How to get started with infusible ink pens + free svg!
If you own a Cricut machine and you’re looking for something new to do with it. And you’re interested in sublimation. Then this is for you. Here’s how to get started with Infusible Ink Pens. A fun and much cheaper way to get into sublimation without the need to buy a specialist printer.
What are Infusible Ink Pens?
Infusible Ink Pens are a fairly new Cricut. They allow you to draw your designs directly onto laser copy paper, which can then be transferred onto your project. No more weeding of htv needed and no more peeling off of your design.
How to Use Infusible Ink Pens
- Choose Your Design: Start by selecting or creating your design. You can grab the free design I used here.
- Prepare Your Material: Place your laser copy paper onto your Cricut mat. Ensure it’s clean and free of any debris.
- Draw Your Design: Use your Cricut machine to draw the design onto your laser copy paper using the Infusible Ink Pens. You will have to change colours or alternatively draw it in one colour and then colour in free hand. Remember the design should be mirrored.
- Heat Transfer: Once your design is complete, use a heat press to transfer the design onto your project. Tape it down with heat resistant tape to secure it. Ensure you follow the instructions for the correct temperature and time. I pressed at 400f for 60 seconds. Your blank will need to be intended for sublimation, which means it should have a polyester coating on it or be made of polyester. It won’t work if the material you are using is cotton. I also recommend using some extra sheet of copy paper or butchers paper to sandwich your design in. It save ink getting onto your heat press.
- Reveal Your Design: After the heat transfer, allow your project to cool before revealing your design. If you don’t allow it to cool, you can end up with a blurry image.
Why use them?
These offer a fun and affordable way to create sublimation projects. They’re easy to use, even for beginners, and provide vibrant, permanent, peel-proof, flake-proof, and wash-proof results.
