cricut designCricut infusible ink pens and markers are just awesome. I use them to create my iron-on projects like custom T-shirts for myself and my sweet little child. Well, you can make multiple things with these Cricut products. It’s very easy to use and gives a well-finished project in the end. Its color never fades and always provides shiny, vibrant, and colorful crafts. If you are also a crafter and want to learn how to use infusible ink pens with Cricut, then stay with me till the end of this blog to learn in depth.
I have done dozens of iron-on projects with my tiny Cricut Joy machine and infusible ink. The ink is so permanent that it won’t fade after washing. I am really excited to share my way of using infusible ink pens and creating lovely projects.
In this blog, you will get everything about Cricut’s infusible products, like how to use them, what type of projects you can make with them, and even some of my tips. So, let’s get started to learn everything.
What Are Infusible Ink Pens and Markers?
Basically, Cricut’s infusible ink pens and markers are simple pens with infusible ink intended to make various heat projects such as designing aT-shirt, tote bag, or any apparel where ink is necessary.
These products can be easily loaded into the clamp of your Cricut machine and draw your favorite designs. You can draw it with your hands, too.
How Do Cricut Infusible Ink Products Work?
Before learning how to use infusible ink pens with Cricut, you should know how it works. Infusible ink works on the principle of sublimation. It sounds a bit complex, but it’s so simple. When you use the infusible ink or marker on a paper, it’s in a solid state, which is its original state.
But, the moment you apply heat to it, it gets transformed into gas. During this process, it infuses your material, and when you remove the heat, it cools down again. And then, after cooling, it will again become solid.
One thing to note here is that these products only work on specific materials, such as poly-based materials, polyester fabric, coasters, and mugs with a poly-coated ceramic coating.
So, if you want to make such projects, Cricut infusible ink pens and markers will be a must-have. Luckily, these amazing accessories are compatible with all types of Cricut machines, including Cricut Maker, Explore, and Cricut Joy.
How to Use Infusible Ink Pens With Cricut Machine?
Here comes the final part of the blog, which I was excited about. You already understand why we use it. And now, you are going to learn the exact procedure through the steps that I am sharing with you now. Before moving to the final steps, let’s see the materials you will need while making your project.
Step 1: Tools and Supplies Required
Here are some of the essential materials and tools you will need for your project.
- LightGrip cutting mat
- Cricut EasyPress
- Cricut tote bag
- Infusible ink pens & markers
- Heat resistant tape
- Butcher paper
- Lint roller
- Scissors
- Cricut Design Space
- Cricut Heat Guide
When you are done with all the materials, it’s time to start the project. So, let’s start the step-by-step guide and learn how to use infusible ink pens with Cricut.
Step 2: Create Your Design
In the first step, you need to put a sheet of laser copy on your cutting mat and then put it into the Cricut machine.
Now, move to your Design Space and choose the size of your design to fit onto your blank. After that, adjust your Linetype to draw and select a Cricut infusible pen or marker. Don’t forget to mirror the design before the cutting procedure.
Step 3: Load Infusible Ink Pens
Now, select your material. In the case of an older Cricut machine, set the Smart Set Dial to Custom. Once done, put your infusible Cricut pen or marker into Clamp A and then hit the Go button to load different colors.
Step 4: Unload the Cricut Cutting Mat
When your design is ready, you can unload your mat and then take out the design from the mat.
When your design is ready, you are ready to apply heat to your apparel using the Cricut EasyPress mat. To get started, first place the sheet of cardstock inside your apparel blank to keep it protected from wrinkles and damage.
Moreover, use a fresh and clean lint roller to remove the lint from the surface of your apparel blank. It will also remove the fiber particles to create a perfect apparel for heat transfer.
Step 5: Preheat Your T-shirt
Then, cover your apparel with the butcher paper. In the next step, you need to preheat your apparel to remove unwanted moisture from it. Also, you need to check the Cricut Heat Guide from time to time to follow the instructions correctly. Apply the heat with a light pressure.
After that, take off the butcher paper and let the apparel cool down. Now, put the design pieces on your apparel facing down. Then, apply the tape on each corner of your design with a Heat Resistant Tape, which will keep your design free from moving.
Step 6: Apply Heat to the Design
Next, put the butcher paper on top of your design. Afterward, select the correct temperature and time settings for your project from the Cricut Heat Guide. Once set, apply heat with the optimum pressure, and when you hear a beep sound, lift away the press and slowly remove the butcher paper.
In the end, let your project cool completely and enjoy it. Finally, you learned how to use infusible ink pens with Cricut, and hopefully, you will try it on your own.
Conclusion
The process was extremely easy, wasn’t it? All you need to do is to gather some accessories and get started with the project. I used an example of a T-shirt, but you can make use of any apparel like a tote bag or anything where ink pens can be used. You can make beautiful creations with your Cricut infusible ink pens and an EasyPress machine. So, get ready to create something and use the Design Space software to make things beautiful and unique.
Visit: cricut.com/setup
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