Easy Press: T-Shirt Printing Made Simple

The Cricut EasyPress is a machine that can be used to apply iron-on designs to T-shirts. It is a companion to the Cricut cutting machine, which cuts out the designs from iron-on vinyl. The EasyPress has several advantages over a regular iron: it is lightweight and portable, it heats up quickly, and it distributes heat evenly. It also has a control panel that allows you to set the temperature and time. To use the EasyPress, you need to plug it in and power it on, set the temperature and timer, preheat your T-shirt, place your design on the T-shirt, and then press the design using the EasyPress. Finally, you need to flip the T-shirt over and apply heat to the back of the design.

How to use Cricut EasyPress 2 with the Cricut Heat app

The Cricut EasyPress 2 is a machine companion that combines the lightweight portability of a regular iron with the evenly-distributed heat of a heat press. It is fast, efficient, and offers top-quality results when applying iron-on vinyl or HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) and sublimation (with Cricut Infusible Ink projects). The EasyPress 2 heats up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for infusible ink products as they require constant, spread-up high heat for a successful transfer.

• Plug the unit into a compatible wall outlet and press the power button to turn it on.
• Open the Cricut Heat app on your mobile device.
• Under 'My Heat Presses', select 'Cricut EasyPress 3' and then select 'Start New Project'.
• Select your transfer material and the base material to which you will apply it, then select 'Next'.
• Once all selections have been made, select 'Send Settings to EasyPress' and follow the on-screen prompts to finish the project.
• If needed, select 'Edit' to adjust the recommended settings.
• You can also set a custom time and temperature. Under 'My Heat Presses', select 'Cricut EasyPress 3' and scroll to the 'Set Custom Time & Temp' option. Change the temperature and press time as desired.
• When you’re finished, select 'Send Settings to EasyPress'.
• The Cricut Heat App saves your three most recently used settings for easy reference.
• The app also contains detailed stacking and pressing instructions based on the transfer material and base material.

Note: The Cricut Heat App is only compatible with EasyPress 3 and Cricut Hat Press. Older models of EasyPress will not connect to the Cricut Heat app.

How to prepare your t-shirt for pressing

Preparing your t-shirt for pressing is a crucial step in achieving a successful heat transfer. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your t-shirt is ready for the pressing process:

Step 1: Choose the Right T-Shirt

Select a t-shirt that is made from suitable materials for heat transfer. Cotton or cotton-blend fabrics are typically ideal for heat transfer vinyl. Ensure the t-shirt is clean and free from any dirt or stains.

Step 2: Pre-wash the T-Shirt

It is recommended to pre-wash the t-shirt before pressing. This step helps remove any shrinkage that may occur after washing. Additionally, it ensures the removal of any chemicals or residue from the manufacturing process, which could interfere with the adhesion of the heat transfer vinyl.

Step 3: Dry the T-Shirt

Before pressing, ensure that the t-shirt is completely dry. A wet or damp t-shirt may not only affect the adhesion of the vinyl but could also cause issues with the heat press machine.

Step 4: Prepare the Work Area

Set up your work area by finding a firm, flat, heat-resistant surface, preferably at waist height. This will make it easier to apply pressure during the pressing process. Avoid using a flimsy ironing board, as it may not provide a stable enough surface.

Step 5: Preheat the T-Shirt

Preheating the t-shirt is an important step to ensure the success of your heat transfer. Use your heat press machine or iron to preheat the t-shirt for a few seconds. This step helps remove any moisture and wrinkles from the fabric, ensuring a smooth surface for the vinyl application.

Step 6: Position the T-Shirt

Once your t-shirt is preheated, position it on the work surface. If you are applying a centred design, fold the t-shirt in half by matching up the sleeves. Use your heat press or iron to create a crease down the centre. When you open the shirt, you will have a clear centre line to work with.

Step 7: Prepare the Design

Ensure your design is properly cut and weeded. If using a Cricut machine, place the iron-on vinyl shiny side down on the cutting mat. Cut out your design, then remove all the excess vinyl, leaving only the desired design on the carrier sheet.

Step 8: Position the Design

Carefully position your design on the t-shirt, ensuring it is centred and aligned correctly. If your design is larger than the heat press, don't worry—you can move the press around to cover different sections of the design.

Now that your t-shirt is prepared, you are ready to begin the pressing process!

How to position your design on the t-shirt

When printing t-shirts, the placement and position of your design are crucial to the success of the finished product. Here are some tips for positioning your design:

Basic Principles of Placement:

• For a typical front-center placement, the standard "print zone" starts 2-4 inches below the collar.
• The back-center placement commonly begins 2-3 inches down from the collar, with the maximum print area depending on the garment type.
• The left chest is traditionally reserved for logos or smaller designs and is usually placed 3.5-4 inches from the left shoulder seam.
• Sleeve prints are a subtle way to enhance your design and usually have a maximum print area of 2 inches high by 4 inches wide.

Using a Ruler or Template:

• Use a ruler to measure 1.5-3 inches down from the collar, depending on the shirt size.
• Alternatively, use a placement guide cutout, which comes in packs with various sizes (adult, youth, toddler, infant). Place the guide around the collar, then touch the transfer to the edge of the cutout guide.

Using Your Fingers for Transfer Placement:

• A quick and popular method is the 3-finger rule (or 4, depending on hand size). Place your full front transfer design 3 fingers down from the collar.
• This technique will get you close to most industry-standard full front center design placements.

Using the Shirt Seams for Transfer Positioning:

• Identify the vertical center of the shirt by drawing an imaginary line down the center, using the collar as a reference.
• Find the horizontal center by locating the armpit seams under the sleeves and drawing another imaginary line across the chest.
• The point where these two lines intersect is the center point for your transfer image.

Using a Laser Alignment System:

• This tool projects laser lines onto the areas you choose on your platen. It comes with a Laser Alignment Wizard to help you line up the lasers for specific positioning, such as a full front design or left chest.
• Once your lasers are aligned, load your shirt onto the press each time in the same place, and you're ready to go.

Remember, the placement of your design is not an exact science. As long as it looks good, you're good to go!

How to use the EasyPress Mini on small or awkwardly-shaped items

The Cricut EasyPress Mini is ideal for small or unusually-shaped items that you might not be able to press with a traditional EasyPress. Its precision tip is great for working around seams, buttons, and zippers. It is compact, lightweight, and portable, and can apply iron-on within 60 seconds or less. It has a ceramic-coated heat plate for dry, even, edge-to-edge heat, and three heat settings for every iron-on and Infusible Ink project.

To use the Cricut EasyPress Mini, first plug it in and select the heat setting that corresponds with the material and project. Cut the material, then place it on the object you want to press. If it’s a small surface like a shoe or a hat, use a pair of socks or a towel inside to create a firm pressing surface. Once the light turns green, carefully press and glide the EasyPress Mini around your project until it is fully adhered and the plastic lifts up with ease. Remember to use light pressure and constant movement.

The Cricut EasyPress Mini does not have a timer, so you will need to use a separate timer to keep track of the heating time. The general user guide for the heat settings is as follows:

• Low: For lightweight, delicate, synthetic, or heat-sensitive fabrics; also great for more delicate heat-transfer vinyl, such as Foil Iron-On. Use with sensitive base materials or heat-transfer materials that transfer between 255°F (125°C) – 295°F (145°C).
• Medium: For most fabrics and heat-transfer vinyl. Use with most base materials or heat-transfer materials that transfer between 300°F (150°C) – 355°F (180°C).
• High: For Infusible Ink projects and blanks, heavy-duty base materials, and other heat-transfer materials that transfer between 360°F (185°C) – 400°F (205°C).

How to care for your t-shirt after applying the design

Now that you've successfully heat-pressed your T-shirt, it's important to take extra care of it to ensure the design stays intact and lasts longer. Here are some essential aftercare tips to follow:

Wait Before Washing

It's best to let the adhesive sit for at least 24 hours before washing your T-shirt for the first time. This allows the adhesive to soak into the fabric and form a strong grip, ensuring better adhesion.

Wash Inside Out

When washing your heat-pressed T-shirt, turn it inside out. Wash and dry it inside out to minimise the friction between other clothes, which can cause the vinyl to peel off.

Choose the Right Temperature

Avoid washing your T-shirt in hot water—anything above 178°F (81°C). Hot water will weaken the adhesive and may cause the vinyl to peel or crack.

Avoid Dry Cleaning

Say no to dry cleaning your heat-pressed T-shirt. The high temperatures and chemicals used in the process can tamper with the vinyl, potentially damaging it.

Choose Mild Detergent

To ensure the longevity of your vinyl design, avoid using strong detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners. Opt for a mild detergent instead.

Dry on Low Heat or Hang Dry

When drying your T-shirt, choose a low-temperature setting or tumble dry. However, whenever possible, hang-dry the T-shirt to avoid high temperatures that could damage the vinyl.

Avoid Direct Ironing

Do not iron directly onto the vinyl design. The high temperature of the iron will melt the vinyl and burn the adhesive, ruining your T-shirt. If you need to iron the T-shirt, place a cloth over the vinyl and iron at a low temperature, or iron the T-shirt from the inside.

Frequently asked questions