This post shares all about how to use Infusible Ink on a t-shirt, specifically a rainbow Infusible Ink pattern to say “I Hate People” on a Cricut women’s t-shirt blank.
How to Use Infusible Ink on a T-Shirt
Okay, I’ll admit that today’s cut file isn’t for everyone. But I think it’s pretty amazing. The bold rainbow pattern, hearts, and delicate cursive really all complement the phrase “I Hate People.” Don’t you think?
This was my first time working with the Cricut women’s t-shirt blank designed specifically for Infusible Ink products. Like other Infusible Ink blanks, it’s a polyester fabric, not cotton (which doesn’t work with Infusible Ink). It’s pretty soft.
It was also my first time working with this particular Infusible Ink pattern. When I saw it in the store, I knew I needed to try it. I love the contrast of the bright, girly shapes on a jet black background. I’s called “bright bow fairytale.”
Supplies
- My Explore Air 2
- StandardGrip Green Mat
- EasyPress and an EasyPress Mat
- Women’s t-shirt (Cricut brand)
- Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet, I used a print from Bright Bow Fairy Tale
- Butcher paper (comes with the transfer sheets)
- White cardstock
- Lint roller
- Tool kit (scissors and tweezers mostly)
And Here’s How to Use Infusible Ink on a T-Shirt.
Step 1: Prep the shirt and cut the Transfer Sheet
First prep your shirt. To do so, heat your EasyPress up to the temperature outlined in Cricut’s Heat Guide. Then put your shirt on the EasyPress mat and preheat the application area.
Note: I read that these shirts run a bit small, so I got a large. I’m not really sure if it runs small…it looks like what I’d imagine a large to be. I usually get a medium in comfy shirts like this, and this is pretty big on me.
Don’t skip this step! It’s important because it removes wrinkles and moisture that may be in the shirt. Both can interfere with the ink transfer process. Then let the shirt cool. It needs to cool completely before you put the design on the shirt because you don’t want any of the ink to smudge off.
While the shirt is cooling, use a lint roller to clean off the application area. Even if you don’t see any lint, it can be there and will interfere with the transfer process by taking colors differently.
While your shirt is cooling, you can also cut your file. I used an I Hate People design from one of my free cut file bundles, but I added a few hearts in Design Space. Because why not? 🙂
To cut the Infusible Ink sheets, but them liner down on the standard green mat. The brighter side that feels like paper should be facing up. When you’re done cutting, weed out the negative space.
New to heat transfers? Check out my ultimate guide to using the EasyPress 2, as well as my review of the EasyPress Mini and using it with wood. You can also check out my overview of using the Cricut Mug Press to create beautiful customized mugs!
Step 2: Transfer the Design
After you’ve finished weeding your design, position it on your shirt and place a sheet of clean butcher paper on top. Since my design was almost as big as my EasyPress’s heat plate, I marked the edges of the design on the butcher paper. I did this to make sure I covered the entire design when transferring it.
Then I applied heat according to Cricut’s instructions! It’s very important to not shift the EasyPress while you’re transferring the design. It will result in smudging or “ghosting,” which ruins the design.
Learn how to turn any image into an .SVG file for Cricut crafting, then see my detailed tutorial about how to slice text and objects in Design Space!
Step 3: Gently remove the Infusible Ink sheet
After the design cools a bit so that it’s just warm to the touch, use tweezers to remove the transfer sheet by the liner. If any pieces of the design fall off onto the shirt, just use the tweezers to pick them up. Don’t use your fingers—it could cause smudging if your shirt is still warm.
And that’s it! Using Infusible Ink on a t-shirt is a great way to make a beautiful permanent design. You can make it be or say anything you’d like, and there are tons of Infusible Ink patterns available to browse.
Here’s the final shirt. Oh man. I love it. <3 Isn’t the pattern beautiful? Like all of the other transfer sheets I’ve tried, I’m impressed with how bright and vivid the colors are.
For more Infusible Ink projects, check out my tutorial on how to use Infusible Ink transfer sheets on coasters; how to personalize a cosmetic bag, toddler t-shirt, and pillowcase blank; and how to mix and match Infusible Ink sheet pieces on a kids t-shirt.
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