The heat plate
Cricut Autopress features a large, 15 in x 12 in (38 cm x 30 cm)* advanced heat plate with even heating and ceramic non-stick coating.
The heat plate is installed in the top of the press, and this is the only part of the press that is manufactured to heat up.
The platen, the firm bottom plate, is not heated up, but may get warm with repeated transfers.
The pressing mat sits atop the platen and holds your project in place during transfer. Its unique construction directs heat to your project.
*Sides of heat plate curve slightly. Measurement is from the middle points of height and width.
Large projects
Fabric blanks from baby bodysuits, tote bags, T-shirts & hoodies, including extended sizing apparel items like table runners may be pressed with Cricut Autopress. When your blank or your design is larger than the heat plate, follow the guidelines below to transfer with Cricut Autopress:
Iron-On (HTV)
Iron-on (HTV) designs larger than the Cricut Autopress heat plate can be transferred easily in several sections and pressing cycles.
- Plan your approach. Visually divide the design into smaller sections that Cricut Autopress can cover. It is okay if the heat plate overlaps previously pressed sections.
- Position your blank so the pressing area you want to start with is directly over the mat. Then, position your heat-transfer material, and press.
- When the pressing cycle is complete, shift your blank and transfer material on the mat/platen so the next section is directly over the mat, and press.
- Repeat until heat has been applied to the entire design.
Tips
- Ensure exposed iron-on (HTV) is always protected from direct contact with heat plate – you can use extra iron-on liner, iron-on protective sheet, or a Teflon sheet to cover previously pressed sections or areas where the liner has been peeled from the transferred design.
- “Thread” the blank onto the mat/platen – open blank and slide over mat/platen so that only one layer of the blank is on the mat. Tuck excess material under and around the platen as needed to keep it out of the way.
Infusible Ink designs
Infusible Ink & sublimation designs should always be smaller than the heat plate and transferred with a single application of heat. Overlapping previously pressed sections with the heat plate may reactivate the ink and cause it to fade, leaving lines in the transfer.
When transferring Infusible Ink or sublimation designs on large fabric blanks, you can “thread” the blank onto the mat/platen. Simply open blank and slide over mat/platen so that only one layer of the blank is on the mat. Tuck excess material under and around the platen as needed to keep it out of the way.