed every bit of it!
Catalina says
You’re welcome 🙂
Sara says
I’ve had my Cricut for about 6 mos and it’s SO intimidating! This is the first tutorial I’ve come across of yours. Most people are visual learners so a majority of Cricut tutorials are videos. That does NOT help me! I learn by reading then doing, so I LOVE the way you teach! Thank you! I look forward to learning more.
Catalina says
Very happy to hear! I know you’ll become an expert in no time!
Emma says
Hi Catalina. These look great. I really want to make cake toppers using glitter card. Does it leave glitter in your machine? I mostly use it for tshirts and am worried it’ll get left in the vinyl. Thanks, Emma
Catalina says
Your mat will get full of glitter and your blade as well (clean after cutting it). However, your vinyl will be fine, glitter won’t stick to it!
Hazel says
Super easy to follow and beautifully made. I am wondering how do you create the backgrounds like the Merry Christmas on the cursive fonts? Do you/ could you offer a tutorial on that?
Catalina says
I do it on Adobe Illustrator. I do have a tutorial on how to do the outlines if you don’t have Illustrator.
Maddie says
Hi, are you using the same glue to apply the glitter? If not, what glue are you using?
Catalina says
same glue!
Oginni felicia says
I really Love your work, i wish to start up this cake topper business. But i don’t no how to get the materials
Catalina says
That’s a great business! You go to Michael’s and go to the paper section! They have tons of materials. Glitter cardstock, regular cardstock, etc! There you’ll also find the sticks! I hope this helps 🙂
Abimbola says
Hi, this is Abimbola from Nigeria. I want to learn how to make cake Toppers ,l read through the instructions and I discovered l need to get tools and materials, please how can l get them and what is the cost.Thank you .
Catalina says
I don’t know how to get them in Nigeria as I live in the USA. But maybe you can open an Amazon account and have them shipped to PO Box and then ship to you?
Nikhita Parmar says
Hey!
Love the svg files! I was wondering what font was on the “happy birthday” green svg file as I want to add a name after it?
Thanks!
Catalina says
You’re welcome 🙂 The font is called “Masterblush.” Buy it on Creativefabrica.com it’s the best license!
Nancy I Velez- Mojica says
Great tutorial!!! How do I get free SVG templates. Thanks!!
Catalina says
you can download them from the article itself!
Amber says
Hello,
I think your toppers are very beautiful! I have started to make some myself and this post helped me out a lot!!
I was wondering how you cut out the green background for the Merry Christmas topper.
Thanks
Catalina says
I made the outline in Illustrator. However, you can check this tutorial where I cover how to make outlines without any software or app.
Amber says
thank you. I will read that tutorial now.
Magdalena says
Hello I’m new to cricut and would like to understand the love topper a little more… How does it print two tone or am I putting two different cardstock to get the effect? Thank you
Catalina says
You are cutting two different layers and then gluing them to add the effect! 🙂
Shellie Stasche says
This is genius – thank you for sharing!
Catalina says
You’re welcome 🙂
Taren Robinson says
Catalina,
On the Christmas and yay! Toppers how did you get the back layer to be larger than the words? It seems to add a bit of depth to the topper and I like that look. I am new to Cricut and love your videos. Your channel is one of my favorites.
Catalina says
Hi Taren,
I did this in Adobe Illustrator.
Katy says
Can you give a tutorial for that one in illustrator please.
Catalina says
I don’t have one yet, but I’ll try to make a video for one soon!