Edited: October 9, 2023
What you need:
- Cricut smart cutting machine
- Design Space on computer or mobile device
- Cricut Heat Transfer Guide
- StandardGrip Machine Mat
- Cricut EasyPress 2, Cricut EasyPress, or Cricut EasyPress Mini
- Cricut EasyPress Mat
- Cricut Tote Blank (compatible with Infusible Ink)
- Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet
- Butcher paper
- Cardstock (80 lb.) 12” x 12”, White (colored cardstock not recommended)
- Lint roller
- Scissors
- Tweezers
Step 1: Cut
Note: Before handling Infusible Ink materials, be sure that your hands are dry and free of any oils or lotions.
1. Place Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet onto a StandardGrip mat, liner side down.
2. In the software, select and size your design to fit on Tote Bag blank. Be sure to Mirror your design in Design Space.
3. Select Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet from the list of materials. If using a Cricut Explore machine, turn Smart Set Dial to Custom first.
4. Load mat and blade into machine, then press Go.
Step 2: Weed
1. Remove cut design from mat and trim away unused area of sheet.
2. Gently roll cut design so cut lines separate and are more visible. “Cracking” the cut this way makes it easier to remove excess paper from in and around your design.
3. Use your fingers or tweezers to carefully remove negative pieces from in and around your design, leaving design on liner.
4. Trim clear liner so that it does not extend beyond Cricut EasyPress heat plate.
Step 3: Prep the blank
Tip: Now is a good time to prep your Cricut EasyPress. For precise temp, time, and pressure settings for your project, always refer to the Cricut Heat Transfer Guide. For this project, set Cricut EasyPress 2 to 385°F (195°C). For original Cricut EasyPress and Cricut EasyPress Mini settings, refer to Cricut Heat Transfer Guide.
1. Place cardstock on top of Cricut EasyPress Mat, then position both inside tote. The cardstock will protect your mat and project.
Note: If Cricut EasyPress Mat used inside your blank (i.e. totes, baby bodysuits) is smaller than the Cricut EasyPress heat plate, we recommend using an additional mat under the blank to protect your work surface.
2. Do not skip this step: Use a fresh adhesive to lint-roll the entire surface. Even minuscule debris or fibers may create imperfections in the final transfer.
3. Cover blank with butcher paper.
Important: Butcher paper must be larger than Cricut EasyPress heat plate.
Note: Butcher paper comes in each package of Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets.
4. Do not skip this step. Preheat application area to remove moisture and wrinkles that result in unwanted effects.
- For this project, press at 385°F (195°C) for 15 seconds. For original Cricut EasyPress settings, refer to Cricut Heat Transfer Guide.
- Use even, light pressure.
5. Remove butcher paper and let tote cool completely.
Step 4: Apply
1. Place cut design face down on tote, clear liner on top.
2. Cover design with butcher paper larger than Cricut EasyPress heat plate.
3. To complete this project using Cricut EasyPress 2, press at 385°F (195°C) for 40 seconds using light pressure. For original Cricut EasyPress and Cricut EasyPress Mini settings, refer to Cricut Heat Transfer Guide.
Important: Do not slide or move your hands or Cricut EasyPress during transfer. Keep the stack still while pressing. However, if using Cricut EasyPress Mini, secure the design in place with Heat Resistant Tape. Press while moving and applying light pressure.
4. When the time is up, slowly lift press. Try not to move the stack, including butcher paper.
5. Let project cool completely. Then slowly remove butcher paper and liner with design.
Important: If design separates from liner and remains on blank, remove with tweezers. Do not remove it using your fingers. This could cause unwanted effects, like ghosting or marbling.
Tip: Never reuse butcher paper for another project!
6. Enjoy!
Care
- Machine wash inside out with cold water and mild detergent
- Tumble dry low or line dry
- Do not use fabric softener, dryer sheets, or bleach