How to use Cricut Infusible Ink Pens

What is Infusible ink? Well, it is a product that allows you to make really professional looking projects at home. Unlike vinyl or HTV, infusible ink fuses into the fabric of the surface it is adhered to by the use of heat. As a result, it doesn’t flake, peel wrinkle or crack. In order to use Cricut infusible ink pens and markers you need compatible blanks, laser copy paper and a Cricut easy press as well as heat resistant tape and butcher paper. With that in mind what do you need to do?

What you will Need:

Cricut smart cutting machine
Blue light grip machine mat
Cricut Easy Press
Cricut Easy Press Mat
Compatible blank made by Cricut
Infusible ink pens or markers
Heat resistant tape
Laser copy paper
Butcher paper
White cardstock
Cricut Tools

Step 1: Add Laser Paper

Place a sheet of laser copy paper onto your blue cutting mat and load it into the machine. Make sure that operation is on pen.

Step 2: Create your Design

Go to Cricut Design Space and create your design. I used my logo and the tote template to size my logo to fit. But you could use any image, Keep in mind that the pens will outline the image and you will color them in later.

Step 3: Mirror the Image

Make sure that the design is “Mirrored.” To do this, Click “MAKE IT” and choose mat then a screen will come up with the mat. There will be a toggle button that will allow you to choose to mirror the image. Just move it over and the image will be mirrored.

Step 4: Browse all Materials

Click continue and go to the Browse all Materials page. Select “Copy paper.” If using an older machine like a Cricut Explore Air 2 then turn the smart dial to “Custom” first.

Step 5: Insert Pen

Insert your infusible ink pen into clamp A. If you are using multiple colors you will be prompted when it is time to change colors.

Step 6: Press Go

Press the the go button to draw your design onto your laser copy paper. Change the pens when prompted. When you are finished remove the mat.

Step7: Color in the Design

Color in the design with your ink infusible pens.

Step 8: Prep your Easy Press

You will Need to preheat your easy press to the appropriate temperature. For most projects it will be 400 degrees but you can check the Cricut.com website for the correct temperature for your project.

Step 9: Prepare Your Blank

Place the blank onto the easy Press Mat. If you are applying your design to apparel place a piece of white card stock in between the layers so that the Heat Press will press evenly and to protect the mat and project. Again, if you are applying your design to apparel use a lint roller to lift off any debris or fibers that could impact the final project. Pre heat your blank. If you are using apparel place butcher paper onto the item and then place the heat press onto the butcher paper. Remove the butcher paper and let cool completely.

Step 10: Apply the Design

Place the design face down onto the blank. tape the corners of the paper to the blank using heat resistant tape. Place butcher paper on top of design paper. Set the heat Press onto the butcher paper. Do not move. Once the timer has gone off slowly lift off the heat press. Let cool completely.