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DIY Spice Jar Labels with your Cricut | Free SVG Templates

Hello Daydreamers!

In today’s tutorial, you will learn how to make spice jar labels with your Cricut Maker, Explore, and Joy!

There are many techniques you can use to personalize spice jars.

You can use writable vinyl and Cricut pens, Print then Cut, Chalkboard vinyl, etc.

After much thought, I decided to teach you how to personalize them with adhesive vinyl.

This tutorial is full of cool Cricut tips you may not know yet, like creating weeding boxes to weed vinyl easier and transferring vinyl to the surface using the hinge method, so your design is in the right spot 100% of the time.

To make your life easier, I am providing you with 12 different FREE SVG templates that will help you make spice labels for pretty much any spice you can think of.

Oh, and I also have a PDF with most spices in case you decide to use a different font. I know you can type them, but why do that when you can easily copy and paste.

Tip: This tutorial builds upon the skills I teach in every step, so if you’re just starting with your machine, I suggest you read/follow each step.

spice jar drawer decorated with Cricut
Let’s make this project together!

In a nutshell, these are the topics I will be covering in today’s tutorial.

  • Materials
  • Prep work
  • How to upload and resize the spices labels
  • Cutting process
  • Transfer process using the hinge method
  • Spice transfer tips
  • Free SVG Space Labels Template.

Are you ready?

Let’s Daydream Into Reality

Materials

  • Cricut Machine (Joy, Explore, Maker)
  • Green or Blue Mat
  • Spice Jars
  • Funnel
  • Adhesive Vinyl (I used white because it looks great against all the different spice colors. Make sure to use a high contrast color).
  • Transfer Tape
  • Regular tape
  • Scraper
  • Weeder
  • Brayer (super recommend it)
  • Free SVG (download at the end of this article, NO EMAIL required).

Before you get your spice jars, let’s talk a little bit about the things you need to look for so they fit your needs.

I picked some spice jars from Amazon that had the pour/sift shaker lid because I like to be able to sprinkle spices as I cook. I can also remove the sift lid easier if I want to use a measuring spoon.

When picking the right jars, I also chose them based on the smoothness. Some jars, like “mini mason” have texture, and that can get in the way of placing the label, and it will look weird to me.

I also find the spice jars I bought look pretty much identical to some at Target and Walmart, so if I get a new spice one day, I don’t need to rebuy an entire set, but I can remove the label from the new jar and add vinyl to it.

cayenne vinyl label and spice jar

But what I prefer, it may not be what you prefer.

What do you like?

There are so many options to choose from. I was very close to pick these jars as well. I bought just a few just to show you how cute they are.

onion powder label on spice jar.

Funny thing, most spice jars will come with labels.

You could use those…

NOT!

I am sure if you have a Cricut you want to add your own touch.

spice jar box
Spice Jar Box

For this project, I decided to use permanent vinyl because I use my spices all the time, and I feel removable vinyl would come off easier.

Prep Work

Before you start your project in Cricut Design Space, there’s some prep work you need to do!

It’s a good idea to wash your spice jars thoroughly.

You never know where those things have been before, and since you’re placing spices in them, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

I placed jars and sift lids in the dishwasher, but the covers I washed with soapy water because they had a lining that didn’t seem dishwasher safe to me.

How to Make Spice Jar Labels in Cricut Design Space

Making spices in Cricut Design Spice is very easy.

You need to consider the size of your jar and the overall sizing of your spices.

Don’t worry, I will touch on this, when it’s time.

Upload Images

Pick (at the end of this tutorial) your favorite template, and click on the “Upload” button on the left canvas area. Click on “Upload Image” and follow all the prompts.

uploading files in cricut design space

The new image will be under “Recent Uploads.”

Select it on the canvas, then click on “Insert Images.”

Organize and Resize Images

I picked the first template because I love how lovely this font is, plus it’s easy to read and weed.

IMPORTANT: This is a large project with a lot of steps. Make sure to “Save” every five minutes or so. Cricut doesn’t have an autosave for now.

Organizing the file will take you a little bit of time, but, as always, I have a frustration-proof methodology.

First, select the file on the canvas and click on “Ungroup.”

You will notice that the spice letters aren’t on a single layer. So there’s a lot to do.

Start by deleting the spices you don’t have or aren’t interested in buying later on. I tried to include the most common spices in this list, so, most likely, you’ll have to delete some of them.

Also, sorry if there’s a repeated one here and there.

Drag your mouse to select the entire spice you want to delete. Make sure to include the dots for the “i” letters too.

Don’t move any of the other spices yet.

editing spice labels (FREE SVG) in Cricut Design Space.

Now it’s time time to consolidate all the individual letters into a single word.

To do that, select the letters of each spice, then click on “Weld,” located at the Layers panel’s bottom.

You will notice many spices have two words (onion powder, mustard seeds, curry powder, etc.). For those spices, you need to weld every single word and then attach them.

welding and attaching spices in cricut design space

For instance, for “Baking Soda,” I know it’s not a spice, but I keep it in my spice drawer, so I put it on the list.

Weld the word “Baking,” then weld “Soda,” then select them both and click “Attach” next to the “Weld” tool in Design Space.

You can see how it looks in the screenshot right above.

I know this seems a lot, but trust me, you want to resize all spices simultaneously.

Look at the following screenshot.

aligning in cricut design space

Zoom out (bottom left corner of the canvas) as much as you can in Cricut Design Space, then select one of the spices and bring it all the way to the top, then move another spice all the way to the bottom.

Depending on the number of spices you decide to keep, you may have to scroll down and move the spice further down.

Ready for the cool part?

Click on “Select All” on the top menu to select all of the spices in the canvas, then click on “Align” and select “Align Left,” then “Distribute Vertically.”

Voila!

All your spices will be organized.

Now it’s time to resize them.

I don’t know about you, but I like my spices to all have the same size. But things get a little confusing when you have such a small place to work like a tiny “Spice Jar.”

This step depends on the size of your jar and where you plan to place your spice.

For instance, according to my spice jars and the location where I wanted to place the labels, I decided the max size for them had to be 2.2 x 1.2 inches (give or take).

You can resize each spice individually, but I prefer to do it in bulk.

To size, everything simultaneously, select the longest single-word spice you have on the list and move it to the top.

For me it was “Lemongrass;” then click on “Shapes” and drop a square on the canvas area and resize according to the max-width.

My square was 2.2” x 2.2”

adding a square in cricut design space

Now, zoom out again, select the spices, click on “Group” located at the top of the Layers panel, and then move them right underneath the square.

Since the spices are grouped, you can resize them all at the same time from the lower right corner of the selection.

grouping spices in cricut design space

The only thing you need to do is to resize your top spice “Lemongrass” to the same width of the square.

You may have to scroll up and down because it’s a big list, but once you finish, all spices will be perfectly sized.

resizing spices in cricut design space

Delete the square, ungroup all the spices and let’s finish up organizing our project.

Pretty much all the two-word spices will be larger than 2.2 inches. However, some like “All Purpose” and “Pumpkin Pie” are just the right fit.

To finish resizing, move large spices to the right.

organizing spices in cricut design space

Remember we previously welded every single word and then attached them?

This was the reason.

Go through the spices you need to resize. Then, detach and organize them, as you see in the screenshot below.

aligning text in cricut design space

You can align center, to the left, or to the right.

Once you finish aligning them, you can either weld (if you want something permanent) or attach them again.

I also decided to change the color to white because it’s the color I picked for the project.

Tip: Check how I deleted the word “Powder” from “Madras Curry” the size would’ve been larger in height than 1.2 inches. I rather have my labels all the same size and visible. But you can also resize according to a two-word spice.

changing colors in cricut design space

Your spices are ready to be cut, and you could click on “Make it” but, if you do, all the spices will be next to each other.

This is ok, if you have experience cutting and weeding adhesive vinyl. But if you’re just getting started, I recommend create weeding boxes.

Make a Weeding Box in Cricut Design Space

Adhesive vinyl is so sticky that some of the adhesive can accidentally touch and lift areas that you need to stay put when you’re weeding.

The best way to prevent this is by making a weeding box.

Since this a big project and the sizing needs to be perfect, we need to have a guideline for the cutting mat.

From shapes, drop a square and resize it to 11.5 x 11.5 inches (That’s the largest cut the Cricut can make in 12×12 mat).

Right-click on the square and send it to the back so you can place all the spices.

adding a mat template in cricut design space

Place all the spices on the mat guideline in groups of four to ten spices. For simplicity, I was planning on using a 12×12 vinyl sheet.

I understand vinyl is an expensive material, so you can take the time to save as much space as you want. Just make sure you leave enough space in between the groups for the weeding boxes.

Tip: If you have the Cricut Joy, take advantage of Smart Materials. You can make a large rectangle that fits all your spices with a 4.5 width (Max cutting W for smart materials).

adding a cut line in cricut design space

To make the weeding box, click on “Shapes” and click on “Score,” then select the score line on the canvas and change the Operation from “Score” to “Basic Cut.”

Duplicate the line until you have four identical copies and then rotate them until you form a square like the screenshot below.

Tip: To turn in increments of 45-degree angles, rotate from the shape in the canvas holding shift at all time.

One you have the square, select four lines and click on “Attach.”

creating a weeding box in cricut design space

Make as many copies or duplicates of the weeding box and place them on top of each spice group.

If you need to modify the proportions, select the square and click on the top menu’s little lock.

resizing weeding box in cricut design space

Once you finish placing all weeding boxes, delete the mat preview, select everything on the canvas and click on “Attach.”

attaching and sending project to cut.

Ready to cut?

Cut Spice Labels

Look how organized that mat preview looks. Trust me. It’s going to be so much easier to weed.

If things look out of place check you attached everything.

spice jar preview cutting mat

Click on “Continue.”

You must select the right type of vinyl. Cricut has so many adhesive vinyl types that if you choose the wrong type, you’ll waste your materials.

If you’re using a new brand of vinyl you’ve never worked with before, I recommend you do a test cut.

  • For Cricut Maker and Cricut Joy, select material from Design Space
  • For the Cricut Explore (the one I used), move Smart Set Dial to custom and choose the material from Cricut Design Space.
selecting material for spice jar labels in cricut design space

When I cut vinyl, I always set the pressure to “More” I feel it’s easier to weed.

Let’s see the mat in the following steps.

Load Mat to Cricut

Place vinyl sheet on mat pretty side up. Since this is adhesive vinyl, there’s no reason to mirror it.

Use the brayer to smooth out vinyl. You don’t want any bubbles. If you don’t have a brayer, you can use the scraper.

Load mat, and click on the flashing go button.

When your machines is done cutting, unload mat and weed.

Weed Spice Labels and Add Transfer Taper

It’s time to weed!

I like to start with the weeding boxes. Weed at a 45-degree angle. It truly makes it easier.

Before you start weeding an area, check if you have dots or tiny pieces that can come off when you’re removing those big pieces of vinyl.

weeding spice labels

Tip: Don’t remove material from the mat, instead, remove material from mat by bending it.

Once you’re done weeding and removing the sheet from the mat, it’s time to add transfer tape to the vinyl sheet.

You can reuse transfer tape, but I prefer to work in bulk; the other way around will take three times longer.

Line some of the transfer tape to the weeded vinyl sheet, take your time.

Use the scraper to get the transfer tape to adhere to the vinyl. Then cut each spice individually.

I recommend you cut the spice very close to the edges; this will help you align the spice to the jar.

Also use the scraper, on each individual cut to attach label to transfer tape.

Prep Surface

Before we transfer the vinyl to the spice jars, there’s a little prep work to do again.

Wash your hands very well, so you don’t have extra oils.

Wipe the jar with an alcohol wipe, and with a small ruler or and a dry erase marker, draw a guide of where you want to place the label.

I wanted to place them on the bottom right corner.

Fun fact: Can you believe I couldn’t find a small ruler and I had to use a lego?

Transfer Using Hinge Method

It’s time to transfer!

I know transferring vinyl can be intimidating. It’s like you are holding your breath and hoping everything goes right.

And sometimes, even if you measure right, it’s just hard to keep a steady hand.

Well…

Do a happy dance because the method you’re going to use will work 100%. Your vinyl labels will be perfect, no need to hold your breath.

Step 1: place a piece of tape at the end of the spice label and tape it along with the guideline you drew with the dry erase marker.

Step 2: lift transfer tape about halfway through, ensuring vinyl is attached to it. If not, use the scraper and repeat.

Step 3: Cut the backing sheet that was left over after lifting the vinyl with transfer tape.

Step 4: bring transfer tape to the spice jar and use your fingers or scraper to attach the glass’s initial part.

Step 5: Remove tape from the edge of the vinyl, flip label, and remove the rest of the backing sheet.

Step 6: Place remaining transfer tape on spice jar.

Step 7: Use scraper to adhere vinyl to spice jar label.

You could remove transfer tape now, but I suggest you wait until you place the spices inside the jars, so they don’t get dirty.

Work in Bulk

This project can take a while!

It’s better to work in bulk, wipe clean with alcohol, draw guides and do the hinge method.

They look so cute!

Transfer Spices to Jars

It’s time to transfer the spices to the jars.

Just like I did with the transferring and cutting process, I like to be the most efficient.

Set a station with all the spices (they can be in the box where you bought them), a damp cloth, a little box with the main and sifter lids, and a plate to catch any spills.

Bonus points if you have counter space to do this project right where your spices are located.

Don’t get them all out, it will make things hard to find.

placing spices inside spice jars.

Select an empty jar from the box I got, “Red Pepper Flakes,” then open the drawer where you have your spices and get out the matching one.

Using the funnel, transfer to the new jar.

Some spices don’t stick to the funnel, but other ones like turmeric, curry, and cumin.

Use a damp cloth to clean the funnel and wait a couple of seconds for it to dry out. You may need more than a washcloth. I used like 3.

Wipe and Remove Transfer Tape

Wipe down (with a new washcloth) the jar to remove any leftover spice and then remove the transfer tape.

Most likely, the dry erase marker for the guide will be there. Don’t forget to wipe down clean.

This is by far one of the best projects I’ve made so far with my Cricut.

I love it!

Final Result – Spice Jar Drawer

Look at all those spices!

Every time I open that drawer it makes me want to cook.

spice drawer jar

I can’t wait to start making all sorts of recipes with them!

Before & After

Do you see the mess I had?

Make sure to tag me on Instagram (don’t forget to hit that follow button) if you decide to make this great project.

Spice Jar Labels – Free SVG Templates

It’s time to choose your favorite spice jar labels!

There are six types of fonts and two different files per font. One of the files contains different presentation types a spice may come (dried, pods, sticks, blend, granulated, etc.)

If the file with all the spices doesn’t have all you need because you have Granulated Garlic, Garlic Powder, etc., you can mix and match the main file to create your master spice list.

To download the file(s), you NEED to be on a desktop or laptop, and you must click on the button to trigger a download file on your PC.

Depending on your browser settings, your PC sometimes asks where to save the file, although most files will be in your download folder.

If the image opens in a new window (this may happen because of your browser settings), right-click on it, select the option “Save Image As,” and choose where you want to save the file.

SVG files look like web page files when you download them.

Oh!

And just so you know, I also have a library full of free SVG files and Printables for all my subscribers, a.k.a Daydreamers. You can see a preview right here or get access by filling out this form.

There are some hand-lettered files as well.

Nonetheless, there are harder to weed, and if you want to place your labels horizontally on the jars, it may take you longer, and in my experience, many details are lost.

Share it!

Do you know it takes me over 25 hours to complete a single Cricut article? I know it’s wild! But I like to make sure that you understand EVERYTHING!

I would appreciate your support on Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / as I am trying to grow my audience to keep producing great content!

Sandra Friend

Sunday 30th of October 2022

I am having trouble with the svg template. I downloaded it and saved it to the mat but it won't let me highlight and delete. Not sure what I did wrong.

Your first set of labels

Friday 19th of August 2022

Your first set of labels (green) can you tell me the font name? I have more labels to make that aren't listed :)

Catalina

Thursday 29th of September 2022

Alimentary!

Hayley

Sunday 5th of June 2022

Hi... thanks so much for these I have really learnt a lot from you since getting my Cricut it's so helpful thank you! Just wondering which is the pink font and where can I get it - need to add a few more spices, thank you! :)

Catalina

Monday 6th of June 2022

It's called SCAT CAT

Sue

Wednesday 20th of April 2022

Hello,thank you so much for this tutorial and sharing the svg's! I was wanting to order the spice jars and would like to order through your site so you get a percentage...there isn't a link...I hovered over the material list you have, but the only thing that is linkable is the Cricut products...thank you!

Catalina

Friday 20th of May 2022

That's so sweet of you! I have to update the article. There are so many options on Amazon that I like people to explore more beyond what I used.

Tina

Monday 14th of March 2022

Any chance you could tell me the name of the yellow font?

Catalina

Wednesday 18th of May 2022

It's called Cookie Kids font and you can find it on Creative Fabrica.