Have you ever used the Cricut Infusible Ink? If not, then this guide is for you! This post is mainly dedicated to beginner crafters who know little about infusible ink (or transfer sheets). In other words, the Infusible Ink comes in two varieties: markers/pens and transfer sheets. However, you can’t use infusible ink markers/pens directly onto the materials (paper or fabrics), but you will need a heat press to infuse the ink into the materials.
This detailed guide will teach you about Infusible Ink, Infusible Ink transfer sheets, and how to use them to make beautiful craft projects.
What is Cricut Infusible Ink?
Infusible ink is also a Cricut product, allowing us to get professional-quality heat transfer projects. In simple terms, the ink infuses any of your projects instead of sticking in the form of a layer. When it dries, it becomes a permanent part of your projects. As a result, the ink doesn’t peel, crack, or wrinkle like vinyl.
On the other hand, Cricut Infusible Ink transfer sheets are a collection of pre-printed materials. The transfer sheets contain Infusible Ink that is made to work with a cutting machine. You just need to load these sheets into your Cricut machine just like other materials (loading them onto a cutting mat). Further, you can cut your design with a Cricut digital cutter. Finally, you will press these sheets with a heat press to infuse the design onto your projects.
What Supplies Do You Need to Use Cricut Infusible Ink?
Given below is the list of supplies and tools you will need for using Infusible Ink.
- Infusible Ink transfer sheets
- Butcher paper
- Cardstock
- Cricut Explore or Maker cutting machine
- A heat press machine such as AutoPress or EasyPress
- A Poly-coated base Material like Cricut’s blank
- Heat Resistant Tape
- Other supplies, like tweezers or a link roller
How to Use the Cricut Infusible Ink Transfers?
Here is the step-by-step guide to cutting and applying infusible ink transfers on a project. Hope you are excited to learn this. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Select Infusible Ink Materials and a Compatible Blank
As per your inconvenience, you can either cut designs from Infusible Ink sheets or sketch your own designs with Cricut Infusible Ink (pens or markers).
Step 2: Start Making Your Design in the Cricut App
- Launch the Cricut Design Space and start working on a new project.
- For this, you can choose the design from Cricut Access Library.
- You need to upload an SVG cut file. Otherwise, you can make your own design on this app.
- When you finish your design, click Make it to send it to the mat.
- Further on the prepare screen, you need to click the button to mirror your design.
- Then, choose Cricut Infusible Ink from the given list of materials settings. Also, load the fine-point blade into your machine.
Step 3: Cut Your Transfer Sheet
- Now, you can load the transfer sheets on top of the cutting mat (StandardGrip). Place your sheet onto this mat. Ensure the shiny side is down, and the colorful inked surface should be facing upward. Plus, the transfer sheet must be adhered to the mat.
- After that, hit Load to insert the mat into the Cricut machine. Next, press GO and start.
- Unload the mat after cutting. Keep the mat on a clean surface by flipping it.
- Then, separate the cutting mat and Cricut Infusible Ink sheet by peeling the mat.
- Next, you need to weed the design.
- After the weeding, you will have your design.
Note: Weeding Infusible Ink is not as easy as weeding vinyl. As per Cricut’s recommendation, you should weed your transfer sheets by using your fingers. Don’t use sharp objects to weed, as it may result in unwanted ink transfer.
Step 4: Get Ready With Your Materials
This time, you need to set up your working area before you apply for the transfer sheet.
- First of all, place your blank project onto the mat. Keep a piece of white cardstock inside it (blank project). The cardstock will shield your mat and project from ink seepage from one side to another.
- Then, you must use a lint roller to clean the unwanted particles from the surface of the blank.
- Next, use a larger butcher paper to cover the blank project. Butcher paper must be larger than the heat press plate.
- Then, follow the Cricut Heat Guide to preheat your blank. Preheating your blank will remove the moisture and wrinkles from your project. It is an essential step for desirable results. However, the heat guide will recommend suitable temperatures and times for your project.
- Lastly, you can remove the butcher paper and the heat press. Further, let it cool completely.
Step 5. Use Infusible Ink
- Plot the cut and weeded design on the blank. Make sure the colorful side of your design should be facing down.
- Again, take a butcher paper and place it on the top of your cut design. Ensure that the paper covers your design entirely.
- Then, you need to locate the preheated heat press and follow the instructions given in the Cricut Heat Guide.
- Remove your press and let the project cool down.
- Finally, remove the butcher paper and transfer the sheet. Also, you can use tweezers to remove it.
And here you go, you have finally finished your project using the Cricut Infusible Ink.
Final Words
We hope you understand the difference between the Cricut Infusible Ink and Transfer sheets. We use Infusible Ink in both products, but they come in different forms. For example, they are available in the form of Infusible Ink pens/markers and transfer sheets. These pens and markers can be used directly by hand, but transfer sheets need to be put inside the Cricut cutting machine to cut the design onto it. Further, you can weed the design and then put it on to your desirable blank. Finally, with the help of your heat press (Autopress and EasyPress), your design will be ready to go!
FAQs
Can I use Cricut Infusible Ink on 100% pure cotton?
No, Infusible Ink doesn’t transfer to 100% cotton. It mainly requires polymer or polyester-based materials that are designed to absorb ink permanently. However, when you see the list of compatible Infusible Ink blanks, you will find several fibers and materials. So, always check the compatibility badge on the packaging.
Can beginner crafters use Cricut Infusible Ink?
Yes, you can. You really don’t need any prior design experience to use Infusible Ink. Every product from Cricut is designed to suit all crafts, no matter if you are an experienced or beginner. However, you can check some blog articles on the internet and read how-to tutorials to avoid any mistakes.
Is a Cricut Infusible Ink better than iron-on (HTV)?
Iron-on (HTV) is still the most widely used Cricut product by all crafters. Both are great for different reasons. However, you can use both together to get extraordinary results on your projects. Moreover, iron-on works great when you want certain effects and finishes like glitter, metallic, and holographic.
For more information visit: Cricut.com/setup mac
Source: Cricut Infusible Ink