Edited: September 9, 2025

Add a raised, dimensional effect to your projects with Cricut Puff Iron-On. Part of our line of textured iron-on (HTV) materials, it's easy to weed and outlasts multiple washes for long-lasting projects sure to impress. Puff Iron-On is perfect for T-shirts, sweatshirts, and more.

Select options below to learn how to use Cricut Puff Iron-On.

• Video Tutorial
• Instructions
• FAQ

Video Tutorial

Instructions

• What you need
• Preparation
• Design, cut, and weed
• Apply
• Care

What you need  

• Cricut cutting machine + Fine Point Blade and Housing that comes with the machine
• Cricut Standard Grip Machine Mat
• Cricut Design Space on computer or mobile device
• Cricut Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press)
• Cricut Puff Iron-On
• Base material
• Weeder
• Cricut Autopress, Cricut EasyPress, Cricut EasyPress 2, Cricut EasyPress 3, Cricut EasyPress Mini, or Cricut Hat press
• *Heat-resistant hard surface, such as a wooden cutting board
• *Cricut EasyPress Mat, Cricut Pressing Mat, or Cricut Hat Pressing Form  
• Iron-On Protective Sheet (optional)
• Heat Resistant Tape or Strong Heat Resistant Tape (optional; use as instructed in Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app)

*For smoother texture with raised appearance, press on a heat-resistant hard surface, such as a wooden cutting board, rather than Cricut EasyPress Mat or Cricut Pressing Mat.  

Preparation

• Pre-wash fabric base materials without fabric softener to pre-shrink and remove chemicals that may prohibit strong adhesion.
• Recommended: To verify cut setting, perform a test cut using a small basic shape.
• Recommended: To verify application setting, apply test cut in an inconspicuous area on the base material.
• Find your pressing surface. If it’s firm, flat, and around waist high, you’re golden. Be sure to avoid flimsy ironing boards.
• Take a moment to identify the liner side of this material. The liner side of Cricut Puff Iron-On has a matte (dull, not shiny) finish.

Design, cut, and weed

Tip: To get the most out of the puff effect, choose designs that have less detail, more surface area.  

Note: We recommend pressing Puff Iron-On designs once, rather than applying heat in sections, so your design should be completely covered by the heat plate when pressing. Keep this in 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 name.
   • If using a Cricut Explore Air 2 or older machine, turn dial to Custom first.
4. Place material, matte* liner side down, onto Cricut Standard Grip machine 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.

*The liner for Cricut Puff Iron-On has a matte (dull, not shiny) finish.

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.  

Tips: 
• For smoother texture with raised appearance, press on a heat-resistant hard surface — like a cutting board — instead of a pressing mat.
• If using Cricut Autopress, remove the pressing mat and place the heat-resistant hard surface on the platen instead.
• For baby bodysuit or other fabric blanks with seams, place the heat-resistant hard surface inside the item to elevate the pressing area above the seams.
• For delicate fabrics like muslin and silk, be sure to test application settings before transferring your 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 matte* liner side up.  
3. Ensuring the design is centered under the heat plate, apply heat and constant, firm pressure as instructed in the Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app.
   • If using Cricut EasyPress Mini, hold the press on the design, with pressure, for the recommended time to achieve a smooth raised appearance. Movement during application (which is usually recommended for Cricut EasyPress Mini with other types of iron-on) may create a more textured appearance with Puff Iron-On.
4. Safely and quickly lift press away from design when pressing is complete and return press to safety base (if using a Cricut EasyPress model, or Cricut Hat Press).  
5. Remove liner while still warm.

*The liner for Cricut Puff Iron-On has a matte (dull, not shiny) finish.

Care

• Allow 24 hours after application before washing
• Turn embellished items inside-out before washing
• Machine wash cold, delicate cycle
• Tumble dry low
• Do not bleach

FAQ