How to Use Cricut Autopress: Your Get Started Guide

If you are reading this blog, it’s because you want to learn how to use Cricut Autopress. Ever since I started my crafting journey, I have created a lot of crafts. But for the long term, I decided to start my own venture, which is a custom T-shirt business. Through this business, I have sold thousands of T-shirts using my press.

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Since Cricut Autopress is designed for industrial purposes, it offers incredible features compared to conventional heat press machines. Since I am an expert in using this machine, I can guide you in getting started with your Cricut Autopress machine. Plus, I will show you how to make your first project using this heat press.

After reading this blog, you will be able to use it without anyone’s help. So, whether you want to make a bunch of T-shirts for your family or tote bags, this Cricut machine has you covered!

What Can You Do with Cricut EasyPress?

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Earlier, we had a traditional heat press, which was not very user-friendly. That used to be so heavy, making it difficult to place it somewhere else. But Cricut launched its new version of heat-press which is called a Cricut Autopress. With this press, you can stick iron-on vinyl, Cricut Infusible Ink, and sublimation prints on a wide range of flat blanks. These blanks include T-shirts, coasters, tote bags, and much more.

I know you might be thinking about Cricut EasyPress, such as why we can’t use EasyPress instead of buying this bulky machine. After all, they both do the same things as EasyPress.

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But, being the owner of a T-shirt designing business, I know the utmost importance of having an Autopress. In contrast, it was not made for personal use but for industrial use so that it could handle massive projects quickly. But for smaller projects, EasyPress is always a good option.

Steps for Cricut Autopress Setup on Your Computer

Before we move to how to use Cricut Autopress, every machine needs to be set up. However, setting up an Autopress is relatively easy. Follow the steps below to set your Cricut Autopress heat press:

1. First of all, unbox the machine by removing the black handles.

2. Take out the USB cord to connect your Autopress Control Pod to your computer.

3. Go to the Cricut Setup and follow the steps given on the screen to set up your heat press.

4. If you want to set it up via Design Space, then just go to the top left menu and select the New Product Setup.

Note for Mac users: Newer computer users who do not have a Standard USB driver will need to use a USB-to-USB converter. But if you have a Cricut Mug Press, then you must already have this converter. 

How to Use Cricut Autopress for Making an Iron-on Project?

Let’s take an example to understand the usage of Autopress. In this example, I am going to use a Cricut Infusible Ink on my customer’s T-shirt. Before we use this press, we will first need to create a design on Design Space. Afterward, cut the same design using your Cricut cutting machine. After cutting the design, move to the step-by-step instructions given below to apply the design to the T-shirt:

Step 1: Set the Time & Temperature

First of all, I am going to switch on my Cricut Autopress. Next, I am going to preheat my blanks. For this, we need to set the time and temperature for our compatible materials based on a heat guide. For my blank, I have set the temperature to 400° for 15 seconds. You can modify your temperature and time according to your materials using the Cricut Heat Guide.

Step 2: Preheat the Blank

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Let’s learn how to use Cricut Autopress for preheating. In order to preheat my blank, I simply put my shirt on the base of the heat press. Afterward, I close the Autopress and try to press the handle downward until it gives a click sound.

After closing it, the timer will start counting down. Then, the press will open up automatically once the timer reaches zero. Since it might be too hot, do not try to touch it very soon, and leave it to cool down.

Step 3: Place Your Design on the Blank T-shirt

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I always do preheat because it removes the crease, and the surface becomes evenly flat, making it an ideal surface for your design. So, after preheating, I place a cardstock inside my blank and then place the Infusible Ink design on my blank.

As you can see in the above image, I have used heat-resistant tape to keep the design in the center. Also, my design is facing downward. Afterward, I place the butcher paper on the top of my T-shirt blank.

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Step 4: Apply the Pressure to Your T-shirt

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Before applying the pressure, I reset the Pod for 45 seconds. Then, pull the handle down to apply the pressure until it produces a click sound. Once your countdown reaches zero, you should leave it for a while to cool down. Later on, you can remove the transfer!

Finally, our guide on how to use Cricut Autopress comes to an end. Here’s what my Infusible Ink design looks like on a white T-shirt.

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FAQs

Question 1: What projects can I make with Cricut Autopress?

Answer: the upgraded version of the traditional heat press, Cricut Autopress, is mainly designed for bigger projects. However, the possibilities are endless with this advanced heat press. These projects include clothing such as T-shirts, tote bags, and any other oversized clothes. Besides, you can also make home Decor, e.g., personalized address sign plate/board and ceramic coasters. 

Question 2: Should I use Cricut Autopress without the mat?

Answer: You can only use Autopress without a mat when you are using a thicker blank. However, thin blanks require you to use the mat. Then, just adjust the heat and temperature for your compatible materials and place the design onto your blank. Afterward, you can pull down the handle to press the heat press. As a result, your design will adhere to the blank. Make sure you do not touch it just after applying the design. Let it cool down and take it out.

Question 3: Can I adjust the pressure on Cricut Autopress?

Answer: No, you don’t need to apply pressure yourself, as Cricut Autopress comes with an automatic pressure feature. Thus, it can apply the necessary pressure automatically on any project with up to 2 inches of thickness. However, you just need to lower the heat plate and press down the handle so that the motor engages properly. Finally, the in-build mechanism will do the rest to adjust the pressure.

Conclusion       

In a nutshell, I have written this guide on how to use Cricut Autopress for beginners. Using this guide, they can make their first project easily. To help the beginner, I have added points like what you can do with your Cricut Autopress. Further, I discussed the setup procedure of the press. Without this setup, we cannot get started with this device. Last but not least, the step-by-step tutorial to make your first project can help you apply your design on a T-shirt or any other blank effortlessly. 

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