Infusible Ink FAQ

Infusible Ink is a system of Cricut DIY products that make it possible to achieve pro-level, personalized heat transfers on T-shirts and more at home for the first time. Unlike the vinyl or HTV process, where artwork is attached on top of a base material using adhesive, an Infusible Ink transfer becomes one with the material itself. The results are bright, beautiful, seamlessly smooth transfers that never flake, peel, wrinkle, or crack. The Infusible Ink system includes Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets in a variety of solid colors and patterns and Infusible Ink Pens & Markers to design your own transfer sheet. A growing list of compatible Infusible Ink blanks includes T-shirts, tote bags, coasters, and mugs.

Choose your materials. Select Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets or Infusible Ink Pens & Markers and a compatible Cricut blank.

1. Make your design. Cut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets or draw with Infusible Ink Pens & Markers using laser copy paper.*
2. Apply heat. Infuse your design into your Cricut blank with Cricut Autopress, Cricut EasyPress 3, Cricut EasyPress 2, Cricut EasyPress, Cricut EasyPress Mini, Cricut Hat Press, and Cricut Mug Press, or other heat press. Refer to our online Cricut Heat Guide or Cricut Heat App (for Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press) for recommended settings.

*Graphics created with Infusible Ink Pens & Markers also require heat-resistant tape and butcher paper, available on our shop site.

Unlike the iron-on or HTV process, where artwork is attached on top of a base material using adhesive, an Infusible Ink transfer becomes one with the material itself. The results are bright, beautiful, seamlessly smooth transfers that never flake, peel, wrinkle, or crack.

Some other differences include:

• Iron-on or HTV materials can be applied to almost any surface
• Infusible Ink products must be applied to a compatible Infusible Ink blank
• You can use iron-on or HTV products on any color garment
• Infusible Ink products work with compatible* white or light-colored fabrics
• Infusible Ink requires Cricut Autopress, Cricut EasyPress 3, Cricut EasyPress 2**, Cricut EasyPress Mini, Cricut Hat Press, Cricut Mug Press, or other heat press that reaches 400°F (205°C).

*Look for Cricut blanks with the Infusible Ink compatibility badge.

**The original Cricut EasyPress can be used, but it will achieve varied results.

Some projects may call for one technique over another, and sometimes you may wish to use both for an extraordinary project! Here are a few things to consider:

• If you like sharp, vivid, and vibrant designs that never crack, peel, or flake, Infusible Ink products are your go-to. Transfers truly are permanent.
• If your project vision requires a dark-colored base (substrate) or if you want to use a specific base material like wood or 100% cotton, use iron-on (HTV).
• If your project requires a specialty finish or effect, you’ll find those only with iron-on (HTV) products, e.g., glitter, holographic, metallic/foil.

No. Unlike Infusible Ink, printable iron-on is a printable heat-transfer film that you can feed through a printer and print on directly, then transfer to your garment using heat. The iron-on material sits on top of your base material using an adhesive, whereas Infusible Ink infuses into the fibers of compatible Cricut blanks without any adhesive.

No. Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets are pre-inked with solid colors or patterns and ready to cut using your Cricut cutting machine.

Infusible Ink compatible blanks are base materials – or substrates – such as T-shirts, tote bags, coasters, and mugs that are specially engineered and thoroughly tested to work with all Cricut Infusible Ink products. Generic products labeled as sublimation-compatible will likely work with Infusible Ink, but we cannot guarantee quality results with non-Cricut blanks.

We do not recommend it – we’d feel terrible if you wasted good money trying products that were not designed to work together. We designed the Infusible Ink system – and rigorously tested it – to ensure that you get the very best results for every project. Infusible Ink designs are guaranteed to create permanent transfers on all blanks bearing the Infusible Ink compatibility badge. Generic products labeled as sublimation-compatible will likely work with Infusible Ink, but we cannot guarantee quality results with non-Cricut blanks.

No, Infusible Ink designs will not transfer to 100% cotton. The Infusible Ink heat-transfer process requires specially engineered polymer or polyester-based substrates, materials that have been manufactured to receive the ink as a permanent bond. As we grow our list of compatible Infusible Ink blanks, they will come in a variety of fiber and material compositions. So long as you see the Infusible Ink compatibility badge on the packaging, you’ll be good to go!

No, we do not recommend drawing directly onto your blank. For best results, use Infusible Ink Pens/Markers with your Cricut smart cutting machine to draw your design (remember to Mirror your design!) on laser copy paper first, then transfer to a compatible Cricut blank using the recommended settings in the Cricut Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press).

Yes. Infusible Ink projects are optimized for use with Cricut Autopress, Cricut EasyPress 3, Cricut EasyPress 2, Cricut EasyPress Mini, Cricut Hat Press, and Cricut Mug Press. However, you can also use a press that reaches 400°F or 205°C. The original Cricut EasyPress can be used, but as noted below, it will achieve varied results.

Yes, but with varied results. All Cricut EasyPress models are compatible with Infusible Ink. However, the original Cricut EasyPress will take longer and may not achieve the same results. Furthermore, transferred colors may not be as vibrant or saturated as the results you'll enjoy with Cricut EasyPress 2 and Cricut EasyPress 3.

Infusible Ink is compatible with Cricut Joy, and all Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore machines, as well as Cricut Autopress, Cricut EasyPress 3, Cricut EasyPress 2, Cricut EasyPress, Cricut EasyPress Mini, Cricut Hat Press, and Cricut Mug Press.

No. Infusible Ink heat transfers are dry to the touch immediately following a transfer. However, to avoid additional transfer or ghosting, do not fold your soft good projects until cool to the touch. Once your project is cool, it is ready to go.

This is not recommended for most Cricut heat press models. Infusible Ink projects should receive a single application of heat. Applying heat in sections may result in unwanted marks in your finished project. For best results with Cricut Autopress, Cricut EasyPress 3, Cricut EasyPress 2, Cricut Hat Press, and Cricut Mug Press, we recommend keeping your Infusible Ink design smaller than your heat plate.

When using Cricut EasyPress Mini, which is moved continuously over the design during transfer, your design may be approximately 2X the size of the heat plate. We recommend 2.75 in W x 2.75 in L or 1.625 in W x 5 in L.

It’s all part of the magic! When transferred at the right temperature for the required amount of time, your Infusible Ink will transform from a solid state to a gaseous state and bond with your project blank. For precise settings for your project, always use the Cricut Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press).

Yes. However, if you layer transfer sheets (apply one after another) the colors will blend where the sheets overlap, and multiple application of high heat may cause Infusible Ink designs to fade.

To ensure the best layering experience, follow our pro tips:

• Use a technique called “slice and set” to incorporate multiple colors and patterns onto the fewest possible number of liners.
• Ensure that the liner of each sheet is large enough to cover the entire design, including previously applied portions. Otherwise, where overlaps occur, unwanted lines will appear in the final transfer.
• Apply the darkest color(s) last.

Yes! And what a brilliant idea because using these materials in combination results in extraordinary projects. Cricut iron-on (HTV) should be layered on top of a transferred Infusible Ink design. For recommended settings, use the Cricut Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press).

Note: Never layer an Infusible Ink design on top of an iron-on transfer; the additional heat will likely damage or melt the iron-on transfer.

No. As soon you begin the heat-transfer process, the ink of your Infusible Ink design will permanently transfer to your blank. We do not recommend reusing your design for a second heat transfer.

No, we don’t recommend it. Doing so could remove pigment from the transfer sheet and eventually clog the pen or marker.

Infusible Ink transfers require very high heat. Use extreme caution when handling blanks, papers, transfer sheets, mats, and Cricut heat press machines when completing Infusible Ink transfers. Visit this article for additional safety information.

When transferring Infusible Ink Marker designs, Heat Resistant Tape holds your design in place during heat transfer process to prevent undesirable transfer results. Use Heat Resistant Tape to secure Transfer Sheet designs to mugs and coasters*, and whenever you use Cricut EasyPress Mini.

Use Strong Heat Resistant Tape to secure Transfer Sheet and Pen/Marker designs to hats*. The added grip strength is needed to hold design in place on the curved surface as Cricut Hat Press is moved across the design during transfer.

*For hat, mug, and coaster designs, always trim transfer sheet liner close to the design, then secure design to blank with Heat Resistant Tape.

Most substrates, especially fabrics, have lint fibers invisible to the naked eye. Thoroughly lint-roll your entire blank, especially the area that will be in contact with the heat plate. This will prevent lint from being pressed, causing dye from lint to infuse unwanted blue speckles into your blank.

Infusible Ink converts into a gas during the heat transfer process, and it can bond with adjacent items or layers. Butcher paper and cardstock act as a barrier to protect your blank, mat, and heat plate from unwanted transfer. The paper also helps capture any moisture released during the pressing process. Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets come with an equal number of protective paper sheets. However, if you plan to cut smaller images from Infusible Ink sheets rather than using full-sheet designs, you will need more butcher paper. It is recommended that each sheet of butcher paper be used one time only, especially if design transfers onto the butcher paper.

Note: For hat and mug projects, butcher paper is only needed for designs created with Infusible Ink pens and markers. Cardstock is not used with Cricut Hat Press or Cricut Mug Press.

When creating a design using Infusible Ink Pens or Markers, it must be drawn on laser copy paper, and not directly onto the blank. (Because you will need to Mirror your design, using a Cricut smart cutting machine is recommended.) The laser copy paper is then used as the sheet to transfer your design to your blank. We recommend laser copy paper because it is designed to handle high heat temperatures. It also has a special coating that helps keep Infusible Ink drawings from bleeding, resulting in a clean transfer.

A lint-free cloth is a special type of cleaning cloth that does not shed fibers. A microfiber cloth is a good example. We recommend wiping down hard blanks before an Infusible Ink transfer to remove any unwanted debris or lint.

Once heat transfer is complete, use tweezers to lift the corner of Infusible Ink design. If paper separates from the liner of the Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet, use tweezers to remove paper from project surface; if removing by hand, the still-warm design may cause a second unwanted transfer, called ghosting, or leave finger-shaped impressions on your project.

The innovative construction of the Cricut EasyPress Mat and Cricut Pressing Mat helps eliminate moisture and directs heat to your Infusible Ink design during the transfer process with Cricut EasyPress. For standard heat-transfer vinyl (HTV) projects, a towel works fine, but it does not provide the required surface for a successful Infusible Ink transfer.

No. You can use either. However, if you want to use both in one project, refer to the Cricut Heat Guide or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press) for precise time and temperature settings. You’ll need to transfer each separately.

We do not recommend reusing butcher paper. Butcher paper absorbs Infusible Ink that is lost during the transfer. Pigment captured during one project may transfer to another project, your heat plate, or mat. To avoid, use a clean piece of butcher paper for each project.

We recommend 14-32 lb. white butcher paper so you can see your design through the paper.

Yes. Parchment paper has a coating or an infusion of silicone. Butcher paper does not have a coating.

Use a StandardGrip Machine Mat to cut designs from Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets.

Use a LightGrip Machine Mat to draw designs on laser copy paper with Infusible Ink pens/markers.

Use white or cream cardstock as instructed. Using colored cardstocks may result in unwanted dye transfer onto your blank.

Yes, but with varied results. All Cricut EasyPress models are compatible with Infusible Ink. However, the original Cricut EasyPress will take longer to transfer and may not achieve the same results. Transferred colors may not be as vibrant or saturated as results from Cricut EasyPress 2 and Cricut EasyPress 3.

Medium bag: 9 in x 6.1 in (23 cm x 15.5 cm)

Large bag: 9.6 in x 7.5 in (24.5 cm x 19 cm)

Important: Given the seam allowance inside Cosmetic Bags, we do not recommend pressing a design that comes right up to the seam or edge of the bag. Even if you place cardstock on top of the seam allowance inside the bag, it can still cause enough unevenness to affect the transfer. Make sure to size your design with this in mind.

5.75 in x 13 in (14.5 cm x 33 cm)

Important: Given the seam allowance inside Wine Bags, we do not recommend pressing a design that comes right up to the seam or edge of the bag. Even if you place cardstock on top of the seam allowance inside the bag, it can still cause enough unevenness to affect the transfer. Make sure to size your design with this in mind.

17.5 in x 17.5 in (45 cm x 45 cm). These covers fit an 18 in x 18 in (45.7 cm x 45.7 cm) insert.

Important: Given the seam allowance inside Pillow Cases, we do not recommend pressing a design that comes right up to the seam or edge of the case. Even if you place cardstock on top of the seam allowance inside the case, it can still cause enough unevenness to affect the transfer. Make sure to size your design with this in mind.

12 oz white mug blank: 

• 82 mm outer diameter 
• 96 mm tall 
• 12 oz / 340 ml 

15 oz white or white/grey mug blank: 

• 85.5 mm outer diameter 
• 96 mm tall 
• 15 oz / 425 ml 

Infusible Ink Pens/Markers use a heat-activated process to bind the specially formulated ink with compatible Infusible Ink blanks for permanent transfers that will not wrinkle, crack, flake, or bleed.

The only difference is the Infusible Ink Freehand markers are created to be used by hand only; they are not used in a Cricut smart cutting machine. Use the Marker Tip, Brush Tip, or Dual Tip Freehand Markers to create your unique designs by hand on regular laser copy paper, then transfer exactly the same way you would with other Infusible Ink Pen/Marker designs.

Markers with a single tip should be stored with the tip down. For the dual tipped marker, store the marker flat to allow optimal use of both tips.

No. The markers are intended for use by hand only. The barrels are designed for comfort when using by hand and will not fit into the cutting machine.

Infusible Ink Pens/Markers will last a minimum of four full 8.5 in x 11 in pages of writing or drawing.

No. Infusible Ink pigment is in a solid state on the sheet. When the correct amount of heat is applied to your design, the pigment converts into a gas to begin the transfer process. The process is very clean and contained.

When stored as directed, Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets are designed to last at least a year.

This may happen. At a certain point, pigment will start to break down and colors may not be as vibrant.

No. For Infusible Ink projects, we do not recommend prewashing.

Yes. This removes excess moisture and wrinkles. If you choose not to preheat, the transfer process will convert excess moisture into steam, which will likely displace pigment and result in unwanted effects. 

Yes. Just like iron-on/HTV projects, you must mirror your design before cutting; otherwise your design will appear in reverse when transferred.

No. Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet liners are thin, and it is normal for the machine to cut through in some places. The liner should otherwise remain largely intact.

To weed Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets, use the “cracking” method. Start by peeling the cutting mat away from your cut design. Next, slightly bend and roll the cut paper; you’ll hear a light cracking sound as cuts separate. Your images may lift off the liner a little – not a problem!  Once you have cracked your cut, remove the excess paper in and around your design, leaving just your design on the liner.

For precise settings for your project, use the Cricut Heat Guide.

Yes, it certainly will, so don’t do it! If your design is placed on a warm or hot surface, the transfer may begin, resulting in an unwanted – and permanent – ghosting effect. We recommend waiting until the blank is completely cool before positioning your Infusible Ink design.

No. If you apply heat longer than recommended, pigments can be destroyed. Do not heat your project for longer than the recommended time.  

Note: Use the Cricut Heat Guide for precise settings for your project. 

When creating your design using Infusible Ink Pens & Markers, Heat Resistant Tape holds your design in place during heat transfer, to prevent your design from lifting, or undesirable transfer results. When creating your design using Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets, you only need Heat Resistant Tape when pressing with Cricut EasyPress Mini, or when you've trimmed your Transfer Sheet close to the design as you would for coaster or mug projects.

No. We do not recommend this. 

• 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

• 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

• Wash with warm water and glass cleaner
• Do not use steel wool, colored cleansing agents, or scrubbing pads

• Wash with warm water and glass cleaner
• Do not use steel wool, colored cleansing agents, or scrubbing pads

• Machine wash cold. Do not bleach.
• Tumble dry low.
• Iron if needed (medium heat, no steam).
• Do not dry clean.

• Machine wash cold. Do not bleach.
• Tumble dry low.
• Iron if needed (medium heat, no steam).
• Do not dry clean.

• Machine wash cold. Do not bleach.
• Tumble dry low.
• Iron if needed (medium heat, no steam).
• Do not dry clean.

• Hand wash with warm water or in a dishwasher*
• Do not use steel wool, colored cleansing agents, or scrubbing pads

*Follow instructions at cricut.com/help/dishwasher-friendly

To avoid color fading or damage to the sheet, always store Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets in their original packaging in a cool, dry location.

Cricut T-Shirts, Baby Bodysuits, and Totes are safe to iron, steam, wash, and dry. Use low temperatures to avoid reactivating the ink. 

Cricut Cosmetic Bags, Wine Bags, and Pillow Covers are safe to wash, dry, and iron with medium heat (no steam).