Eager to learn about infusible ink and create a project with it? Here, you’ll get it all in detail. I’ve been using Cricut machines for the last five years, and there is nothing left that I haven’t used to date. I also started as a beginner, but soon, I experimented with many Cricut accessories. Today, you’ll learn how to use Cricut infusible ink to make a personalized T-shirt. You’ll get a step-by-step guide to learning how to use infusible ink.

Before I move on to the final steps, I would like to share with you something that you need to know about Cricut infusible ink, like what it is, how it works, and how you can best utilize it to create your projects. Let’s get started!

What You Need to Know about Cricut Infusible Ink?

I know creating a new project seems exciting, but at the same time, the chances of silly mistakes increase, too. It’s always better to learn before you start. Infusible ink is a different type of ink used for creating professional-looking projects using a range of materials. You might have used iron-on vinyl or HTV, which are usually applied over the surface or your material and then peeled off, leaving the design.

However, there is a different case with infusible ink. This ink works on the sublimation principle and fuses with your material without leaving any residue. Thus, it gives you a typical printing look but with ink. To make an infusible ink project, you’ll need to use infusible ink sheets and infusible ink pens.

How to Use Cricut Infusible Ink to Make a Shirt?

You know what infusible ink is and how it works. It’s way better than the vinyl projects and leaves a permanent design on your material. Get ready to learn how to use infusible ink transfer sheets on shirts and create customized T-shirts.

Step 1: Select an Infusible Ink Material and Apparel

You have two options: Either you can cut your designs onto an infusible ink transfer sheet or draw the designs using your infusible ink pens and markers. In this guide, you’ll learn to cut and apply your infusible ink transfer materials to your final project. Note that I’m not teaching you how to use the infusible ink and markers here. So, if your main focus is on them, I’ll recommend you move on to another tutorial. Here, we go with the other steps to learn how to use Cricut infusible ink.

Step 2: Draw a Design in Cricut Design Space

This step includes making a desirable design using special software from Cricut. I’m mentioning a few steps here that you can go through to understand how you can use this software.

1. To start, launch the Design Space on your PC and click on the New Project option.
2. Then, you can select a suitable design from your Cricut library or create your original design on the canvas.

1. If you’re using a pre-made design from the library, you’ll have to upload that file on your Design Space canvas.
2. When you are ready with your design, hit the Make It option.
3. Don’t forget to mirror your design before sending it to the Cricut mat.

Step 3: Cut Your Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets

It’s time to use an infusible ink transfer sheet to cut it. To proceed, use these steps:

1. To start, load your infusible ink transfer sheet on your Cricut sheet.
2. Now, hit the Load button on your machine to load the Cricut mat and hit the Go button to start cutting.
3. Let the machine perform the cutting.
4. Unload your Cricut mat, clean it, and remove the cutting mat from your infusible sheet.
5. Weed the cut design using a weeding tool.

That’s how you’ll finish the cutting process. Let’s continue learning how to use Cricut infusible ink transfer sheets.

Step 4: Get Ready With Your Materials

In this step, you’ll have to use a Cricut EasyPress to transfer the design onto your shirt. Follow the steps below to learn how to apply the transfer sheet.

1. Initially, set up your Cricut EasyPress mat on a clean surface and fix your cut project on top of it. You can also use a cardstock to support your apparel.
2. Now, you can take your shirt and remove all the lint using a lint roller. Well, this step is totally exceptional. But it would be great if you do it.
3. After that, use butcher paper to cover your apparel. (Note: Use the butcher paper a little larger than the design).

Step 5: Preheat Your Blank

The first step to transfer your project to your blank is to preheat it as per the instructions in the Cricut Heat Guide. This process will remove the wrinkles and moisture from the blank and won’t interfere with the design transfer.

After that, take off your heat press from the apparel and also remove the butcher paper. Allow your blank to cool. Don’t be in a rush, and let your blank space fully cool down.

Step 6: Transfer the Infusible Ink

In this step, you need to put your cut design on the apparel. Make sure that the shiny side is facing down. Then, follow the steps mentioned here.

1. Now, use a butcher paper on your design to cover it. Ensure that your butcher paper is slightly larger than the design to cover it fully.
2. After that, take your Cricut EasyPress on the design and press it over the design using the right time and temperature according to the Cricut Heat Guide.

1. Once the pressing is complete, take off your press and carefully remove it from the apparel.
2. Allow your shirt to cool, and then carefully take off the butcher paper.
3. Next, carefully remove the transfer sheet.

Finally, your customized shirt is ready. One more thing I want to suggest to you is that you can also use a pair of tweezers to lift the transfer sheet from your apparel. It will safely remove the material.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you’ve learned how to use Cricut infusible ink to create a customized shirt. The whole process is easy, and even beginners can perform it very well. Moreover, there are some tips and tricks that are useful while creating your project with the Cricut machine. For instance, always remember to mirror your design. Plus, always preheat your blank before applying the heat properly. The most important part is not to forget to weed off your cut design before using it for the final project.

Source: https://desincricut.wordpress.com/2024/04/30/how-to-use-cricut-infusible-ink-a-comprehensive-guide/