Create your own unique outfits using a Cricut machine! A Cricut machine is an electronic smart cutting device that allows you to precisely cut, draw, score, and engrave various materials to create personalised crafts, homeware, and apparel.
Cricut offers a range of smart cutting machines that help you fulfil your DIY dreams. We used a Cricut Joy 2 for this project.
Every Cricut machine works with a variety of materials and cuts each piece of your design with intricacy and precision. From personalising t-shirts to decorating your home, you’ll be amazed by what’s possible.
Follow the steps below to make your own vinyl t-shirt design or watch our video tutorial:
How to personalise a t-shirt using your Cricut Joy 2
You will need
- A laptop, tablet, or phone with Cricut Design Space™ downloaded on it
- The design file (see below)
- Cricut machine
- Cutting mat
- Heat transfer vinyl
- Plain t-shirt
- Weeding tool
- Scissors or a guillotine
- Tape measure
- Heat press or an iron
Notes
- Download this design file template at simplysewingmag.com/templates
- We used flocked vinyl for our t-shirt but there are lots of Cricut smart materials that don’t need a mat and can be loaded straight into the machine – check out cricut.com for more options.
Tweaking the design
Step one
In Cricut Design Space, click on the ‘+’ button to create a new project. Choose what you would like to make – we chose a women’s t-shirt and changed the canvas to the cutting size allowed by the Cricut Joy 2, which is 4.5 inches x 11.5 inches (other Cricut machines allow different sizes, so check your machine).
Step two
Load the design file into Cricut Design Space – this will let us customise it and get it ready to cut out.
Step three
Click on ‘Upload Image’ and locate your downloaded file.
Step four
Drag the corner of the image to resize if needed, or type in a specific size at the top.
Cutting the design
Step one
Click on the design to highlight it and then click on the paperclip to attach all the elements together and then click on ‘Make’.
Step two
Design Space will then guide you through various prompts.
Step three
For iron-on vinyl, we need to make sure that the design is mirrored.
Step four
Choose the correct material – we used red flock vinyl for our t-shirt.
Step five
Cut the vinyl down to the correct size for your mat using a guillotine or scissors.
Step six
Place the vinyl shiny-side down on the mat. This is a very important step!
Step seven
Load the mat into the machine and it will begin cutting.
Step eight
Once finished, hit ‘Unload’
Weeding the design
Step one
Peel the vinyl away from the mat and weed out the design using a weeding tool.
TOP TIP: Have the image up on screen or printed out in front of you so that you can refer to it and make sure you are weeding out the correct pieces.
Using the easy press
Cricut Design Space has a helpful heat guide so you can find out the exact temperature and time needed for your project.
Step one
If using a heat press, protect your surface with a heat-proof mat.
Step two
Pre-heat the t-shirt for 5 seconds to make sure it is completely flat and to remove any moisture. This will help the vinyl adhere to the fabric.
Step three
Place the vinyl on of your t-shirt and make sure the design is exactly where you want it – use a tape measure to help.
Step four
Give everything a good press with the heat press, as per the instructions for the fabric and vinyl you are using.
Step five
Follow the instructions for peeling the carrier sheet off – it may need removing when it is still warm, or once cooled completely.
Step six
If any areas lift, replace the liner and press again.
TIP: There are lots of other designs available in Cricut Design Space!
Project by Sarah Taylor. Illustrations Illustration: Beth Giovanelli
