Make a multicolored and textured masterpiece with an iron-on technique called layering.
Tip: This image is from Woodland Whimsy image set.
How do I layer my iron-on design?
- Many Cricut images are designed with multiple layers that fit together to form a composite image. Design and cut your layered image on your Cricut machine. Before cutting, be sure to Mirror your design in Design Space so that your image layers are properly oriented once applied to your base material.
- Plug in and power on your Cricut EasyPress.
- Set the Cricut EasyPress temperature and timer to the setting that is recommended for your base material. Use this Interactive Quick Reference Guide to find the right settings.
- Preheat your base material with Cricut EasyPress for the recommended time in the Reference Guide.
- Place the bottom layer of your image onto the base material, then cover with Cricut EasyPress and apply firm pressure for 1-3 seconds.
- Firm pressure means using two hands and substantial body weight. It's best to use a table at waist height for ease in applying firm pressure.
- Place Cricut EasyPress in its Safety Base and remove the liner from the applied image layer immediately. This is known as a hot peel.
- The adhesive will not be "set" at this time, but as you apply more heat with each additional layer, the adhesive for all layers will properly set.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 for all the remaining layers except for the top layer.
- Before applying heat to each new layer, be sure that the exposed iron-on film from each previous layer is completely covered by a liner to protect it. "Exposed film" refers to the iron-on areas that will not be covered by the new layer of iron-on film.
- Top Layer: when adding the top layer of your image, apply firm pressure with the Cricut EasyPress for 15 seconds.
- Flip your base material over and apply heat and firm pressure for 10-15 seconds.
Note: If using Foil Iron-On for the top layer, apply heat using firm pressure for 10 seconds.
What types of iron-on can I use when layering?
All Cricut Iron-On products can be used in layered projects; however, here are some recommendations, and a few things to look out for:
- Foil, Glitter, and Holographic Sparkle Iron-On are recommended as top layers only.
- Repeated applications of heat by layering on top of Foil Iron-On can cause an unwanted texture.
- Avoid layering on top of Glitter Iron-On film. Due to its texture, any iron-on material applied on top of Glitter Iron-On film will not adhere well and may peel off.
- Holographic Sparkle Iron-on, once applied, is a stick-resistant surface. Iron-on applied on top of Holographic Sparkle Iron-On will not stick.
- SportFlex Iron-On should be layered on top of other SportFlex Iron-On only.
Tip: For best results, keep your design to four or fewer layers. With each applied layer, the design becomes thicker and stiffer and may not appear as desired. If possible, allow the liner area of inner and top layers to be large enough to cover the bottom layer. This prevents an imprint of the liner from appearing on layers that have already been applied.