5 Best Sticker Maker Machines | 2022 Impressive Buyer’s Guide for Creative Persons and Kids
This guide deals with TOP-5 best sticker makers, including not only machines but also kits containing various useful as well as units resembling dispensing pens. Some items allow you not only print but design and create your own designs while others come with the pre-set ones. Before buying a product, pay attention to the length of a roll of permanent adhesive, which means how many stickers you will be able to produce.
Do you want to add a personal touch to your décor or flair to your projects? Or make professional looking greeting cards, labels or gifts? How about engaging kids in fun, creative projects? You can achieve all of these with these devices.
I recently looked into having stickers of my dog’s head made for a gift and was surprised by how high the cost was per item (almost $0.60) and production time was 6 to 10 days. With a little additional research, I discovered I could buy a machine that included an adhesive cartridge for less than $0.10 per item.
There is a wide selection of these products available. To make the best selection, you need to think through what you are trying to accomplish. For example, do you want this for crafting with kids? Do you have size requirements? Does the machine need to be portable?
What You Will Learn From This Guide:
- How do sticker maker machines work?
- What are the types of sticker maker machines and their differences?
- TOP-5 sticker makers
- FAQ
How Do Sticker Maker Machines Work?
Sticker maker machines add an adhesive to the back of the paper, vinyl, fabric, ribbon or similar mediums to enable it to stick to another surface. The machines are promoted as adding adhesive “edge-to-edge” on the item and replace the need for liquid glue, glue dots or glue sticks. Many machines have the option to use permanent adhesive or repositionable adhesive that lets you adjust the sticker before the adhesive sets. The adhesives are usually not waterproof.
What Are The Types of Sticker Maker Machines And Their Differences?
You have an array of options when selecting a machine — from cutting machines to machines that add an adhesive to pre-cut and designed images to tape dispensers. Factors for consideration in selecting a machine: size of images you want to make; how portable you want the machine to be; the cost of machine and supplies; and who will be using it.
The units that only add adhesives are manually operated and have easy-to-replace cartridges that snap into place. These machines are basic and not complicated to learn.
Cutting machines are crafting tools that are capable of a range functions. Creating stickers are made by using a special paper or vinyl with adhesive on one side and cutting the images into the sheets. These machines are sophisticated, cost several hundred dollars and use software and Bluetooth to program or upload images.
Another option is kits that include all the tools to design and then make stickers.
A key component of each machine, no matter what the basic function, is refillable supplies such as glue cartridges or specialized papers or even paints.
TOP-5 Sticker Makers
Below, you will find products within the price range from $7 to $200. There is a feature-packed machine capable to print even personalized home decors and simpler and cheaper options where you design and produce stickers yourself. An interesting solution is a unit resembling a dispensing pen and allowing you to create items of pre-set designs. Or you can opt for a balanced solution — an unsophisticated machine that works by adding the adhesive backing and a film.
DIY Cutting Machine for Personalized Home Decor | Cricut
Cricut is a do-it-yourself cutting machine. It makes stickers when you use a medium with the adhesive already applied. The Explore Air 2 enables more complicated designs and die cuts. You can upload an image or use Cricut’s online Design Space to create an image or access the image and project library. The Explore Air 2 works faster than other models and is well suited for producing a larger volume.
The Cricut Explore Air 2 is expensive with a cost between $200 and $300 and not very portable with a weight of 17 pounds. It requires electricity to operate. The machine has Wireless Bluetooth to mobile apps and access Design Space and has a USB port.
If selecting the Explore Air 2, you need to be comfortable with software applications and will need to subscribe to Cricut’s Design Space for $10 per month to maintain access to the image and project library. You can bypass the online subscription by only uploading your images from Photoshop or Illustrator.
YouTube has many videos on how the Cricut works and the range of projects you can undertake with the Explore Air 2 machine. If your sole interest is creating stickers, this may not be the best machine to select.
Cricut Explore Air 2 can be purchased in most craft stores, such as Michael’s, Jo Ann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, or it is available from online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. It comes in many different colors.
Cricut: Check the current price
5-Inch Create-a-Sticker Machine | Xyron XRN500EN
The product tops the list in our Best of Guide. Xyron produces several inexpensive, easy-to-use machines. The XRN 500 makes stickers or labels up to 5 inches wide and 1/16 inch thick. It can make them out of paper, photographs, ribbon, vinyl, and numerous other materials.
This model is portable, light-weight (just over 1 pound) and easy to use. The machine does not require electricity, heat or batteries. You feed the material in one side and hand crank it through the machine. A perforation strip lets you pull off the appropriate length on the other side. You should burnish the edges before removing the paper backing the adhesive.
The product comes with an 18-foot long roll of permanent adhesive in a cartridge. The cartridges are easy to install and are available in permanent or repositionable adhesives. The adhesives are acid-free but not waterproof.
When making stickers, you will need to be mindful of how wide they will be. If it is smaller than 4 or 5 inches, you will waste adhesive. You can feed multiple pieces next to each other through XRN 500 to get to the 5-inch width and maximize use of the adhesives.
Some purchasers have reported problems with the adhesive getting on the from side of the sticker and a few people noted an issue with paper jamming. While these issues have been reported, it appears to be on a very limited basis. Burnishing the edges may help with some of the adhesion problems.
XRN 500 and its refill cartridges can be found both online and in craft stores.
Xyron XRN500EN: Check the current price
Affordable Decal Maker | Xyron XRN150
This model is a much smaller and less expensive machine than the XRN 500. Priced around $10, the machine’s width is limited to 1.5 inches. Designed in an X shape in bright colors, the tool itself has visual appeal and weighs only 5 ounces.
Insert your material and pull it through the other end. It will be sandwiched between the adhesive backing and a clear film. Rub the sticker to ensure a strong adhesive bond and to limit excess adhesive on the item before removing the film.
XRN 150 comes with a 20-foot roll of permanent adhesive. The adhesive can be applied to paper, photographs, ribbon, etc. as long as the thickness is 1/16 inch or less. As with other Xyron machines, the cartridges are easy to replace and are available in both permanent and repositionable adhesives.
The XRN 150 and its refill cartridges are widely available online and in craft stores.
Xyron XRN150: Check the current price
Multicolor Cute Sticker Maker | Eff-cientt
The product functions like a tape. Sold in a set of four, each unit has its own images and operates like a white out dispensing pen. The four unique designs are hearts, alligators, coffee-related images and small animals and bugs. The tape surrounding the images is clear.
These machines are inexpensive and easy to master. They can be purchased on Amazon, Etsy and Ebay, among other online retailers, for less than $10. Unlike the other items, these tools offer pre-set designs in one size, approximately 1.5 cm. The cartridge is approximately 4 meters long.
The tape can be used to embellish journals, planners, scrapbook pages or other projects. Such machines are not suitable for young children as they do require some dexterity and controlled pressure.
One drawback is that I was unable to locate any sticker tape refills for the pens.
Eff-cientt: Check the current price
Sticker Design Studio | Crayola
This is a kit that focuses not only on adding an adhesive but also on making your own designs. The manufacturer’s age recommendation is 8 years old to 12 years old.
The kit includes tempura paint and related tools, stencils, foam stickers, sticker sheets and an idea booklet. You blend the paint to create random color designs, then transfer them to stickers that have repositionable adhesive.
The kit is available at online retailers like Amazon. Michaels and other craft retailers as well as online or in-store at Walmart and Target. It costs around $20. All the kit components are replaceable.
Crayola: Check the current price
Best-Selling Sticker Maker Machines | Comparison Table
Most Popular
Xyron Create-a-Sticker, 5", Sticker Maker, by Amazon.com
- Ready when you are: The non-electric create-a-sticker has no warm-up time. Effortlessly apply edge-to-edge adhesive with only a few turns of the knob and very little clean up
- Easy to use: Create stickers in a snap. Place an item up 5" wide in the create-a-sticker, turn the knob, and then tear and peel sticker. It's that easy
- No-mess adhesive: No heat, electricity, or messy glue required. Apply acid-free, non-toxic adhesive for sleek, professional results
Xyron Create-A-Sticker, Sticker Maker, Mini, by Amazon.com
- Lightweight, portable machine to apply edge-to-edge adhesive to items up to 2.5 inches wide and 1/16 inch thick
- Small, compact design that takes up less space and uses the same refills as the older models 2.5 inch Create-A-Sticker and XRN250
- Includes 10 feet of permanent adhesive; Refill cartridges available with either acid-free permanent or repositionable adhesive
Brother ScanNCut SDX125E Electronic DIY Cutting by Amazon.com
- SCAN DRAWINGS AND MATERIALS: Brother ScanNCut is the only cutting machine series with a built-in scanner. Scan your drawing to convert it to a cut file, directly cut printed stickers, and precisely place designs without counting blocks
- STUNNING DIY PROJECTS: Craft with 682 built-in designs including 100 quilting patterns and 9 fonts. Add custom designs and additional free patterns with the USB port and wireless capability, and customize and combine your projects with the easy-to-use 5" touchscreen LCD display
- NO MATERIAL SELECTION REQUIRED The included ScanNCut DX auto blade and auto blade holder uses true automatic material sensor technology to detect the thickness of the material with no blade adjustment or material selection required. Always perform a trial/test cut to confirm a successful cut
Other Popular
Xyron X150 Sticker Maker, for Scrapbooking, Crafts, Cards, School Projects (XRN150),Purple
- Replaces messy glues and other adhesives
- A must have portable adhesive solution for crafters, moms, teachers and more
- Applies an edge to edge acid free adhesive to items up to 1.5-inches wide and about the thickness of a nickel
- Refill cartridges available; Easy to change
- Perfect for die cuts, buttons, flat gemstones and so much more; measures 4 x 4 x 2
Xyron Creative Station Lite, 3" or 5", Label Maker, Makes Invitations, Handmade Cards, Die Cuts Craft Projects,...
- All in one tool for adding adhesive, magnet or Lamination to your creative projects
- Unit Comes pre-loaded with a 5-inch permanent adhesive cartridge
- Change the cartridge to change the function - additional cartridges sold separately
- For smaller projects, switch to a 3-inch cartridge to minimize waste
- Applies an even edge to edge layer of adhesive and is instantly dry
Xyron Creative Station, 9” x 5”, Craft Supplies & Scrapbooking Supplies, Small Label Maker, Makes Invitations,...
- Ready when you are – This non-electric machine has no warm-up time. Effortlessly apply edge-to-edge adhesive with only a few turns of the handle and very little clean up.
- No-mess adhesive – Replace your messy glue sticks, smelly spray mount and double-sided tape. Apply acid-free, non-toxic adhesive for sleek, professional results.
- Two cartridge sizes – Tackle projects big and small. This handy machine accepts both 9" and 5" cartridges to help minimize waste and maximize flexibility of all your craft projects.
- Easy drop-in cartridge – Comes pre-loaded with one 25 foot by 9 inch permanent adhesive cartridge. Also accepts laminate and magnet refills (sold separately). Insert items up to .125 inch thick, including paper, embellishments, vellum, fabric and ribbon
- Endless creativity – Great for arts and crafts, the creative station can help you make wedding invitations, handmade cards, educational flash cards, stickers, labels and more
- Laminator, Sticker Maker, Magnet Maker in one simple machine
- Comes loaded with one 25 foot by 9 inch Permanent Adhesive Cartridge
- Uses either 9 inch or 5 inch drop in cartridges
- Does not require batteries, heat or electricity
- Available cartridges include permanent or repositionable adhesive, two sided laminate, laminate/magnet and laminate/adhesive
Pink Shipping Label Printer, [Upgraded 2.0] MUNBYN Label Printer Maker for Shipping Packages Labels 4x6 Thermal...
- 【Upgrade Version 2.0】 MUNBYN ITPP941 pink thermal label printer 2.0 comes with a unique USB flash Disk for easy setup. The disk includes Printer Driver, User Manual, FAQs, How-to-Videos. Also, it comes with A USB-C adapter for a Mac computer. That’s the difference between the original version. One minute to set up, thermal printer for small businesses, money, and time saver.
- 【Save money and space】 P941 printer can DIY stickers and logos for your business with colored thermal labels easily. Not just 4*6 shipping labels. No ink, the thermal label will save your money. And the pink and compact design will free up your desktop space.
- 【Super Compatibility】 MUNBYN P941 Thermal Label Printer supports all major shipping platforms, including UPS, FedEx, eBay, Esty, Shopify, Shipworks, Easyship, Shippo, ShipGator, Shippingeasy, PayPal, Ordoro, OrderCup, Endicia Dazzle, Shipwire, StockX, XPS Ship, etc. The First choice of online sellers and home businesses.
- 【Computer System Supported】 MUNBYN label printer is compatible with both Windows (7 and newer) and Mac OS(10.11 and newer) computers. It is suitable for any thermal direct labels from 1.57" to 4.3" wide with no restriction on the label height, ideal for 4" x 6" shipping labels
- 【Lifetime Protection】 MUNBYN Provide free lifetime customer support for any product issues via live chat, phone calls, and emails, even remote-desktop operations support as you need.
Cricut Maker Vinyl Bundle - Includes Cricut Maker Machine + 20 Premium Removable Vinyl Sheets + 6 Premium...
- [BUNDLE INCLUDES 26 12X12 SHEETS OF VINYL] This Cricut Maker Bundle includes a Premium Permanent 12"x12" Basics Sampler (Parchment, Black, White, Coffee, Gold, Silver) and a Premium Removable 12"x12" Vinyl Value Pack - Maritime (5 White, 5 Gold, 5 Cardinal Red, 5 Navy Blue) in addtion to the Cricut Maker Machine, Rotary Blade plus Housing, Fine Point Pen - Black, Fabric Grip Mat 12x12, Lightgrip Mat 12x12, Welcome Book, USB Cable, Power Adapter, Free Trial Membership to Cricut Access (for new subscribers), 50 Free Ready-To-Make Projects, and Small Practice Materials
- [ENDLESS PROJECT POSSIBILITIES] Expandable suite of tools. With its powerful blades, pens, and scoring tool, Cricut Maker grows with you as you learn each new craft
- [NEW ROTARY BLADE FOR FABRICS] With its gliding, rolling action, this blade cuts through virtually any fabric quickly and accurately – without backing material
- [ACCESS TO HUNDREDS OF DIGITAL SEWING PROJECTS] Simplifies sewing and quilting projects. Choose from hundreds of digital sewing patterns, and Cricut Maker cuts and marks all the pieces – you just sew them together
- [DESIGN FOR FREE] Simple design apps. Lay out your project on your mobile device or computer easily and conveniently, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. You can always upload and use your own images and fonts for free, in a variety of standard file formats
- [THOUGHTFUL DETAILS] A helpful docking slot holds your tablet or smartphone while you’re busy. Charge your device using the convenient USB port
Cricut Explore Air 2, Mint
- [CREATE MORE] The Circuit Explore Air 2 is your personal DIY cutting machine. It will flawlessly cut over 100 plus different types of materials including premium vinyl, iron on and htv vinyl, cardstock, faux leather, adhesive foils, specialty paper, poster board and more
- [ENDLESS PROJECT POSSIBILITIES] The Circuit Explore Air 2 makes it so easy to create a wide arrange of DIY projects. Make custom stickers, personalized home decor, home-made gifts and party favors, unique greeting cards, custom designed apparel, and more
- [INCLUDED WITH MACHINE] Each machine includes a Circuit Premium Fine Point Blade and Housing, a Circuit 12 inch x12 inch Light Grip Adhesive Cutting Mat (perfect for vinyl and htv projects), a Circuit Black Fine Point Pen, access to Circuit's design software Design Space, and a 2 week free trial to Circuit Access
- [DESIGN FOR FREE] Upload or create and design your own images for free from your computer, tablet or mobile phone using Circuit's free design software design space. Enhance your design space experience by subscribing to Circuit Access, Circuit's vast library of over 100,000 images, fonts, and make it now projects and designs
- [BECOME A PART OF A COMMUNITY] We know it can be intimidating to start creating your first DIY projects, so don’t do it alone. When you buy a Circuit you become part of a close-knit community of crafters, makers and DIYers. There are dozens of groups across all social media platforms that allow our members to share tips, ask for help and share their projects and inspiration with an amazing community
FAQ
What is the best machine to make stickers?
The Cricut model which is the most feature-packed device in this review.
Where can I buy it?
All these products are available online.
How to reload a sticker machine?
It depends on a particular model, but it is not more complicated than reloading any printer.
What do I need to make vinyl decals? Vinyl decal cutter and rolls of vinyl
Are sticker maker toy good for kids?
This is a great toy encouraging children’s creativity.
Conclusion
Creating your own stickers in-house is easy. Thinking through your needs will help you make the best selection of machines. The all-around best machine is the XRN 500 with its flexibility in sizes, ease of use, kid-friendliness, and portability. For highly creative designers and those seeking professional products, the Cricut Explore Air 2 may be the best investment. And if you are looking for a gift or to provide a creative activity for kids, the Eff-icient or Crayola products might be the best.
Comments