A monogram is a motif of two or more letters, often used for decorative purposes.
Monograms are an awesome way to put a personal touch on items like glasses, t-shirts, mugs, and pots.
Confused about which is the best monogram sticker machine for you to begin crafting your monogram sticker projects?
I’ve done the work for you and reviewed 7 of the best monogram sticker machines on the market, starting with the Cricut Explore Air 2.
Which vinyl monogram machine is best for me?
So, now that I’ve given you my top 7 monogram sticker makers, let’s look at them in more detail. Namely, we’ll put some into specific categories.
Top Pick
Cricut Expression 2
Comes with a larger, faster, full-LCD touch screen display. It has a unique and adjustable cutting blade.
Cricut Expression 2
My top pick is the Cricut Expression 2. I love the features this machine is built with, such as the fast and full-color LCD touchscreen display.
It comes with sketch pens and lots of other additions.
Usability
The best vinyl cutting projects can be created without having to be connected to the internet or your computer.
Whilst it’s not Bluetooth compatible, you can download and install the Cricut Craft Room Design software and then connect to your computer using a USB cable.
Software
The Cricut software features image editing capabilities, including size, flipping, and rotation. Although the Cricut cartridges can be an expensive addition, you can switch them with your friends or crafters in online groups, as all Cricut cartridges are interchangeable.
Choose from 3 different fonts for monograms and 40 different phrases from this vinyl sticker printer.
Best Value
Silhouette Cameo 4 Starter Bundle
Great value for your money, coming with an array of tools to get you to create quicker while saving money.
Silhouette Cameo 4 Starter Bundle
For best value, I chose the Silhouette Cameo 4.
Although it’s not the cheapest on the market, I think you would make back what you spent.
It’s lightweight and transportable, and it would be really easy to take to a trade fair or craft show.
Tool Detection
I like the automatic tool detection with the Silhouette Cameo, which means you won’t waste any of your best vinyl. And, the auto blade helps calibrate the blade, facilitating accurate and efficient cuts.
Software
I really like the Silhouette Cameo software as it is compatible across other design programs such as Print & Cut and PixScan.
It doesn’t have a dual carriage feature, but you can draw and cut depending on which carriage you use.
Kiss Cut
This machine has my favorite feature of a kiss cut and will perform well on sticker sheets and tattoo paper. It cuts well on vinyl that can be used for the decoration of t-shirts.
Editor’s Choice
Brother Scan n Cut SDX125E
Create fully detailed designs with this great sticker machine with lots of features and a built-in scanner.
Brother Scan n Cut SDX125E
My editor’s choice is the Brother Scan and Cut SDX 25E. The modern features of this machine are simply incredible!
You can edit any monogram’s design on the 5-inch LCD touch screen without connecting to your computer.
High-Resolution
The high-resolution scanner allows you to easily scan in and edit your designs into custom cut or draw files.
You can create fully detailed designs to your liking, all without the use of complicated cut file design software.
I think it has everything you need to create stunning home craft projects.
Auto Blade Sensor
The auto blade sensor technology saves time.
The wireless-ready attributes to remote work with Canvas Workplace.
17 different built in fonts come ready for you to start your monogram journey.
Best Desktop Vinyl Cutter
USCutter MH 34” Vinyl Cutter Plotter Bundle
An easy to use commercial grade vinyl cutting machine that comes with a lot of accessories that can help you get started.
USCutter MH 34” Vinyl Cutter Plotter Bundle
Best Desktop Vinyl Cutter
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is my choice for the best desktop vinyl cutter and will sit elegantly in any workspace.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is fast, easy to use, and it’s one of the only cutting machines that use carbide premium blades.
The double tool holder allows you to do more than one thing at a time.
Draw and cut on your monogram for extra decoration and helping to speed up your work. That’s it, job done!
Top Monogram Sticker Machines Reviews
Here are all the products from the lineup…
Cricut Explore Air 2
A lightweight personal DIY vinyl cutter that will sit on your desktop and cut over 100 types of material.
Cricut Explore Air 2
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a lightweight personal DIY vinyl cutter that will sit on your desktop and cut over 100 types of material.
It’s one of the most popular monogram makers on the market and comes in a few different colors.
Features
Cricut Explore Air 2 includes a double carriage for cutting and scoring in one step. Convenient storage compartments for tools and blades help to keep your workspace tidy—perfect to store away the accessories! Thought it probably still helps to have a storage box like the ones in this review.
They provide a Cricut premium fine point rotary blade and housing as well as a smart set dial to select your choice of material.
Overall, they pay high attention to the user experience.
Software
A two week free trial with Cricut’s software Design Space is included, and by subscribing to Cricut Access, you’ll access the library of 100,000+ images.
You can send graphics from your electronic device for free via the built in Bluetooth feature in the Cricut Explore Air 2.
The Cricut team members pride themselves on their online user community, with dozens of groups across social media ready to give tips and advice on how to use the Cricut Explore Air 2.
Specs
- Maximum cut size: 24” x 12 “
- Unit dimensions: 6” x 22” x 7” (H x L x W)
- Weight: 8lbs
Pros
- Cuts monograms in over 100 types of materials, including vinyl.
- Abundance of tutorials online to help you.
- Compatible with Mac and Windows.
Cons
- Internet connection is required to use the software.
- Limitation of free access to Design Space software.
Silhouette Portrait 3
Silhouette’s smallest and lightest vinyl cutting machine, one perfect for sticker makers
Silhouette Portrait 3
The Silhouette Portrait 3 is Silhouette’s smallest and lightest vinyl cutting machine, one perfect for sticker makers.
It has the kiss cut feature meaning it will only cut through the first layer of sticker paper and leave the backing intact.
Matless Cutting
Sticker makers can use this machine for matless cutting – just make sure the pinch rollers are firmly attached to both ends of your sticker paper!
The Silhouette Portrait 3 comes with a generous bundle of high quality vinyl sheets.
Connectivity
If you don’t use Bluetooth, you can connect using the USB cable supplied.
The Silhouette Portrait 3 comes equipped with an application guide for your decals to get you crafting more quickly.
The sticker making machine comes with a 1-month membership to Silhouette Design Studio and Silhouette Portrait software.
The Silhouette Portrait software is easy to navigate and has a replicate feature so you can fill a page of monograms!
Specs
- Maximum cutting size: 12" x 8"
- Unit dimensions: 4.5” x 16” x 6” (H x L x W)
- Weight: 3.5lbs
Pros
- Automatic tool detection.
- PixScan compatible.
- Silhouette Portrait 3 is Mac and Windows compatible.
Cons
- No dual carriage.
- Noisy.
Best Value
Silhouette Cameo 4 Starter Bundle
Great value for your money, coming with an array of tools to get you to create quicker while saving money.
Silhouette Cameo 4 Starter Bundle
The Silhouette Cameo 4 is the newer model of the Silhouette Cameo 3.
The upgraded Silhouette Cameo 4 is a dual carriage machine, meaning you can draw on and cut monograms at the same time.
Inclusions
This starter bundle is great value for your money, coming with an array of tools to get you to create quicker while saving money. These include their best vinyls, sketch pens, and a cutting mat.
Reviews show Silhouette Studio design software is compatible with windows and Mac.
Downloadable Designs
It comes with a one-month basic subscription to the Silhouette Design Store and 100 exclusive cutting designs you can access online.
The software upgrade is available in order to export creative to standard file formats that can be used with other programs.
This model has a retractable door designed for durability instead of a hinge, just like its brother, the Silhouette Cameo 3.
Specs
- Maximum cut size: 12" x 24"
- Unit dimensions: 22.5" x 8" x 7"
- Weight: 10lbs
Pros
- Mac-compatible.
- Software updates.
- Speciality blades.
Cons
- Noisy.
- An account for software access is required.
Top Pick
Cricut Expression 2
Comes with a larger, faster, full-LCD touch screen display. It has a unique and adjustable cutting blade.
Cricut Expression 2
The Cricut Expression 2 comes with a larger, faster, full-LCD touch screen display. It has a unique and adjustable cutting blade.
Features
The blade tension needs to be manually adjusted to the type of paper used to ensure you get the best cut.
It will cut a wide range of materials, from thin foils all the way to chipboard, and will slice through sticker paper like butter!
Additional features include auto-fill, where the same image is multiplied to fill the sheet of paper with the same sticker.
Cut Collection
The online Cricut Craft Room allows you to put together a collection of cuts using the tiny screen on the machine, without having to connect to your electronic device.
By inputting the exact length of your monograms, the fit to length feature will arrange your stickers to ensure they all get printed and neatly arranged on your sticker paper.
Mat Preview
Its in-built software comes with a mat preview feature so you can see how your stickers will be displayed before you print.
Specs
- Maximum cut size: 12" x 24"
- Unit dimensions: 22.5" x 8" x 7"
- Weight: 10lbs
Pros
- Ease and simplicity of use
- Mat preview feature
- Interchangeable cartridges if you want different drawing techniques
Cons
- Accessories can be costly
- Cartridges for drawing can be hard to find
Editor’s Choice
Brother Scan n Cut SDX 25
The Brother Scan n Cut SDXI25E prides itself on being one of the only sticker machines with a built in scanner.
This awesome feature will convert your drawing to a file, and directly cut printed stickers from it.
There’s no smart set dial on these cutting machines.
Designs
The software comes with 682 built in designs for you to choose from, straight from the 5 inches wide LCD touchscreen display. That’s plenty of designs to play around with before you’ll feel like investing in a separate embroidery software.
It comes with a cutting mat, touch pen, accessory pouch, auto blade, and auto blade holder and will cut different materials up to 3mm thick.
The optional roller feed takes the sticker paper straight from the roller.
ScannCut DX
The included ScannCut DX auto blade uses a sensor to detect the thickness of the material with no manual adjustment required.
Therefore, the Brother’s Canvas Space software is suitable for both professionals and beginners.
Specs
- Maximum cut size: 12" x 24"
- Unit dimensions: 21" x 8" x 7"
- Weight: 13lbs
Pros
- Scan your own art to make monograms.
- Quiet in use.
- An internet connection isn’t required for use.
Cons
- Have to download the instruction manual.
- Can be hard to source replacements.
Sizzix Big Shot Machine
A manual die monogram machine that can cut and emboss a variety of materials
Sizzix Big Shot Machine
The Sizzix Big Shotis a manual die monogram machine that cuts and embosses a variety of materials making the best vinyl monograms and stickers.
Build
It has a 6” opening, perfect for any cuts of around 5 inches wide.
The material to be cut is placed between the cutting plates with the desired shape (called a die) and then cranked through the machine.
It’s a sturdy machine with rubber feet to prevent it from moving while you are cutting monograms.
Don’t let its size deter you, as it will easily cut through materials from magnets to vinyl stickers.
Features
Included in the package are the cutting machine, the multi-purpose platform, and the pair of cutting pads.
Upon arrival, the machine will have to be manually assembled, but apart from that, no other maintenance is required.
Specs
- Maximum cutting size: 14” x 6”
- Unit dimensions: 14” x 12” x 4”
- Weight: 7.5lbs
Pros
- Portable
- Plates and platforms included.
- Simple
Cons
- Arrives unassembled
- No design software
USCutter MH 34” Vinyl Cutter Plotter Bundle
An easy to use commercial grade vinyl cutting machine that comes with a lot of accessories that can help you get started.
USCutter MH 34” Vinyl Cutter Plotter Bundle
The US Cutter 34” is a good monogram machine for beginners.
It’s pretty much a commercial grade vinyl cutting machine and wouldn’t suit a crafter with limited space.
Inclusions
The bundle kit comes with 5 rolls of Greenstar vinyl to get you started, amongst other accessories.
Monogram designs can be plotted straight to the vinyl to be cut for a unique hand-drawn design. The speed and pressure are easy to adjust at the touch of a button.
As a bonus, it comes with 3 fully adjustable pinch rollers for a smaller margin of error.
Software
The VinylMaster Cut software is simple to install, although you might have to play around with the settings for optimal use. There are thousands of numerals and letters in the library for you to play around with monograms.
Compatibility
Compatibility with other design programs such as Inkspace gives you more creative freedom to change designs outside the built in software capabilities.
Given the advanced settings and features, customers say it’s an affordable and easy-to-use monogram sticker machine—straight out of the box!
Specs
- Maximum cut size: 31” x 90”
- Unit dimensions: 42” x 16” x 13”
- Weight: 51lbs
Pros
- Performs fast and consistently.
- Lots of online resources for help.
- Helpful support team.
Cons
- Pinch rollers can leave track marks on your best vinyl.
- Only compatible with Windows
What is a monogram machine?
It’s a machine that will cut out specifically designed monograms on different materials with a sticky back that can then adhere to a surface such as glassware.
Should I buy one?
A vinyl letter machine is pretty versatile.
They cut on sticker sheets, woodchip, vinyl, and cardstock one by one. The possibilities with a monogram sticker maker are endless.
You can make decals, cut out fabrics for sewing, and pop out cards.
If you’re a regular crafter, it could be worth the investment.
How is a monogram maker different from a printer?
You can find software to use with a printer that will print on stickers and materials with adhesive on the back.
However, vinyl monogram machines do a lot more to a printer. While they might look the same, the functions can be very different.
As a printer prints a design onto paper, a vinyl monogram machine will cut out the design using blades on an average of 100 materials.
You get many more features from using a vinyl monogram machine.
Things to consider when buying a vinyl monogram machine
I know it can be hard to choose the right one for you, especially with all the additional features and options. I would understand if you didn’t know where to start!
I’ve made a list of things to consider to help you pick up the best and most efficient monogram machine for you. Customer reviews might cover other subjects.
Purpose
Many people with vinyl sticker machines love to create monograms from vinyl and cut them using the sticker machine.
People make decorations for their homes, fabrics, clothes, and items like glassware and plastic bottles.
You should decide the purpose of your intended purchase and how often it will be used. Will you be using it for professional use, provide a means to an end, or for a hobby at home?
TIP
If you plan to use it professionally, it could be worth investing if you find the best vinyl sticker printers.
Price
Vinyl monogram machines can vary in price from $100 – $600. With so many options available, set yourself a budget and go from there.
The most expensive isn’t necessarily the best, and it would be a waste of money to pay for lots of bells and whistles if they won’t be used.
If you’ll only bring the monogram machine out for use on the occasional birthday, it might not be worth investing a fortune.
Warranty
If for some reason the monogram machine breaks down after a few uses, you’ll want to know you’re covered with a warranty to get it replaced or fixed.
Most companies do offer a warranty but check the details first.
You won’t want to pay for the postage if it has to be shipped away, and you’ll want to make sure all the parts are covered under warranty.
Customer machine reviews will be brutally honest about their experience with warranty cover.
Quality
You want your cutting machine to have high quality and precise design cuts every time. Being able to adjust the precision as much as you need is a good feature to have for more control.
The more control you have over the machine, the higher quality your end results should be.
Size
Carefully consider the size of your craft space…
If you have to put your machine away after each use, you won’t want a machine that’s hefty.
Although the size of a machine could be 24 inches wide, realistically it will only cut around 22.5 inches wide to give room for the cartridge and blade.
Vinyl cutter software
The best cutting machines will come with high quality in-built software, with a library of designs for you to choose from and alter if you so wish.
It’s important that the software is compatible with other design programs so you can upload and edit your own designs to make the process more creative and personal.
TIP
Some software packages aren’t included for free, so be mindful when making a decision. You could end up with an additional monthly fee on top of paying for the equipment.
Supplies
Supplies can be expensive, so make sure you read carefully what the product contains. If a bundle package could be more economical for you, check out other reviews and decide.
You might want to find out more about where your local cartridge and the best vinyl dealer are, as there could be delays with postage.
Ease of use
Your vinyl monogram machine can be confusing at the beginning with all the features and tools.
Manufacturers make it clear who their vinyl monogram machines are suitable for, so do the research and check if it’s user-friendly for a beginner.
Noise
If a product is particularly quiet, the brand will be proud of it and it will be specified in the product description.
Maybe this isn’t an important factor in decision-making for you, but if it is, reviews on machines are usually honest about the noise.
Connectivity and compatibility
Are you happy to plug your electronic device into your machine each time you want to use it?
Lots more models come with built-in Bluetooth and a USB cable so you can send your design over in a flash—all without the cable fuss!
It might sound obvious, but check that the software is compatible with your computer. Whilst most software is compatible with Windows and Mac, there are exceptions.
Extra features
Does the machine have what you’re looking for? Are sketch pens essential?
Some models come with libraries of free designs, a dual carriage, scanner, and different fonts for you to play with.
Speed
The speed of the machine should be determined by your desired output. If you’re looking for high production, a slower in/s machine could waste time.
Speeds vary, so be sure to check before you buy. A faster vinyl-cutting machine could enhance production.
How do I use my vinyl monogram machine?
This will vary with each sticker machine. It depends if it is a manual machine or if you are using a digital model.
Each machine will come with an instruction manual, either a tangible copy or online.
NOTE
Make sure you have all of the pieces that are listed in the product description (mistakes happen!).
The first step to using your machine is to read the manual!
Find out where you can buy supplies, gather them, and begin.
Maintenance of vinyl sticker machines
This is really important to take note of, as it could add years to the life of your sticker machine.
Wipe off any dust that accumulates, as dust can attach itself to other materials that you cut. You can always blow on the machine with a fan or use a can of compressed air to send any dust or dirt flying away.
If you want to have your monogram machine serviced if it’s not performing well, you could find a dealer and get an experienced and knowledgeable service person to look at it for you.
While the instruction manual will tell you how to care for your vinyl cutting device, customer reviews may also have some other tips.
Conclusion
There, now you have an extensive list of what’s available on the market at the moment. From scanners and printers to cutting and drawing features, I hope you’ve found this useful. Here’s a quick recap:
Top Pick
The top recommendation is the Cricut Expression 2. It’s not afraid to take on bigger projects and will cut monograms at 12 x 24 inches wide.
Best Value
If you want value for money, I’d recommend the Silhouette Cameo 4 and the Silhouette Studio software it comes with.
It makes deeper cuts to the kiss cut feature if you’re using a thicker material, and will save time with the dual carriage.
Editor’s Choice
Lastly, my editor’s choice is the Brother Scan n Cut SDX 25.
The vinyl sticker printer can cut, scan and design all in one.
I think this is the best monogram sticker machine at the moment. If it’s your first time dealing with these appliances, I know it can be overwhelming.
If you want to dig deeper, I wrote an article about embroidery vs monogramming that you might be interested in.
Be confident that you’ll find the best vinyl cutting device for your monograms, and more importantly, enjoy the journey.
