Cricut Infusible Ink is so impressive and I have had so much fun using this new product and seeing how it works! So here is another step-by-step tutorial to help you see the possibilities too!
There are three teenage girls in our family and I wouldn't change a thing. Somehow I won the teenage lottery and got some pretty amazing kids. For the most part, they get along really well and even call each other their best friends!
I originally saw this idea as a tattoo, but since my girls are a bit too young for that, I decided to make them personalized tote bags instead!
Each heart represents a different sister and the one that is colored in represents them in the order they were born.
For this tutorial, I use a combination of Infusion Ink Markers and Infusion Ink Transfer Sheets.
Supplies Used: Some links may be too similar items when exact items couldn't be found online.
- Sisters Personalized Tote Bags File in Cricut Design Space
- Cricut Cutting Machine
- Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets
- Infusible Ink Pens
- Heat Resistant Tape
- StandardGrip Mat
- LightGrip Mat
- Tote Bag Blanks
- Heat Press
- Heat Press Mat
- Cardstock (80lb)
- Butcher Paper - included with Infusion Ink Transfer Sheets
- Lint Roller
- Scissors
Personalized Tote Bags with Cricut Infusible Ink Tutorial Video
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Drawing and Cutting Infusible Ink with the Cricut Maker
The design for these totes was created in Cricut Design Space. You can create your own design or you are welcome to use mine in Cricut Design Space.
Once your design is ready select the green "Make It" button to send the images to your Cricut machine to cut.
On the mat preview page, select the toggle button to mirror image before you cut and draw. If you don't your design will be backward when finished.
For this particular design, you will draw first using the Infusible Ink Markers. Don't worry, Cricut Design Space tells you exactly what to do.
Make sure to select copy paper as the material you are drawing on.
Place a sheet of laser copy paper onto the LightGrip Mat, and load the map when the blinky light on the machine prompts you too.
Cricut Design Space will alert you when and what color to change too. Simply open the Clamp A to remove and insert the markers.
Color in a heart by hand depending on which sister bag you are making. I repeated this process three times and colored a different heart each time for all three bags.
Once the drawing is done, it is time to cut the Infusible Ink transfer sheet.
Place the Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet onto the mat with the color side facing up.
Change the material from copy paper to infusible ink on the material list otherwise, your cut won't be deep enough. Trust me, I know from experience. Oops!
Weeding the excess infusible ink is really quite simple. The sheet feels like paper and peels away pretty easily. Gently toll the transfer sheet until the cut lines separate and you can remove the unwanted parts of the design.
Apply the Cricut Infusible Ink to Tote Bag
To know exactly what temperature and time to set your EasyPress 2, visit the online Cricut EasyPress Interactive Quick Reference Guide. Enter the Heat-Transfer Material and the Base Material and the guide gives you all the information you need.
It even tells you if you should peel the backing while the material is still warm or if you should let it cool! It also gives a visual of how to layer everything.
Since we are using two different types of infusible ink for this project, check the heat and time for each combination of products. They can be different.
Place the EasyPress Mat inside the tote with a sheet of cardstock between the mat and front of the bag. This protects your mat from getting any ink on it if it leaks through the material of the bag.
Go over the area with a clean lint roller. Since the ink will become infused in the fabric of the bag, you don't want any small debris or hair to get in the way.
Cover the area with butcher paper and preheat your surface according to the heating directions on the Quick Reference Guide. For this project, it is 15 seconds. This is more to remove wrinkles and moisture than to preheat, so let the surface cool before moving on to the next step.
It doesn't matter what order you apply the design. You can go with the drawn layer or transfer sheet first. Either way, the finished product will look the same.
Let's start with transfer sheet or "sister" part of the design.
Place the transfer sheet design face down onto the tote and position into place.
Cover with Butcher Paper and apply the EasyPress 2 for 40 seconds with light pressure.
When the beep sounds, carefully lift the press straight up to stop any sliding between the layers.
Let the project cool completely and then remove the butcher paper and design backing sheet.
We are half way done and it already looks awesome!
Go over the top of the tote again with the lint roller, and place the drawn design into place.
Secure with heat transfer tape. The tape is must to keep the design from moving. Remember, Infusible Ink is permanent and if it moves just a smidge while heating you will get a shadow effect.
Cover with butcher paper and apply the EasyPress 2 for 40 seconds. Do not move hands or slide the EasyPress 2 during the transfer.
When the beep sounds, carefully lift the press straight up to stop any sliding between the layers.
Let the project cool completely. Remove the butcher paper and carefully lift the copy paper away from the bag.
I can't get over how cool this infusible ink looks. The ink really does infuse and become a part of the fabric.
Tips for Infusible Ink
Tip #1 - It really is important to let everything cool completely before moving to the next step. I know it's hard but patience is a virtue, right?
For one of my bags, I didn't let the tote cool completely before laying down my transfer sheet. Since it was so hot the plastic backing sheet curled a little making the transfer sheet not lay flat. So I didn't get a solid image.
You can also see in the same image above, that I moved the layers slightly when transferring from the drawn design. On the blue heart, there is a bit of shadowing.
Tip #2 - Don't slide the layers when heating. Lift the EasyPress 2 straight down and straight up.
Tip #3 - When using the markers you will be able to see you color lines. So take care in how you color in a space with the Infusible Ink Markers.
Tip #4 - Follow the directions. It really is that easy! Your project will turn out perfect every time!
Did you see the tutorial for the DIY Ceramic Coasters I made with Cricut Infusible Ink on the previous page?
What design would you put on a personalized tote bag?
Our Crafting Essentials:
- The Cricut Cutting Machine is easily our favorite crafting tool. We use it in so many of our tutorials!
- These MakerX Crafting Tools are perfect for keeping in the craft room and are always ready when needed!
- This Fiskars Paper Trimmer is easy to use and cuts nicely without frayed edges.
- These Scotch Precision Scissors cut like a dream, and you get multiple pairs in a pack!
Diane Tubbleville
can you make a printible version of the step by step how to use infusible ink? and also what do i need to get started on my projects what do i need to buy. thanks for all your help!!
Katie
Thank you for this suggestion Diane!
Collette Gay
Loved these. I clicked on the link and it said thus website could not be reached. I would live to use your designs to make my own coasters.
Katie
Cricut Design Space has moved from a website to an app. So you will need to download the program. Then when you click on Open Cricut Design Space it will take you directly to this project.
Thanks Collette!
michelle landers
I can not find this file in design space app
Katie
Here is the link Michelle. http://shrsl.com/1opwm
Angela
Can you share what font this is and where I can get it. I want to use a different saying but same font
Katie
For which project? I did not create the design for the coasters, so I don't know what font was used. I found the design in Cricut Design Space.
The tote bag uses the Babette font.
Marissa
If they are going to actually be used for coasters & not just looks, do they need to be sealed? Will moisture/sweat make the ink run/ruin? And if so, what would you recommend sealing it with?
Beautiful coasters you made!
Katie
Thank you, Marissa, great question!
No, they do not need to be sealed. The ink is permanent and will not bleed or run. It is really quite cool!
Rell
Thank you so much for the file and idea; these came out GREAT!
What font was used? I'd like to create a few customs ones but can't figure out the font 🙁
Katie
Thank you Rell!
I didn't use a font, I used a finished design. So I am not sure what font was used to create the word art. I am so sorry.
MonIca chaVez
Hi Katie,
Just saw this and love it but I’m unable to find your file (family coasters) in Design Space after I click on the link. What is your file’s name?
Thanks,
Monica
Katie
Sorry you are having a hard time finding it.
Here is a different link you can try - https://design.cricut.com/landing/project-detail/5d1bb0dea4763a060538bb9b
It is called - DIY Ceramic Coasters with Cricut Infusible Ink