Uploading a Design

When a file is uploaded to the graphic design software or laser operating software, the design will usually come out a different size from the original. You have to be able to scale it back to exactly the proper size. Most cutting plans will have multiple shapes and you will not know the exact dimensions. The best way to avoid any size issues is to always place the shapes on top of a square or rectangle of known size. This square or rectangle can also help you stay within the cutting boundaries of the laser. Even if you are not going to use the full cutting area, make this background shape 0.5 inch larger than the maximum cutting area. When arranging the shapes, leave at least 1/4 inch along all the edges and you will stay within the cutting boundaries. When it is uploaded to the laser operating software, the size is scaled back to the size of the background rectangle or square. The rectangle must be a different color so it will appear as a separate step that can be ignored in the cutting process.

Laser Cut My Quilt Design File Uploads

To keep it simple, all stated shape design sizes are the finished size of the shape. The actual cut size is 0.5 inch larger.

When a shape set is purchased from this shop, you will receive a zip file folder which includes a SVG file(s). Additional information for every shape set is provided under the "Original Designs" tab, including printable pattern information, sewing instructions, shape set information, and coloring pages to plan a quilt. Sewing instructions are also provided as photos for many designs.

SVG file

This is an example of the Tumbler Shape Set. It is available in 4 sizes and includes 4 shapes.

How to customize the SVG file:

SVG file Imported to a
graphic design program

According to the design information under the "Original Design" tab, this design should be scaled to
10" x 10" to make it the correct size in a graphic design program.

Create a cutting plan:

Change the size of the gray rectangle to 20" x 11".
Move the shapes you don't want off the gray rectangle.
Make 3 more copies of the tumbler and turn 2 upside down.
Arrange the shapes with about 1/16 inch space in between.
Leave 1/4 inch around the edges

20" x 11"

Select (highlight) only the shapes on the rectangle and the background rectangle.

Export as SVG

Upload to laser operating software

Scale design to
20" x 11"

It is nearly impossible to rearrange shapes using the laser operating software, so I do not recommend uploading the original SVG file directly to the laser software. Graphic design software is far easier and much faster to use. I keep all my shape designs in the graphic design software and create cutting plans as I need them. I use different design boards for each shape group or quilt pattern. I upload the cutting plan to the laser operating software when I need them and delete them after I'm done. It's always available for upload from my computer files if I need it again.

Tips:

In your graphic design software, turn on the grid feature and set it to 1 inch spacing and 8 or 16 divisions. This is a graph in the background that will help you position shapes.
Turn on the snapping feature. This allows you to lock a node or a shapes into a position on the grid. It can be turned off when you don't want it.
Use the full width of the rectangle and work your way down. I cut my fabric into 20 inch widths. See the section on fabric preparation.
If you are including shapes that are different sizes, place the largest shapes first and work the smaller shapes in around.
Each shape is a layer and there is an order to the layers. You want the gray rectangle to be the lowest layer and the blue shapes above the gray rectangle. If one of the blue shapes is in a layer below the gray rectangle, it will be hidden under the rectangle. You will need the drag the layer above the rectangle layer to see it. When you are ready to export your design, select only the layers you want in that SVG file.
Always be aware of the orientation of the shape and how you want it cut according to the grain or pattern of the fabric. A shape may need to be cut as an inverse orientation (mirror image).
In the laser operating software, position the design in the upper left corner of the ruler grid as close to the zero, zero marks that you can get. You can also use the x,y coordinates to position it.
Set the laser to IGNORE the gray rectangle step.
If you have set up your tray as I recommend in the "Setting Tray Boundaries" section, the fabric will be at the edge of the tape which is roughly the same position as the gray rectangle.

LASER CUT MY QUILT