How to Use Iron-on Vinyl (or Heat Transfer Vinyl)

Have you wondered how to use Iron-on vinyl? Commonly referred to as heat transfer vinyl, iron-on vinyl crafts are one of the top Cricut crafting projects. This post contains affiliate links, which when purchased through add no extra cost to the consumer, but help support this site to bring more Cricut tutorials and posts. 

When I purchased my first Cricut machine years ago, I bought it with the sole purpose of creating cards. I wanted to make greeting cards, birthday invitations, and maybe scrapbooking pages. Fast forward to today, and card making is only a small portion of what I make with my Cricut machine. Iron-on vinyl is one of my top favorite crafting materials, and I know that many other Cricut crafters feel the same. From shirts to canvas bags to hats and everything in between, iron-on vinyl makes it easy to customize projects. Here’s how to use Iron-on vinyl (also known as heat transfer vinyl).

Please note: This post shares the basics on cutting the iron-on vinyl. The information in this post should be used in conjunction with the post on “How to Get An Iron-on Project Right the FIRST Time” to ensure the best outcome for your project. 

How to Use Iron-on Vinyl (or Heat Transfer Vinyl)

What is Iron-on Vinyl?

Iron-on vinyl is a vinyl that uses heat and pressure to adhere to fabric or wood. You’ll need either a home iron, a heat press, or an EasyPress to attach the vinyl. Iron-on vinyl is also known as heat transfer vinyl for this very reason. Iron-on vinyl comes in a variety of colors, finishes, and sizes. Any iron-on vinyl ordered from Cricut will arrive on a roll. Iron-on vinyl from other places may arrive as a sheet. There are many iron-on vinyl suppliers out there. Be sure to thoroughly pay attention to the size of the iron-on vinyl sheet or roll that you are ordering.

Iron-on vinyl has a shiny side and a dull side. The shiny side is the liner, and the dull side is the heat activated side that you will adhere to an object. You can tell iron-on vinyl from regular vinyl by the front liner. In the photo below, you can see the liner peeling away from the iron-on design. Regular vinyl typically has a grid on the back and does not have a liner.

What different types of Iron-on vinyl are there?

The selection of iron-on or heat transfer vinyl has greatly expanded over the years. Check out some of these varieties of iron-on vinyl:

• Glitter iron-on vinyl
• Metallic iron-on vinyl
• Pattern iron-on vinyl
• Neon iron-on vinyl
• Standard iron-on vinyl
• Foil iron-on vinyl
• Shimmer iron-on vinyl
• Stretch iron-on  vinyl
• Glow in the dark iron-on vinyl
• Flock iron-on vinyl
• Printable iron-on vinyl

What Cricut Machines can cut Iron-on vinyl?

Any Cricut machine, including the Cricut Explore series and the Cricut Maker.

What sorts of projects can I make with iron-on vinyl?

A better question may be “What can I NOT make?” There are so many option? Customize t-shirts, sweatshirts, canvas bags, totes, accessories, hats, pillow covers, fabric banners, felt projects, and more! Due to the fibrous nature of wood, many crafters will also use heat transfer vinyl on small wood projects.

How do I cut the Iron-on vinyl?

Design your project in Cricut Design Space. Place the iron-on vinyl onto a StandardGrip cutting mat LINER side down. Load the mat into the Cricut machine. Send your image to the machine from Cricut Design Space. Make sure to MIRROR the design. Set the cutting dial on the machine to “Iron-on” if you have a Cricut machine with a dial. If using the Cricut Maker, select the material that you are using. The machine will cut the design so that the cut does not go through the liner, only the iron-on vinyl. The liner will stay uncut to allow you to use the liner in the heat transfer process. For more information on adhering the iron-on vinyl, see my post on “How to Get An Iron-on Project Right the FIRST Time.”

Are you looking for more Cricut related tutorials, tips, or projects? See my Cricut tutorial page!