Edited: October 1, 2024

Select a link below for instructions on using Cricut iron-on that has a specialty finish. 

• What you need
• Preparation
• Design, cut, and weed
• Apply
• Care
• Tips for working with specific specialty iron-on

What you need

• Cricut smart cutting machine
• Cricut Design Space on computer or mobile device
• Cricut Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press)
• Standard Grip Machine Mat
• Fine Point blade and housing that comes with the machine
• Cricut Iron-On (Glitter, Glitter Mesh, Glow-in-the-Dark, Holographic, Holographic Sparkle, Reflective, SportFlex)
• Base material
• Weeder
• Cricut Autopress, Cricut EasyPress, Cricut EasyPress 2, Cricut EasyPress 3, Cricut EasyPress Mini, or Cricut Hat press
• Cricut EasyPress Mat, Cricut Pressing Mat, or Cricut Hat Pressing Form 
• Heat Resistant Tape or Strong Heat Resistant Tape (optional; use as instructed in Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app)
• Iron-On Protective Sheet (optional)

Preparation

1. Pre-wash fabric base materials without fabric softener to pre-shrink and remove chemicals that may prohibit strong adhesion.
2. Recommended: To verify cut setting, perform a test cut using a small basic shape.
3. Recommended: To verify application setting, apply test cut in an inconspicuous area on the base material.
4. Find your pressing surface. If it’s firm, flat, and around waist high, you’re golden. Be sure to avoid flimsy ironing boards.

Design, cut, and weed

Note: Specialty iron-on can be used in multi-layer designs, as a top layer only. It can be applied on top of Everyday Iron-On, but do no layer other iron-on over these types of iron-on. SportFlex Iron-On should only be layered with other SportFlex Iron-On to preserve the flexibility and stretchability of your design. Keep this is mind as you create your design.

1. Customize your design in Design Space. 
2. Be sure to Mirror your mats in Design Space before cutting.
3. Select your material: Select Browse all materials, then search for your specific material.
   • If using a Cricut Explore Air 2 or older machine, turn dial to Custom first.
4. Place material, shiny liner side down, onto Cricut Standard Grip machine mat.
   • If using Smart Iron-On with a compatible machine, it may be loaded into the machine without a mat.
5. Follow prompts in Design Space to load mat/material and blade into the machine.
6. Press Go.
7. When the cut is complete, press unload.
8. Use a weeder to remove excess iron-on from your design, leaving design on the liner. 

Apply

Note: For precise time and temperature settings for your project, always refer to the Cricut Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press). Depending on your base material, heat transfer material, and heat press choice, settings will be unique for every project.  

1. Preheat base material as instructed in our Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press).
2. Place the cut design on the base material with the shiny liner side up. Apply heat as instructed (see our Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app).
3. Slowly peel liner away when cool to touch.

Note: If using a household iron, use the Cotton/Linen setting (generally the highest temperature setting). Make sure the steam setting is OFF. Preheat the application area of your base material for 10-15 seconds. Place the weeded image, liner side up, onto the preheated material. Apply medium pressure with the iron for 25-30 seconds. Flip the material over and apply medium pressure with the iron to the back of the material for an additional 25-30 seconds. Slowly remove liner when cool to touch.

 

Care

• Allow 24 hours after application before washing
• Wash and tumble dry inside-out
• Do not bleach

 

Tips

Select a material for tips or FAQ about working with that specific material. 

Glitter Iron-On	Glow-in-the-Dark Iron-On	Reflective Iron-On
Glitter Iron-On Mesh	Holographic Iron-On	SportFlex Iron-On

 

Glitter Iron-On

Glitter Iron-On is a little thicker than other types of iron-on, and the cut lines can be difficult to see when it's time to weed your design. Watch this video for some tips on how to weed Glitter Iron-On

 

Glitter Iron-On Mesh

Due to the mesh pattern of Glitter Iron-On Mesh we recommend cutting images at 3 in (7.6 cm) or larger. Intricate images should be avoided.

 

Glow-in-the-Dark Iron-On

 

Holographic Iron-On

Important: For a look that most closely matches its color prior to application, we recommend applying Holographic Iron-On to white materials. Holographic Iron-On colors may appear differently when applied to colored materials.

 

Reflective Iron-On

 

SportFlex Iron-On

Cricut SportFlex Iron-On is thin, lightweight, and made to stretch & flex on activewear. Recommended for tech fabrics like polyester and nylon. Will not adhere to high cotton-blend fabrics.

If creating a layered design, we recommend layering only with other SportFlex Iron-On to preserve the flexibility and stretchability of your design.