This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
Infusible ink is the latest and greatest in the world of crafting! It’s a similar process to heat transfer vinyl, but way better. It’s actual ink, so infusible ink items will never flake, peel, wrinkle, or crack. We’re talking about professional results made at home with a Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore machines. The kids and I have spent a lot of time at the library this summer, and we needed a dedicated book bag. Behold our infusible ink tote with a reminder to “Return These Books”!
What is infusible ink?
Infusible ink heat transfers permanently infuse into your base material. As always, you can cut any design with your Cricut machine and choose from a wide variety of pre inked heat transfer sheets in solid colors and patterns. You can also make your own art with infusible ink pens and markers. The best part? Because it is an ink transfer and not a vinyl add on, there are no seams, no edges, no weight, no bulk. Every Infusible Ink project comes out perfectly smooth to the touch.
Can I use infusible ink on anything?
No. For best results, you need to use a Cricut blank with infusible ink. Here are the Cricut blanks currently offered:
- Coasters (Round and Square)
- Tote bags (Medium and Large)
- T-shirts
- Baby onesies
What do I need to make an infusible ink tote bag?
- A Cricut Maker or a Cricut Explore Air™ machine
- Cricut Medium Tote Bag Blank
- Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet
- Butcher Paper (comes with transfer sheets)
- White Card stock
- Tweezers
- Lint Roller
- Easy Press 2
- EasyPress Mat
Do I need an Easy Press 2 for infusible ink?
The short answer is no. The long answer is, for best results Cricut recommends an Easy Press 2 because it can be heated to 400 degrees versus the Easy Press only heats up to 350 degrees. If you want flawless Infusible Ink results every time, you need higher temperatures than the Easy Press can offer.
How to make an infusible ink tote
Step 1- Design the tote
Open up Cricut Design Space™ and type “Return These Books”. My current favorite font is “Din 1451 Com EngSchrift”. I paid the $5 and have been using it ever since! My Easy Press is 12×10, so I made sure my design was within those parameters. Size the design to fit on your tote bag. Also, be sure to use the mirror image button before cutting the design.
Step 2- Cut the design
Place infusible ink transfer sheet, liner side down on the cutting mat. Load mat into the machine and press the flashing “Go” button.
Step 3- Weed and trim design
Trim around the design and be sure to save the unused portion of the infusible ink transfer sheet. Use your fingers or tweezers to weed the negative space.
Step 4- Prep your work space
I used the Cricut Easy Press heat guide to determine how hot to set my Easy Press. For infusible ink on a tote bag, the Easy Press 2 should be set to 385 degrees. Be sure to cover the Cricut Easy Press mat with card stock to protect it from unwanted ink transfer. Place the tote on the mat and slide another peice of card stock inside the tote bag.
Step 5- Lint roller
I know this seems tedious, but I promise it’s worth the 30 extra seconds to ensure your ink transfer turns out perfect! Use a fresh adhesive lint roller over the entire surface of the tote bag.
Step 6- Pre heat tote bag
Cover tote with the peice of butcher paper that comes in the infusible ink package. Preheat the tote bag with the Easy Press 2 at 385 degrees for 15 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles from the bag. Remove the butcher paper and let the tote cool completely. Don’t skip this step!
Step 7- Apply design
Place the design face down on the tote. The printed side of the infusible transfer ink should be touching the tote bag and the clear liner should be on top. Place the butcher paper on top of the design. Note: Do not reuse butcher paper. Leftover ink on the butcher paper could infuse itself on future projects.
Step 8- Use easy press
Use light pressure on the Easy Press at 385 degrees for 40 seconds. Be sure not to move press during the transfer.
Step 9- Peel liner
When the timer goes off, slowly lift the press trying not to disturb the butcher paper. Let cool completely before removing the butcher paper and liner.
Step 10- Admire & Use
Admire your new library tote bag and use it often to remind you to return these books! Oh and to wash it, use mild detergent and wash it inside out.
Infusible ink is incredible! The colors are vibrant and my favorite part? Infusible Ink is peel and crack proof, plus no one will believe that you made it yourself! it looks that professional! The vibrancy will last wash after wash. The vibrancy will last wash after wash. Have you tried infusible ink yet? I’d love to hear…
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