How To Use Cricut Iron On Vinyl [Complete Guide For Beginners]

 

Are you searching for the complete process of making projects with Cricut Iron On Vinyl? If yes, read all the sections of this blog. In this complete guide, we will teach you everything related to how to use Cricut Iron On Vinyl.

Cricut is one of the most famous electronic cutting machines that cuts various types of materials in just one click. You can make amazing projects with this machine by using iron-on vinyl. There are various types of projects that you can make through iron-on vinyl.

Read all the sections one by one to get all the necessary information about Cricut Iron On Vinyl. So, without wasting time, let’s jump to the next of the blog.

What Is Iron On Vinyl?

Iron-on vinyl stands in a special kind of material that comes with a heat-enabled adhesive. It’s also called the HTV or heat-transfer vinyl. Crafters can utilize the iron-on vinyl on several materials, such as metal, wood, fabric, and even paper.

Iron on vinyl is a flexible and thin material that arrives in rolls or pre-cut sheets. The iron on vinyl is made of two sheets of layers with a clear plastic backing and a colorful vinyl layer.

Kinds Of Iron On Vinyl

Iron on vinyl arrives in a huge variety of finishes and colors. You can purchase iron-on vinyl in various colors, such as pattern finishes and a rainbow of colors. Here are some of the multiple types of iron-on vinyl:

• Foil Iron-On: It comes with a reflective finish in several metallic and shiny colors.
• Patterned Iron-On: It has various types of classic and trendy patterns.
• Sportflex Iron-On: This is a thin, designed to stretch, lightweight, and flex on wear fabrics such as nylon and polyester.
• Smart Iron-on: This iron-on is easily cut without a mate on the Cricut Explore 3, Cricut Maker 3, and Cricut Joy models.
• Glitter Iron-On: It is a glittery effect and is shimmery in various types of multiple colors.
• Holographic Iron-On: It comes with multi-color and an eye-catching finish that changes the light.

Materials Required For Iron On Vinyl

There are several f materials that you can use to make awesome projects or designs. Before learning the process of how to use Cricut iron on vinyl, you need to know what kinds of materials you require. Here is the list of the most common materials:

• StandardGrip or LightGrip Cutting Mat
• Fine Point Blade
• Cricut Iron-On Vinyl
• Cricut Design Space
• A folded towel or Cricut EasyPress mat to protect your work area.
• Weeding tools
• Regular household iron, Cricut EasyPress, or heat press
• Cricut machine
• Project or design base material, such as a cotton canvas tote bag or t-shirt.

How to Use Cricut Iron On Vinyl?

Here are steps to use Cricut iron on vinyl:

Select Your Design

• To do this, open the Design Space and load your design.
• Use SVG or JPG files.
• You can also search Cricut Image Library to find images.
• You can use Design Space to create your own design.

Align Your Design

In the next step, adjust your design to fit the project. Choose the size from the top toolbar and set the dimensions. For a regular T-shirt, a 9 inches decal will be enough. After adjusting your design, click the “Make it” button from the top right to see the preview screen.

Mirror Your Design

It is a must to do step. To do this, select the “Mirror” option from the left panel. Then, click the “Continue” button at the bottom.

Choose The Material

Once you click Continue, the Design Space connects to your machine and will ask you to choose the iron-on material. In Cricut Maker, select the iron-on material from the drop-down menu. And in Cricut Explore, move the dial on the machine to iron-on.

Set The Vinyl On The Cutting Mat

Put the iron-on vinyl on the cutting mat with the plastic side down. Ensure that the shiny plastic sheet is facing downwards on the mat.

Put The Mat Into The Machine And Cut

It’s time to put the cutting mat into the Cricut machine and use the up-down arrow button on the machine to fix the mat properly. Now, press the blinking “C” button on the Cricut machine to start cutting.

Weed The Vinyl

After completing the cutting, press the arrow button again to remove your cutting mat. Weeding is necessary to remove the tiny vinyl material, which is waste. You can use a weeding tool for it. For bigger particles, use your fingers. Use a pair of tweezers to eliminate all the small pieces.

Transfer The Design

First, you need to pre-press the T-shirt. Use either a household iron or a Cricut EasyPress to apply vinyl to the T-shirt. The process is the same for all. We use a Cricut EasyPress. Put your shirt on the Cricut EasyPress mat to make a smooth surface. Now, set a timer for 5 seconds at 315 degrees Fahrenheit and place the EasyPress in the center of the shirt and press the “C” button to start it.

Then, place the weeded vinyl decal with the shiny side face-up, so the vinyl is upwards. Keep it at the center or where you want to transfer the design. Then, again set the timer for 30 seconds at 315 degrees Fahrenheit and place the machine over the design. Now, press the “C” button to start the process with minimum pressure. Avoid moving the press too much.

Wait for the shirt to cool down. Then, try to peel the plastic from the vinyl. Hence, your iron-on vinyl is completed. Wait, the vinyl also comes with plastic; stop and heat it again for 10 seconds.

Tips & Tricks for Cricut Iron On Vinyl

There are some tips and tricks for you to get amazing results. You should know every trick before going through the process of how to use Cricut iron on. Given below are some of the most important tips that are useful while making projects. Here are the tips and tricks:

• Firstly, place the iron-on over the mat face-down on the shiny side.
• Always remember that you can mirror the design. It is the most important step and very easy to forget, so keep that in mind.
• Then, choose the correct cut settings to prevent the carrier sheet from cutting. The carrier sheet serves as a transfer tape.
• Now, press the correct temperature, as overheating may ruin the design.
• Always use a dry iron and avoid using steam, as moisture prevents vinyl from sticking to the fabric properly.
• Avoid moving the iron while pressing. Keep it still. Otherwise, you’ll end up making wrinkles on your vinyl design.
• Try to take a test before your finally iron your design.

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cricut explore setup
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Source: https://cricut-explore.com/how-to-use-cricut-iron-on-vinyl/