Cricut Helpers! Paper Piecing and Layers!

What I’ve Learned About Paper Piecing and Layering Cuts

I looked a long time at the Happily Ever After and Dreams Come True carts before I made any of the cuts – they looked so good, but also really complicated! Yes, the cartridge handbook has a detailed explanation of the cuts – but I’ve learned over time that some people can read directions (like me) and some people aren’t so good at that – they have to see it, or hear the directions (like my Mom). I’m also including pics with this explanation so you have a good set of visuals.


When I got the courage up, I jumped right in and learned a few things about cutting Disney characters - order matters! I make lots of cards for a project on the Cricut Message Board called Cards for Soldiers, so I’ve cut LOTS of these characters.


First, if you’re cutting a lot of one shape, set up an assembly line so you can glue the pieces while the next set are cutting on your bug. For example, if you’re cutting Ariel – cut the shadow and set it aside.
Cut out the base piece, the cut with the guide lines to show you where to glue the other color cuts. Then cut out the hair (I also cut the lips from the same red) and glue it down to the base while you are cutting the flesh tones.
Glue down the flesh cuts while cutting the white layer. Cut the eyes while gluing the white layer. You will layer the blue iris over the whites of the eyes.
Finally, cut the outfit layer and glue down. When you have your Ariel (or other princess) finished – glue down the shadow.
I know it doesn’t really seem like you need it, but it does make a difference having that extra black border around the character.


Ariel’s shadow - I always cut these first, and set them aside so when I’m finally finished with all the color layers, I can finish them in a snap and glue the shadow without waiting for it to cut.

Ariel’s base cut with the hair and lips - if you look closely, you can see the guide lines to show where to place your cut pieces.

Ariel’s flesh tone layer -



Ariel’s white layer – there’s usually more white on the Disney characters, but her white layer are only the whites of her eyes. Isn’t she looking better!

Ariel’s eye layer (yes, they’re teeny tiny) - tweezers can be your friend!




Ariel’s outfit layer –

Notice the difference with the shadow when it’s glued on the back!
Next time – how to use your computer to see all those eensy, weensy, teeny, tiny, little pieces - without getting a headache!

Until next time,

Susan Vilar

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