Preparing your blank for pressing is simple! The experience varies depending on your base material and heat-transfer material. We’ve provided some tips below.
Note: For specific prepping instructions for your project refer to the online Cricut Heat Guide, the Heat Guide in the Design Space mobile app (for Cricut Autopress 2), or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3).
Prepping for iron-on (HTV)
→ Prewash
- For apparel blanks (t-shirts, hoodies, jeans, etc.), prewash without fabric softener.
- Purpose: Pre-shrink garment and remove chemicals that may prevent strong adhesion.
- Ensure blanks are clean and dry before transferring your design.
→ Preheat
- Refer to the Cricut Heat Guide, the Heat Guide in the Design Space mobile app (for Cricut Autopress 2), or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3) for recommended preheat time.
- Preheat the area where you’ll transfer the design.
- Purpose: Remove wrinkles, residual chemicals, and excess moisture for a successful transfer.
Prepping for Infusible Ink
→ No prewash
- Do not prewash apparel or other fabric blanks.
- Reason: Prewashing can increase lint, which may cause unwanted blue speckles during transfer.
→ Lint Roll
- Thoroughly lint-roll the entire blank, especially the transfer area.
- Purpose: Remove invisible lint fibers that could infuse unwanted dye speckles.
→ Preheat
- Follow instructions in the Cricut Heat Guide, the Heat Guide in the Design Space mobile app (for Cricut Autopress 2), or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3).
- Preheat fabric blanks to remove wrinkles, chemicals, and moisture. (Preheating the blank is not required for non-fabric blanks like mugs or coasters.)
- Skipping this step with fabric blanks may cause steam during transfer, displacing pigment and creating unwanted effects.
Once your blank is prepped, you’re ready to press! Follow instructions in the Cricut Heat Guide, the Heat Guide in the Design Space mobile app (for Cricut Autopress 2), or Cricut Heat app (for Cricut EasyPress 3) to transfer your design.