How To Use Cricut Iron-On Vinyl? [Step-by-Step Instructions]
Do you want to know how to use Cricut iron-on vinyl but didn't know how to get started? You have come to the right place. Iron-on vinyl is the most popular material for craft projects with a Cricut machine, such as custom vinyl shirts, canvas tote bags, hats, and more.
This post will show you the easy steps for cutting and applying iron-on vinyl with the Cricut machine.
If you are new to Cricut, iron-on vinyl can be intimidating. If you want to learn more about how to use Cricut iron-on vinyl to do craft projects with a Cricut machine but aren't sure where to start, this post is for you.
A Complete Guide: How To Use Cricut Iron-On Vinyl
In order to use Cricut iron-on vinyl, follow the steps given below:
1. Load Your Design
Firstly, open your Cricut Design Space and load design. You can:
- Upload files (SVG or JPG) that you found online,
- Search the Cricut Image Library,
- Or create a design from shapes and fonts directly in the Cricut Design Space.
2. Adjust Your Design
Next, resize pictures to fit the project. You can use the T-shirt template in the Cricut Design Space to see how your design will look on your shirt.
After that, choose the perfect design and adjust your size on the top toolbar to set your dimensions. A decal 9 inches wide will fit nicely for your T-shirt.
Then, tap Color Sync in the upper right and ensure all design parts are cut out with a similar color.
Once the design is finished, tap the green "Make It" button in the upper right corner to take you to the preview screen.
3. Mirror Your Design
Now, choose your "Mirror" option on the left side panel. Then tap the green "Continue" in the lower right corner. Just keep in mind, don't forget to mirror design!
4. Choose Your Material
After you tap on Continue, the Design Space connects to the machine and asks you to choose the iron-on material.
- If you're using Cricut Maker, choose your iron-on type from the menu bar.
- If you're using a Cricut Explore, simply turn the machine's dial to iron-on.
5. Prepare Your Cricut Iron-on Vinyl on Cutting Mat
Put your iron-on vinyl plastic side down on the cutting mat. Ensure the glossy plastic carrier sheet is facing down so it doesn't get cut. Smooth the vinyl with your fingers or a brayer on your cutting mat.
Now is a good time to ensure your machine has installed a fine point blade.
6. Insert and Cut the Mat into the Machine
Insert your cutting mat (with vinyl) into the Cricut machine, and push the up-down arrow button on the machine so that it grabs the mat.
Then, tap the blinking "C" button on the Cricut machine to begin cutting. Sit back and see the Cricut iron-on vinyl magic happen!
7. Weed Your Vinyl
Once your Cricut machine is done cutting, tap the arrow button once again so that it completes the cutting mat with the cut-out vinyl decal.
And now... it's weed time. Weeding is the process of removing all excess vinyl material that isn't part of the final design. Use a weeding tool or hook to lift one corner of the vinyl, starting with the larger outside pieces. You can then use your fingers to remove the material from the mat at a 45° angle.
Next, use a hook or a pair of tweezers to grab and remove all the small pieces of vinyl. Don't forget the interior of A and O.
Compare your cut design with your computer's picture to ensure you've removed all the correct pieces.
8. Transfer Your Design
You can use a regular home iron, Cricut Easy Press, or another heat press to apply Cricut iron-on vinyl to a T-shirt (or any other material). The basic process is the same, but we'll review each method's specifics.
With Cricut Easy Press, this machine is the easy-to-use Cricut iron-on. It is created to work with Cricut HTV, so it removes all the guesswork! It's easy to set the temperature, timer, and it's large enough to cover the entire project in one go.
First, heat the Cricut Easy Press. So, at what temperature do you iron-on Cricut vinyl? If you're using 100% cotton and the Cricut Everyday Iron-On, set your temperature to 315°F. Find them in the Cricut Heat Guide for other types of Cricut iron-ons and other materials. You can find the exact temperature and time for each.
Pre-press: After your Cricut Easy Press warms up, you'll need to pre-press fabric. It flattens your material, removes moisture, and heats your fabric, so it's ready to bond to the HTV.
Lay your shirt on a Cricut Easy Press mat or folded towel to get a smooth and soft pressing surface. Set the timer to 315°F for 5 seconds, place your Cricut Easy Press in the middle of your shirt, and tap the green "C" button to start.
Press: Lay your weeded vinyl decal glossy side up so that your vinyl is against the fabric and your plastic back is facing up. Ensure it's centered where you want it.
Set your Cricut Easy Press timer to 315°F for 30 seconds, and hold the Cricut Easy Press over your design. Tap "C" and press down with light pressure to start.
Important: Most of the work is done in the summer. Just maintain an even, gentle pressure, and don't move your Cricut Easy Press around.
Flip your entire project over, and press against the back of the shirt at 315°F for 15 seconds.
Peel: Let your shirt cool for a few minutes.
Now, try gently peeling the plastic liner off the vinyl. If your vinyl starts to pull away from the shirt, stop! Replace your liner and hit it with more heat.
Once HTV is completely bonded to the fabric, remove the plastic liner and admire your Cricut iron-on vinyl creation!
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