fbpx

How to make a 3D letter. A full guide with 8 detailed steps.

Making 3D letters is my passion, I love how we can use them either for party decorations or as an excellent addition to our kid’s bedrooms.

The amazing thing about them is the fact that you can personalize them ALL! From the color of them using different cardstock to the front decorating them as you desire.

Isn’t amazing that you can create a personalized item with your own style, color combination, and size?

Yes, it will be amazing, but also, challenging. I know, the process looks confusing, but I promise you that it is not so much. It takes a little practice and you’ll get it.

I post them all the time on my Instagram and Pinterest account and people love them (those are really cute). I always get a lot of questions about it, so, I decided to share with you the steps I take to make them.

First of all, you can buy the templates separately at this link (use the code DOITPAPER to get 10% off), or take my course that not only INCLUDE THE TEMPLATES but also will take you through the software I use to design the letters, which is Cricut Design Space. It’s an amazing option because it contains everything and you can watch the lessons at your own pace with no time limit and the price is already paid with all the tricks I’ll show you that will make you save a ton of money. Here’s the link to get all the information about it!

Link for the course

https://doitpaper-school.teachable.com/p/course-about-3d-letters-in-cricut

Link for just the alphabet (remember to use the code DOITPAPER to get 10% off)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/287160309/3d-square-letters-pack-alphabet-cutting?ref=cart

Anyways, I promise with this article and the templates you’ll be able to make them, so here we go:

Step 1: Get the template ready in your canvas. You have to change the inner lines to score and attach them if you’re using Cricut Design Space. If you’re using Silhouette the file is ready to use up to 6″ tall.

I modified the file (which is included in the course) to make the letters bigger and to have it ready to use in Cricut Design Space without problems.

Step 2: Resize the file. I recommend making the letters 6″ tall, so the file works perfectly. This is the size that I found that is good enough to make long names. For sure, you can make them bigger or smaller, it’s completely up to you.

TIP: If you are working with Cricut Design Space, you’ll need to resize all the pieces together (click in Select All) and keep the lock closed to be sure that all the pieces will be proportionally resized.

Step 3: Cut the file with a cutting machine. If you ask me, I love and recommend the Cricut Explore Air 2 for cutting them. But any other you have works so perfectly as well. You can also cut the file by hand and make the score lines with a butter knife.

Step 4: Fold the tabs. Once your file is already cut and your pieces ready, it is time to fold all the tabs as you see in the picture.

Hint: You can fold them forward or backward, it does not matter.

Step 5: Glue the tabs to the bottom of the letter. Do it carefully to make sure all the tabs are aligned. I use this glue and you can buy it here

Tip: Squish the glue just a little and then spread it to get a perfect finish.

Step 6: Glue the front part of the letter. I like to put the folds up to do this process easier. Also, you can make it all together or first one side of the letter and then the other one. Be patient with this step. It takes time and practice to get it right.

Step 7: Prepare the layers with double-sided foam tape. I love to use this tape to give the front layers a 3D effect and make them stand out. I buy it here in the United States in Dollar Tree stores or Hobby Lobby.

Also, I use these non-stick scissors that are AMAZING, a before and after in my life, with them, you can do more tiny pieces. I truly love it and recommend it. You can buy it here on Amazon.

Step 8: Decorate the layers and put them into the letters. Here is the funny part. Everything will depend on the theme you’re working on, the colors, etc. If you can check the basics of design check my post about it here

I hope you find this article useful. If so, share it with friends and comment in my last post about it 🙂