The EasyPress and EasyPress 2 are both easy to use, do not require a press cloth for most projects, are great for layered projects, are compatible with all major brands of heat-transfer materials (not just Cricut), and help transfers hold up and look great through multiple washes. Size: The original Easy Press comes in one size, 9×9. The EasyPress 2 comes in three different sizes – 6×7, 9×9, and 12×10. One great tip from the folks at Cricut is to fold your base material in half and use your EasyPress to create small creases in the material. This will for a plus sign on your base material that will help guide you when placing larger items. Cut your design: First you need to cut your design and weed it, remember that you need to mirror the design before cutting if you are using heat transfer vinyl for your project. in this case, I am going to share the sample project that comes with the Easypress 2, so I didn't have to cut it and the carrier sheet comes with the shape of the graphic, so there is no weeding to do. Trim Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet liner close to the design, then secure to blank with Heat Resistant Tape to prevent shifting during transfer.

This bag, with all of its multiple layers, was super easy to create with the larger sized EasyPress 2, especially since I was using foil iron on. Iron on foil burns very easily and you have to be careful not to “overcook” it. With a smaller press, you have to move it around, and you may overlap areas that you already pressed. A single press ensures an even heating time on all parts of the design and ensures the foil doesn’t burn. Cricut originally released the EasyPress in 2017, and it came only in a 9” x 9” machine. The company then release the EasyPress 2 in 2018, which comes in three different sizes: 6” x 7” (ideal for smaller items like baby clothes), 9” x 9” (ideal for everyday use), and 12” x 10” (ideal for larger format projects). Cricut EasyPress Mini is moved continuously over the design during transfer. Be sure to cover all areas of the design, including center and edges. Allow heat plate to extend approximately 0.5" (13 mm) beyond all edges of the design. The EasyPress also has a control panel that allows you to not only set the temperature to exactly what you need but also the time that your project needs to be pressed. Peel the carrier sheet: One thing you want to pay attention to, in case you use a different brand of iron-on vinyl, is if it’s cold, warm or hot peel. While it might seem like it’s just a silly detail. Some kinds of heat transfer vinyl work better when peeled off at a certain temperature.

Also, if you are going to press fabrics, consider pre-washing them as well, this way you take the initial shrinkage out of the way. Different color choices (purely cosmetic—this in no way affects the quality of your heat transfer). Note : At this time we do not recommend using Cricut EasyPress Mini for Infusible Ink transfers on coasters.

Layering materials is an easy way to add dimension to your heat transfer projects. (See my tutorial for how to layer iron-on vinyl for more!) In fact, there are many Cricut designs out there that are designed specifically with layering in mind. They have multiple layers that are placed on top or one another to create the final image. It’s soft but stiff, providing the perfect flat surface to press on. It eliminates moisture and directs heat where it needs to go: evenly dispersed across your project. And it also protects your work surface from the heat.Temperature button: To set a temperature, simply press this button and use the + or – to get to your desired temperature. Hold this button down and you can change between Fahrenheit and Celsius.

I decided to cut this image, which is actually from the t-shirt collection by Damask Love, out of iron on to press onto my bag. However, all of the layers of each color were welded together, which makes it impossible to change the color of just one piece – without some work, that is! Use a Cricut EasyPress Mat or Cricut Pressing Mat rather than a folded towel. Towels hold too much moisture and cause unwanted transfer effects. Find a firm, flat, heat-resistant surface, around waist-high. Use an EasyPress Mat to protect your surface.

Using a household iron to apply heat-activated vinyl, while common, (Hello! That’s what I was using!) is very inefficient because the heat is uneven, most household irons also have steam holes at the bottom that further deter the even distribution of heat. If you don’t want to learn the process for yourself, no worries! You can skip ahead and just grab my project – the work will already be done for you! You can view my project here.) So if you plan to make small projects, your best bet would be to go with either the 6×7 inches or the 9×9 inches. You don’t have to apply pressure—just let it sit there doing its thing. After the EasyPress timer beeps, burnish the design. I like to do this for most of my heat transfer projects, honestly. I take a balled-up paper towel and rub all over the design to help the iron-on film adhere as it cools. You can see me doing this in the video I have in this post. The Complete Guide to Using the EasyPress 2 with Cricut Everyday Iron-on Set your timer and apply pressure: Once you have everything lined up and ready, set your timer and apply down pressure by holding the handle on the EasyPress. Make sure to turn your project inside out to give another press and make sure your project is as good as possible.

Lay your project down: To get the best result, you should always work on a flat solid surface. Measure to make sure your design is centered and right where you want it to be. Your sandwich should look like this, from top to bottom: Before using Cricut EasyPress Mini ensure that fabrics and other base materials are completely dry.Cut your design: First, you need to cut your design and weed it, remember that you need to mirror the design before cutting if you are using heat transfer vinyl for your project. in this case, I am going to share the sample project that comes with the Easypress 2, so I didn't have to cut it and the carrier sheet comes with the shape of the graphic, so there is no weeding to do. For something like a bag or pouch, you could also fold (not bunch up) a small towel and put it inside of the item, under the area where the design will go. This will bump up that area and allow you to avoid the seams, which will be lower. What if my design is bigger than the EasyPress?