Do you love crafting shirts and other fabric materials? Then, you can learn how to use Cricut infusible ink. Cricut has released a new material called infusible ink that bonds with fabric, unlike iron-on vinyl that sits on top.
Infusible ink is a transfer process where the colors from a transfer sheet are directly applied to the blank surface. Unlike heat-transfer vinyl, the ink does not sit on top of the surface. It is directly applied to and absorbed by the fibers. Read the blog to explore everything about infusible ink.
What Is Cricut Infusible Ink?
Infusible ink is a special kind of material that is super easy to use. However, the important thing you need to remember is the supplies needed to make these projects. You can make t-shirts and tote bags that are safe for machine washing, drying, ironing, and steaming. Wash them with mild detergent and cold water to preserve the design.
How to Use Cricut Infusible Ink: 5 Easy Steps
Here are the steps to begin your project. First, let’s list the materials you will need.
Step 1: Supplies and Tools Needed
Before you learn how to use Cricut infusible ink, you will need some art supplies and materials to start your project. Check the list of materials below and gather them.
- You can choose a Cricut Maker, Explore Air 2, Explore 3, and Joy.
- Cricut EasyPress 2
- EasyPress mat
- Infusible ink transfer
- Lint roller
- Butcher paper
- Cardstock
- SVG text
- Design Space
After gathering all the materials, you need to start creating your project. Let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Create a Design for Your Project
First, open the Design Space and click on New Project. Once the file is open, upload the SVG text file, select all the letters, hit the Weld option, and weld them together. Then, size it and place it on the background design. Select both layers, slice them, and delete the unneeded pieces. Make sure to mirror your design. You are ready to send it to your machine for cutting.
Important Note: You need to mirror your design before you send it to the cutting machine.
Step 2: Load the Sheet on Mat
Place the infusible ink transfer sheet on the StandardGrip mat with the liner side down. Under the materials section, go to Browse All Materials and search for the infusible ink transfer sheet from the list of materials. To cut with the machine, you need to load the mat and blade into a machine and hit the Go button.
Step 3: Weed Out the Design
After cutting the design, flip the mat over and remove the extra part with the weeding tool. To separate the cutout design, roll it, use your fingers or tweezers to remove the negative pieces around it, and leave the design. Cut the clear liner so it does not extend beyond the edge of your heat press heat plate.
Step 4: Prep the Tote Bag
Once you place a blank on top of the EasyPress mat, position the sheet of cardstock inside the blank to protect your mat and project. Before applying your design to the tote bag, use a lint roller to remove lint and debris from the entire surface. Cover the blank with butcher paper, which must be larger than the heat plate. Preheat the tote bag to remove any moisture and wrinkles that cause unwanted effects.
Step 5: Apply the Infusible Ink
Place the cut design on the material and use the heat press to transfer it. Then, put the design on a tote bag and apply pressure with the machine to transfer it to the material. Finally, allow the tote bag to cool completely before removing the transfer paper.
Tips to Know Before Starting Your Project
Now, you know the process of using infusible ink, but there are some tips you should remember while working with infusible ink.
- When you handle an infusible ink material, make sure that your hands are dry and free of oil; otherwise, it will stick to the sheet.
- If you are preparing your base material for the design application, it is recommended that you set up your press machine with the right temperature and pressure.
- Do not reuse butcher paper for multiple projects. This is because it protects your design from transferring to another blank material.
Summary
This blog covers everything you need to know about infusible ink and how to use Cricut infusible ink. This material allows you to easily create a permanent and seamless design that becomes part of the fabric, and you can craft many projects with it.
You can use ink on various materials, including apparel, bags, pillows, covers, hats, and ceramics. Follow the above guide, and you can simply start crafting with Infusible ink.
FAQs
Which Is Better Infusible Ink or Iron-on Vinyl?
Infusible ink is often preferred over iron-on vinyl for its seamless, permanent designs. It can create a more permanent and vibrant result, especially light-colored materials. Iron-on material is better suited for dark fabrics or when you need more texture and layers for different materials stacked on top of each other.
How Long Does Cricut Ink Sheet Last?
The infusible ink is supposed to last a lifetime. The heat press machine permanently transfers the ink to the blank material and does not flake, peel off, or wrinkle. However, the ink has a shelf life, so using it within the time limit is important. If you want it to last a lifetime, you can protect it from moisture by using the carrier sheet and washing the material with a mild detergent.
Can I Use Infusible Ink Sheets on Regular Paper?
No, you should not use Infusible Ink sheets on regular paper. If you want to use paper with Infusibe ink, you need to use laser copy paper, which is designed to withstand high heat and has a special coating to prevent it from transferring to another part of the project. The ink is designed in such a way that it can absorb the heat, and the design will get transferred to the material.
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Source: How to Use Cricut Infusible Ink