For shapely objects that are hollow, like shoes and hats, use a form or folded towel inside to create a firm pressing surface. Learn more about Cricut materials with my tutorials for how to cut leather, how to cut chipboard on a Cricut, how to cut wood with the Maker’s knife blade, and how use Infusible Ink on coaster blanks! What is the Cricut EasyPress Mat and Do I need one? For the customizing crafter who wants to build their heat-transfer foundation and then some. Get Cricut EasyPress 2 plus the Essentials Iron-On Bundle, including two must-have tool sets and 10 iron-on materials so you can bring the heat right out of the box. According to Cricut, there are three main factors that contribute to getting professional heat transfer results at home. Your household iron can meet some of these, but not all. Plug and turn your EasyPress 2 on, set your temperature: Depending on what you are using you need to set the temperature accordingly, for this sample project the temperature should be 290°F (or 145°C) and the times to 30 seconds.

Preheat your surface: Once your EasyPress has reached the desired temperature, it will beep. Now you can press your surface for about 5 seconds. This will get rid of all wrinkles and smooth your surface if you sill see wrinkles, press again for another 5 seconds. I’ve heard the craft community buzz about the Cricut EasyPress for a long time, and before getting one I thought that it was a little unnecessary, because I *could* do iron-on with my regular iron. I am going to start by saying that I thought peeling-off vinyl after a couple of washes was normal until I read some forums about issues with iron-on. Note: Ensure your design is within the maximum recommended design sizes for using Cricut EasyPress Mini with iron-on (4" W x 3.5" L or 1.7" W x 5.25" L).Before having an EasyPress 2, I thought that I didn’t need one, that my iron would do just fine. And if you are only making small things for yourself, I don't think the price tag justify for you to get one.

If you are a serious crafter, chances are you are already considering one and all I have to say is GO FOR IT! When selecting the size, think about the kind of projects you will be making the most and choose the size that would make those projects easier. 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! 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. 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.

Unlike regular industrial presses, the EasyPress 2 is easily transportable thanks to its lightweight plastic body, and a base that allows to move it around safely. 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.

Before using Cricut EasyPress Mini ensure that fabrics and other base materials are completely dry. Preheat base material. Protect blank with butcher paper and move Cricut EasyPress Mini all over application area for recommended time.I cut my design from Design Space on my Cricut Maker. Make sure to always mirror your images when working with iron-on. Then I carefully weeded out the negative space using a weeding tool. Step 2: Prep mat, base material, and EasyPress With a household iron, you will never know the exact temperature of the exact area you are trying to press. This means that when you are pressing with an iron, while some areas might get the required heat, other areas might not. Cricut EasyPress 9 x 9 inches: This is the medium size and weighing only 5.7lb it’s the perfect size for most projects and probably the most recommend if you are an EasyPress newbie. It works perfectly for projects like: 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. Before getting an EasyPress 2, I did a bunch of research, so by the time I received mine, I had a bunch of helpful tips already written down.