Laser Cut Notebook Cover with xTool

Looking to create something truly unique and personalized?

In this tutorial, I’ll guide you through how to make a beautiful laser-cut notebook cover using the xTool.

With step-by-step instructions and a free download to help you get started, you’ll have a stunning custom notebook cover in no time.

Let’s get creative and make something amazing together!

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Supply List:

• xTool M1 Ultra
• Fine Point Blade
• Laser Module
• Floral Notebook Cover File
• 1/16 Basswood painted white
• Gold Heat Transfer Vinyl
• Weeding Tool
• Heat Press with Pedestal
• A5 Lined Paper with 6 Holes
• 3 Ring Clips
• Alcohol Wipes

The notebook covers can be cut on any laser-cutting machine.

The heat transfer vinyl should be cut with a fine point blade, not a laser.

The xTool M1 Ultra is perfect because you can cut with a fine-point blade and use a laser within the same machine.

Grab the Free Laser File:

Download the free SVG laser file to your computer or device.

xTool Creative Space:

To begin, I need to upload the file into xTool Creative Space.

In xTool Creative Space select Add Project and then Files.

This will open my Downloads File where I find the file Floral Notebook Cover.

The file uploads in the correct size and the entire design does not fit on the 12x12 canvas shown.

That is why I am cutting the file in 3 different layers.

The floral design will be cut with heat transfer vinyl, and the two notebook cover pieces cut with 1/16-inch basswood that has already been painted white.

Highlight the design and hit the ungroup button on the right panel. Now each part of the design can move around independently.

Turn the machine on and connect it to xTool Creative Space. The two need to be connected to define the settings.

Cut Heat Transfer Vinyl

Highlight the floral piece. Under object select Fine-Point Blade as the module, and then select the material under User-Defined.

I had to search for my material, gold heat transfer vinyl. Once selected the correct cutting parameters will be applied.

I am using heat transfer vinyl, I can't forget to mirror design.

Tap on the two up-pointing triangles. To mirror horizontally, tap the two up-pointing triangles. The two side-pointing triangles reflect the image vertically.

Apply vinyl onto the cutting mat, shiny side down.

Clean the floor of the machine with an alcohol-based wipe.

When the floor is dry, remove the cover sheet from the back of the mat and stick it to the floor.

Insert the fine point blade into the main carriage.

Out of the bottom of the carriage is a large red plus sign, line the light up with the corner of the material on the mat.

Shut the lid, and back in XCS tap on framing. The light will then trace the area that the design will cut.

This helps me double-check that I have my material in the right place.

Start the cut with the button in XCS, and then hit the button on the front to begin the cut.

It is fun to watch it work!

The machine beeps when the cut is done. Hit confirm, and return to the project.

Remove the mat from the machine, and the vinyl from the mat. Then recover the mat with its protective sheets.

Cut Basswood

Install the laser module onto the main carriage.

Each of the sheets of basswood are cut the same way. My sheets are 6x12 so each cover is cut from a different sheet.

In XCS, move one of the covers to the canvas area and change the cutting settings.

Under object, select the Laser Module, Cut, and then choose the material for the setting. For me, it is 1/16-inch basswood.

Place the triangular prisms on the floor of the machine.

Place the piece of basswood on top.

Line up the lit plus sign in the top left corner of the square printed on the baseplate.

Select Framing and watch as the light outlines the area to be cut. I needed to move mine over a bit.

Select Process, and start the cut.

The machine beeps when the cut is finished, and you can open the lid and remove the cut material.

Go around the edges of the cover with a wet wipe to remove any soot from those cut areas.

Tap on completed in XCS, and return to the project.

Move the other cover into the canvas area and repeat.

I like cleaning up when done cutting because the residue from cutting wood can become sticky and gross over time. So it is easier to do it every time I am done cutting.

Weed the Heat Transfer Vinyl

Grab a weeding tool, and weed the heat transfer vinyl.

Don't forget the inside pieces!

This is what it looks like when finished. So pretty!

Apply Heat Transfer Vinyl

I am using my xTool Heat Press with the Pedestal.

Set the time to 300º for 40 seconds.

Line up the bottom of the vinyl with the bottom of the cover and place it on the heat press mat.

When the heat press is at temperature, swing it around so it is over the heat press mat, clamp down, and start the timer.

Lift the heat press and let the material cool completely before removing the backing sheet.

Then slowly remove the backing sheet to the heat transfer vinyl, making all areas adhere to the basswood and not to the backing sheet.

Assemble:

Last, is assembling the notebook!

Open the three rings on each clip and place the back cover on the rings first.

Then the paper, followed by the front cover.

That's it, the notebook is finished. The assembly was super easy!

Look at all of these pages too!

I love cute notebooks and use them up pretty quickly and I love that this one is refillable!