Hi Daydreamer!
Today you will learn, from start to finish, how to make custom T-shirts with your Cricut Maker or Explore.
One of the biggest reasons people, including myself, buy a Cricut is because you can make beautiful T-shirts. If you have Cricut and haven’t explored this feature yet, I recommend you to do it. If possible today.
Seriously!
I don’t mean to be pushy, but I love all the things you can accomplish with this machine.
On this step by step tutorial, we will be covering the three most important aspects that every custom T-shirt must undergo to have the best possible and long-lasting results.
- Uploading the SVG files to Cricut Design Space and touching things up. I will be providing you with two SVG files for you to follow along as well.
- The cutting and weeding process. I will teach you how to arrange the designs on the MAT as well as the best practices for weeding, plus how to cut it with either the Cricut Maker or Explore Air.
- For transferring the design on your T-Shirt, we will be using both a regular iron and the EasyPress 2, so no matter what you have on hand. I’ve got you covered.
Tip: If you see there’s something that doesn’t quite look the same in the software screenshots (trust me I am working hard to change them) please check out my Stay up to date with Cricut Design Space article so you know what changes you need to keep in mind.
Make a Custom T-Shirt Step by Step Tutorial
Before we get our hands on this project, I want to explain to you how this tutorial will unfold (I don’t want you to get confused).
There are two SVG files that we will be using:
- MOM LIFE #thebestlife
- BABY LIFE #tiredmom
Here’s the thing. Since both files are very similar, I will only explain the Cricut Design Space cutting and weeding steps with the first file MOM LIFE #thebestlife.
However, for the transfer process, I will be using both designs. For the “MOM LIFE” file, I will be using the EasyPress 2. And for the “BABY LIFE” file, I will be using my household iron.
With that said, let’s get started!
Download the files to follow along!
Note: You need to be from a desktop computer
Make sure to follow me on Instagram and tag me so I can see all of your creations! (I’d love to see you over there).
Oh! And just so you know, I also have a FREE growing library with tons of printables and SVG files ready to be cut.
I would love for you to be able to get access to all of them. It’s 100% Free for my daydreamers (aka subscribers) check out a live preview here, or get access here.
Materials
The materials for this project are very simple. Here is a list of everything I used:
- Long Sleeve Black T-shirt & Black Onesie (or any T-shirt you have on hand)
- White Iron On or Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)
- Any of the Cricut Explore Machines or Cricut Maker
- Fine Point Blade & Light Grip Mat (Standard Mat works great too)
- Weeding Tools
- Regular Household Iron Or EasyPress 2
- Small Towel + Parchment Paper
Cricut Design Space Steps
Once you have downloaded the SVG files I provided at the beginning of this tutorial, go ahead and log in on your Cricut Design Space.
If you are a beginner and are still figuring out Cricut’s software, I recommend that you read my fantastic and Ultimate Cricut Design Space tutorial.
Now let’s have some fun!
1. Upload your Files & Attach
After saving your file on your computer, go ahead on and click on the upload option located on the left panel of the canvas area.
As you can see in the screenshot down below, you can now upload an image and or a pattern. Go ahead and click on the upload image button and select the SVG file from your computer. After you do that, the image will appear on recently uploaded images.
Select the uploaded MOM LIFE SVG and then click on insert images.
After clicking on insert images, the file will show up inside the Design Space Canvas area.
Now, it’s time for you to resize the file to fit your T-shirt. You can do this by either selecting all elements and then adjusting the width and the height in the edit panel area, or by dragging the lower right corner of the selection.
After resizing there’s something fundamental you need to do as well. You need to attach all of the elements.
Select all of the layers and then click on Attach located at the bottom of the Layers panel, this will ensure you that when you click on Make it, all of the words remain in the order you see it on the canvas area.
One of my favorite things to do when I am making a T-shirt design is to use templates. This option takes so much pressure off my shoulders, and it gives me the peace of mind to know how my design will look on my T-shirt!
Here is how you do it!
Tip: Use templates to visualize your design
On the left panel of the canvas area, there is an icon called templates. When you click on templates, you will be able to explore all of the surfaces available for you to visualize your design.
For this particular case, I used the classic T-shirt and then I changed the size to small and the color for black because those are the colors I wanted to use for my original design.
There is not always going to be an option for you are looking for. For instance, there was no template for long sleeve t-shirts. However, the short sleeve template helped me to decide the final size of the design as well as the position of where I wanted to transfer.
If you have more doubts about templates, make sure to read my complete guide on how to use them.
Once you attach all of the layers and you are happy with the way your design looks, click on “make it” to send your design to your MAT.
2. Make it – Mirror On Image
We are getting closer to completing our project!
After clicking on “make it,” you will be prompted to connect your machine and follow the cutting process.
However, for Iron-on or HTV projects, it is crucial (EXTREMELY) that you turn on the Mirror Option located on the left panel area.
The reason you need to do this is that when you cut this type of material (Iron on), you are cutting it upside down. Therefore if you forget this vital step – as I have in the past – your design will look backwards on the transferring process.
Not fun at all!
Right?
3. Select Materials:
At this point, all of the steps, I just explained, will work with any of the Explore family machines or the Cricut Maker.
Now, since I want you to be able to create this project no matter what type of machine you have, let me show you the little differences you will see on each machine.
Cricut Maker Instructions: select the material by browsing all of the materials Cricut has to offer. I already had mine marked a favorite, so I was able to pick it from here.
Cricut Explore Air 2 – Instructions: Since you will be using HTV – a very popular material – you need to move the smart set dial to the Iron on option.
Once you do that, Cricut Design Space will show up the material on the screen.
Easy Peasy!
Cutting and Weeding – Best Practices
Finally!
It’s cutting time.
We are using the light-grip blue mat because vinyl is a very thin and light material. If you want to learn more about all of the mat differences, check out my great guide!
Step 1 
Step 2
Step 3
To cut your design to perfection follow the next steps:
Step 1: Place Iron-on vinyl on your mat pretty/shiny side down; this is very important. If you place it the other way, you will not cut the vinyl, but the transparent material that it is adhered to.
If the material seems to have bubbles, you can gently use the scraper to smooth out the vinyl on the mat.
Step 2: Install the fine point blade and load your mat into the Cricut by tapping the little arrow on your Cricut Machine. After you are done with this, go ahead and press the make it button and see the magic happen.
Cricut Design Space will inform you when your design is 100% cut. When this happens, unload the mat to weed out the files.
Step 3: Weed all of the negative parts of your design. I recommend that you open the image again to make sure you cut out the right negative pieces.
I wish I had followed this advice! I removed the “LIFE” part of the file the wrong way, and I had to cut it again. So, take your time and enjoy the process.
I find weeding so relaxing!
Transfer Vinyl to T-Shirt
The moment of truth!
After doing all the steps in Design Space (cutting, and weeding), we are now able to transfer our beautiful design to our T-Shirt.
Yas!
Do you remember I said I was going to use the “BABY LIFE” file at the end of this tutorial? For this part, I will be using a standard household iron and the EasyPress 2.
Also, something to keep in mind and is worth mentioning is that Cricut recommends you prewash your items without any fabric softener before you press them.
However, since I can be a little rebel sometimes, I went online to see other opinions on forums. And I found that people use them on new clothing as well, and never have any problems.
So it’s up to you. In the future, I will plan on comparing how this affects after washing. In the meantime, follow Cricut’s recommendations.
Let’s get started.
Transfer Iron On with EasyPress 2
These instructions also work with the first version of the EasyPress. So you can use that one as well.
The temperature that Cricut recommends for everyday Iron-on as a material and cotton as a base is 330 °F so go ahead and preheat your EasyPress.
f you have other base material or another type of vinyl like foil or glitter, make sure to check Cricut’s guide, for most optimal results.
Check out the next gallery and let’s chat about each step.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 1: Once your EasyPress is preheated, get rid of some of the wrinkles and press for about 5 seconds on the area, you plan to transfer your design.
Step 2: Gently apply pressure for 30 seconds on your design. As you can see, I have the medium-sized press; and since this design was larger than the EasyPress, some areas had to be overlapped.
I pressed for 30 seconds on each side; this is ok for the regular Iron-On, so don’t worry about it. However, if you are working with foil Iron-on try, not to overlap any areas as this material is quite delicate.
After you are done with pressing, turn the T-shirt around and press for about 15 seconds on the back to finish up the process.
Step 3: Wait a little bit until the design has cooled off enough, and then peel it off while it is still warm to the touch.
Learning Experience: If you have the EasyPress Mat, I recommend you to use it, as it allows you to press the garment deeper against the heat, compared to using a firm surface as I did.
If you don’t have it, use a towel between or underneath your T-shirt. It works just as well!
Since I didn’t use the EasyPress with a towel or mat, I had to press the front another couple of times.
You’ve been warned!
Transfer Iron On with Regular Household Iron
Finally, and for the FIRST TIME, I had success with my household Iron! Every single time was just a disaster.
No matter how many tips I saw online, nothing worked until it clicked! What if I use a towel as Cricut Recommends with the EasyPress? The result was mind-blowing.
The thing that I don’t like about the Household Iron is that sometimes you do need specific temperatures for different types of materials. Though this worked like a charm for the first time for me, I have to admit that I still love my EasyPress 2.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 1: Preheat your Regular Iron to the max heat. In the meantime, place a towel inside the onesie. You need to make sure it’s smooth and even across the area that you plan to iron your design.
Step 2: Get rid of wrinkles and press for about 5 seconds wherever you want your design to be located.
Step 3: Place your design and cover it with a thin cloth or with parchment paper (my favorite).
Step 4
Step 5
The reason why I used the parchment paper here and not with the EasyPress is that usually, you will require more heat presses with the regular Iron. So, if you expose your T-Shirt for that long, you will burn your clothing.
It has happened to me, and it can happen to you!
Step 4: Medium press for about 30 seconds on half of the design in a vertical way; then press for another 30 seconds on the right side. After pressing vertically, press horizontally on the top half of the design for 30 seconds, and then the top-bottom for another 30.
Turn around the T-shirt and medium press the back of the onesie (with the parchment paper on top) for about 30 seconds.
Step 5: Wait a little bit until the design has cooled off enough, but peel it off while it is still warm to the touch.
Note: Always allow 24 hours before you wash your brand new T-Shirt. Cricut recommends you dry inside out. However, I follow the garment washing and drying instructions of the base garment I used. Never Bleach!
T-Shirt Making Overview
How to Make Custom T-Shirts with your Cricut
Materials
- Iron On or HTV
- Black Long Sleeve T-Shirt
- Parchment Paper
- Small Towel
Tools
- Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore
- Cricut EasyPress (Optional)
- Regular Iron
- Weeder and Scraper
Instructions
- Upload Design to Cricut Design Space
- Resize, attach, and Make it with Mirror ON* and follow Cutting Instructions
- Load Mat with Iron On material pretty side down** and Fine Point Blade
- Remove from Mat and weed design
- Transfer to your T-shirt*** and peal when backing is still warm to the touch.
- Wait 24 hours before washing. Don't use bleach
Notes
*Always make sure to turn Mirror ON when working with HTV; If not, once cut, your design will be backwards.
** Remember to place Iron On or HTV pretty or Shiny side down.
*** If using a regular Iron, heat to max temperature and cover design with parchment paper to protect garment. Use towel to press against the T-Shirt and the Iron.
If using the EasyPress 2, preheat to 330 °F and press for 30 seconds in front, and then press for 15 seconds on the back. Use Towel or Easypress Mat to press against T-shirt and EasyPress.
Congrats – You are a Pro at making T-shirts with your Cricut
I hope this tutorial was very useful for you. I would love to see your creations.
Do you know that it takes me around 15 hours of work to complete a single Cricut article? I know, it’s crazy! But I like to make sure that you understand EVERYTHING!
I would appreciate your support on Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Facebook as I am trying to grow my audience so I can keep producing great content!
Melissa says
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I just bought my first Cricut today and this got me through printing my first HTV piece (I used a different design). I haven’t ironed it on yet but I can not tell you how much this helped!
Catalina says
I am happy I can help!
Lory Liebegott says
I’ve had a request to make some custom masks for a small Veteran’s organization (using their logo on their patch) I’m wondering if you think it’s possible to do that on a mask made from T-shirt fabric. I was thinking of buying plain white masks and ironing on the patch logo. Just wondering if something like that was possible to make using the circut? I don’t own one but have a niece who does. Any info you could give would be much appreciated…. Thank you!
Catalina says
You absolutely can use iron-on and transfer to your masks. You can follow this tutorial just adjust the project size.
Christine says
Good Morning, Thank you for this video, it is very helpful. Can I ask what font this is? I need to make a shirt to go with these that says;
Big Sister Life
#momshelper
and would like it to match the others
Thank you so much
Catalina says
Of course! Cuddle Buddy and Masterblush. Keep in mind that I made some modifications on Illustrator so it won’t look the same.
Esther says
I’m new to using the Cricut explore air 2, I’m trying to make shirts with different country flags but since they have different colors and some have a picture in the middle I’m not sure how to accomplish that. Could you give me and idea please.
Catalina says
you can layer HTV or you can cut Printable HTV and use print then cut for the entire flag.
Peyton says
I looking at doing this for my small business does the vinyl wash off? Does the quality of the T-shirt meet a standard of being able to sell?
Catalina says
It does wash off when you follow instructions. Before you sell your first T-Shirts test different products, washing, drying so you can be confident on it!
Drea says
I am SUPER brand new, and I didn’t see anything about using transfer tape. How do you use that?
Catalina says
You don’t need to transfer tape with Iron-On. You need to for regular vinyl. Learn more about it in this article.
Ray says
If the vinyl comes off after washing can I press it again or do I start again?
Catalina says
Yes, you can press it again! If it’s Foil Iron-On or specialty vinyl you may get an undesired texture after pressing again.
Dawn says
I have had a couple problems when layering vinyl projects on t shirts. After they wash the top layer seems to start to come off. Any idea why that would be happening? We waited longer than 24 hours to wash and dried inside out. What do you think happened? What extra steps do you use when layering vinyl?
Thanks for the tutorial!
Catalina says
Did you press the second layer with an easypress mat or a towel underneath your shirt? It really makes a difference. Also what type of layer was the first one. Check out the “how to layer up HTV section” in this complete Iron-On tutorial.
Kaylee Dean says
This tutorial is perfect! I love the step by step. I do have a few questions. Will my Mini easy press work for making shirts? If i have an easy press mat, do I put that inside the shirt when transferring the vinyl with the Easy Press or do I put the mat underneath the shirt? I’m looking forward to using your tutorial to make my first shirt, very soon!
Catalina says
The EP mini is for small projects, you can do t-shirts for small designs, but if you’re planning on doing something big, I recommend you use the regular press or an iron. For the heat may you can do it either way. Sometimes if seams are on the way I put it in between the shirt. Just make sure your T-shirt doesn’t stretch out.
Tina says
Thank you
Catalina says
You’re welcome!
Kristi says
This was great, I’ve been so nervous to try…had been putting it off! More confident now! Following for more encouragement, thank you!
Catalina says
This makes me very happy!
Mary says
Any chance you might have a video as well? I didn’t check Youtube.com, but I will! 😀 Thanks!
Catalina says
It’s in my to do list! 🙂
Deanne says
How long will the design hold up? I’m looking to do shirts for the finances bee business and seeing if it’s worth my time.
Catalina says
Hi Deanne, I wear this t-shirt very often. It’s been a year since I made this project, and it looks perfect. In fact, the T-Shirt is what looks old now (not the vinyl).
Amy Hawkin says
Thank you so much for this article. It was very helpful as an into. I will be checking out more of your articles.
Catalina says
You’re very welcome 🙂
Cindy says
I am not able to find the files to download
Catalina says
You had to right click and save them. However, I finally found a way to add download buttons.
Betty says
I am confused about how the transfer paper works if it’s backwards. The part that needs to iron on to shirt has paper on it.
Catalina says
I know it sounds weird. But if you don’t mirror it, your design will be backward when you transfer it; this is because the carrier sheet is will be attached to the front of the design and not the back of the material, and when you cut with your Cricut you have to cut the backside, not the front.
I hope it makes sense.
Jes says
Where do I find the shirt template if I am working on my iPhone ?
Catalina says
Hi Jes,
Templates are only available when using Design Space from a Desktop computer.
Cris Lemire says
Hi Catalina!!
Thanks so much for the awesome tute and actually all of them you have posted! I read 2 then became a member! I’ve just finished making my 1st tee using all your instructions.
1 question tho’… how do you get the mat to be white in the ‘make it’ view? Mine is black … also how did you change the template tee color to black as there mine shows white.
TYVMIA! <3 – Cris
Catalina says
Hi Cris, my mat is white because the color of the design was white. About the templates, you can find all about them here.
Sarah Wiley says
What font did you use for the hashtags? I would love to do “tiredmoms
Catalina says
Hi Sarah, I used the font Masterblush.
However, I made it thicker in Adobe Illustrator; therefore it won’t look quite the same.
Grace says
Thanks for the tutorial . Pls can you share the name of the fonts used for the files,?
Catalina says
Yes. The fonts are Masterblush and Cuddle Budy!
Linda Mack says
This is the best tutorial I have ever seen. I’ve never heard of the template button until now. Thank you!
Catalina says
Thank you, Linda! I am glad I was able to help.
Leontine says
Hi Catalina
Not often do I read a set of instructions that are so easy to understand, so well written grammatically and in other ways, and so well structured as yours. I do quite a bit of instruction writing also for my web design business so it doesn’t suprise me that it took you 15 hours to write this post. You must be a lot like me, trying to be as perfect as possible with all you do and you certainly succeeded here.
I have one question. Regarding the parchment paper. I don’t have any so I can’t remember what it looks like. Doesn’t this paper have a shiny and a matte side? If it does, which side faces up when you iron?
Thank you so much, Catalina, for all the work you put in to help others!
Catalina says
Hi Leontine,
Thank you for your kind words (they really motivate me.) Regarding your question, you can use a thin cloth as well, or when you go to the store look in the kitchen section, it will have its name all over.
Have a great day!
Beej says
Thank you for sharing, great job.
Question please, is your svg for personal use only? TIA
Catalina says
Hi Beej, you are welcome!
Yep, my SVG files are for personal use only.
Have a lovely day!
Katie says
Thank you for all amazing tutorial. Your instructions could not have been easier for a beginner. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Curious to see what your thoughts are when it comes to using an Easy Press Mat in place of the towel, when using a regular iron.
Catalina says
Hi Katie,
I think they will be even better. I got my Easypress Mat the other day and I like it tons!
Kate says
I already have the Cricut maker and will be purchasing the EasyPress 2 this week. I have 2 questions.
1. Which size press would you recommend 9×9 or 12×10? (I know I don’t want the smallest 6×7)
2. Am I understanding your tutorial correctly in that when using the easy press I don’t need to use any type of cover sheet (Teflon or parchment)?
Catalina says
Hi Kate!
I have the 9×9 and this works perfect if you are working with vinyl. However, if you want to work with Infusible Ink and want to create large projects I recommend you get the 12×10.
You can still use it with smaller projects if you Isolate the Area from any seams.
I hope this makes sense! Have a great day.
Stacey says
My daughters bought me an explore air 2 last Christmas and I have only used it a few times. I really love it though! Just have to make more time to use it and figure out the ins and outs. Tutorials like your really help a lot! I bought an easy press a couple of months ago but have not had the time to use it yet. I see the infusible ink being demonstrated and promoted now. Does that make the vinyl and easy press obsolete?
Catalina says
Hi Stacey!
I am glad I can help. Infusible Ink will never replace Iron-On because Infusible Ink can only be used with light and polyester coated materials. The same goes for the Easypress, you can still use it with Iron-On and you definitely need it for Infusible Ink.
If you want to learn how to make T-Shirts with Infusible Ink, check out my tutorial.
Lynn says
Used your tute to make me a T-shirt just now. Thanks so much! It was soooo helpful!
Catalina says
That’s awesome Lynn! Glad I was able to help
Yamira says
Excellent! I love how you explained everything. I will try the parchment paper. Thank you!
Catalina says
Great! Let me know how it goes
Lynn says
Great learning tool! I will be referring to it as I do t-shirts. Thanks so much for sharing!
Catalina says
Happy to hear Lynn! I am glad this tutorial was a great help for you
Christina says
Where is the best place to design what you want on your tee to be able to make it compatible with Cricut design space?
Catalina says
Hi Christina!
There are many software options. If you are getting started you can start within Cricut Design Space. Or if you feel like learning more advanced skills you can use Inkscape (free). However, I love and use Adobe Illustrator.
Calandra says
I love the fonts you used!! Do you mind sharing the name of the fonts and where they can be found?
Catalina says
Hi Calandra of course. I used a font called Cuddle Budy. Here’s the link for you to get it: https://fontbundles.net/theinkaffair/148222-cuddle-buddy-a-cute-playful-font
Have a great day 🙂
Tammy Cronk says
Excellent , Thank you!!!
Catalina says
You’re very welcome Tammy
Joy says
I have the first Easy Press and the first time out the design came off the first day my daughter wore it. This was before the new vinyls that are stronger. So, I will be trying again.
Catalina says
Hi Joy! I recomend you to use the towel or the Cricut Easypress Mat. Let me know how it goes!
Leoni says
Thanks so much for this! I have been curious what the shirts look like when pressed on with the vinyl.
Does the print stay on quite long after washing it a couple of times? I have been using print-on-demand for my shirts but would like to be in control of the design, colors and outcome a little more as you never know what will arrive at your doorstep – I had to return it so many times.
Catalina says
Hi Leoni!
The vinyl should be sort of melted into the fabric. But watch out to not melt vinyl by applying a lot of heat. You just need to make sure that both fabric and Iron On are bonded. I haven’t used printable vinyl so I can’t give you an honest answer. However, regular vinyl should last a long time, it will last as long as your shirt. I have not had problems with any of my T-Shirts.
I hope this helps!
Bethany Oliver says
Very nice tutorial and I love how you shared what worked and didn’t for you! Thank you!
Catalina says
Thank you Bethany! Yes I feel is very important to be honest and share our experiences as we go. I make tons of mistakes and if I can avoid you the headache then that makes me happy!
Nora Ladd says
Thanks for the advice. I am interested in getting a cricut machine to design my own t-shirts for my business but don’t know where to start. I have an idea to use a picture and add a saying. Is that possible?
Catalina says
Hi Nora! Yes you can… Picture work a little different you need something called printable vinyl or sublimation. Basically, you print your design, cut it and then you transfer to your T-Shirt. I have an article on how to do this pretty soon too.
Carol Hoey says
Is it possible to print a full colour image onto a t-shirt?
Catalina says
Hi Carol, yes you can!
However, you need to use a material called Printable Heat Transfer Vinyl.
Ruthie Rosario says
Wow ! You could have not explained it better . Thank you sooo much !!!
Catalina says
I am so happy I could help! Have a great day. Happy cutting 🙂
Regina says
I love this step by step instructions you make it very easy to follow. I am going to make this for my daughter and grandson.
Catalina says
That’s awesome! I am so happy I can help you on your journey 🙂
Jill says
Thanks so much Catalina! Your instructions were so clear and easy to follow. Great job!!
Catalina says
You are very welcome!