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There's a whole new way to create some of your favorite projects. Infusible Ink is the latest product innovation from Cricut. Here's an Infusible Ink Get Started Guide and project ideas resource to help get your going with this great new product. In a few steps you can create a wide variety of home decor and wearables using your Cricut and the Infusible Ink materials.
This guide is a work in progress to help you learn how to use it and share project ideas. As with any new product material, we're all learning together, experimenting and trying new things. Here's what I've learned so far.
How to Use Infusible Ink – A Get Started Guide
Cricut just announced Infusible Ink earlier this month and products just hit stores this morning. So using the materials and sharing projects is relatively new for everyone. As I play with the products to create my own projects, I will share with you what I learn.
What is Infusible Ink?
Infusible Ink a heat-set ink technology that comes in transfer sheets, pens and markers. Personalize t-shirts, tote bags, tile coasters and more with custom designs using your Cricut Machine and an EasyPress 2. Unlike iron-on vinyl, Infusible Ink a colorfast solution that becomes part of the personalized item with a heating process. While Vinyl sits on top of a shirt, Infusible Ink becomes part of the shirt.
Infusible ink is Peel-proof, flake-proof and wash-proof.
What do I need to get started with Infusible Ink?
Here's what you will need to create with Cricut Infusible Ink:
- Cricut Infusible Ink Markers and Pens
- Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets
- Cricut Infusible Ink Compatible Blanks
- Cricut Heat-resistant Tape
- Cricut Machine (Maker or Explore)
- Cricut EasyPress 2
Extra materials to have on hand:
- Standard printer/copy paper to draw on with the pens
- Butcher Paper to protect your projects as you're heat-setting. Parchment paper is not recommended.
How do I use Cricut Infusible Ink?
To use Infusible Ink, you can begin creating beautiful projects in 5 easy steps.
- Choose a Cricut Infusible Ink Blank such as a t-shirt, tote or tile coaster.
- Create a design using Cricut Design Space and your Cricut machine.
- Cut transfer material into a design, draw with the Infusible Ink pens or create a combination.
- Apply your new design onto the blank by heat setting with the EasyPress 2.
- Allow to cool, remove design layers.
Keep in mind, each project will have it's own specific steps. Make sure to follow best use instructions, available at InfusibleInk.com. I'll be sharing full tutorials, to really dive in and show you how to use this cool product.
Where to Buy Infusible Ink
Look for products at Joann, Michaels, Cricut online and more. Purchase online or visit your local store. There's a wide selection of products available and if you visit in-store, you can see most of the patterns and blanks first hand. I went to a few different stores to see how easy it would be to find the product. In each store there's an aisle display that you can walk entirely around. Each side features a different set of the Infusible Ink product line. Most the stores I went to, this product display was right in front of the main entrance, however, some stores have the display set closer to the Cricut aisle near scrapbooking. Take a look at the video below.
More About Infusible Ink
There are so many more details to discover about Infusible Ink. Every day crafters and designers around the web are sharing the results of Infusible Ink projects they've tried. This product really does open the door to all kinds of new creativity! Here are answers to even more questions and ideas you might be wondering about.
What Products are available?
Cricut currently offers ink and color materials and blanks to create vibrant projects right at home. Here's a break down of the products you can buy.
Ink and color materials include:
- Transfer sheets – these sheets can be cut similarly to cardstock or vinyl. The sheets come in packages of 1 solid, 2 sheets (1 solid and 1 pattern), or 4 sheets (2 patterns and 2 solids).
- Pens and markers – the Infusible Ink pens and markers write just the same as the standard Cricut pens. There are 2 color sets with 5 different colors in each set. Each available as a fine tip pen or as a thicker nib marker. You can buy either fluorescent or standard colors.
- T-shirts for the whole family – there are a variety of shirts to choose from that are specially developed by Cricut for optimal performance. You'll find Small through XL in both v-neck t-shirts (marked as “womens”) and round neck t-shirts (marked as “mens”). There's also youth sized standard t-shirts and infant rompers.
- Tote bags – there are two sizes of tote bags to choose from to use with Infusible Ink. Each comes in a neutral cream color with black handles.
- Tile Coasters – the tile coasters are the most exciting addition to the Cricut product line because never before have there been products available to personalize tiles. Choose from round ceramic coasters or square tiles.
Infusible Ink Project Ideas
You can make all kinds of fun projects using Infusible Ink. The pens/markers and transfer sheets work best with Cricut blanks. You can make a variety of colorful projects with these pieces. Currently the blanks selection includes:
- T-shirts
- Baby romper
- Circle and square tile coasters
- Tote bags
Infusible Ink Project ideas to Try:
-
Using Mug Wrap Designs with Cricut Mug Press Plus SVG Designs
(Video) The Ultimate Guide to Cricut Infusible Ink -
Easy DIY Mug Designs and SVG Files
-
DIY Wine Gift Bag with Infusible Ink
(Video) A Beginners Guide To Cricut Infusible Ink -
Make a Personalized Tote and Stationery Gift Set with Your Cricut
-
How to Use Cricut Infusible Ink and Layered Design Projects
- (Video) How to Use Cricut Infusible Ink Step By Step T-Shirt Tutorial
Infusible Ink Get Started Guide and Project Ideas
Don't let your creativity stop you there. You can make plenty of fantastic things with these items. Gifts for everyone, that's what we're making!
More Infusible Ink Questions Answered
Below I've tried to answer the most common questions about this new product. As Infusible Ink becomes widely more available and more people start experimenting with it, there will surely be more questions. Play with it, try things out, and see what you can learn. I'd love to hear what you do with it!
How to wash and care for Cricut Infusible Ink
Infusible Ink is machine washable. Each material type may have it's own care instructions, so make sure to reference theInfusible Ink product details and information at Cricut.com.
Is Cricut Infusible Ink sublimation?
Yes, by definition, Infusible Ink is sublimation. The definition is: “Sublimationis a chemical process where a solid turns into a gas without going through a liquid stage.”
What materials can I use with Infusible Ink?
For best results, Infusible Ink works with Cricut specific blanks. From a function standpoint, Infusible Ink works with polyester based materials. Results may not be what you expect with other materials including cotton and other natural materials. I highly recommend you test all materials you'd like to use before starting a full project with that material.
Can you layer Cricut Infusible Ink?
Yes! There are a number of ways with different results when it comes to layering Infusible Ink. There are a few processes and things to remember. So, I've written up a tutorial to explain more. Continue to read Layering with Infusible Ink for more in depth information.
Can you use Cricut Infusible Ink with a regular iron?
Infusible Ink needs a consistent heating surface for best results. You'll also need temperatures around 380 and 400 degrees. So, a standard iron will not work well with Infusible Ink.
Can Infusible Ink be used with other cutting machines?
Cricut Infusible Ink is designed to work with Cricut tools. The transfer sheets are cut similarly to cardstock, vinyl or other materials. You'll have to test Infusible Ink with other cutting machines to ensure best results. The Infusible Ink pens are designed to fit into the pen holder on the Cricut Explore, Air, Air 2 and Maker machines. You can also use the pens by hand.
How do you use Cricut Infusible Ink pens and markers?
To use the Infusible Ink pens and markers, you can use your Cricut machine to draw designs like you would any other Cricut pen. Then transfer the design according to the specific settings for the blank you're using. Make sure to mirror the designs before you draw them and the transfer process creates a design in reverse on the material. You can also use the pens and markers to draw by hand and then transfer the designs. Check out this tutorial to see a couple examples of using Cricut Infusible Ink pens and markers.
How much does Cricut Infusible Ink cost?
This is a brand new product, so I'm not sure if there is a price range or all retailers will price the products the same. Right now, the transfer sheets come in 1 sheet, 2 sheets and 4 sheet packages. These packages range from $9.99 to $17.99. The Pens and markers come with 5 colors each and are priced about $14.99.
What questions do YOU have about using Infusible Ink? Leave a comment, or stop by any one of my social channels: 100Directions on Facebook or JGoode Designs on Instagram.
More infusible ink information and ideas to come!
FAQs
How do I make Cricut projects with Infusible Ink? ›
Choose a Cricut Infusible Ink Blank such as a t-shirt, tote or tile coaster. Create a design using Cricut Design Space and your Cricut machine. Cut transfer material into a design, draw with the Infusible Ink pens or create a combination. Apply your new design onto the blank by heat setting with the EasyPress 2.
What materials can I use Infusible Ink on? ›Infusible Ink compatible blanks are base materials – or substrates – such as T-shirts, tote bags, coasters, and mugs that are specially engineered and thoroughly tested to work with all Cricut Infusible Ink products.
Do you peel Infusible Ink hot or cold? ›Let your project cool. Once cool, slowly remove butcher paper, then slowly remove the liner with design. Important: If design separates from liner and remains on blank, remove with tweezers. Do not remove it using your fingers.
How many seconds do you press Infusible Ink? ›Cover the design with a sheet of butcher paper (included inside each roll of Infusible Ink) that is larger than the surface of the EasyPress 2. Press with light pressure at 385 degrees for 40 seconds. Carefully remove the EasyPress 2 and the butcher paper and allow the shirt to cool completely.
Does Cricut Infusible Ink work on any fabric? ›For Infusible Inks to transfer to T-shirts properly, they need to bind with polyester surfaces. And because the Infusible Inks are transparent rather than opaque, they need to be on white or light colored surfaces. A good T-shirt for Infusible Ink is one that has a hiqh polyester count and is white or pastel.
What fabrics are compatible with Cricut Infusible Ink? ›Infusible Ink works best on fabrics that have a high polyester count because the dyes in the sublimation ink are able to bond with polyester molecules, allowing you to transfer your designs with the highest quality. Infusible ink also works best on white or very light-colored fabrics.
Can you use Cricut Infusible Ink directly on fabric? ›They aren't just for hard surfaces, like coasters! You can use the Infusible Ink Pens and Markers on fabric too! Cricut's shirts, bodysuits and tote bags are all compatible with not just the transfer sheets but the markers and pens too!
Will Infusible Ink work on wood? ›Wood is a natural substance and does not contain polyester, the reason it's able to work is because it's surface is so porous that the infusible ink sinks into it.
Can you use Infusible Ink on any product? ›Infusible Ink designs will only work with a specific list of compatible base materials. These base materials must contain polymer or polyester material in order to create a permanent bond with the Infusible Ink. (So no, you can't use Infusible Ink on 100% cotton shirts, only polyester shirts.)
Can you use Infusible Ink on towels? ›You have to use 100% polyester dish towels to work with Infusible ink. I used these microfiber kitchen towels and wash cloths* for this project. It was great to get everything in a set so that I had multiple to work with.
Can you layer Infusible Ink on top of each other? ›
Layering more than one Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet will cause the colors to blend where they overlap, and multiple applications of heat may cause Infusible Ink designs to fade, resulting in an undesired effect. Instead, use our Slice and Set method below to assemble cuts from multiple Transfer Sheets onto one liner.
Why does my Infusible Ink look faded? ›Incorrect Time and Temperature Settings
Getting the best out of your image means you need to double check Cricut's time and temperature settings in their heat guide. Not pressing long enough, pressing with too little or too much heat, and other factors can contribute to faded or uneven transfers.
Cricut's Infusible Ink uses a chemical sublimation process—the solid ink on the transfer sheet turns into a gas without going through a liquid stage. Basically the solid ink turns into a gas that then permeates the base material and then dries back into a solid and becomes one with the material.
Do I need parchment paper for Infusible Ink? ›Butcher/Parchment Paper is Needed (Comes with the Infusible Ink Sheets but you will need extra for marker projects)
Is Infusible Ink the same as sublimation? ›Infusible Ink is actually a type of sublimation that was introduced by Cricut and is essentially the same process but simplified. You can purchase Infusible Ink Sheets that you cut out with your Cricut machine, or you can use the Infusible Ink Markers and create your design that way on your paper.