Cricut Design Space makes it really easy to make multi-color designs. But exactly how to layer iron-on vinyl can be a difficult task if you let it be.
The hardest part is often the order of the layers, unlike a single layer design where there aren’t different layers to think abo. Which is the top layer, where do I put the second layer and the next layer?
I am hoping that today, I can make your layered iron-on vinyl projects just a little bit easier. After the first time you do this you will be used to the additional layer. And will be able to bang out an entire design in no time after that.
How To Layer Iron-On Vinyl?
First, you cut all of your layers with your Cricut Machine. I like to use the green cutting mat when working with heat press vinyl. When cutting different types of vinyl, the very first thing you need to know is how to place it on the mat to cut.
Heat Transfer Material has a plastic carrier sheet on it. It should be placed shiny side down on the mat. Whereas adhesive vinyl does not have a plastic backing, it actually has a paper backing and should be placed paper side down.
The entire process doesn’t take very long in all honesty. Here is How To Layer Iron-On Vinyl
- Upload the cut file into the design space.
- Resize the shirt design to fit.
- Cut everything out, don’t forget to mirror.
- Weed away the excess vinyl.
- Place the last layer down first, and work backward layering.
- Use your Cricut EasyPress, for just a short press between each layer, pressing for only a few seconds for each.
- The final layer should be the layer that sits on the top of your design.
You can use a Teflon sheet to protect the vinyl from scorching under your heat source.
What Is The Best Iron On Vinyl To Buy?
Honestly, I am not a fan of the Cricut Every Day Iron on. It is supposed to be a warm peel and it never works for me like that. Also at least for me, the thickness of it doesn’t feel good when I am doing a layered design that uses different colors of iron-on.
My favorite vinyl hands down is Siser Easyweed. The name says it all, it’s easy to weed, also easy to layer and the finished product looks 100% professional.
Here are a few places I like to buy Vinyl.
- Expressions Vinyl
- 143vinyl.com (amazing for buying in bulk)
- Heat Transfer Warehouse
- HeatPress Nation
- Swing Designs
Can I Use A Basic Iron For Iron-On Vinyl?
A lot of people use a regular iron, the problem is these don’t give as much heat and pressure you would if you used the EasyPress or a heat press. I would recommend investing in a press of some sort if you are wanting your HTV to last.
Are There Different Types Of HTV or Iron On?
Yes, there are a ton of regular and specialty vinyl out there.
Just to name a few, there is:
- UV Heat Transfer Vinyl
- Foil Iron-On
- Puff HTV
- Glitter Vinyl
- SportFlex Iron-on
Make sure to check out the step-by-step video if you are more visual. I walk you through the entire process.
Grab the free SVG!
Go to file #13 in the free resource library.
Where can I send the resource library files?
If you want more projects with different ways to use HTV, check these out!
- Color Changing HTV | UV Light Sensitive Tshirt Idea
- How To Use 3D Puff Vinyl With The Cricut EasyPress 2
- Sublimation vs. HTV: Which lasts longest?
- How To Make A Shirt With Cricut Design Space
How To Layer Iron On Vinyl-The Easy Way
Learn how to layer iron-on vinyl, the easy way. My method shows you how to see just what your layered design will look like before you press.
Materials
Tools
- Cricut Machine
- Cricut EasyPress 2
Instructions
- Cut all vinyl out according to color using the iron-on setting with your Cricut. Now weed everything out.
- Layer the design without pressing it first. Place the first layer down onto your mat or another surface. The first later should be the bottom-most layer, in this case, the cauldron.
- Next place, what would be the second layer from the bottom on top of the first layer.
- Repeat until you have all of your colors of vinyl placed. (remember we are doing this without pressing first)
- Preheat your EasyPress to 330 with 15 seconds for the time. Lay the full design down on your shirt. DO NOT PRESS!
- Check the placement of the vinyl layers. We still are not pressing yet.
- Pull off all of the sheets of vinyl except for the bottom-most layer.
- Press with the EasyPress for about 2-3 seconds. Just long enough for the HTV to stay stuck in the right place on the shirt.
- Repeat with each layer. When you get to the last layer you will press for the full 15 seconds on the front then flip and then press for 15 seconds on the back.
- I placed my puff vinyl last and pressed for 10 seconds at 275 F. For the puff vinyl, to use the EasyPress you have to put all of your weight down to get the puff effect.
- And now you know how to layer iron-on vinyl.
Recommended Products
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Thank you so much for showing how to layer iron on. This helped tremendously
Great tutorial! I’m a complete novice, and this really helped me wrap my brain around applying HTV. Thank you!