How to Use Cricut Iron On Vinyl
I’ve been using iron on vinyl for Cricut projects for a long time, and I love projects made with this material. For me, working with iron on is always an exciting task! I have created several projects, such as shirts, tote bags, and other personalized stuff. So, if you are here to learn how to use Cricut iron on vinyl, then you have chosen the right tutorial! In this blog, I’ll walk you through the entire process of using iron on vinyl to make a tote bag.
The reason why I chose this project is because it is easy to create, and anyone can grasp it faster. On the other hand, I needed a tote bag for my personal use for a long time. But I couldn’t make it as I was busy with work related to the renovation of my house.
Despite this, I am not sure whether you are familiar with the use of Cricut. Therefore, I will explain each step one by one, from creating a project to applying it to the blank tote bag. Let’s check out this blog to learn more.
Step 1: Collect All the Tools and Supplies
I can’t tell you how important it is to have the right materials or tools while working on this project. Ensure you have the same supplies mentioned below if working on the same projects.
Here’s what I am going to use in my project:
Cricut machine (I am using a Maker machine)
Iron on vinyl
EasyPress mat
Design Space software
Lightgrip or StandardGrip cutting mat
Choose any base materials, such as a T-shirt or tote bag.
Fine point blade
Weeding tool
EasyPress machine
After gathering these items, you can move to the first step towards learning how to use Cricut iron on vinyl. Let’s create a design on Cricut Design Space.
Step 2: Create a Project Design
To create a design, you will need Cricut software, known as Design Space. On this software, you can edit, create, and upload your design in the form of an SVG file. But I am adding a simple text; you can also try the same. Also, there are hundreds of fonts available on the software that you can get easily for free.
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Here’s what my design looks like:
Since I wanted a typography-based design, I created it using a text tool from Design Space. In addition, I added a circle instead of a full stop because the size of the full stop with this font style was not appealing. Besides, I merged everything together after adding the circle. As a result, it will remain in one place.
Finally, don’t forget to mirror the text.
Step 3: Choose the Iron On Vinyl for Cricut
After creating the design, I move to the next screen, where I select the specific materials from the list. Here, you will notice the different pressure settings for various iron on vinyl. So, ensure you select the right option. Since I am using Everyday Iron On, I am going to choose Everyday Iron On from the list of materials.
For this project, I am using a Fine-Point blade in my Maker machine. Afterward, I will place my vinyl on the Cricut mat. While placing it, keep the shiny side downside on the mat.
Step 4: Cut and Weed Out Vinyl
Now, let’s shift to how to use Cricut iron on vinyl. For this, you have to first cut your design on vinyl material. To do this, I will load the mat into your Cricut Maker machine. Post this, and click on the Go button on Cricut Maker to start cutting the vinyl.
Once I finish cutting my design, I move on to the next step, i.e. Weeding the iron on vinyl. In weeding, we basically take off the extra material using a certain type of tool called a weeding tool.
Step 5: Apply Your Design on Project
Now, you’ve come to the last step, where I will show you how to use Cricut iron on vinyl. To learn the use of vinyl, I am providing you with the steps given below:
First, I will need to preheat the EasyPress. For this, I have to follow the Cricut Heat Guide to set the exact temp and tap on time as per your material.
Once my EasyPress is heated up, I use it to preheat my tote bag to remove the wrinkles. Here, I have already laid out my tote bag on the EasyPress mat.
Next, I place my design in the middle of my tote bag, ensuring the shiny surface faces up.
Now, I am ready to apply the heat to the iron on vinyl as per the Cricut app’s instructions.
Afterward, I will also apply the heat by flipping my bag over.
Last but not least, I will remove the transfer sheet when it cools down, and that’s done!
Now, my new tote bag is ready. Yay!!! I am excited to use it on my next shopping trip!
Conclusion
In short, I wrote this tutorial on how to use Cricut iron on vinyl, especially for beginners or someone who occasionally does crafting! I understand that working with vinyl material for the first time can be a little intimidating. Hence, I decided to add all the essential points like supply requirements and from start to finish process to use the vinyl. So, if you want to use iron on vinyl for shirts or other materials, then follow the instructions in the Cricut Heat Guide.
FAQs
Question 1: Which side of the iron on vinyl faces down?
Answer: After you have cut the design on an iron on vinyl, make sure the shiny side of your vinyl is facing down towards the blank. We call this shiny side a carrier as it covers the face of the HTV and keeps the cut design pieces in alignment when it is cut and applied to the project.
Question 2: Should I often mirror my iron on vinyl?
Answer: Not often, but in most cases, you need to mirror your vinyl. Especially when you have text, always confirm it by checking your design to see whether it is symmetrical or not. If it is a symmetrical or pattern type of design, then you will not need to mirror it. However, for asymmetrical designs, you must mirror it.
Question 3: Why is my iron on vinyl not sticking to my shirt?
Answer: There are many factors you need to ensure while using iron on vinyl, such as timing, heat temperature, pressure, etc. So, always be sure about these factors. In other words, the timing should not be too short or long. In case you didn’t apply the required pressure, heat, and time, then it may peel off anytime in the future.