Yes, cricut can be used for dye – sub process but not directly. After printing the design via sublimation printer you can use cricut machine to cut out those designs and then print it on your substrate using a heat press.
Cricut enhances the printing process by offering creativity, efficiency and precision in projects. You can easily handle complicated designs with cricut machine and can print detailed designs flawlessly on the substrate.
For the last one year I have been working with Cricut and I was able to create designs with much more convenience. If you want to know how Cricut can do sublimation, then follow along.
What is sublimation?
It is the process of printing the artwork on a transfer paper using special ink. This design is transferred on the blank item under specific heat and pressure which results in a permanent vibrant image.
This is the best way to create personalized items like phone cases, mugs, t-shirts with high level detailing and color accuracy.
What is Cricut?
Cricut offers design software and cutting machines which let you make custom artwork and then cut them out of different materials like fabric, paper and vinyl.
These machines are popular for their precision and ease of use, which make them a popular choice for small businesses and crafters. This machine is also used to print and cut the design for dye – sub projects, making them a wonderful tool for creative work.
Why should you use Cricut for sublimation?
Working on sublimation projects with Cricut lets you work on a huge range of designs and materials. With sublimation, these designs can be easily printed on numerous materials like metal, ceramic, and polyester.
This technique has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for making custom products and personalized gifts.
In addition to this, dye – sub offers a high level of durability and color accuracy, making it a wonderful option for crafters. Overall, sublimation with Cricut offers endless creative possibilities and high-quality results.
How can Cricut do sublimation printing using easy press?
The Cricut machine can work on multiple crafts and materials like pillows, mugs, bags, shoes, t-shirts, chipboard, faux and felt leather, cotton canvas, cotton fabric etc. I like sublimation t-shirts with easy press and the Cricut works efficiently to offer cool results. Here I am explaining how to work with Cricut heat press on a t-shirt.
Items needed for Cricut sublimation
It is necessary to have the items below for working with Cricut machine.
1. Printer
It is a special printer which uses sublimation ink for making high quality prints. This printer heats the ink which turns into gas and makes bonds with the coated materials and polyester fabrics.
2. Sublimation substrate
These are specially prepared materials like phone cases, mugs or t-shirts which are designed to accept dye – sub ink. Make sure the substrate has a high percentage of polyester as it works best with the process.
3. Sublimation paper and ink
The ink is a unique kind of dye which is compatible with printers. When the ink is heated, it turns into gas and makes a permanent bond with the blank. Sublimation paper is a special paper which is used to transfer design on the blank.
4. Cricut easy press
It is a device which is used to heat press the artwork on substrates. It is a mandatory tool to ensure that the designs are properly adhered to the fabric, making a permanent bond with it. Easy press is more portable than traditional heat press. It is much more convenient and is popular among small businesses and hobbyists.
5. Blowout paper
It is very important to protect both the heat press and substrate. This paper is placed between the sublimation paper and heat press to absorb unnecessary ink while transferring, thus preventing the heat press and substrate.
6. Heat resistant tape
It is very essential to secure sublimation paper to prevent any movement during pressing. It ensures the design is transferred without any blurs or smudges.
7. Lint roller
It is used to clean the surface of substrates like t-shirts before beginning the sublimation process. It is important to use as it removes dust or debris, thus affecting the quality of the final product.
5 Steps to sublimate with Cricut press
Generally, sublimation is done by heat press, but can you really do printing with Cricut? The answer is yes. You can easily do sublimation with Cricut machine which will provide fruitful results. However, you should use this method for small projects as this is not suitable for big projects. Here are the steps for sublimating a t-shirt with Cricut machine.
1. Create a design
The very first step is the creation of an alluring design. If you are using a Cricut easy press, then you can access Cricut design space for making customized and captivating artwork. You can also use any ready-made design or a free template for customization. If you do not want to use Cricut design space, then you can use any other graphic designing software.
2. Understanding the material of t-shirt
I recommend using a polyester blend shirt (at least 65% polyester) to get beautiful and vibrant results. If you are using any other material for printing then make sure it is polyester coated. Because if it is not coated then the ink will not be able to make bonds with the t-shirt material and you will not get good prints.
3. Printing the design
First you have to print the design on transfer paper and for that using a sublimation printer is best as a regular printer cannot produce the design which you are expecting to reflect on your substrate. Also, use high quality paper and ink for printing the design. Make sure that printer, ink and transfer paper are compatible with each other. While printing, use the non watermarked side of paper for printing and choose the slow printing mode of the printer to print the image correctly.
4. Preparing t-shirt for printing
Now your design is printed on transfer paper and it’s time to prepare the substrate for transferring artwork on it. Make sure your t-shirt is dirt and dust free. If not, use a lint roller to do so.
Also, pre – press the t-shirt to remove wrinkles and moisture as it will damage the final result. Now place the transfer paper on the t-shirt (where you want your design to be printed).
Fix the sheet with a heat resistant tape to prevent ghosting. Now on top of sublimation paper you need to place a blow out paper and place another blow out paper inside of the t-shirt. Blow out paper will absorb extra ink and prevent it from ruining the back side of the t-shirt and on the heat press.
5. Using Cricut press
Finally turn on the Cricut press at 400-degree Fahrenheit and place it on the t-shirt sandwich you have just prepared and press it for 60 seconds with medium pressure. Now your design is completely transferred. You can wait for a few seconds to remove adhesive tape, blow out paper etc. But I recommend using heat resistant gloves as the material is hot.
Conclusion
You can easily sublimate various items using a Cricut machine. Refer above steps to do it with ease. If you have any questions, then mention it in comments or you can email me.
Faqs
Q – What is a Cricut machine?
Cricut is a machine which cuts shapes from various materials. This machine can cut the crafts with more accuracy and saves lots of money and time. This machine has helped to make projects by simply following easy directions on your system making process a lot easier.
Q – What is a Cricut heat press?
Cricut heat press is an innovative machine which lets you make your own customized fabric with the help of Cricut design space. This machine is useful for the people who want to print and cut their detailed design with precision. You can print any substrate with Cricut heat press by simply using right heat settings.
Q – What kind of materials can be used for sublimation with Cricut machine?
Multiple materials can be used for sublimation with Cricut like metal, ceramic, and polyester fabric. You can also work on some plastics which are specially designed for sublimation. But to print on each material you need to follow different heat press settings because every material needs different heat and pressure to print the design. If the heat press settings are not right, then you may end up with ruined output.
Q – Can I use Cricut easy press for sublimation?
Yes, you can use Cricut easy press for sublimation, however, make sure to use right pressing settings to get vibrant prints. This machine will not only print the design on your substrate, but you can cut your design with precision. it is best for the artwork which has fine details and are difficult to cut by scissors.
Q – Is it necessary to mirror designs while sublimating with Cricut?
Yes, you should always mirror your design while sublimating with Cricut machine. Mirroring will help to print the design on right side of substrate. If you will not mirror the design, then you may end up printing design in wrong way. to mirror the design, you have to select the option in your printer for mirroring the design and you are good to go.
