How to Make Your Own SVG Files Using Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL)
Creating your own SVG files opens up a world of creative freedom for your crafting projects. Whether you’re designing for vinyl cutting, paper crafts, or digital downloads, Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) by Craft Edge is one of the most versatile and user-friendly tools available.
In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll walk you through the basics of designing your own SVG cut files using SCAL6 Pro.
✨ What You Need:
A copy of Sure Cuts A Lot 6 Pro (download here)
A computer (Windows or Mac)
Basic design idea or sketch
Optional: a drawing tablet for freehand work
🧰 Step 1: Open Sure Cuts A Lot
After installing SCAL6 Pro, open the program. You’ll see a blank canvas where you can begin your design.
Set your project size by going to:
Project > Mat Size — choose a size that suits your cutter or design needs.
✍️ Step 2: Start Designing
SCAL provides several ways to create original SVG artwork:
Option A: Use Built-in Shapes
Navigate to Library > Shapes.
Drag and drop any shape onto your canvas.
Use the resizing handles or the top toolbar to resize, rotate, and align.
Option B: Use the Drawing Tools
Select the Pencil Tool or Bezier Tool from the left toolbar to draw freeform shapes.
Close your path for a complete shape.
You can adjust curves by clicking Edit Points.
Option C: Import & Trace
Go to File > Import to bring in PNG or JPG artwork.
Use Trace Image (from the top toolbar) to convert your image into a cuttable SVG.
Adjust Threshold until you’re happy with the result.
Click OK, and your traced vector will appear on the canvas.
🪄 Step 3: Convert to SVG
Once your design is complete:
Select all parts of your design (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A).
Choose File > Export.
Select SVG as your file format.
Name your file and choose your save location.
Make sure “Keep proportions” is checked and “Convert text to outlines” is enabled if your design includes text.
✅ Step 4: Test Your File
Before sharing or selling your SVG file:
Open it in another design program or reload it in SCAL to confirm it appears and cuts correctly.
Optional: test cut on your machine to ensure clean cuts and no overlaps.
🎨 Tips for Better SVGs
Use layers to keep your elements organized.
Clean up extra points using the Simplify Path tool under Path > Simplify.
Use Group and Ungroup (Ctrl+G / Shift+Ctrl+G) to manage complex designs.
💾 How to Use Your SVG Files
Your SVG file can now be used in cutting software like:
Cricut Design Space
Silhouette Studio (Designer Edition+)
Brother Canvas Workspace
Or, of course, directly in SCAL
🔗 Get Sure Cuts A Lot 6 Pro
If you don’t have SCAL yet, I highly recommend investing in the Pro version for advanced features like rhinestone designs, print & cut, and professional tracing tools.