cuting a custom shape from a layer

[reelstuff]

I have been attempting to cut a shape from a custom print, which for some reason was really difficult.

I tried printing just the outline, and then lined that up with the print, cut it first with just plain stock to see how it would work out and it just would not cut to the same dimensions.
As the SVG file, I used a number of utilities, including gimp, inkscape, I actually spent 5 hours attepting to do what would have likely taken me about ten minutes to cut it by hand with a pair of scissors. So yes, after spending this much money on a machine and add to that the cost of SCAL I truly expected to find that it would be much easier to do this.

The main issue is getting the cricut to cut, on the same area that the SCAL shows that it should cut.

Naturally I checked to make sure that the cricut was aligned, which is was perfectly.

So, now after finally achieving a somewhat imperfect version of my cutout, (somewhat off center)

I am now looking at cutting out a space on a larger image, it should line up almost perfectly, in order to cut it, exactly where I want it to cut.

So I am wondering if I can put a layer under the cutout, (pattern) so that I can line it up perfectly, instead of having to hold it up to the light to make sure it is correct and then try to get it to line up perfectly on the mat. It seems as if something is not exactly correct with the math on this SCAL, since the screen shows one position, and the actual cut is off about two centimeters, from what it should be, leaving you with the only option of having to guess at where to start the cut.

In my mind there has to be a better way to do this. any suggestions and or thoughts would be greatly appreciated,)

[Busgoddess10]

Here's a very good tutorial on the Hinge method.

I save old greeting cards - heavy paper magazine inserts - things of this type to make the template

[Butterfly]

Is this a print and cut project?
If so try this tutorial
http://paperpastime.blogspot.com/search ... 0and%20cut
Hope it helps