The best tutorial for how to make a shirt with a Cricut! Everything you need to know from how to design, to cut Cricut iron on vinyl, to ironing it onto a t-shirt! You'll be a pro 'Cricut shirt maker' in no time.
*This post contains affiliate links.
Hey guys, we've got a super fun Cricut project for you today. You can make any shirt you've wanted or dreamed up!
It's so fun to express yourself with a t-shirt you have designed yourself. Personalized shirts make ideal gifts, are a fun way to celebrate holidays or birthdays, and are perfect for family trips (like Disney!)
Since getting our first Cricut machines almost 10 years ago, we have become professional Cricut Shirt Makers. No, really, it's true!
We taught a class on How to Make Shirts with Cricut to over 150 beginners and Cricut enthusiasts at the 2018 Cricut Mountain Make-a-Thon. So let us share all of the details and pro-tips with you. It's gonna be fun!
Table of contents
HOW TO USE IRON ON VINYL TO MAKE A SHIRT
Making a t-shirt requires two important steps, and we're going to go in-depth on both of them:
- Design it. We suggest sticking with one color on your first try. Words, phrases or simple images are perfect.
- Cut and apply the iron-on.
Need design inspiration? Check out ALL of our Cricut T-Shirts, and for more design advice check out: Cricut Fonts - Everything You Need to Know - or watch our video on YouTube! In it we share our FAVORITE Cricut fonts and answer FAQ.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR MAKING SHIRTS WITH CRICUT
Since this tutorial is for beginners, I'm not just listing the items, I'm also going to explain what they are!
Necessary:
- Plain T-Shirt: the best shirt materials for iron-on vinyl are cotton or cotton blends. More of our favorite t-shirts for iron-on are listed below.
- Cricut Everyday Iron-On Vinyl: There are quite a few different kinds of iron-on but Everyday Iron-On is the most commonly used and comes in tons of colors. [Get it on amazon]
- StandardGrip Cricut Mat: You use this green Cricut mat for materials with medium weight - like Iron-On, Vinyl, and heavy card stock. [Get it on amazon]
- Cricut Machine: all of the machines (Cricut Maker, Explore Air 2 or Joy) can cut Iron-On vinyl!
- Design Space software: downloaded to your computer. Alternatively, you can use the Cricut Design app on a tablet or mobile device.
- Iron: A regular household iron will do the job of transferring the iron-on to a t-shirt. Make sure the steam setting is turned off.
Nice to have:
- Weeding Tool: optional, but helpful, this little hook-shaped tool helps you to remove the extra bits of iron-on from a design before you iron it on.
- Iron-On Protective Sheet: A non-stick sheet designed specifically for iron-on application. It evenly distributes heat from your iron or heat press.
- EasyPress 2: The EasyPress 2 is a heat press that you can use in place of an iron. It takes less time, the temperature is easier to control, and it's made specifically for iron-on. Read our thoughts on the EasyPress 2.
FAVORITE T-SHIRTS FOR IRON-ON
- Bella Canvas - comes in SO many colors and they are super soft! You can buy them from Amazon or Jiffy Shirts
- Gildan Softstyle - These are comfortable and soft too!
- Universal Thread Relaxed V Neck - I buy these the most often because I love the v-neck, fit and softness!
HOW TO USE IRON ON VINYL (CRICUT) TO MAKE A SHIRT - STEP BY STEP
Step 1: Design
Option 1: Upload an Image or SVG to Cricut Design Space
- Click ‘Upload ’ on the left side of Cricut Design Space. The screen you see next will show a library of images you might have previously uploaded, and a button to upload a new image. Click that.
Select your image. Now you can select what type of image it is. For this project, and most projects with iron on, you’ll select ‘Simple.'
Now you click the whitespace that you’d like cut out. Remember to get the insides of each letter if you're uploading words. This is really fun for me for some reason. It takes me back to my Microsoft Paint days when I used to use the Bucket tool. Remember that?
This next step is important! (Most of them are important but this is pretty easy to miss.) Select ‘Cut Image’ - NOT ‘Print then Cut Image’. (Print then cut is a completely different project type.)
Option 2: Create a Design in Cricut Design Space
You can play around in Cricut Design Space and look through their library of images and fonts. Design away! The Cricut Access library has thousands of images and hundreds of fonts included. Read more about Cricut Access!
Size The Design
After you have uploaded a design (like an SVG file) or created something in Cricut Design Space, it's time to make sure it is sized correctly for your t-shirt.
I recommend using a template to figure out how big to make your design.
On the left hand side in Design Space, click on 'Templates.' You can browse all of the templates or search for a specific type. If you search 'shirt' all of the options come up there.
When you select one, it will appear on your design canvas and you can visualize what the design will look like on your shirt.
T-Shirt Design Pro Tips
- Be mindful of how wide your design is. I recommend leaving at least a few inches on either side of your design so that it doesn't bend to the side and run into the armpits of the t-shirt.
- Use a ruler, or your Cricut mat, to measure how many inches across the shirt you want to cover. I like to measure every shirt since they always vary in sizing.
Step 2: Cut Cricut Iron On Vinyl
Place iron on vinyl shiny side down on your mat.
Next, choose the material.
- If you're using a Cricut Explore machine, you will turn the dial to Iron-on. [left image]
- If you're using a Cricut Maker or Cricut Joy, select Everyday Iron-On from the materials drop-down menu. [right image]
Then click ‘Cut’
Click ‘Mirror image for Iron-On’ before hitting ‘Go.' That's an important and easy-to-miss step.
Follow the prompts and let the machine cut the design.
When it is finished, unload the mat.
Remove the excess vinyl around the edges. If you have a weeding tool, it will be easier to take out the little pieces inside the letters.
Once your design is cut and weeded, you can iron it on!
Step 3: Iron on to a T-Shirt
Using an Iron
- Set your iron to ‘Cotton’ or the hottest setting it has. Make sure steam is turned OFF.
- Start by getting the material warm. Press the iron onto the shirt for about 15 seconds.
Place your iron-on vinyl where you’d like it. Put a press cloth, or plain cotton cloth, on top of the plastic. This is important & will reduce the risk the of plastic melting onto your shirt.
Press the iron on top of the press cloth for about 30 seconds. Flip your shirt over, and do the same thing on the opposite side of the shirt.
Now you will peel the plastic sheet diagonally to separate it from the vinyl. Do this while it’s still warm!
Using an EasyPress
Heat the EasyPress 2 to the temperature recommended on the EasyPress settings guide. 315 degrees is the setting for cotton t-shirts and Everyday Iron-On.
Put the design on the t-shirt, then a press cloth or an Iron-On protective sheet, and use the EasyPress 2 to transfer the vinyl onto your shirt! The buttons on the EasyPress will help you count down for the amount of time you are pressing for.
You’re done!
We have outlined every step, so it might seem like a lot, but it's really simple. Once you make one or two, you'll be a pro Cricut shirt maker too and you won't want to stop!
Want to make sure you don't miss a step? Print this Iron-On checklist from Practical and Pretty, and for more inspiration check out all of our friend Anna's Cricut projects. We love this Iron-On Growth Chart so much!
Pro Tips
- If a piece isn’t staying on the shirt, put the plastic and iron-on back down and press the iron back on for a few seconds. Put the press cloth or iron-on transfer sheet back on and do another run with the iron so you know it’s on there really well.
How to Make a Shirt with Cricut FAQs
If you use quality Cricut brand iron-on and they are properly cared for, Cricut shirts can last for years and maintain their appearance - even with frequent washing.
Ensure that you are using the correct heat settings for the type of iron-on you are using. If the heat is too high or too low, it can affect the adhesion of the material, leading to peeling.
Pressure: Proper pressure is crucial for the Cricut machine to cut through the material and adhere it to the shirt. If the pressure is too high or too low, it can impact the quality of the transfer and cause peeling.
Surface Preparation: Make sure the shirt is clean and free of any lint or debris before applying the vinyl. Washing and drying the shirt before applying the design can improve adhesion.
Washing and Care Instructions: Incorrect washing and care practices can contribute to peeling. Follow the care instructions for both the shirt and the applied material.
Turn the shirt inside out before washing, use a gentle cycle, and avoid high heat when drying.
When you put Cricut iron-on onto a cutting mat the material should be shiny side down.
Cricut Everyday iron-on vinyl should be peeled after it cools down. Different brands or types of vinyl can have different instructions. Make sure to read the instructions on your iron-on packaging.
Yes, anytime you are using iron-on or heat transfer material you need to mirror the design.
You can use a household iron to iron vinyl onto a shirt. See detailed instructions above in the tutorial under ‘Using an Iron.’
Printable Instructions
Go ahead and print these instructions or bookmark this page if you want to keep them handy. If you find this tutorial helpful, please leave us a comment and positive review!
Making Shirts with Cricut
Video
Equipment
- Cricut Machine
- iron
- Press Cloth
- EasyPress 2 (optional)
- Weeding Tool (optional)
- Iron-On Protective Sheet (optional)
Materials
- Iron-On Vinyl
- Plain T-Shirt
Instructions
Prepare Your Design in Cricut Design Space
- Design within Cricut Design Space or upload an SVG file to use for your t-shirt.
- Size the design to fit your t-shirt. Use a ruler to measure on your t-shirt to determine how big it should be. *See notes for more on this.
- Select 'Make It'
Prepare to Cut
- Press iron-on vinyl onto the green StandardGrip Cricut mat, shiny-side-down.
- Make sure that you turn 'mirror' on. Your design should appear backward.
- Select 'Continue' and choose material settings. For the Cricut Explore/Explore Air 2 machines you turn a dial to 'Iron-On' - for the Cricut Maker or Cricut Joy you will select 'Everyday Iron-On' in Design Space.
- Check that everything is set correctly and then follow prompts to load the mat and cut iron-on design.
Weed Iron-On
- Remove excess iron-on from the outside edges around your design and any little bits from the insides of letters or inside the design.
- Once the design is weeded, you are ready to iron it on.
Iron On to the T-Shirt - Using an Iron
- Turn on your household iron and set it to 'cotton' or the hottest setting it has. Make sure the steam is turned off.
- Press the iron down onto the t-shirt for about 15 seconds to get it warm. Then, place the iron-on down onto the shirt where you want to iron it.
- Put a press cloth (thin piece of fabric) down on top of the plastic, and press the iron down for 30-60 seconds. Turn the shirt over carefully, and press the iron down on the back of the shirt.
- Wait until the plastic is warm, but not hot, and slowly peel the plastic diagonally off of the iron-on. You are done!
Iron on to the T-Shirt - Using an EasyPress 2
- Turn EasyPress 2 on and heat to 315 degrees.
- Place the iron-on onto the shirt where you want it to be. Cover design with a press cloth or Iron-On protective sheet.
- Press EasyPress down onto the design with medium pressure for 30 seconds. Remove the EasyPress for a few seconds and then repeat press again for 30 more seconds.
- Remove the iron-on protective sheet. Peel plastic off of iron-on when it is warm to the touch (no longer hot, but not all the way cool.) Peel diagonally from one corner.
- You are done! You are now officially a Cricut shirt maker.
Notes
- Use a ruler, or your Cricut mat, to measure how many inches across the shirt you want to cover. I like to measure every shirt since they always vary in sizing.
- Be mindful of how wide your design is. I recommend leaving at least a few inches on either side of your design so that it doesn’t bend to the side and run into the armpits of the t-shirt.
- Use a t-shirt template in Cricut Design Space to help you determine how and where to place your design.
Do you have more questions about Cricut or a desire for more in depth tutorials like this?
Go to our Cricut project gallery to see ALL of our Cricut projects and tutorials!
This tutorial was originally published in June 2017. It has been completely updated with new photos, a more detailed tutorial, a video, and printable instructions!
Jamie Austin
I am looking for a machine to do the t-shirts, and coffee mugs as well as sports drink bottles. What all do I need?
Sarah
Hey Jamie! If that's all you are interested in doing, you could do it with a Cricut Explore, Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Maker. With each upgrade of machine, there are more possibilities. Then, you will need mats, some weeding tools and then of course the iron-on and vinyl material. It's so fun and so worth the investment if you love making things like that!
Effie
What is the best type of cricut to buy for shirts anand things like that?
Jessica
Any of the Cricut machines will be able to make shirts! In my opinion though if I was going to spend the money to buy a machine today I would buy the maker since it is already a big investment, I would want my machine to do as much as possible if that makes sense!
Jennifer
What if I’m wanting to use 2 different vinyls? Is there transfer for tape for iron on? That way I can put my shirt together instead of doing it 1 letter at a time
Jessica
In design space you would attach your letters and or words so they stay in place and then you can merge your designs on transfer tape, yes! Cricut makes it so easy.
April
Hi. I have just purchased the Cricut Explore Air 2. I am wondering what is photoshop that you are talking about? Also I have the Crucut Design space, but when I type in my text, the larger I make it, I am not able to see it all in the text box. Do you know how I fix this?
Thank you
Sarah
Hey April! The photoshop referred to in this post is Adobe Photoshop, a different software. We just wanted to include an example of how to upload an image that isn't created in Cricut Design Space. You can use DS to do whatever you need to do. I'm not sure how to fix the text issue though, I'm sorry! If I were you I'd ask the Cricut support staff at help.cricut.com
Jocie
GIMP is comparable to photoshop. I use both for my digital art. GIMP is perfect for people that can't afford photoshop.
Sarah
So true! Good suggestion, I used to use GIMP all the time!
Alana
Wondering if this same process will work if i had the Cricut Maker? Could i still make Iron-on Vinyl designs? Wanting to start making t-shirts and sewing projects, but want to make sure I'm getting the right Cricut.. thanks in advance :)
Sarah
Hey Alana! Yes, you can totally do this with the Cricut Maker - that's what we use now. The only difference in the process is that instead of using a dial on the machine to choose your material, that option will come up in Design Space for you to choose Iron-On before cutting.
Dana Brown
Hello. I have a explore one can I make t shirts with that?
Sarah
Hey Dana! You certainly can. The Explore one has an iron-on setting on the dial. :)
Michele Quirin
Should you wash the shirt prior to applying the vinyl?
Sarah
It is recommended to wash the shirt first, but I've done it without washing them first and it's still stayed on really well!
Jennifer Eaves
Can we make cricuit expression?
Joyousmoi
How long does the lettering last?
Jessica
If you follow all the directions exactly your t shirt will probably wear out before the lettering! I've never had the lettering come off first!
Sandra
Thanks for sharing this great tutorial! I use Photoshop ALL the time but have not been able to transfer my designs to my Cricut Explore Air. Can you please tell me how to do this as I have spent HOURS looking on the internet for tutorials or help with this to NO avail!
Lisa Meyers
This is a good read to know how to make a custom shirt cricut. Thank you for sharing!
Jessica
Yay! Oh I am so so glad you love it! Thank you!
Rosemary King
I have cricut explore air .. where would i fine my image from .. i want to yry and print on vinyl and make a t-shirt.. this would be my fIrst try..
Sarah
In Cricut Design Space there are tons of images you can use! Try playing around with that and take advantage of the video tutorials found on cricut website.
NicOle
What cricut did you purchase? Does it come with the black mat?
Sarah
Hey Nicole! The machine used here is a Cricut Explore Air 2. They can be purchased alone or with a bundle that includes some mats and tools.
In Cricut Design Space the canvas shows up black while you are preparing to cut. The standard grip mat, used to cut iron-on and vinyl and things like that, is green!
Alisa Thompson
Would you be able to do this with the expression 2 or does it need to be an air
Sarah
I don't think you are able to upload your own designs with the expression 2 - and I know that machine cuts vinyl but I'm not sure about Iron-On! I'm sorry! I wish I could be more help. My first machine was a Cricut Explore and you can do all of this with one of those for sure.
Court
Did everything you need come in the Box with your machine? Or what additional items would need purchased to make shirts?
Sandra Jimenez
How much roughly does it cost to make 1 tee-shirt on your own cricut machine?
Jessica
Well if you have the t shirt and the vinyl then it is free! Vinyl costs about $10 a roll, but you can make a lot more than one t-shirt with it. I can usually find cute plain t shirts on sale at Target/Walmart/Old Navy or Amazon for around $5, so it is definitely pretty cost effective and gets you exactly what you want!
Ashton
So I just received the Cricut Maker for Christmas. I am a beginner being that this is my first experience with a Cricut ever. I'm slowly acquiring all of the tools that I need and even some that at the moment I don't need. My question is about iron on vinyl. I want to make custom shirts with my two dogs on them. Is there any printable iron on vinyl that you'd recommend? Does it even exist? Any tips/tricks would be greatly appreciated!
Beth Prusse
In your opinion, is a heat press necessary for making t-shirts? I have been wanting to make a t-shirt but am afraid of making one and the vinyl coming off because I didn't use a heat press..
Sarah @ Pretty Providence
Definitely not! I always just use an iron. You just want to make sure you iron really well.. I press my iron down in a circlular motion for a few minutes and it works great.
Beth Prusse
Thank you so much!!
Denise
Can this machine be used for making several shirts of the same kind?
Sarah + Jessica
Yes! It's easy to cut the same design multiple times.
[image: Facebook] [image: Twitter] [image: Google Plus Page] [image: pinterest] [image: Instagram]
Jordana Zachara
The vinyl doesn't come off when washed?
Sarah + Jessica
When you use heat transfer vinyl, it is recommended to turn the shirt inside out to wash it. In my experience the vinyl will stay on well for quite a while if you follow those directions and don't wash it every day. :)
Sarah + Jessica
Nope!! I’ve washed mine dozens of times! Crazy huh?!
Sarah Noelle Hicks
Which Cricut do you have? I love this idea and I'm looking into purchasing one!
Sarah + Jessica
I have the Cricut explore air! but they just came out with a new machine that is AMAZING too!
[image: Facebook] [image: Twitter] [image: Google Plus Page] [image: pinterest] [image: Instagram]
Natalia Califano
I want to maybe start a little t-shirt business, you recommend this item? Does the transfer show outline edges ?
Sarah @ Pretty Providence
Hey Natalia! Nope, the transfer does not show any outline edges. It's really clean! I have never done more than just making shirts here and there when I have the itch so I'm not sure! I do have a friend who has a vinyl business and uses this machine for that. I think it's probably great for it!? Best of luck!!!