My First Impressions prior to use
I was so excited to find out about this new product system from Cricut, that I’ve been dreaming of what the new possibilities might be. Isn’t it funny how it seems that Cricut finds solutions to things that make crafting more intuitive for the user no matter the skill level? Sometimes it’s like they’ve read my mind and brought something to life that I only wished was possible. This product is a serious game changer, to be able have a choice of a very low tech approach to a technical one with the same product is absolutely genius!!
Do you have amazing handwriting, or love to hand draw or doodle, but aren’t tech savvy? Not an issue the product works for you, it utilizes something we’re all familiar with, paper and a pen. Are you a tech pro or beginner and love using your Cricut machine to bring projects to life? Then this product is also for you, to use your digital hand lettering or custom designs with long lasting results is brilliant! I envision beautiful T-shirt quilts that can be signed or a special note written to the recipient! A child’s drawing can become a family heirloom, your drawings or doodles could be a conversation piece on coasters. You can now leave your mark on the world, literally, with your one of a kind designs made by you, now that is priceless!
Introduction to Infusible ink and what it is:
This new Infusible ink product gives similar results to sublimation, but doesn’t require a sublimation printer or products. Sublimation takes a product at its solid state (ink with high heat) to a gas state to fuse it into the base item. This is what I understand makes this product similar to sublimation, but it has been made for the home crafter in mind.
The Infusible ink allows you to make sublimation type items without the extra cost of equipment you might not want, or have room for. For example, you can make a few projects with pens that fit your machine, or material you can cut on your Cricut machine and all you need are supplies. You can have your machine draw an image and have a child color it in and make a unique craft or present. This is what sets this product apart from others on the market, it’s specifically designed to use with your Cricut products if you choose. You could draw or write by hand, using the pens or markers and a heat press or easypress. This makes it more adaptable for the home crafter in mind. Allowing more creative options with your Cricut and that’s what makes this amazing.
First reactions to product
I received my items yesterday and I couldn’t wait to dive right in and try it out. With anything new there’s always that apprehension, will it work as stated, will it be difficult to get the same results? I have to admit I was nervous, just because of the complex nature of all the layers to press, and ensuring proper adhesion. I highly recommend doing the test piece before hand to familiarize yourself with the process. Once you do a simple design and press it, it was so much easier to gain the confidence to go for the actual project.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when using the Infusible ink sheets:
Packaging, storage, and handling
The box has the actual finished color on the outside of the box (I think mine was slightly brighter than the box), so don’t worry when you open the package that the color on the sheet is very light and dull (it will be amazingly vibrant when pressed). The sheets come rolled enclosed in black plastic similar to photography photo sensitivity packaging. It does state on the packaging to store it in a dark/dry place.
I rolled mine up and placed it back into the black packaging and back into the box. I do recommend storing it like this to avoid damaging the Infusible ink sheets. To place it back in the packaging take one sheet and roll it small enough to fit back into the packaging. This holds the shape and makes it easier to get the rest back into the plastic. Then roll the rest together and slide it back inside the plastic. Also, I recommend washing your hands and drying thoroughly. This is to ensure that you don’t have anything on your hands to damage the product.
Product differences/Tips for cutting
The first thing you notice is the feel of this product, it’s similar to a card stock feel. It’s a bit textured and a little harder to unroll, it’s nice that it’s the same size as the 12×12 mat, (which makes it easier to work with). You can trim it down for smaller images or leave it all one piece for larger items and trim after (I used scissors), just flip the mat over and peel the mat away from the material.
Preparing to Cut
When cutting this material you will notice a printed grid on one side and a rough, light colored side. Place printed grid side directly on the mat with the color side facing up towards you. When cutting this material you will still mirror your image because you will flip it over and press grid side up. I recommend using the more pressure setting if you have an intricate design to ensure ease of release of small pieces.
Cutting and Mat removal
To cut, go to custom settings and type in Infusible ink, click to select it and cut as usually with your housing and blade you normally use for paper or iron on. Once cut flip over mat and carefully bend the mat away from the material to release from the mat.
Weeding/Pressing
Weeding is a little different than weeding iron on or vinyl. The product feels like paper and you want to ensure all of the excess is removed from your image you would like to press, otherwise the excess will transfer to your item as well and there is no way to remove it. To weed, start bending the excess a bit at the edges away from your image to release it from the backing.
Using your fingers start peeling the excess away. Do not use weeding tools for this process, it could scratch or damage your design. For intricate pieces slightly bend back the material until the edge of the small piece is sticking up and grasp it with your tweezers to pull away the piece. Once all pieces are removed, trim off extra carrier sheet so that it is closer to your image. This can reduce any extra transfer of ink that isn’t part of your design. Now you are ready to prepare your base to press your design.
Items I needed when pressing Infusible ink for this shirt:
- Infusible ink sheet
- Butcher paper (sheets came inside the package of Infusible ink)
- 2 pieces of heavier weight white cardstock 1 sheet 12×12 and one smaller to fit inside of shirt
- Lint roller
- Easypress mat
- Easypress 2 machine ( you can use original easy press but you have to make adjustments, just select it from the menu, I provided the link)
- Cricut Easypress settings
I used the Cricut child size M t-shirt for this project. This is the layers you will use to properly press your design to the shirt, and prevent damage from accidental ink transfer onto other surfaces.
- You want to place your easy press mat down (make sure it’s large enough to cover the entire image at once, this is essential due to this process utilizes a single pressing).
2. Place a piece of the white card stock on top of your easy press mat.
3. Next place shirt on top of the card stock and slide the other piece of card stock inside the shirt. Then using the lint roller remove any lint from the surface, this insures proper image adhesion and quality.
4. Place Butcher paper on top of the shirt
Tips for pressing and revealing image:
Select your settings in the Cricut easypress setting menu and heat your easy press according to the directions. Once heated, pre-heat your shirt for about 15 or so seconds, then let it completely cool. Once cool, remove the butcher paper and using the grid line up your design. Only place it once onto your shirt, do not pick it up and replace the image this could cause ghosting (where you see a distorted offset image). I hold it up and level it by looking at the grid to get the image straight then place it, ink side down onto the shirt.
Pressing Image
Replace the butcher paper and carefully place the easypress on top with out shifting it. Hold it in place press the button and when the countdown is complete and it beeps. Carefully pick the easypress straight up without shifting it. This is important, so that it doesn’t smear the ink before it sets.
Revealing Image
Now you wait until the shirt is cool, then carefully peel away starting on one side and pull it back sideways (like turning a page of a book) to reveal the transfer. You can also use tweezers to grasp the edge of the carrier sheet. Your shirt is complete with vibrant colors, that won’t fade, peel, or crack. It stretches with the material because the image is now fused into the material of the shirt.
Concluding thoughts:
This product is amazing, I can’t wait to try other projects and make one of a kind lasting artwork that will last, and last. There is more to this process than using Iron on but the results and extra time spent is absolutely worth it. It is available now at Michaels Stores online and at your local store starting Friday June 21. I can’t wait to receive my pens then I can give my review on those as well.
I was not paid for this, I purchased these products, and these are my own opinions based on my own experience with this product.
This was very helpful and detailed. Thank you!