Are you excited to learn how to use Cricut infusible ink pens? I am so excited to show you the process!
*Note – This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
Don’t worry – it’s not hard to do once you learn the technique. You’ll be digging into so many infusible ink projects in no time because of how much you’ll love doing it. Trust me!
These magical pens can help you make amazing designs on things like T-shirts, tote bags, and more. I’ve even used them to make mugs before with the Cricut mug press.
Essentially, as long as you are using compatible blanks and a heat press machine, you can make anything you want with the Cricut infusible ink pens.
Even if you’re new to crafting, don’t worry. We’re here to show you step-by-step how to use these pens to make your creations look awesome. Get ready to have a blast and make some cool craft projects!
What is Cricut Infusible Ink
Imagine drawing with your favorite markers, but instead of the colors coming off, they stay on your things forever. That’s what Cricut’s infusible ink pens do!
But how does this work?
When you draw with Infusible Ink Pens and heat them up, the colors actually become a part of the thing you drew on. That means your design won’t say goodbye – it’ll stay bright and beautiful no matter how many times you use or wash it.
There is no fading, no stretching, just clean and fresh designs that will elevate your designs to a whole new level.
So, whether you want to make a cool shirt with your name on it or a lovely bag with a funny quote, Infusible Ink can help you make awesome things that last.
How Do You Use Infusible Ink
Now that you know about the amazing magic of Cricut Infusible Ink, let’s dive into how to use it.
First and foremost, you’ll need a Cricut machine that supports the use of infusible ink pens. At the time of writing this blog post, it includes the Cricut Joy, Cricut Maker, and Cricut Explore Air machines.
You’ll also need:
- your Cricut infusible ink markers
- heat press machine
- heat resistant tape
- lightgrip mat
- sublimation blanks
- lint-free cloth or lint roller
Depending on the kind of projects you’re making and the techniques you’re using, you’ll also need:
- Cricut infusible ink transfer sheets
- laser printer paper
- sheet of butcher paper
- piece of cardstock
Most project step-by-step tutorials will let you know the exact supplies you need.
Then, whether you’re using your own designs or ones you’ve found online, it’s just a matter of going through the steps. I like to use Cricut Design Space when I am working with Cricut’s new infusible ink products.
For the complete step-by-step process, look at the end of this blog post for a printable instruction card you can use.
What Is The Difference Between Iron-On Vinyl and Infusible Ink
If you’ve been into crafting for a while, you might have heard about something called “vinyl iron-ons.” They’re pretty neat, but there are some differences that make each one special. Let’s take a peek at what makes them different:
How They Stick
- Vinyl Iron-Ons: When you use vinyl iron-ons, it’s like sticking a colorful sticker onto your fabric. You use heat from an iron or a heat press to attach the vinyl to your fabric. It stays on really well, but the design will be on the surface.
- Infusible Ink: Infusible Ink is like a chameleon – it becomes a part of the base material itself! The ink turns into a gas when heated and goes right into the sublimation blank material. That’s why Infusible Ink designs last super long without fading or peeling.
Feel and Look
- Vinyl Iron-Ons: Vinyl can feel a bit different on fabric because it’s a layer on top. And sometimes, if you touch it, you might feel the edges of the vinyl.
- Infusible Ink: Since it becomes one with the material, you won’t feel any edges or layers with Infusible Ink. It feels just like the item itself, and the colors stay really vibrant.
Wash and Wear
- Vinyl Iron-Ons: Vinyl iron-ons can handle washing and wearing, but over time, they might start to peel or crack a little.
- Infusible Ink: Remember that chameleon magic? Infusible Ink designs won’t peel, crack, or fade. You can wash and wear your creations as many times as you want, and they’ll stay looking awesome.
Both vinyl iron-ons and Infusible Ink are fantastic ways to add your style to things, and you can choose which one works best for your project.
What Temperature Do The Cricut Infusuble Ink Pens Need?
The way infusible ink works is that it needs to be heated up to turn into gas that will infuse into the base material. So, you’ll need a heat source. You can use a heat press, like the Cricut Easypress 2.
But, similar to when you’re baking, having the right temperature settings is the difference between the best results and a project that doesn’t turn out the way you hoped.
To make sure you’re setting the right temperature, refer to the Cricut heat guide. This guide tells you the exact temperature you need based on the type of Infusible Ink blank you’re using. Whether it’s a T-shirt, a coaster, or something else, the guide has all the secrets to perfect temperature settings.
Just remember, following the guide is like having a treasure map for a successful project. If you set the heat press or EasyPress 2 to the right temperature, your Infusible Ink design will turn into a vibrant, permanent part of your creation!
Invisible Ink Projects You’ll Love!
Want step-by-step instructions to help you create a final project with the Cricut Infusible Ink pens? Check out these amazing ideas!
- DIY Mug Idea With Infusible Ink Cricut pens
- Monogrammed Infusible Ink Ceramic Coasters
- Infusible Ink on a Tumbler
- How To Make An Infusible Ink Blanket
Want even more? Here are 33 Cricut Infusible Ink projects you can try with vibrant designs and easy-to-follow instructions.
Where To Find Beautiful Designs You Can Use With Cricut Infusible Ink Pens
Are you looking for a beautiful design you can use with the Cricut Infusible ink pens? Lucky for you, there are lots of designs.
One place I like to look is in Cricut Design Space. You can use the graphics, shapes, and text tools to make your own unique design, or you can use their premade designs.
Okay, are you ready for the printable step-by-step instructions for Cricut infusible ink pens? Here you go.
How To Use Cricut Infusible Ink Pens
Learn how to use Cricut Infusible ink pens to make projects with beautiful designs such as shirts, tote bags, etc.
Materials
- Cricut Infusible Ink Pen
- Cricut Blank Tshirt
- Laser Printer or Sublimation Paper
- Lint Roller
- Butcher Paper
- White Card Stock
- Free Hakuna Matata SVG File, Enter Your Email Above To Get The File
Tools
- Cricut Machine
- Light Grip Mat
Instructions
- Choose your design.
- Upload the design into Cricut Design Space and resize it to fit your project.
- Weld the design.
- Change from cut to draw.
- Select your pen tip setting.
- Press make it.
- Make sure to mirror the image and click continue.
- Connect your machine and insert your pin into the holder.
- Adjust the material set to copy the paper you are using.
- Press cut.
- Preheat EasyPress 2 to 385.
- Unload when done, and carefully remove the paper.
- Put your shirt on the easy press mat.
- Place card stock inside the shirt, and using a lint roller, remove all lint and dust from the shirt.
- Place your design, design side down, and place butcher paper on top.
- Press using your EasyPress 2 for 40 seconds using light pressure.
- When done, carefully lift the easy press from the garment.
- Now, carefully remove the design sheet.
- Allow it to cool, wear it, and enjoy.