Layering Text with Cricut - No More Weeding!
This technique can be used for small items (name tags, greeting card parts, etc.) or large items (signs). Rather than weeding centers of letters by hand with a weeding tool, the weeding is done in Cricut Design Space and cut with your Cricut cutting machine.
1. Create top layer of sign (choose shape, dimensions, etc.)
2. Create wording for sign (choose a Basic Cut style font, NOT a Writing style font) and WELD the wording only (save a backup copy before welding in case edits are needed)
3. Add welded wording to top layer, centering as desired. Select both and SLICE. Remove unneeded lettering layers from below (should be able to see the gridlines through the letters now).
4. DUPLICATE this top layer and set duplicate version aside - change color to be color of lettering (will become middle layer shortly after some contouring)
5. Back on the top layer, CONTOUR out all of the CENTERS of the letters (not the outlines of the letters). So the top layer will look pretty normal except it will be missing the insides of the letters. (This might be a good time to save your work)
6. CONTOUR the duplicated version of the top layer (now your middle layer, the one you set aside earlier) and remove the OUTLINES only of all the letters, leaving only the letter centers and the sign shape itself. This layer will look very strange, but it will all make sense in the end lol. If you've not already done so, change the color of this layer to be your desired letter color.
7. DUPLICATE either the top or the middle layer and HIDE ALL CONTOURS so you end up with one solid layer the same size/shape as your sign. This layer should be the same color as your top layer.
8. Now the fun part! Layer your three pieces to see how everything looks. Go back and make any edits, if needed.
9. Cut your three layers and attach as desired (liquid adhesive, double sided tape adhesive, or Cricut sticker cardstock, etc.).
NOTES:
Ensure that all layers remain "Basic Cut" (not Print then Cut or any other operation) at all times, and that you are only selecting two items at a time when slicing.
Save your project as you go, and save backup copies of the elements along the away in case you need to go back for edits.