How to Use Cricut for Sublimation – Beginner’s Guide
Unlock the full potential of your Cricut for sublimation printing. Master the process from setup to finished product, including correct paper cutting settings and Design Space tips. Learn how to create vibrant t-shirts and paper crafts using your Explore Air 2 or Maker 3.
Get answers on compatible printers and materials. Transform your Cricut projects with expert sublimation techniques today.
Sublimation printer uses heat to transform special ink into a gas and bond it with polyester or coated materials. With a Cricut machine, you can create precise designs for transfers, utilizing tools such as Cricut Design Space and the Print and Cut feature to simplify the process.
The key equipment is a sublimation printer, specialized ink and paper, and a heat press. Ensure quality results by setting the heat, pressure, and time properly. The use of sublimation of printing is ideal for t-shirts, mugs, home decor, and personalized gifts.
Sublimation with Cricut
Sublimation with your Cricut machine enables you to create a multitude of creative opportunities. Let’s uncover what sublimation is and why your Cricut is the perfect companion for this craft.
What is sublimation?
Sublimation is a printing technique that transfers ink onto various surfaces using heat. The textile industry frequently utilizes it for producing customized items such as t-shirts and hats.
The resulting prints are of superior quality, durable, and boast vibrant colors that remain intact without fading or cracking over time. Here’s how it works:
- Print your design on special paper with sublimation ink
- Apply high heat (about 400°F) to the transfer
- The ink turns to gas and bonds with polyester or polymer-coated surfaces
- As it cools, your design becomes a permanent part of the item
Benefits of using Cricut for sublimation
Your Cricut machine is a great tool for sublimation projects. Here’s why:
- Precise cutting: Cricut cuts your transfers perfectly, so you don’t get white edges.
- Flexible: You can make small, detailed designs or big graphics with your Cricut.
- Easy-to-use software: Cricut Design Space helps you create and prepare your designs without fuss.
- Saves time: The Print then Cut feature lets you print and cut your designs quickly.
- Good value: Using your Cricut for sublimation means you don’t need to buy extra equipment.
Feature 2442_e56d26-18> |
Without Cricut 2442_ba8725-f7> |
With Cricut 2442_037a3f-34> |
---|---|---|
Cutting 2442_dbcd01-30> |
By hand, might have errors 2442_32971e-f2> |
Very precise, clean edges 2442_20cfce-c2> |
Design options 2442_9b7c0e-58> |
Limited by hand-cutting skill 2442_1df32b-13> |
Can make complex designs 2442_eedd75-73> |
Time 2442_5eb457-97> |
Takes longer 2442_7a7cde-68> |
Faster and more efficient 2442_b8362b-c1> |
Results 2442_54a84b-cd> |
May vary 2442_56330e-46> |
Consistent quality 2442_6a8e51-6f> |
Essential Equipment and Materials
Let’s get you set up with the right gear for your sublimation adventures with Cricut. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Sublimation printer options
You’ve got a few choices when it comes to sublimation printers:
- Epson EcoTank: Many crafters swear by these. They’re easy to convert for sublimation and come in various sizes.
- Sawgrass: These are made specifically for sublimation. They’re pricier but offer great quality.
- Converted inkjet printers: Some regular printers can be changed to use sublimation ink.
Remember, once you use sublimation ink in a printer, you can’t switch back to regular ink.
Sublimation ink and paper
- Ink: You’ll need special sublimation ink. It comes in bottles or cartridges, depending on your printer.
- Paper: Use sublimation transfer paper. It’s designed to hold the ink until it’s time to transfer your design.
Pro tip: Always match your ink and paper brands for the best results.
Cricut machine compatibility
Good news! Most Cricut machines work well for sublimation projects:
- Cricut Maker series
- Cricut Explore series
- Cricut Joy
These machines can cut your printed sublimation designs precisely. The Print then Cut feature is especially handy for this.
Heat press or EasyPress
You’ll need heat to make the sublimation magic happen. Options include:
- Heat press: Great for frequent use and larger projects.
- Cricut EasyPress: Perfect for home crafters. It’s portable and easy to store.
- Home iron: It can work in a pinch, but it’s harder to control temperature and pressure.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Tool 2442_f79dbe-76> |
Pros 2442_200d2c-ff> |
Cons 2442_63618c-f4> |
---|---|---|
Heat press 2442_98ff1d-60> |
Even pressure, consistent temp 2442_3daf4f-bd> |
Expensive, takes up space 2442_c44792-38> |
EasyPress 2442_46ef84-c9> |
Portable, easy to use 2442_c32d11-c1> |
Smaller surface area 2442_f07257-7b> |
Home iron 2442_31a6e9-6c> |
Cheap, readily available 2442_e0953f-9c> |
Less consistent results 2442_cdfc9c-2b> |
With these tools in your crafting arsenal, you’re all set to start creating amazing sublimation projects with your Cricut. Happy crafting!
Overview of Cricut machines
The machine you choose depends on the size and complexity of your project. For most sublimation work, the Maker or Explore series will serve you well.

Let’s take a look at the Cricut machines that work well for sublimation projects. Cricut offers several models, each with its own strengths.
Cricut Maker series:
- The most versatile Cricut machines
- Can cut a wide range of materials
- Ideal for complex sublimation designs
- Models include Maker, Maker 3, and Maker 3+
Cricut Explore series:
- Great all-around machines
- Perfect for most sublimation projects
- User-friendly for beginners
- Models include Explore Air 2 and Explore 3
Cricut Joy:
- Compact and portable
- Good for small sublimation projects
- Limited to narrower materials
- Great for on-the-go crafting
These machines are all capable of using the Print-then-Cut feature. Here’s a quick comparison:
Machine 2442_d1098c-41> |
Max Cutting Width 2442_e9a45d-01> |
Best For 2442_035b1a-f9> |
---|---|---|
Maker 3 2442_ba141d-1f> |
13 inches 2442_6c9eb8-27> |
Complex projects 2442_656f4b-49> |
Explore 3 2442_dbb122-08> |
13 inches 2442_bf55d1-8d> |
Everyday use 2442_33b2d0-d8> |
Joy 2442_c34ded-8b> |
5.5 inches 2442_775435-86> |
Small, quick projects 2442_ad8ec8-7c> |
Getting Started with Cricut Design Space for Sublimation
Let’s jump into using Cricut Design Space for your sublimation projects. This software is your creative playground, and with a few tips, you’ll be designing like a pro in no time.
Creating sublimation designs
Cricut Design Space offers plenty of tools to make your own designs:
- Use shapes and text to create simple designs
- Combine elements for more complex creations
- Try the “Contour” tool to adjust image layers
- Experiment with the “Slice” feature for unique effects
Remember, bright, bold colors work best for sublimation. Don’t be afraid to go vivid!
Uploading and modifying sublimation images
Got a design from elsewhere? No problem:
- Click “Upload” in Design Space
- Choose your image file
- Select “Complex” for full-color images
- Use the editing tools to clean up your design if needed
- Save as a “Print Then Cut” image
You can resize, rotate, or add elements to your uploaded image in Design Space.
Print then Cut feature for sublimation
This feature is a game-changer for sublimation:
- Set up your design in Design Space
- Click “Make It” and choose “Print Then Cut”
- Send to your sublimation printer
- Load the printed sheet onto your Cricut mat
- Let your Cricut cut around the design perfectly
This process gives you precisely cut sublimation transfers every time.
Color management in Design Space
Getting colors right is crucial for sublimation. Here’s how to manage them:
- Use “System Dialog” when printing for more color options
- Try both “Best” and “Normal” quality settings to see what works better
- Remember that colors may look different on screen vs. printed
- Do test prints to check colors before your final project
Color comparison:
Setting 2442_f46bc7-01> |
Pros 2442_70b5b8-c1> |
Cons 2442_f360ca-9f> |
---|---|---|
System Dialog 2442_5a27b8-07> |
More control 2442_f7ec95-a1> |
Takes longer 2442_adc33b-4e> |
Cricut Dialog 2442_92a563-bf> |
Faster 2442_30f837-64> |
Fewer options 2442_c173a9-aa> |
By mastering these aspects of Cricut Design Space, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning sublimation projects. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be amazed at what you can create!
Step-by-Step Sublimation Process with Cricut
Follow these steps, and you’ll be creating beautiful sublimation projects with your Cricut in no time. We can create amazing custom items by following this guide.
Designing your artwork
- Open Cricut Design Space
- Start a new project
- Create your design using shapes, text, or uploaded images
- Make sure your design fits your blank item
- Use bright colors – they work best for sublimation
Tip: Keep your design about 1/4 inch inside the edges of your item for best results.
Printing your sublimation transfer
- Click “Make It” in Design Space
- Choose “Print Then Cut”
- Select your sublimation printer
- Use system dialog for more color options
- Print on sublimation paper
Remember: Always print a mirror image of your design for sublimation.
Cutting your design with Cricut
- Load your printed sheet onto a Cricut mat
- Follow Design Space prompts to load the mat into your machine
- Let Cricut cut around your design
- Carefully remove the cut design from the mat

Preparing your sublimation blank
- Clean your blank item with lint-free cloth
- Pre-heat your item if it’s heat-safe
- Use heat-resistant tape to secure your transfer
- Add a protective paper layer over and under your project
Heat pressing and transferring the design
- Set your heat press to the right temperature (usually 380-400°F)
- Place your item with the transfer on the heat press
- Press for the recommended time (often 45-60 seconds)
- Let it cool slightly, then carefully peel off the transfer paper
Here’s a quick reference for common items:
Item 2442_3ddaf0-4e> |
Temperature 2442_6e6fc1-70> |
Time 2442_ba3108-4a> |
---|---|---|
T-shirt 2442_dce01e-ce> |
385°F 2442_f1fc0b-b9> |
45-60 seconds 2442_a68405-40> |
Mug 2442_24758f-f6> |
400°F 2442_a700b2-12> |
180-360 seconds 2442_0767bb-96> |
Mouse pad 2442_bff9bd-8e> |
390°F 2442_68367e-a1> |
50-60 seconds 2442_8468fa-88> |
Importance of using Cricut for sublimation projects
- Precision Cutting: Cricut machines ensure accurate cuts, perfect for aligning designs on substrates for a professional finish.
- Versatility: They handle various materials, making them ideal for creating personalized sublimation blanks like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases.
- Time-Saving: Cricut machines cut intricate designs faster than hand-cutting, speeding up project completion.
- Consistency: Perfect for businesses, they produce identical designs efficiently, maintaining a uniform look across products.
- Creativity: Cricut enables custom graphic design and precise cutting, allowing users to craft unique, personalized items.
Materials needed for sublimation with Cricut
- Sublimation printer: A printer is necessary for printing your design onto sublimation paper using sublimation ink.
- Sublimation blanks: T-shirts, mugs, keychains, and other charming trinkets are scattered everywhere and eagerly waiting for exploration.
- Sublimation paper: A sublimation paper transfers the design onto the sublimation blank. It has a polymer coating that reacts with the sublimation ink when heated.
- Heat press: It uses heat and pressure to transfer the ink from the sublimation paper onto the substrate.
- Heat-resistant tape: Used to secure the sublimation paper to the substrate during the transfer process.
Software for sublimation with Cricut
Finally, you’ll need software to design your graphics for sublimation projects with Cricut.
1. Cricut Design Space: Cricut Design Space is a free online software compatible with all Cricut machines. It allows you to design custom graphics using various tools and images.
2. Adobe Creative Suite: A software that includes programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. These programs allow for more advanced graphic design and editing capabilities.
3. CorelDRAW: A professional-level graphic design software compatible with Cricut machines. It allows for more advanced design capabilities and is popular among sublimation professionals.
Sublimation Projects and Ideas
Starting with these ideas, you can begin creating incredible sublimation projects with the only limit being your imagination. Keep experimenting and you’ll soon have a collection of unique, personalized items.
Are you excited to put your sublimation skills to use? Let’s explore some exciting projects you can create with your Cricut and sublimation setup.
T-shirts and apparel
Sublimation works great on polyester fabrics:
- Custom t-shirts with vibrant designs
- Sports jerseys with player names and numbers
- Tote bags with eye-catching patterns
- Socks with funky prints
Pro tip: Use a lint roller on your fabric before sublimating to remove any dust or fibers.
Mugs and drinkware
Create drinkware that stands out:
- Coffee mugs with funny quotes
- Water bottles with motivational messages
- Wine glasses with custom designs
- Travel tumblers with family photos
Remember to use mugs with a polymer coating for best results.
Home decor items
Spruce up your living space:
- Throw pillows with artistic designs
- Ceramic tiles for unique coasters
- Photo panels for wall art
- Personalized doormats
Tip: Test your design on a small area first, especially for textured surfaces.
Personalized gifts
Make presents extra special:
- Phone cases with custom graphics
- Makeup bags with fun patterns
- Luggage tags with travel-themed designs
- Keychains with names or initials
Quick guide to popular blank items:
Item 2442_8d5865-f8> |
Material 2442_95c26b-83> |
Difficulty 2442_766d6b-52> |
---|---|---|
T-shirt 2442_1b9d5a-39> |
100% polyester 2442_850c05-14> |
Easy 2442_2c9136-19> |
Mug 2442_6fa968-f9> |
Ceramic with coating 2442_902889-d3> |
Medium 2442_246e7e-21> |
Mouse pad 2442_a4e814-60> |
Polyester top 2442_0a9aee-f7> |
Easy 2442_eb47b1-27> |
Phone case 2442_3b1498-5c> |
Polymer-coated 2442_c77150-7c> |
Medium 2442_7fd186-6f> |
Troubleshooting and Tips for Best Results
You might need to adjust based on your specific materials and equipment. Keep a notebook of what works best for each type of project. With practice, you’ll be creating perfect sublimation projects in no time!
Let’s tackle some common problems you might face with sublimation and how to get the best results from your Cricut projects.
Common sublimation issues and solutions
- Faded colors:
- Make sure you’re using the right temperature and time
- Check if your sublimation paper is facing the right way
- Use fresh ink and high-quality paper
- Ghosting or blurry images:
- Secure your transfer paper well with heat-resistant tape
- Don’t move the item during pressing
- Make sure your blank is completely dry before pressing
- White spots or lines:
- Clean your blank thoroughly before pressing
- Use a lint roller to remove dust or fibers
- Press with even pressure across the whole design
Achieving vibrant colors
To make your designs pop:
- Use high-quality sublimation ink
- Print at the highest quality setting
- Adjust your printer settings for more saturation
- Remember colors will look darker on paper than when pressed
Try this trick: Boost color saturation in your design software by 10-15% for brighter results.
Proper heat and pressure settings
Getting these right is key for good results:
- Heat: Most items need 380-400°F (193-204°C). Use an infrared thermometer to check your heat press temperature
- Pressure: Medium to firm pressure works for most items. Mugs need special pressure wraps for even results
- Time: Usually between 45-60 seconds for flat items. Mugs might need 3-6 minutes
Here’s a handy chart for common items:
Item 2442_9e0b73-a4> |
Temperature 2442_f31faa-ae> |
Time 2442_d480d9-e8> |
Pressure 2442_46a833-a4> |
---|---|---|---|
T-shirt 2442_64c8e7-f8> |
385°F (196°C) 2442_6549c8-90> |
45-60 sec 2442_4d39d9-9f> |
Medium 2442_0b0596-fc> |
Mug 2442_6252a2-67> |
400°F (204°C) 2442_9592f3-6d> |
180-360 sec 2442_c78e89-a0> |
Firm 2442_a180e7-0b> |
Mouse pad 2442_320c4f-d4> |
390°F (199°C) 2442_c7a3cd-16> |
50-60 sec 2442_5f9969-e5> |
Medium 2442_bd4deb-93> |
Comparing Sublimation to Other Cricut Techniques
Each method has its strengths. Sublimation is great for detailed, colorful designs on light items. Infusible Ink is perfect for beginners wanting long-lasting results. HTV is your go-to for versatility, especially on dark fabrics.
Let’s compare and help you choose the best method for your project.
Sublimation vs. Infusible Ink
- Works on polyester and polymer-coated items
- Needs a special printer and ink
- Allows full-color, detailed designs
- Lasts as long as the item itself
- Works on Cricut blanks and polyester items
- No special printer needed
- Limited color options
- Also very long-lasting
Key differences:
- Sublimation offers more color choices
- Infusible Ink is easier for beginners
- Sublimation works on more types of items
Sublimation vs. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)
- Becomes part of the fabric
- No texture or raised feel
- Best on white or light-colored items
- Needs special materials and equipment
- Sits on top of the fabric
- Has a slight raised texture
- Works well on dark fabrics too
- Can use regular Cricut materials
Main differences:
- HTV is more versatile for fabric colors
- Sublimation feels smoother on the item
- HTV can be peeled off, sublimation can’t
Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature 2442_91dedc-59> |
Sublimation 2442_e72884-ea> |
Infusible Ink 2442_4f9339-96> |
HTV 2442_9464c3-bd> |
---|---|---|---|
Color options 2442_ce28b6-3e> |
Many 2442_db5b08-af> |
Limited 2442_f41676-26> |
Many 2442_6828da-44> |
Fabric types 2442_3c5910-6c> |
Polyester 2442_887a5b-b0> |
Polyester 2442_7b9a3f-45> |
Most fabrics 2442_7c7263-7e> |
Durability 2442_04c03b-a0> |
Very high 2442_5cc696-74> |
Very high 2442_ecca62-36> |
Good 2442_b89adb-ce> |
Ease of use 2442_2738dd-c7> |
Medium 2442_74f10f-46> |
Easy 2442_5f69c5-42> |
Easy 2442_535fe6-c0> |
Advanced Techniques and Expanding Your Skills
New creative possibilities are opened up by these advanced techniques. Don’t hesitate to experiment and experiment with new combinations. With practice, you’ll be creating professional-level multi-technique projects in no time!
By following these tips, you can create even more amazing projects with your Cricut.
Working with different substrates
Sublimation isn’t just for t-shirts and mugs. Try these:
- Wood: Use MDF boards with a white polymer coating
- Metal: Aluminum sheets or pre-coated metal items work great
- Glass: Special sublimation-ready glass is available
- Fabric: Experiment with different polyester blends
Tips:
- Always check the material’s sublimation compatibility
- Adjust your heat and time settings for each substrate
- Use a heat-resistant pad under your item when pressing
Creating multi-layer designs
Add depth to your projects with layers:
- Design separate elements in different colors
- Print and cut each layer separately
- Press one layer at a time, starting with the bottom layer
- Align carefully using heat-resistant tape between layers
Remember: Let each layer cool before adding the next to avoid color blending.
Combining sublimation with other Cricut features
Mix and match techniques for unique results:
- Sublimation + vinyl: Add vinyl details to sublimated backgrounds
- Sublimation + embroidery: Sublimate fabric, then add embroidered elements
- Sublimation + etching: Sublimate part of a glass item, etch another part
Try this: Sublimate a design onto fabric, then use your Cricut to cut it into shapes for patches or appliques.
Here’s a quick guide to layering times:
Layer 2442_89edcf-1d> |
Time 2442_134c09-10> |
Notes 2442_0707d8-85> |
---|---|---|
First 2442_a3d7d9-77> |
Full time 2442_a43f0f-f7> |
Base layer 2442_0c5103-d8> |
Second 2442_a990bc-4c> |
75% of full time 2442_4bf67c-2c> |
Builds on first layer 2442_e36824-39> |
Third 2442_9eaa92-7f> |
50% of full time 2442_9f9dcf-9e> |
Adds final details 2442_34262c-f3> |