Cricut Sublimation Printing Step by Step: Beginners Guide

As a beginner, you may feel overwhelmed with all the different options and features that come with Cricut Sublimation Printing. Luckily, this article will help break it down for you in simple terms so you can make an educated decision about what type of printer and heatpress to buy. If your goal is to print on fabrics or other materials such as T-shirts or sweatshirts, then we recommend buying a sublimation printer and a cricut heatpress machine. Read on and see why!

What do you need for sublimation printing using Cricut?

Here’s a list of the necessary supplies for sublimation printing:

1. Sublimation Printer:

First, you’ll need a sublimation printer. If you have a Cricut, then we recommend EasyPress2 or Mug Press. Both of these machines can print on most materials and are compatible with many different brands such as Sawgrass, or Epson.

2. Sublimation Inks and Papers:

Ink is a crucial part of printed graphics because it determines the color and tone of the images. There are many materials that can be used in order to create ink. Sublimation inks and papers are two examples that have been increasingly popular among artists and graphic designers in recent years because they’re a type of double-coated material.

3. Cricut Space:

The Cricut machine is an electronic cutting tool for use in the crafting industry. It was originally designed to cut paper designs, but now can be used with vinyl or other materials. The machine has a variety of different features that allow it to function as more than just a cutting tool.
A recent update to the Cricut Space allows users to upload their own logos and graphics with only a few clicks.

4. Cricut Heatpress Machine:

If you plan on printing onto fabrics, then you’ll need a heatpress machine. It works by transferring the ink from your printer to the fabric with pressure and intense heat for several seconds.

The Cricut heat press machine is a new and revolutionary machine that can press and seal twice as many clothes as the traditional iron and ironing board. This is because of its ability to reach maximum temperatures of up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which means it requires no steam or water, making it safe without the risk of burns or spills.

How Can the Cricut Be Used In Sublimation Printing?

The Cricut can be used in sublimation printing for a variety of reasons:

1. -To cut out stencils or designs for shirts, hats, or any other fabric item
2. -To heat images onto materials like T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, and more
3. -To create custom iron-on transfers for fabrics
4. -To personalize items like phone cases, mugs, and plates

Here’s the step-by-step process on how to use the Cricut for sublimation printing:

Step One: Choose your Design:

The first step is to choose a design. If you’re using software like Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) or Inkscape, then you can create your own designs from scratch. However, there are also plenty of free and paid images available on sites such as Google and Pinterest, which you can use for free.

Step Two: Convert the Image to a Cut File:

The next step is to convert your image into a cut file so that it will work with Cricut Design Space or other software. You’ll need two files: a .svg and a .studio. The .svg file is the image itself, while the .studio file is what tells the printer what to do with the image. You can create these files using software like SCAL or Inkscape, or you can use an online converter like this one from Cricut.

Step Three: Upload and Cut your Design:

The final step is to upload your design to Cricut Design Space and cut it out. In Design Space, you’ll want to set the material type to “sublimation” and choose the correct paper size. You can also use the built-in registration marks on the paper to ensure that your image is aligned correctly. Once everything looks good, hit the “cut” button and let the machine do its thing.

Step Four: Heatpress the Design:

Now it’s time to heatpress your design. This can be done on a variety of surfaces, but we recommend using a Teflon sheet for best results. Preheat your heatpress machine to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place the item you want to print on top of the Teflon sheet. Then, position the cut out design where you want it and apply pressure for about 15-20 seconds.

Step Five: Let the Item Cool Down:

Once you’ve heatpressed your design, allow the item to cool down before removing it from the Teflon sheet. If you’re printing on fabric, be sure to wash and dry the item according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

That’s it! You’ve now successfully printed a design using the Cricut and sublimation ink.

Best 7 Easy Cricut Sublimation Projects:

We all love the Cricut machines, but did you know that it’s also a great tool for sublimation printing? In this guide, we’ll show you some of our favorite easy projects.

1. T-Shirt printing:

T-shirt printing is an art form. Nowadays, anyone can print their own t-shirts with the software and equipment available. The online market for t-shirt printing provides many choices for art, colors, and designs.

2. Mug Sublimation:

Mug sublimation is a process that uses a heat press to transfer a photo or design onto a white mug without the use of ink. Mugs are made from ceramic, glass, and plastic. The mug’s surface must be covered in frosting or vaseline before the process to prevent the mug from being scratched by the heat press. Sublimated mugs are dishwasher safe and should not be used for microwaving.

3. Sublimation Phone Case:

People are always looking for different ways to express themselves through their phone case. With so many designs out there, it can be difficult to choose just one. However, now that phone case printing is an option, you can have your own design printed onto your phone case.

Phone Cases are a popular protective cover for smartphones. New innovations have made it easier than ever to customize the casing with the use of print designers and digital printers.

4. Sublimation Tote Bag:

We love totes, and we love photos even more, so it’s only natural that we would love this project! Just upload your favorite picture to Design Space, cut it out, and heatpress it onto the front of a tote bag. This is a great project for any occasion, and it’s sure to get plenty of use.

5. Sublimation Glass:

Last but not least, we have this fun project for glass art lovers everywhere! Just upload your favorite picture to Design Space, cut it out, and heat press it onto the glass. This is perfect for parties or special occasions, and it’s a great way to show off your favorite design.

6. Baby Onesies:

One of the best things about sublimation printing is that it’s perfect for small projects. That means you can print cute baby onesies with ease, and they make a great gift for new parents. Just upload your design-to-Design Space, print it, and heatpress it onto the front of a baby onesie. This is a great way to start your baby’s first wardrobe, and it makes an adorable gift for new parents.

7. Socks Printing:

Looking for some new sock designs? Why not try sublimation printing them yourself at home using the Cricut heatpress machine! All you have to do is upload your design, print it, and heat press it onto a pair of socks. This makes an excellent gift for any occasion – especially if they feature your favorite TV show, movie, or video game.

Faqs:

Conclusion:

We hope you’ve enjoyed this beginner’s guide to Cricut sublimation printing. As you can see, there are a ton of great projects that you can try at home, and the best part is that they’re all easy enough for beginners. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today and create some amazing prints!