Have you bought a Cricut Heat Press and are confused about how to use it? You might not want to burn your shirt on your first try, right? This feeling is very normal when you’re a beginner and unsure about the steps for applying heat to your apparel or any blank with the Cricut Heat Press.
If you have been feeling the same lately, I’m here to help you with each step. So, get ready with your Cricut Heat Press, a cutting machine, a T-shirt, or any blank you prefer, and get started by transferring your favorite design to it.
To use a Cricut Heat Press, you need a few materials, such as a heat-resistant mat, heat transfer vinyl (HTV), and a well-prepared design on the Design Space app. Moreover, you need a blank to transfer the design to. Here is the list of all the items you’ll need.
An SVG file
StandardGrip cutting mat
Cricut cutting machine (Explore or Maker)
Everyday Iron-on vinyl (black)
A weeding tool to remove excess vinyl
Scissors to cut vinyl to the size of the cutting mat
Cricut EasyPress 2 to apply heat
EasyPress mat or a clean towel to place under the material
Here comes the design part, where you create your project in Design Space. You might know that the Design Space offers several pre-made designs and free templates you can choose from. You can also upload a file from your computer or create a design from scratch. The Cricut software lets you adjust designs and try different layouts. Here I’m preparing a simple text to transfer to my tea towels. I chose it because it was beginner-friendly.
Open the Design Space app and tap the plus sign to start a new project.
Select the Upload button from the toolbar to insert an SVG file. I am uploading a text file for Autumn. You can also type text using the text box on the left side. However, uploading is easier.
Now, you can adjust the size according to your preference. I keep the design 6 inches wide and 9 inches long. There is a size box at the top to adjust the size.
Click on the “Make It” option in the upper right corner to start cutting.
Select and enable the “Mirror” option, as it’s necessary for all the iron-on vinyl projects.
Now, your design is ready to be cut with your Cricut cutting machine.
You’re ready with your final design, and it’s time to cut it. Follow these steps to cut your final design.
Cut your iron-on vinyl to fit your cutting mat, then hit the Continue button in Design Space.
Select your iron-on vinyl from the material list in Design Space.
Place the vinyl on the cutting mat, and ensure that the glossy side is facing down.
Now, go with the on-screen instructions to cut the vinyl.
Once the cutting is complete, it’s time to prepare the design for transfer to your towel.
Use a weeding tool to remove the excess vinyl from the final cut. It's an important step for achieving a cleaner look. You can also handpick the vinyl; however, vinyl trapped inside letters should be removed using a dedicated Cricut weeding tool.
Setting up the machine is important to prepare it for creating the project. Here are the steps to set it up.
Your heat press needs to be placed on a heat-resistant surface.
Then, connect it to a wall outlet and turn it on. To set the right time and temperature, use the Cricut Heat Guide. It's the official guide from Cricut that tells you exactly how long to heat the blank.
To access the Heat Guide, visit the Cricut website - cricut.com/en/heatguide and open the Heat Guide section.
Select your heat transfer material (Everyday iron-on vinyl), choose the base fabric type, and click on Apply.
The Cricut Heat Guide will tell you how long you need to preheat the base material and at what temperature. Note the instructions, and go ahead with the procedure.
It is time to transfer the design to your base material. It involves a few steps. Let’s check them one by one.
Place a mat or clean towel on a flat surface.
You’ve already checked the correct time and temperature for preheating the material using the Cricut Heat Guide.
Place your material on the mat and decide where you will be adding the design.
Preheat the material for 5 seconds. It will prepare the material for final heating and remove the moisture and wrinkles.
Now, place the design on your tea towel. Ensure the shiny side faces up.
Press the design on the towel for 30 seconds, and keep the pressure light and firm.
Now, turn the towel upside down and apply heat again for 15 seconds.
Peel off the plastic backing as recommended for your vinyl type, either hot or cool peel.
However, if the vinyl also peels off with the plastic, apply heat for longer. And then, peel off the plastic. Note: Do not apply heat directly to the vinyl surface; always use the carrier sheet that comes with the iron-on vinyl.
Finally, you have a customized tea towel, and you’re all set to show it to your guests and friends. You can use the same steps on any apparel and enjoy DIYing.
You must wait for 24 hours before washing a Cricut iron-on project after heat pressing. First, wash in cold water, and avoid using high heat when drying.
If your Cricut iron-on design isn't sticking properly, heat it for a few more seconds. This helps the design stick properly, and the plastic cover will peel off smoothly from the vinyl.
Use the Cricut Heat Guide to know the correct temperature for your machine:
Search for the Cricut heat guide on the internet.
Choose your heat transfer material from the drop-down menu.
Select your base material from the drop-down menu, and click on Apply.
Now, the app will suggest the correct temperature and time.
Visit: cricut.com/setup
Source: https://cricricutdesigncut.wordpress.com/2026/01/28/how-to-use-cricut-heat-press-easy-steps/