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An Introduction To Tracing In Your Silhouette Software

Nikki · February 28, 2013 · 83 Comments

Being able to trace designs in your cutting system’s software is one of the key features. At first, when you’re using a lot of pre-purchased designs or files that come free with your machine, you may not understand why. But once you start to venture out into the world of your own designs…tracing becomes so important.

With some practice, you can easily turn any file type, into a cuttable file…including things like your kids drawings, which hint, hint, hint…give you endless inspiration for teacher gifts, grandparents gifts, etc.!

Below I have a quick video tutorial for you that shows how to use the trace feature to edit designs. (Again, it can be tricky to get the hang of. Give yourself time to practice! You’ll soon see why it’s one of my favorite features to use!)

Nikki, In Stitches

PS…For another project using the trace feature, take a peek at my garden markers here. With warm weather (hopefully) around the corner, it’s perfect timing to start prepping for planting!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Crafts, Freebies, Gadgets, Giveaway, Paper Crafts, Parties, Silhouette CAMEO

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heather Stanley says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:40 am

    I have not used one of these but I so would love to!! The first thing I’d make is b-day invites for my babies b-day comming right up!!!

    Reply
  2. Josie says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Eeekkk, I would love a cameo, I’ve been wishing for one for so long! Thank you for the opportunity.

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:46 am

    I’d absolutely love a Silhouette machine! Then I could take your online classes with all the cool kids! : )

    Reply
  4. Maneesha Pradhan says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:47 am

    I have not used it but seems to have so many features that I would love to incorporate. Would make my party giving easier for sure.

    Reply
  5. Tammy says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:49 am

    I would love to win this. I would use it for, ahem, business & only a little at home 🙂
    I ADORE your a wooden spoons, soo beyond adorable. My garden needs those!

    Reply
  6. Debra Fike says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:50 am

    I LOVE Nikki in Stitches and the Silhouette machine!! Would love to have a Portrait. The flexibility and many, many uses for the machine are awesome!!

    Reply
  7. Meg Karetny says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:50 am

    Since I just moved, my head is spinning with new home decor ideas I’ve seen on the Silhouette pages & of course all over Pinterest. Thanks for the chance to win Nikki 🙂

    Reply
  8. Nikki says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:53 am

    I am so excited for one of you to win this!!
    Good luck to all of you!
    You just have to promise to send pics of whatever you make first!
    XOXO

    Reply
    • Sara says

      March 1, 2013 at 9:54 am

      I have not used the Silhouette but I have seen a demo and have wanted one ever since. It cut like butter and the first thing I would do if I won was cut some intricate flourishes just to see what she could do 🙂

      Reply
  9. Sherri Caramico says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:53 am

    I would LOVE to win this amazing machine – I have an old diecut machine that makes horrible noises and I’m afraid to use anymore! Thank you for the chance, the great give-a-way and mostly for all your INSPIRATION!! ~ Sherri

    Reply
  10. Kate says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:54 am

    I would love to make some personalized thank you notes!

    Reply
  11. Amy says

    February 28, 2013 at 11:16 am

    OMG! I would love to win this. I can think of so many things that I would like to use this for. My friend has a Cameo and loves hers. I need to save up and get one if I don’t win this.

    Reply
  12. mairin says

    February 28, 2013 at 11:26 am

    I have only used my Cameo since taking Nikki’s Intro to Cameo class!!! I used it to cut vinyl and heat transfer so far. I would love to win a portrait for a dear friend of mine who is so incredibly artistic and wants one but with three little girls can’t take on the expense right now.

    Reply
  13. Donna Ware says

    February 28, 2013 at 11:29 am

    What an awesome giveaway! Thank you so much!

    Reply
  14. Robin says

    February 28, 2013 at 11:31 am

    I would love to win one of these. I could really make some really cool cards with this and then some. There are some many things you could do with this.

    Invitations
    table note cards
    cards
    lable tags for craft items

    The list is endless!

    Reply
  15. Tammi says

    February 28, 2013 at 11:57 am

    So excited!! I would love to have one of these!!

    Reply
  16. Pam Ronan says

    February 28, 2013 at 11:57 am

    Would love to use a different cutting system, especially one that easily takes .svg files and works nicely with fabric.

    Reply
  17. sue demers says

    February 28, 2013 at 11:58 am

    My creative brain has been on overdrive lately so I would love to win the Silhouette and see what crafty things I could come up with! Oh that would be sooo much fun!

    Reply
  18. Theresa says

    February 28, 2013 at 12:06 pm

    I would love to win this for myself or my sister’s school. I know the students (K through adult special needs) would love it. So would the Sisters (it is run by nuns)

    Reply
  19. Judy says

    February 28, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    I have wanted and wanted one of these machines. I make invitations and cards for my friends and family. I am so excited about all the vinyl ideas for my home and well as gift giving. There are so many things that could be done with this machine!

    Reply
  20. Donna O'Neil says

    February 28, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    I have a Cameo and I love being able to make my own stencils.

    Reply
  21. Frances Farmer-Cheda says

    February 28, 2013 at 12:25 pm

    I would LOVE to win this!! Thanks Nikki

    Reply
  22. Hani Shabbir says

    February 28, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂

    Reply
  23. Terrie says

    February 28, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    I haven’t used an electronic cutting tool yet, but I would LOVE to! If I won the Silhouette Portrait, I would start using it to cut paper for cards, gift boxes, decorations, etc. Thank you for the great giveaway 🙂

    Reply
  24. Martha Woods says

    February 28, 2013 at 12:36 pm

    Cannot find the Rafflecopter place to sign up for the raffle.

    Can you send me the link? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Nikki says

      February 28, 2013 at 12:45 pm

      Martha, if you can’t see the rafflecopter box above, you should see a line that just says “a rafflecopter giveaway.” This is a link right to the giveaway on the rafflecopter site. You can enter there!

      Reply
  25. Julianne Johnson says

    February 28, 2013 at 12:43 pm

    I have one and I love it!!! My favorite is cutting vinyl and heat transfer shirts! I am trying to win on for my mom for xmas!

    Reply
  26. cakolb says

    February 28, 2013 at 12:52 pm

    I just purchased a Cameo and took your online class. What a great way to get started, I felt like I could jump right in and get started with it. I highly recommend the class. I made cupcake decorations galore for my granddaughter’s 1st birthday party with weekend. My daughter is so eager to get one that if I win I would pass it on to her!

    Reply
  27. Vanessa B says

    February 28, 2013 at 12:53 pm

    First thing Id make is Vinyl Letters/Numbers for our mailbox 🙂 Thanks!!!

    Reply
  28. Marnie Pettey says

    February 28, 2013 at 1:18 pm

    I have read so many great things about Silhouette Portrait! I would love to make my own cards!

    Reply
  29. Pam Stephens says

    February 28, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    I would SOOOO love to win this! I’ve wanted one for months! Thanks for the opportunity.

    Reply
  30. Ann in PA says

    February 28, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    I have never used one, and don’t own a digital die cutter of any kind. I would love to use it to make party decor and cards.

    Reply
  31. Nancy L. says

    February 28, 2013 at 1:31 pm

    what an awesome win this would be, the possibilities are endless

    Reply
  32. Kim says

    February 28, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    Have enjoyed your blog and have found some interesting things that I didn’t know. Thanks for all your effort.

    Reply
  33. Candy Gritter says

    February 28, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    Have a cameo and love it! Would love the size of the portrait!

    Reply
  34. Sandra says

    February 28, 2013 at 3:08 pm

    I would love to be the winner. Have not used the product yet but have been thinking about purchasing it.

    Reply
  35. Wani says

    February 28, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    I have not used one before but I know I would love it! I have pinned a whole bunch of projects that would be perfect to use the Silhouette with! I hope I win!

    Reply
  36. Jamie Larsen says

    February 28, 2013 at 3:31 pm

    I have used a cameo and my fav feature is that it allows you to make anything into a cut.. including fonts! If I won Id use it to make all sorts of things from wall decor, to paper crafts, to apparel thanks for the chance to win!
    -jamie

    Reply
  37. Melissa says

    February 28, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    I haven’t used a silhouette yet, but follow several Project Life scrappers who use it (Marcy Penner is my fave) and they have made me want one!! Would be so thrilled to win it, and the first thing I would make would be a huge stack of Project Life embellishments!

    Thank you Nikki for the opportunity to win!

    Melissa~

    Reply
  38. Maxine says

    February 28, 2013 at 3:45 pm

    I would love the chance to have this wonderful machine to create my own projects!

    Reply
  39. Julie says

    February 28, 2013 at 3:52 pm

    Very exciting!! I love all your ideas. Just might need to upgrade my software 😉

    Reply
  40. Robyn says

    February 28, 2013 at 3:59 pm

    I love these. I am not a resident, but I have a friend that I would love to give this prize to. Does that make me eligible yet? Thanks Nikki.

    Reply
  41. Patty (pgrace) says

    February 28, 2013 at 4:31 pm

    I love Nikki in Stitches 🙂 the Silhoutte looks like so much fun. Imagine the possibilities….

    Reply
  42. Dee Shore says

    February 28, 2013 at 4:39 pm

    This is amazing! I would love to win this machine. Good luck everyone!

    Reply
  43. Debe says

    February 28, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    I have always been intimidated to buy one…. Would love to play and learn to master all the different uses!

    Reply
  44. Jessica Butler says

    February 28, 2013 at 7:03 pm

    This would be amazing for my small business. Oh the things you could do. The mind reels. Keeping my fingers crossed.
    Good luck to everyone!

    Reply
  45. Kelly F. says

    February 28, 2013 at 7:13 pm

    I have the SD. I love using it. I have used it for all sorts of projects. I still have yet to cut any fabric. Maybe that should be one of my next projects.

    Reply
  46. Katy says

    February 28, 2013 at 7:33 pm

    I would love to be able to make vinyl designs and also try out the heat transfer.

    Reply
  47. Sandra says

    February 28, 2013 at 7:39 pm

    I would LOVE to win one for myself! I have a bunch of vinyl I would love to use for labels.

    Reply
  48. Lindsay says

    February 28, 2013 at 7:58 pm

    I would love to win – I would make something with vinyl!

    Reply
  49. tina says

    February 28, 2013 at 8:34 pm

    Never had one but love to win.

    Reply
  50. Jane Thomas says

    February 28, 2013 at 8:48 pm

    Have you used a Silhouette PORTRAIT (or CAMEO) and loved it? I have never even seen this machine work.
    What was your favorite feature? From reading, I believe I would love that I could import pictures and turn them into svg files.
    Are you hoping to win one for yourself? Most definitely.
    What would be the first thing you would make? Something for my granddaughter’s wedding. Thanks for the opportunity to try and win this great machine.

    Reply
  51. Theresa J says

    February 28, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    I do not own any silhouette machines but I have been pinning all my favorite projects for awhile

    Reply
  52. Sara Berry says

    February 28, 2013 at 9:35 pm

    I’ve been seeing so many inspiring projects made with Silhouettes but I don’t own one or even know anyone who has one I could check out…I would LOVE it if I won and use it for paper crafting and scrapbooking. Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  53. Chris says

    February 28, 2013 at 9:49 pm

    I would love to win the Silhouette Portrait machine. I really enjoy this website, Nikki, In Stitches, with all of its creative ideas!

    Reply
  54. Carolyn says

    February 28, 2013 at 9:53 pm

    Never used one but would love to learn. Have a Halloween party (animal spay/neuter group fundraiser) that I have to help decorate for. I would love to win. Thanks for the chance 🙂

    Reply
  55. Kathy Ropponen says

    February 28, 2013 at 9:56 pm

    I don’t have a Silhouette, but my daughter, Julianne Johnson has one and I love the things she has made. I see she entered to win one for me!! I guess the first thing I would have to make is a thank-you note for her!

    Reply
  56. Lindsay says

    February 28, 2013 at 10:40 pm

    Great giveaway! Thanks Nikki! I love your site and all of the creative ideas! I have been downloading the Silhouette shape of the week for a few months in hoping of getting one of these!

    Reply
  57. Amanpreet says

    March 1, 2013 at 12:04 am

    I’m so excited to start scrapbooking! (I’ve never used Silhouette before)

    Reply
  58. Gaby Azucena says

    March 1, 2013 at 1:17 am

    I have never used a Silhouette before, though I have seen it demonstrated. My first project would be my wedding day album. It’s been 3 years and not one photograph printed-long overdue.

    Reply
  59. Tammy Valley says

    March 1, 2013 at 8:56 am

    I have never used any other die cut machine other than cricuts. It would be for myself & family & friends to share. First project would be a card. Hopefully it would expand quickly from there. 🙂

    Reply
  60. Sarah B. says

    March 1, 2013 at 10:13 am

    I have never used one, but I’ve always wanted one. I really want to make some cute home decor.

    Reply
  61. Trish F says

    March 1, 2013 at 11:42 am

    Hello, no I’ve never used the Cameo or the Portrait but I drool over the projects I see online. I think my favorite feature is its ability to cut vinyl and fabric. I would use this for myself and the first thing I would make is a personalized garden flag for my Dad’s grave. Thanks for a great giveaway!

    Reply
  62. Jenny says

    March 1, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    I would make some fun party goodies for my son’s birthday party!

    Reply
  63. Jenny Lynn says

    March 1, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    I have not had the pleasure to use one. We had one at my last job, but unless you had attended a class and knew how to use it, it was off limits. It would be so much fun to have one that I can actually touch and use! 🙂

    Reply
  64. Jammie says

    March 1, 2013 at 2:41 pm

    I have never used one, but I would love to win. I have friends with them, and I would love to make some tumblers!

    Reply
  65. mindy m says

    March 1, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    if I win this I would make all the party stuff for my kids parties!

    Reply
  66. Elena T says

    March 1, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    I have been wanting a Sillhouette and to win one would be awesome! I need to make special labels, so I’d do that first

    Reply
  67. melinda says

    March 1, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    I’d love to win this and make cute easter stuff

    Reply
  68. Teresa Hargrave says

    March 1, 2013 at 7:36 pm

    I have the Silhouette cameo but I have never used the portrait. I would love to win one though. I would make smaller projects such as cards and embellishments for my scrapbooking pages. I love your website and blog. Congrats on your upcoming new arrival to your family. Happy crafting!
    Teresa

    Reply
  69. Zoe Lee says

    March 1, 2013 at 8:45 pm

    I would make something cute for my daughter, Ana

    of http://www.everythingforana.com

    I am not sure , but maybe something for her third bday, a mermaid party!

    Reply
  70. Pam S says

    March 1, 2013 at 8:48 pm

    I’ve never used one but would love to learn. I would use it for cardmaking, but I’m sure I would eventually find other wonderful uses too!

    Reply
  71. Karen M says

    March 1, 2013 at 9:41 pm

    My daughter (who is not very creative) NEEDS one of these for college to decorate her dorm room!!!

    Reply
  72. domestic diva says

    March 1, 2013 at 10:06 pm

    I totally want one. I’d make labels for my pantry jars.

    Reply
  73. Carolyn Kinsman says

    March 1, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    Would so love to have one 🙂 so many uses for school and home!

    Reply
  74. Kristin K says

    March 1, 2013 at 10:56 pm

    I’ve never used a Silhouette before, but I would love to try one out, especially after seeing all of the cool things it can do! Thank you for the chance to win!

    Reply
  75. Karen Propes says

    March 2, 2013 at 3:23 am

    I haven’t used one, but if I had one I would make some shirts for my Granddaughter, do some home decor, scrapbooking and quilting.

    Reply
  76. Kay H says

    March 2, 2013 at 11:09 am

    I’ve yet to use a silhouette but I would love to! I do a lot of embroidery and they have started sending designs with .svg files and now I know why….love to try some of those out and add some decor to my home!

    Reply
  77. Hanni says

    March 3, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    I have not used a silhouette myself YET! I am really hoping to win one so I can finally make all those projects that I have been wanting to make but lacking the tools to do so.

    Reply
  78. Ashley R says

    March 3, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    I’ve never used one before… you can cry for me if you want. 🙂 I think I’d do heat transfers first! Then I’d cutely organize the world! 🙂

    Reply
  79. LinhC says

    March 3, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    I’ve used a silhouette at a crop and loved it! Would love to have one of my own.

    Reply
  80. Jennifer says

    March 3, 2013 at 5:51 pm

    I have never used one before, but I would love to make all kinds of embellishments and projects with it.

    Reply
  81. Ana Marcela Herrera says

    March 3, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    I have not used one of these but I so would love to!! The first thing I’d make some cards.

    Reply

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I’ve completely lost myself in my current design. I don’t mean like lost my sense of style, or lost my motivation, or even lost track of what direction I wanted to take this piece. I mean like I literally lost myself. I’ve been in my studio for hours on end, draping, drafting, and editing on repeat. I am a complete mess, in every sense of the word. My studio is covered in discarded … [Read More...] about Lost In Design…And Loving It

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