From EasyDraw to SVG

If you own an Electric Cutting System (such as Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Cameo or Brother Scan N Cut), you have probably figured out that the easiest way to create perfect shapes to cut on your system is having an svg file that includes all your cut shapes.

And if you own Electric Quilt 8, you may also realize that svg is currently not a format that files can be saved in within the program.

I have converted many Electric Quilt designs to an SVG file using another piece of software called Inkscape.  In fact all of my applique pieces for my Critters quilt went through this conversion process and were cut using the Cricut Maker.

Critters Quilt by Kari Schell

What is Inkscape?

The extra piece of software I used for creating the SVGs is Inkscape.  Inkscape is a professional vector graphics editor for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It's free and open source. 

Inkscape can seem overwhelming to use when you open it for the first time. However you only need to use a couple of tools within Inkscape -- so this really is a piece of cake. You can download Inkscape here.

Inkscape will allow you to create an SVG file which may be used in any electronic cutting system (Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio, or Brother Canvas Workspace).

So what is an SVG file?  An SVG file is a graphics file that uses a two-dimensional vector graphic format.  Unlike raster formats such as JPG, GIF, and PNG, an SVG image remains crisp and clear at any resolution or size.

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Creating an SVG File for an EasyDraw Block

I was working on a greeting card yesterday and wanted some diamond shapes cut out of Gold Metallic Specialty Paper.  I knew that I could quickly draft a block in EasyDraw that had my diamonds at exactly the shape and size I wanted.

In the video, I will take you through my process to draft them, convert them to an svg file using Inkscape and then bring them into Cricut Design Space for cutting.

2-1/2 x 2 EasyDraw Block Drawn in Electric Quilt

Best Tips from the Video

Electric Quilt Tips

• Color your block with colors (not fabric).
• Print to a pdf writer.
• Turn off print block and patch outlines.

Inkscape Tips

• Ungroup everything (a couple of times).
• Select each patch and select Path Union.  (This step isn't always necessary -- only if the patches are not complete.  This can be tested with Edit Nodes.)
• Group everything and note the size.
• Save as an svg file.

Cricut Design Space Tips

• Once importing the svg file, resize the group to match the size noted in Inkscape.  (Depending on the latest update, the size may be correct or may not be correct.  So always check.)
• Select attach to keep the placement on the mat consistent with the design.  if you don't care about the placement on the mat, no need to attach.

Here are a couple of cards I created that incorporates these diamonds.  Thanks to Cheri Stojkovich whose You Tube video inspired my card. 

Card Instructions:

1. Cut 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" piece of soft sea foam cardstock.  Fold in half.
2. Cut 1 piece of black cardstock 5-1/4" x 4".
3. Stamp a variety of images from Nature's Prints stamp set on the black cardstock using white ink.  Some of the stamps can be a full strength and others stamp offs.  By stamping a second time you are able to create a lighter image for additional contrast in your card.
4. Emboss the back cardstock for added texture.  I used the Fern 3D Embossing Folder.
5. Cut diamonds from Gold Metallic Specialty Paper.  Glue on card front.
6. Add green ribbon tied with a bow to card.
7. Stamp sentiment on scrap of soft seafoam cardstock and cut around sentiment with Black Memento ink.  Adhere to card with dimensionals.
8. Add 5 rhinestones to card.

Nature's Prints has been my favorite stamp set in the new annual catalog.  Here are a few other cards I created from this set.

If you questions about some of the additional supplies in these cards, feel free to drop me a note.

Excerpt from Annual Catalog highlighting the Sun Prints Suite Collection.

If you would like to order any Stampin Up product through me, I would be happy to provide you a free physical copy of the 2022-2023 annual catalog.  This 185 page catalog is pure eye candy for those of us that love color and crafting.

Use Host Code Q46A2R9H when checking out to receive the catalog.

Purchase your Stampin Up Supplies Here

FYI - When you buy something I recommend, I may get an affiliate commission — but it never affects your price or what I pick.

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Happy quilting.

​Kari

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