Edited: October 6, 2023
Layering more than one Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet will cause the colors to blend where they overlap, and multiple applications of heat may cause Infusible Ink designs to fade, resulting in an undesired effect. Instead, use our Slice and Set method below to assemble cuts from multiple Transfer Sheets onto one liner. Then, transfer your design with a single application of heat.
What you need:
Note: We're creating a tote bag design in this article, but Slice and Set can be used for any Infusible Ink compatible blank. Visit the Infusible Ink section of help.cricut.com for details about supplies you'll need, instructions for applying the design to your blank, and recommendations for care.
- Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore smart cutting machine
- StandardGrip Machine Mat
- Cricut EasyPress 3, Cricut EasyPress 2 or Cricut EasyPress
- Cricut EasyPress Mat
- Cricut tote bag (compatible with Infusible Ink)
- Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets (we'll use three different sheets in this design)
- Butcher paper (1)
- Cardstock (80 lb.), White (colored cardstock not recommended)
- Lint roller
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Design Space software on mobile device or computer
- Cricut Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3)
Step 1: Design
1. In Design Space open this project and size your design so that it fits on your blank.
2. Make sure you Slice your design so that all pieces fit inside one another. Learn more from this article about the Slice tool. Make sure that the individual pieces fit together like a puzzle, rather than overlapping. Here is our final design.
Before using the Slice tool, the pieces looked like this. If we apply the design to our blank this way, with overlapping layers, the individual colors will blend together for an undesired effect.
After using the Slice tool, the pieces look like this. Notice how the different pieces now fit together like a puzzle, but do not overlap. This is ideal for Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets. We're ready to proceed to the next step.
3. Before cutting, be sure to Mirror your design.
4. Select Browse All Materials then Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet. If using a Cricut Explore Air 2 or older machine, turn Smart Set Dial to Custom first.
Step 2: 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 StandardGrip mat, liner side down.
2. Load mat and blade into machine, then press flashing Go button.
Step 3: Weed
Tip: It’s helpful to decide at this stage which of your transfer sheets will hold your assembled design so that you don’t trim the liner too far. Generally, it should be the sheet that contains the largest piece of your design.
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 designs, leaving designs on liners.
4. Repeat these steps for all transfer sheets.
Step 4: Set design
1. Leave the largest shape on its liner.
2. Lift the smaller pieces from their liners and affix them to the liner with your largest shape, fitting them in and around the largest shape as desired for your design. Start from the outside and work your way in.
3. Trim clear liner so it does not extend beyond Cricut EasyPress heat plate.
Step 5: Apply
Note: We’re applying this design to a tote bag, but you can use this method with any Infusible Ink compatible blank. Visit the Infusible Ink section of help.cricut.com for details about supplies you’ll need, instructions for applying the design to your blank, and recommendations for care.
Tip: Now is a good time to prep your Cricut EasyPress. For precise temp, time, and pressure settings for your project, always refer to our online Heat Guide (Cricut EasyPress and Cricut EasyPress 2) or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3).
1. Place cardstock on top of Cricut EasyPress Mat, then position both inside tote. The cardstock will protect your mat and project.
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.
4. Cover tote 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, and is sold separately.
5. Do not skip this step: Preheat application area to remove moisture and wrinkles that result in unwanted effects. Refer to the online Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3) for recommended time and temperature settings specific to the model of press and materials you're using.
6. Remove butcher paper and let tote cool completely.
7. Place cut design face down on tote, clear liner on top.
8. Cover design with butcher paper larger than Cricut EasyPress heat plate.
9. To complete this project refer to Cricut Heat Guide (Cricut EasyPress and Cricut EasyPress 2) or the Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3) for specific time, temperature, and pressure instructions.
Important: Avoid seams when placing Cricut EasyPress. If the heat plate crosses over seams, the design will not receive even heat, resulting in an unwanted transfer effect.
Important: Do not slide press or move your hands during transfer. Keep the stack as still as possible while pressing.
10. When beep sounds, slowly lift press. Try not to move the stack, including butcher paper.
11. Let your project cool. Once cool, slowly remove butcher paper, then slowly remove the 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.
Note: A thin, faint gap in color may appear in the transfer where one transfer sheet meets another. This is normal and does not constitute a defect.
Tip: Never reuse butcher paper for another project!
12. 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