Cricut Maker Project: How To Use Infusible Ink Sheets

If you have been wondering how to use Cricut Infusible Ink with your Maker (or Explore), today is the day!

Grab the supplies needed and follow along as we create a child's t-shirt using the Cricut Infusible Ink Sheets. 

You will need the following items to create this Infusible Ink project:

• Cricut Infusible Ink Sheets & Butcher Paper (which is included)- I am using Mermaid Rainbow but you can use any colors/designs that you wish.
• Cricut Maker (or Explore)
• Cricut Easy Press 2 (or Mini)
• Cricut Heat Press Mat
• Cricut Blank T-Shirt
• SVG Cut File (we are using the Wild Child design from the Full Circle Bundle.)
• Light Grip Mat

Before we start, let's get a quick overview of the Cricut Infusible Ink system.

What is Infusible Ink?

The Cricut Infusible Ink system uses a sublimation ink that becomes part of the material. There is no peeling, cracking or flaking when using this system. It's kind of awesome. Unlike the iron-on or HTV process, where artwork is attached on top of a base material using adhesive, an Infusible Ink transfer becomes one with the material itself.

What Can I Use Infusible Ink On?

Cricut makes a specific line of Infusible Ink Blanks which includes Totes, Baby Bodysuits, Round & Square Coasters, and T-shirts for Women, Men & Kids. The t-shirts are 95% polyester/5% spandex. We will continue to test the Infusible Ink on other surfaces & will update you with more tutorials as we discover new uses for this amazing process.

What Kind of Heat Press Do I Need For Infusible Ink?

The Cricut Easy Press 2 or a heat press that achieves 400 degrees Fahrenheit is required to infuse the ink. Today we are using the Cricut Easy Press Mini which heats to 400 degrees on the high heat level. It is great for small projects but we recommend the Easy Press 2 or standard heat press for anything larger.

Cricut Infusible Ink Project: Kid's T-Shirt

Ok let's get started on our project.

First open up a new project in Cricut Design Space and Upload your SVG Cut File.

I am using the Wild Child design, which is appropriate for my 6 year old and is part of the Full Circle Bundle. You will love this bundle - it is full of round designs that are perfect for cutting boards, shirts, mugs, ornaments, signs & hats. Grab it before it's gone & save 90%!

Resize the design to 5" x 5".

This fits well on a Youth size Medium shirt.

Now let's adjust the design a bit.

Select the text layer and Click on Weld.

Next select the Text layer & the full circle layer and click Slice.

Delete the extra layers. This leaves the circle with our text cut out plus the outer circle.

Select both layers & click Attach to keep the design together.

Click Make It.

Click Mirror to mirror your design. You need to mirror designs using any words or text with the Infusible Ink sheets.

Select your material: Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet.

Now cut the Infusible Ink sheet down to the size you need. I cut out a piece that is 6" x 6".

Place the Infusible Ink sheet onto the Light Grip Mat with the ink color facing up. It does look dull but it will be vibrant once it is pressed.

Load your mat and cut your design.

Weed the design. Be sure that your hands are not wet or oily. If your hands tend to sweat, use tweezers to weed the design.

The Infusible Ink sheet is not like vinyl. It is more like paper and weeds VERY easily.

It is awesome for mandala designs!

Now it is time to press the design.

Add a piece of card stock inside the shirt, so the ink does not bleed through to the back of the shirt.

Place the shirt onto the Easy Press Heat Mat.

Place the butcher paper sheet that is included with the Infusible Ink sheet on top of the shirt.

Turn on your Easy Press Mini and heat on high (all 3 bars will be lit for high heat.)

When the Easy Press Mini is ready and beeps, press your shirt for about 45 seconds to preheat it.

Remove the butcher paper and place your Infusible Ink design onto the shirt (ink side down).

Place the butcher paper on top of the design and press for approx. 240 seconds.

Move slowly as you press the design. You want nice, even pressure when using the Mini. You don't want to move the design around or you will get "ghost lines."

After you are done pressing, remove the butcher paper and let the design cool.

Remove the backing and reveal your bright, Wild Child t-shirt!

Here is the video tutorial for Part 1: Cricut Design Space:

Here is the video tutorial for Part 2: Pressing Your Infusible Ink Design:

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We hope you enjoyed the Cricut Maker Project: How To Use Infusible Ink Sheets tutorial!

 

 

 

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