Top

Tips

Iron-On Basics with Cricut Hat Press

Edited: September 27, 2023

Note: For instructions on using various iron-on (HTV) materials, refer to the Cricut Heat app for specific stacking, time, and temperature settings based on the iron-on and base material type.

What you need:

  • Cricut smart cutting machine
  • Cricut Hat Press
  • Cricut Hat Pressing Form
  • Cricut Heat app – available on your iOS or Android mobile device
  • Design Space on computer or mobile device
  • StandardGrip cutting mat
  • Fine Point or Premium Fine Point blade
  • Iron-on/heat-transfer material
  • Weeder
  • Iron-On Protective Sheet (optional)
  • Cricut hat blank
  • Strong Heat Resistant Tape

 

Preparation

  1. Recommended: To verify cut setting, perform a test cut using a small basic shape.
  2. Find your pressing surface. If it’s firm, flat, and around waist high, you’re golden. Be sure to avoid flimsy ironing boards.

 

Design, cut, and weed

Note: Everyday Iron-On can be used in multi-layer designs. It can be applied on top of other Everyday Iron-On, or you can use it as base layers for other types of iron-on (HTV). Keep this in mind as you create your design.

  1. Select and size your design in the software. The max size we recommend on the hat is 2.25 in high x 4.25 in wide (5.7 cm high x 10.79 cm wide) or smaller. Be sure to Mirror your mats in Design Space before cutting.
  2. Select your specific iron-on material from the list of materials. If using a Cricut Explore Air 2 or older cutting machine, turn Smart Set Dial to Custom.
  3. Place iron-on sheet, liner side down, onto Cricut StandardGrip cutting mat.
    • If using Smart Iron-On with Cricut Joy, it may be loaded into the machine without a mat.
  4. Load it into the machine and cut your design.
  5. When the cut is complete, weed your image.

 

Apply

  1. Preheat base material as instructed in the Cricut Heat app.
  2. Place design face down, liner side up.
  3. Secure with Strong Heat Resistant tape.
  4. Rest hat pressing form + hat upright on work surface with pressing area facing up.
  5. Hold hat pressing form securely with one hand on the side while pressing with the other hand.
  6. Press with light pressure and constant side-to-side movement .
  7. Slowly lift press.
  8. Slowly remove liner when cool to the touch.

 

Care

  • Wait 24 hours before spot cleaning/washing embellished item.
  • Hand wash in cold water. Do not bleach. Line dry. Iron if needed (high heat, no steam). Do not dry clean.
  • If areas of iron-on material lift after washing, simply follow the complete application instructions to reapply.

Related articles