How To Do The Knock Out Method Easily Using Inkscape

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If you haven’t tried the knock out method – you simply have to!

The knock out method is when you layer something on top of another thing and the bottom layer is removed around the top layer so that it stands out better. It’s not just the exact size of the top layer – but with an added border around it. So I guess it’s not really layered anymore. It’s like the bottom layer has a cut-out that allows the top layer to stand out. 

The knock out method is a popular method when incorporating various elements into your graphic. When layering an element on top of another element, it is nice to have a bit of space around it so that your layering element stands out and is easier to see. Sometimes you may like to have the overlap, but sometimes you may want the space around. You can easily create this in Inkscape, a free, online graphics program.

The knockout method can be used in a number of vinyl projects – both using adhesive vinyl, as well as heat transfer vinyl (HTV).

Preparing Your Knock Out

Using Inkscape, you can easily create the knockout method.  It is the exact same technique as doing an offset. You can find all the written directions for offset here in this blog post.

Offsetting is a great way to create a bubble around your graphic or text. It mimics the shape so that it matches – it’s not just a simple oval or box.

Use Inkscape for the TOP layer. Create an offset so that now you have 2 layers – your original and the offset (which is like a shadow or border around your original). In Inkscape, you can decide how much space you want around your top layer. Don’t forget to save it as an SVG file so that the layers are separate.

Prepping Your Knock Out in Cricut Design Space 5.3

• Upload your offset image or text (the SVG file) into Cricut’s software – Design Space. I use the current version: DS 5.3.
• Create the large, bottom layer in Design Space (in my case, it was a single, large-sized word).
• Place your  2 layers offset (the SVG file) on top of the bottom layer you just created. Size and position it the way you want it to look. To make it easier, be sure to have your offset item on top of the bottom layer – use the arrange function at the top or right-click the item to do that.
• Once you have it positioned the way you want it, HIDE your original top layer (the SVG you created in Inkscape) – the actual graphic or text that you’re going to have on top (click the ‘eye’ on the right-hand side).
• You should be left with the bottom layer that you created, as well as the offset part of the SVG (the “bubble” you created around).  Select these 2 items and SLICE.
  Remember – it should be only 2 layers – the slice function can only do 2 layers. If the slice function is not an option for you, you’ve got something extra in there. Make sure the bottom layer is 1 piece – so attach or weld if necessary
• After you’ve done that, delete the sliced portions – you will have 2:  the offset one you created in Inkscape, as well as the sliced out parts of your bottom layer.
• Un-hide your original top layer (the actual graphic or words you want to show) and it should be perfectly centered within the knocked out area.
• You can now select the entire thing (both elements) and resize for the project that you are making. You can also change colours. Sometimes people use the same colour for each part, but you could also use different colours.
• Then all you have to do is cut out the final product with your Cricut and apply it to your item.
  Remember – if using HTV, don’t forget to mirror when you cut!

Applying the Knock Out Method Using Adhesive Vinyl

You will need to layer the 2 items together BEFORE applying them to your item.

For more information on how to use and apply adhesive vinyl, be sure to check out my post.

Applying the Knock Out Method Using Heat Transfer Vinyl

When using HTV, the process is the opposite. You will apply and layer one at a time, separately.

Here I am making a pillow or cushion cover with HTV.  The first photo shows the bottom layer being applied – doesn’t it look funny all by itself with the missing middle part?

This next photo shows me applying the top layer – now it makes more sense, doesn’t it? For general information on how to apply HTV on pillow covers, check out my blog post here.

When to Use the Knock Out Method

The knock out method is commonly used on items where you have a large-sized keyword and either a single or series of smaller words on top. Typically the words are related. For instance, it could be a surname with first names. It could be a keyword with a quote.

Here’s the finished pillow I made using the knock out method. You saw the 2 step application above. The word “family” is the bottom layer and the top layer are names of people in the family. I joined all the names together using the font, I Love Glitter which is available from dafont.com. You can see how the space around the names helps make the names stand out better and therefore, easier to read. I also used a different colour to help make the names stand out as well.

I have seen the knock out method done, not only on pillows but also on tiles and signs. You could also use this method on shirts or bags. Basically, anything in which you have more than one layer and you want to cut out or knock out a section of it so that another layer can be inserted would use this method.

Want to remember how to do the knock out method for your next project? Be sure to save this to your favourite Pinterest board.