The Cricut iron-on vinyl is the heat transfer vinyl by the Cricut Company.
If you have a Cricut machine, it’s the best heat transfer vinyl for you to use with it.
You are assured of getting the most accurate cuts compared to other heat transfer vinyl.
Cricut iron-on vinyl is perfect for making personalized gifts of all kinds.
You can stick them on most fabrics and materials such as paper, wood, and metal.
Follow this guide if it’s your first time using Cricut iron-on vinyl.
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What You Need While Using Cricut Iron-on Vinyl
For this process, you’ll need:
- A Cricut cutting machine
- Cricut Design Space installed on your computer, laptop, or mobile device.
- Cricut Everyday Iron-on vinyl
- A cutting mat: Standardgrip machine mat or Blue light grip mat
- A weeding tool
- Base material. It is advisable to pre-wash fabric without a fabric softener to allow pre-shrinking. This also removes any chemicals that would reduce adhesion.
- Cricut Easy Press, a heat press, or iron. A Cricut Easy Press mat or a towel to use as a base for heating.
How to Use Cricut Iron-on Vinyl: Step by Step Instructions
Here is how to go about it.
Upload or create your design
To work on your design, you will use Cricut design space software. If you already have your SVG or JPG, upload it.
If you don’t, browse the Cricut Image library to find one you like.
Alternatively, you can create a design of your own from scratch using the software.
Adjust your design size
Measure the dimensions of your base surface to determine the size of the design.
Make sure the design won’t look too small or too big.
Adjust the size on the top toolbar. Then click ‘Make It’ on the top right.
Mirroring the design
Design Space gives you the option to mirror the design
This is one crucial step you shouldn’t skip.
Turn on the mirror option on the left of your screen. It should turn green.
Then, click on the ‘Go’ button to go to the next step.
Material selection
Here, select the iron-on option.
Placing and loading the vinyl
Press your vinyl on the cutting mat with the shiny side down.
Once done, load the cutting mat onto the Cricut machine.
To ensure that the machine grips the mat, push down the up-down arrow button. Then, click ‘C’ for cutting to begin.
Weeding the Vinyl
Once printing is done, press the up-down button to release the mat.
Using your weeding tool, remove any parts of the vinyl that are not part of your final design.
Once done, slowly pull the vinyl from the mat.
Transferring the vinyl
Place the vinyl on your fabric or material on the exact spot you want it stuck.
The shiny plastic side of the vinyl should be up this time round.
Before placing the vinyl, ensure that your fabric has no wrinkles.
It is advisable to pre-press it.
However, do not use steam as it reduces sticking.
Then, to protect the vinyl from overheating, place parchment paper or a thin fabric on top of it.
Then, use your Cricut heat press or iron to apply heat.
If you make a mistake, especially if it’s on a small craft like baby clothes, shoes, or hats, here is how to remove vinyl from a cap.
Cooling and peeling
Once you’re done applying heat, allow the fabric to cool for a few minutes.
To know if your application is successful, pull off the plastic liner.
If the vinyl stays on the fabric, it’s done.
If the vinyl lifts off, you need to apply more heat.
Which Side Of Iron-On Vinyl Goes Down?
The shiny side goes down since the vinyl is what you want to cut when cutting.
How Long Do You Press Iron On Vinyl?
Press each area for 10-15 seconds before moving to the next.
If the vinyl lifts press for another 10-15 seconds.
Hopefully, this guide will get you started on your project.
