I love getting the chance to try new projects. That's why I was excited to learn how to use Cricut Infusible Ink a couple months ago.
I got my hands on some this summer and made some fun coasters for my parents new RV.
Since than, I have made several projects and love how easy it is to use.
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Let me share with you what I've learned and some tips and tricks as well. I've used both the transfer sheets and the pens and they are both equally easy to use.
What is Cricut Infusible Ink?
Infusible Ink is a form of ink heat transfer that becomes permanent when applied to the proper materials. Basically you are transferring ink from the paper to the base material. You could kind of say you are dyeing the material using heat.
Is Cricut Infusible Ink sublimation?
It is a similar process because Infusible Ink uses a chemical to help the ink adhere to the base. You don't need a special printer to create your designs however.
You just need one of the many Infusible Ink products to create your design.
What are Cricut Infusible Ink transfer sheets?
To get the design onto the base you'll need one of the many Cricut Infusible Ink transfer sheetsCricut Infusible Ink transfer sheets. They come in many colors and patterns.
- 12 x 12" Designs - in solids and patterns
- 12 x 17" Designs
Each transfer sheet comes with parchment paper and a small square of material to experiment with. This is helpful if you don't want to mess up our first project. You can also use it to clean off your coasters.
Infusible Ink transfer sheets are a great way to cut out fun svg files and super simple to use.
Check out our post on how to apply Infusible Ink to coasters.
How do Cricut Infusible Ink pens work?
If you would rather create your own designs or projects you'll love Cricut Infusible Ink pens.
With just a piece of copy paper, you can draw your own designs and ideas using the Infusible Ink pens. Then with some heat, you'll transfer that design onto your compatible base.
And yes, that means you can create a design and put it right on a t-shirt with your pens and markers.
What Cricut machine can use you Infusible Ink with?
Any! If your machine cuts paper and vinyl, it can cut Infusible Ink.
Can you use Cricut Infusible Ink on any shirt?
Yes and no.
Cricut Infusible Ink needs to adhere to a polyester product. Cricut has several products designed just for use with Infusible Ink including:
- Mens t-shirt
- Womens t-shirt
- Kids T-shit
- Baby Bodysuit
- Trucker Hat
- Tote Bags
- Zipper Pouches
- Coasters
- Wine Bag
- Pillow cover
Many people ask whether other materials can be used with the Infusible Ink. Yes, but you may not have the same results as with the Cricut bases made specifically for Infusible Ink.
For instance, the pink t-shirt in this post is made with a 50/50 tshirt. That means it is 50% cotton and 50% polyester. It worked well, but the design is not as bold as on a 100% polyester material.
How to use Cricut Infusible Ink?
- Free Sewing Valentine Cut File
- T-shirt with Polyester - this tee is 50% polyester
- Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets
- Cricut EasyPress 2
Place your infusible ink transfer sheet right side up on your cutting mat.
Note: The design on the transfer sheet will look lighter than it should on your base. But the more polyester you have in your base the better the design will look.
Measure where you want the design to go on the tee or base. Use this to determine how big of a design to cut in design space.
TIP: Make sure to mirror your image in Design Space so it will be the right direction on your base. Especially if you are cutting out words.
Load your mat and cut out your design.
Weed your design.
Place a piece of cardstock inside the tshirt or base (if using coasters, place the cardstock under the coaster.
The cardstock will ensure that the color doesn't bleed through to the other side of the tshirt.
Place transfer sheet onto your base. Place a piece of parchment paper over the top of your design.
If you need to help your design stay in place, like on your coaster, you can use the heat resistant tape to keep the design from moving.
Let the transfer sheet cool and remove from the design.
You'll notice the design on the transfer sheet looks much more faded and the color is now on the shirt.
You'll notice that this t-shirt isn't as bold. That is because it is a poly/cotton blend. On 100% polyester it is going to be much bolder.
I have to admit, as I was learning, it was a little frustrating trying to find out all the information I needed. I hope that this post answers most if not all your questions about Cricut Infusible Ink.
If it doesn't, feel free to ask in the comments or email me.
Thank you for this post about infusible ink! Very helpful.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome!
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