A Guide For Beginners To Use Cricut Iron-on Vinyl

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 Iron-on vinyl is the most famous material for crafting with a Cricut machine, which can be used to make all sorts of projects, such as custom vinyl shirts, canvas tote bags, hats, and more things. But when you are entirely new to Cricut, iron-on vinyl can be a bit intimidating. If you wish to know more about using your Cricut to create an iron-on vinyl project but are unsure where to start, this blog post is best for you. Table of ContentsWhat is Iron-On Vinyl? ... style="text-decoration-thickness: 1px; text-underline-offset: 0.25ch;">Is Cricut Iron-On Vinyl The Exact Same As Heat Transfer Vinyl?Major Types of Iron-On VinylInstructions to Cut Iron-On Vinyl with Your Cricut MachineGuide To Weed Iron-On VinylPrepare Your Materials for the Best ResultsEasy ways to Apply Iron-On VinylCommon Tips and Tricks for Iron-On VinylConclusionWhat is Iron-On Vinyl?Iron-on vinyl is an exclusive type of vinyl material with a heat-activated adhesive, sometimes also known as heat-transfer vinyl or HTV. You can use it on various base materials such as metal, fabric, and even wood also. To apply iron-on vinyl to your project, you will press it with a heat source such as household iron on a Cricut EasyPress.Iron-on is a thin, flexible material with pre-cut sheets and rolls. When you look closely, you will see that iron-on vinyl is built of a colorful vinyl layer and clear plastic backing. Also, note that vinyl has two main types – adhesive vinyl and iron-on vinyl.Is Cricut Iron-On Vinyl The Exact Same As Heat Transfer Vinyl?If you are a beginner to the work of craft vinyl, you might be searching: what is the difference between heat-transfer and iron-on vinyl? So the answer is nothing! Iron on vinyl and heat transfer vinyl are just different names for the same thing. Cricut uses the iron-on name, while other brands use the term HTV. Either way, it’s the same kind of material. Less ordinarily, you may see iron-on referred to as a heat transfer and iron-on transfers.Major Types of Iron-On VinylIron-on vinyl comes in a large variety of finishes and colors. You can purchase iron-on vinyl in a rainbow of colors and finishes, glitter, and metallic foil. Also, it is available to buy rolls, sheets, and packs. So here are some of the different iron-on vinyl types:Sportflex iron-on: This vinyl type is thin and lightweight and is mainly designed to flex and stretch on active wear fabrics such as polyester and nylon.Foil-iron-on:  This has a shiny and reflective finish in various metallic colors.Glitter iron-on: It has a glittery and shimmery effect in a variety of colors.Patterned iron-on: This type comes in a wide variety of classic and trend patternsHolographic iron-on: It has an eye-catching multicolor finish that is useful to change the light.Smart iron-on: It can be cut without a mat on explore 3, Cricut maker 3, and Cricut joy models.Multi-layered vinyl design: You can apply various layers of vinyl on top of every other to create a multi-layer. But it’s essential to use the layers in the correct order to avoid ripples or bubbles. Instructions to Cut Iron-On Vinyl with Your Cricut MachineCreate the Project in the Cricut Design Space Open design space and start creating a new project. You can browse the image library of Cricut for a pre-made design, then create your design using the design space tool or upload your SVG cut file.Once you create your own image, open the top toolbar and resize your image with resize handle and width or high boxes. When your design is done, click the “Make it” button to send the design to the mat.Mirror the Design Now, you will see the mat preview on the next screen. Ensure that you turn on the mirroring toggle so that your created design is mirrored on the mat. Mirror iron-on vinyl is significant for flipping the design on the mat. To make sure the final design looks correct when applied to the final project, we have to mirror the design before cutting it.Select the Material SettingsNext, you have to select your particular materials from the materials list. You will see that there are different pressure settings for various types of vinyl, so make sure to choose the right one.If you are using a Cricut machine for everyday iron-on, choose the “Everyday iron-on” from the materials list.After that, make sure that you have “Fine-Point Bladed” inside your Cricut machine. Then, you are ready to load your mat into the machine and begin the cut.Place vinyl on the Cutting MatNext, place the iron-on vinyl under the cutting mat “Shiny Side Down.”Then, use a brayer to ensure the vinyl has rigidly adhered to the mat. Also, you can use a scraper by using gentle pressure.Make the Cut:Now, load the cutting mat into the Cricut machine. If you use the smart-iron on with Cricut maker 3, explore 3, or Cricut joy, without a mat, you can load it into the cutting machine. Then, press the go button to cut your design. Once the cut is finished, press the Load/Unload button to unload the cutting mat. Guide To Weed Iron-On VinylAfter cutting your design, the next step is to weed your design. Weeding is the procedure of removing any waste vinyl that’s not a part of the design. You will quickly remove the unwanted vinyl around the outside of your design.In order to weed, press the pointy tip of the weeding tools into a range of vinyl you wish to remove. With the weeding tool, grab it and pull up or peel it away. You can use tweezers, a hook-shaping weeding tool, an X-Acto blade, your fingers, or anything that works. So here are the Steps to weeding vinyl:Firstly, weed the vinyl around the outside of your design.After that, remove the pieces on the inside of the design.Now, keep weeding until you have removed all the waste vinyl, and what’s left on the plastic carrier is your design.Lastly, flip the sheet over and check how your final design will look. This is a good way to double-check your work and ensure you have weeded out all the things you don’t want in your final design.Prepare Your Materials for the Best ResultsNow it’s time to apply vinyl, but before this, you will need to prepare your materials. This means, for this step, you will need a pressing mat to secure your surface, a firm pressing surface, and a source of heat. Now, just follow the below steps to start the process.Set up your workspace: Select a flat pressing surface. To do this, you will want a robust surface that won’t shake or wiggle when you apply pressure.Secure your work surface: Next, use your easy press mat or a flooded towel to protect your work surface.Preheat your easy press or iron: Use the guide of Cricut heat, which will tell you the exact pressing time and temperature you need according to the vinyl type and base materials you have. If you are using a household iron, then you have to adjust the temperature to your ability. In several cases, you will select the “Cotton/linen” setting, which is the highest temperature. Also, make sure to turn off the steam setting.Prep your base material: Lay out all the materials on the easy press mat and then smooth out any wrinkles. Next, preheat the fabric for 5 seconds by using the easy press.Easy ways to Apply Iron-On VinylOnce all your materials are prepared, you are ready to apply the vinyl with the help of the below steps:Center the vinyl design: Firstly, center the vinyl design on the base materials with the help of a ruler. Also, you can fold it in half and then make a crease to mark the line.Place the vinyl line: After that, place your vinyl design on the base material along with the shiny side up.Apply heat: Now, apply the heat to your vinyl design, which is instructed by the Cricut heat guide. Cool your project: Lastly, let your project cool to the touch. Then peel off the plastic transfer sheet.Common Tips and Tricks for Iron-On VinylPlace the iron-on vinyl onto the cutting mat along with the shiny side down.Mirror design is the most crucial step.Choose the right cut settings so you don’t cut via the carrier sheet. This sheet acts as your transfer tape, so you wish to keep it in one piece.Press the “Correct Temperature” option, which can help to wrap the design.Make use of “Dry Iron,” and don’t use steam if you have a household iron.Don’t move the iron while pressing.If you are distrustful, do a test cut.ConclusionIron-on vinyl is the most famous material for creating designs with a Cricut machine. But if you have recently purchased the Cricut and don’t know how to use it, then the iron-on vinyl can be a little terrifying. This tutorial is the best option for you if you want to know about Cricut to create iron-on vinyl projects.Source:https://hariguide.com/a-guide-for-beginners-to-use-cricut-iron-on-vinyl/