Cricut For Beginners | Best Material for Cricut Transfer Project
Publish Date:
May 17, 2021
Author:
By Crafting Spree
So you’re not 100% certain which material is the best to use for your Cricut project? You’re not alone! Which is why we created this ultimate Cricut guide for beginners to learn more about the differences between the seemingly endless number of Cricut materials, and to discover which material and application/transfer method is best for your project. Specifically, we will help you:
Discover Which Material Is Best For Your Project:
- Adhesive Vinyl
- Permanent Vinyl
- HTV/Iron-on Vinyl
- Sublimation/Cricut Infusible Ink
- Removable Sticker Paper
- Permanent Printable Sticker Paper/Printable Vinyl
- Printable HTV
- Water Slide Decals
Our Cricut for beginner’s guide to materials isn’t your normal how-to tutorial, it’s really easy to follow, and best of all: it’s interactive! All we need you to do is answer a few questions below to give us a better understanding of your crafting comfort level (beginner only, medium-level difficulty, willingness to try more advanced materials and techniques, that kind of thing), as well as what your trying to accomplish (are you looking for something permanent, or removable, durable, or delicate, etc.) and finally, what kind of blanks you’re working with.
Once you discover your material, you'll be able to read more about it, why it's best for your project, what are its pros and cons, and more!
If you're interested in learning more about the different Cricut materials and design transfer methods, here's
everything you need to know about sublimation. And learn the difference between
sublimation ink and
Cricut Infusible Ink and discover how you can print your own sublimation designs from home by learning
how to convert a regular printer into a sublimation printer!
What are blanks?
Glad you asked! “Blanks” is one of those Cricut and crafter terms that when you know what it is it seems silly to NOT know, but if you’re a beginner and every single jargon term is new to you, how are you going to know what they are unless someone tells you? Blanks are just the original item you’re starting out with, before you jazz it up crafter style. In other words, they’re your blank canvas- hence the word “blank” blanks range from white tea towels and pillowcases, to tumblers, garden flags, t-shirts, glassware, and more. Whenever you’re looking to take on another Cricut craft project, and you buy something to change and improve with the help of your trusty Cricut and other craft supplies- that’s your blank.
Check the page of our favorite Amazon crafting blanks to see what we, and other Cricut crafters are buying to customize with their Cricut. A lot of these blanks are great prices and even cheaper when you buy them in bulk AND there are so many blanks you can customize to create beautiful one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family! You can also join the Crafting Spree Club for free below by subscribing to our newsletter and we’ll send you the secret password to our premium Amazon deals pages that are available exclusively to Crafting Spree Club members!
Get in on more Cricut project ideas, hacks, tutorials, and more by following our social channels!
START HERE:
Discover which material is best to use for your project by completing our interactive Cricut for Beginner's Guide to Materials below.
After you answer the first question you will be brought to the next question. After answering just a few questions about what kind of project your working on, and what you're hoping to achieve, you'll discover which material is best suited for your project needs!
Question #1:
How do you feel about layering?
How do you feel about layering?>> Layering is fine>>
So, you're a brave crafter who isn't afraid of layering? IMPRESSIVE!
Now, tell me a little bit more about the design you're wanting to transfer on to your crafting blank.
The Design I Want To Transfer Is:
SIMPLE
Your design is simple if:
- Your Cricut can cut it out
AND
- It's all one color or has multiple colors you don't mind layering by hand
COMPLEX
Your Design is complex if one or
more of the following is true:
- It has more colors/patterns than you want to layer by hand
- It has blended colors/gradients
- It is too complicated for your Cricut to cut out
How do you feel about layering?>>
Layering is fine>> Simple
Got it! So we have a simple enough design that we don't want to do too much layering with. Now, I need to know what you're looking for as far as the permanency of your design goes. So, which you would prefer:
I Want My Design Transfer To Be:
(Think: t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, permanent car decals, etc.)
(Think: wall/window stickers, removeable car decals, etc.)
How do you feel about layering?>> I don’t mind if it’s just a few layers>> I want my design transfer to be>> Temporary/Easily Removed
You Should Use:
REMOVABLE ADHESIVE VINYL
Removable adhesive vinyl is the perfect solution for a removable single-layer or multiple-layered design that can be created using a number of different colored or patterned permanent vinyl sheets!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Temporary: can be removed damage-free and residue-free | Will eventually fade/crack over time |
| Wide range of colors/patterns available | Design/layers must be simple enough that your Cricut can cut it out |
| No printer or sublimation printer required | Layering required for every different color/pattern in your design |
| Can be applied to any smooth, hard surface | Design is limited to the colors/patterns of adhesive vinyl available |
| May not stick well to heavily-textured walls |
Amazon Deals on
Removable Adhesive Vinyl:
How do you feel about layering?>> I don’t mind if it’s just a few layers>> I want my design transfer to be>> Permanent
Permanent it is! You're not looking for something that will be easy to remove, you want your design to stick around for the long-haul, how fun! We're almost to your perfect material, just one or two more questions, so let's answer this next one:
The Crafting Blank I Want To Customize Is:
Blank Type A are at least one of the following:
- Fabric
- A Sublimation Blank
- Heat-resistant (will not melt)
*Think: t-shirts, sublimation mugs, baby onesies, blank garden flags, etc.
Blank Type B at least one of the following:
- NOT heat-resistant (will melt under high heat)
- NOT absorbent
- NOT a sublimation blank
*Think: t-shirts, sublimation mugs, baby onesies, blank garden flags, etc.
How do you feel about layering?>> I don’t mind if it’s just a few layers>> I want my design transfer to be>> Permanent>> The crafting blank I want to customize is>> Type B
You Should Use:
PERMANENT ADHESIVE VINYL
Permanent adhesive vinyl is the perfect solution for a permanent single-layer or multiple layered design that can be created using a number of different colored or patterned permanent vinyl sheets!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Permanent | Will eventually fade/crack over time |
| Wide range of colors/patterns available | Design/layers must be simple enough that your Cricut can cut it out |
| No printer or sublimation printer required | Layering required for every different color/pattern in your design |
| Can be applied to any smooth, hard surface | Design is limited to the colors/patterns of adhesive vinyl available |
Amazon Deals on Permanent Adhesive Vinyl:
How do you feel about layering?>> I don’t mind if it’s just a few layers>> I want my design transfer to be>> Permanent>> The crafting blank I want to customize is>> Type A
Sweet! We're almost there! Since your crafting blank is type A we have more material options to choose from which means we have just a few more questions to go before finding the best Cricut material for your project! I just need to know a little bit more about the blank you're working with:
The Crafting Blank I Want To Customize Is:
How do you feel about layering?>> I don’t mind if it’s just a few layers>> I want my design transfer to be>> Permanent>> The crafting blank I want to customize is>> Type A>> White/Light Colored>>
So you have a white or light colored blank? That's so fun because we don't need to worry as much about a dark or vibrant color muddling our design's colors and having it turn out dull or brown. White and light colored blanks are awesome because they're generally more versatile to customize, we have so many options! Now, I need to know one last thing:
The Crafting Blank I Want To Customize Is:
Your Blank is Type A if it at least one of the following:
- A sublimation blank
- 100% polyester fabric
Your Blank is Type B if it at least one of the following:
- Not a sublimation blank
- Not 100% polyester fabric
How do you feel about layering?>> I don’t mind if it’s just a few layers>> I want my design transfer to be>> Permanent>> The crafting blank I want to customize is>> Type A>> The crafting blank I want to customize is>> White/Light Colored>> The crafting blank I want to customize is>> Type A
You Should Use:
SUBLIMATION
Sublimation is the most permanent solution for an easy one-layer design that can be both vibrant and detailed AND withstand the test of time! Learn everything you need to know about sublimation and discover all the new crafting possibilities that come with this awesome design transfer process!
When it comes to sublimation you have 3 options. Learn more about the 3 ways you can get sublimation ink sheets
- Use Cricut Infusible ink
- Print your own sublimation designs (learn how to convert a regular printer into a sublimation printer)
- Purchase custom sublimation prints (order cheap custom sublimation prints online)
NOTE: if you don’t have a sublimation printer that’s ok! You can either
order custom sublimation prints for cheap on Etsy, get some fun patterned
Cricut Infusible Ink and have your Cricut cut it into all sorts of different words, shapes, and designs, OR learn
how to convert a regular printer into a sublimation printer so you can print your own sublimation designs from home!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| The most permanent/durable design transfer process | Cannot be applied to blanks that are not either: sublimation blanks, or white/light-colored 100% polyester fabric |
| One simple layer- no layering process | Requires an Iron, heat press, or mug press |
| Designs can range from simple to extremely complex (doesn’t need to be simple enough that your Cricut can cut) | Requires a sublimation printer OR custom sublimation prints |
| Will never peel or crack the way vinyl eventually does |
Amazon Deals on
Cricut Infusible Ink & Sublimation Supplies:
How do you feel about layering?>> I don’t mind if it’s just a few layers>> I want my design transfer to be>> Permanent>> The crafting blank I want to customize is>> Type A>> The crafting blank I want to customize is>> Not a sublimation blank
You Should Use:
HTV/IRON-ON VINYL
HTV & Iron-on Vinyl sheets are the perfect solution for a permanent, single-layer or multiple layered design that can be created using a number of different colored or patterned HTV/Iron-on vinyl sheets!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Permanent | Will fade/crack over time |
| Wide range of colors/patterns available | Cannot be applied to non-fabric or meltable blanks |
| No printer or sublimation printer required | Requires an Iron or heat press |
| No sublimation blanks or 100% polyester blanks required | Design/layers must be simple enough that your Cricut can cut it out |
| Can be applied to both light and dark colored fabrics | Layering required for every different color/pattern in your design |
| Limited to the colors/patterns available |
Amazon Deals on
HTV/Iron-on Vinyl:
How do you feel about layering?>> I hate it, one layer only please OR don't mind it>> The Design I want to Transfer is>> Complex>>
Got it! Now I need to know how permanent you're wanting your design to be on whatever it is you plan on putting it on, so answer me this:
I Want My Design Transfer To Be:
(Think: t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, permanent car decals, etc.)
(Think: wall/window stickers, removeable car decals, etc.)
How do you feel about layering?>> I hate it, one layer only please>>
The Design I want to Transfer is>>
Complex>>
I want my design transfer to be>> Permanent
Permanent it is! You're not looking for something that will be easy to remove, you want your design to stick around for the long-haul, how fun! We're almost to your perfect material, just one or two more questions, so let's answer this next one:
The Crafting Blank I Want To Customize Is:
Blank Type A are at least one of the following:
- Fabric
- A Sublimation Blank
- Heat-resistant (will not melt)
*Think: t-shirts, sublimation mugs, baby onesies, blank garden flags, etc.
Blank Type B at least one of the following:
- NOT heat-resistant (will melt under high heat)
- NOT absorbent
- NOT a sublimation blank
*Think: t-shirts, sublimation mugs, baby onesies, blank garden flags, etc.
How do you feel about layering?>> I hate it, one layer only please>> The Design I want to Transfer is>> Complex>> I want my design transfer to be>> Permanent>> Type B
Differences Between Waterslide Decals and Printable Vinyl:
Side-By-Side Comparison
| WATERSLIDE DECALS | PRINTABLE STICKER PAPER | |
|---|---|---|
| Sticker/Bumper Sticker Look | no | yes (if white sticker paper, no if clear) |
| Painted Look | yes | no |
| Easy Application Process | no | yes |
| Sealant Suggested | yes | yes |
| Low-Profile Outline | yes | no |
| Adjustable After Initial Placement | yes | no |
| Microwave Safe | no | no |
| Dishwasher Safe | no | no |
| More Durable | no | yes |
Amazon Deals on Printable
Sticker Paper & Waterslide Decals:
How do you feel about layering?>> I hate it, one layer only please>> I want my design transfer to be>> Permanent>> Type A
Sweet! We're almost there! Since your crafting blank is type A we have more material options to choose from which means we have just a few more questions to go before finding the best Cricut material for your project! I just need to know a little bit more about the blank you're working with:
The Crafting Blank I Want To Customize Is:
How do you feel about layering?>> I hate it, one layer only please>> I want my design transfer to be>> Permanent>> Type A>> The crafting blank I want to customize is>> White/Light Colored
So you have a white or light colored blank? That's so fun because we don't need to worry as much about a dark or vibrant color muddling our design's colors and having it turn out dull or brown. White and light colored blanks are awesome because they're generally more versatile to customize, we have so many options! Now, I need to know one last thing:
The Crafting Blank I Want To Customize Is:
Your Blank is Type A if it at least
one of the following:
- A sublimation blank
- 100% polyester fabric
Your Blank is Type B if it at least one of the following:
- Not a sublimation blank
- Not 100% polyester fabric
How do you feel about layering?>> I hate it, one layer only please>> I want my design transfer to be>> Permanent>> Type B>> The crafting blank I want to customize is>> Either NOT white/light colored OR isn't 100% polyester
You Should Use:
PRINTABLE HTV FOR DARK FABRICS
Printable HTV for dark fabrics is the perfect solution for a permanent, one-layer design that will be just as vibrant and beautiful on your blank as it is on your device screen!
NOTE: If you're going to be customizing a Dark or very saturated/vibrantly-colored blank, you will want to be sure your printable HTV it is intended for dark fabrics like this
printable HTV for dark fabrics on Amazon, we don’t want to see the color of the t-shirt through the design! If you're working with a white or light-colored blank that either isn't 100% polyester or a sublimation blank meaning you can't customize it via sublimation, you can get printable HTV for light or dark fabrics, either way the color of our blank won't make much impact on how the colors in our printed design turn out.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Permanent | Will fade/crack over time |
| One simple layer- no layering process | Cannot be applied to non-fabric or meltable blanks |
| Designs can range from simple to extremely complex (doesn’t need to be simple enough that your Cricut can cut out every detail and different color) | Requires an Iron or heat press |
| No sublimation blanks or 100% polyester blanks required | Requires a printer |
| Can be applied to both light and dark colored fabrics |
Amazon Deals on Printable HTV:
How do you feel about layering?>> I hate it, one layer only please>> I want my design transfer to be>> Temporary/easily removed
You Should Use:
REMOVABLE STICKER PAPER
Removable sticker paper is the perfect solution for a temporary, easily removeable, single-layer design that can stick to any smooth surface and doesn’t require a heat press or sublimation printer!
NOTE: You may want to seal your design after printing it and before placing it on your blank if you want it to be more durable or if it will get a lot of UV exposure (like on a window, or on wall that gets a lot of sunlight). You can seal it with spray sealer like this
UV-resistant spray sealant, or by laminating them with something like these
self adhesive laminating sheets (no laminator required!)
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Semi-Permanent | Not Fully Permanent |
| One simple Layer- no layering process | Requires sealing |
| No Heat Press, iron, or sublimation Printer Required | Will Fade Over Time |
| No special blanks required | Requires a printer |
| Remove damage-free and residue-free! |
Amazon Deals on Removable Sticker Paper:
So there you have it! You now know the perfect material to use for your project, and where to go for future projects to discover the NEXT perfect material to use! Hopefully this was helpful to you and if you have any more questions or want to show off your amazing Cricut projects, please share them in our Cricut community group: Any and All Things Cricut, we'd all LOVE to see what you've been working on lately and we're all super happy to help people out when they run into bumps in the road and need some questions answered, or need some assistance troubleshooting!
Additionally, if you found your perfect material/transfer method was sublimation and want to start printing your own custom sublimation designs at home, check out our tutorial on how to convert a regular printer into a sublimation printer and unlock FULL creative freedom when it comes to sublimation projects and as always,
Happy Crafting!
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