Cricut Infusible Ink – Ultimate Guide

Updated for 2023! What is Cricut Infusible Ink? What blanks can you use with Infusible Ink? How does Infusible Ink work? What machines can you use with Infusible Ink? I’ll answer all of these questions and more in this complete guide to Cricut Infusible Ink! If you’ve ever wanted to know more about Infusible Ink, keep reading for all of the details. You will be shocked at how much fun it is to use Infusible Ink!

What is Cricut Infusible Ink?

Cricut Infusible Ink is a brand new line of transfer products that create permanent, vivid, crack-proof, and peel-proof finished projects including shirts, coasters, tote bags, mugs, and more! It launched in June 2019 exclusively at Michaels stores with a line of products and compatible blanks (shirts & coasters).

UPDATED POST: Where to Get the Best Sublimation Blanks for Infusible Ink Projects

It is now available online at Cricut as well as a variety of retailers including Joann, Michaels, Walmart, and Target. Infusible Ink can be used with any of the new machines: Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Explore 3, Cricut Maker, Cricut Maker 3, or Cricut Joy.

Are you looking for the projects that I’ve made with Cricut Infusible Ink? See my Infusible Ink Cricut projects in the following posts:

Are you looking for the projects that I’ve made with Cricut Infusible Ink? See those tutorials in the following posts:

• Cricut Infusible Ink Tote Bag
• Infusible Ink Baby Onesie with Transfer Sheets
• How to Make Cricut Infusible Ink Coasters
• Cricut Infusible Ink Watercolor Coasters
• DIY Mermaid Pencil Case with Infusible Ink Pens
• Unicorn Notebook with Infusible Ink and Vinyl

How does Infusible Ink work?

Infusible Ink is basically a transfer product – it works by a physical process called sublimation – turning a solid ink into gas with heat, skipping the liquid stage. This process creates a permanent bond with the appropriate material you are transferring your design to – it EMBEDS into the material and does not sit on top of the material like iron on or adhesive vinyl!

No more fading, cracking, or peeling of your finished project – the results are vivid and permanent! It’s unlike anything else that Cricut offers in its product line.

I was one of the first people to get to use Infusible Ink, and it was incredible to see a new product in action before it launched to the public. From a new line of transfer products including sheets and pens, plus a line of Infusible Ink compatible blanks, there’s so many products you can make!

Cricut Infusible Ink Products

What do you Need to get started with Infusible Ink?

Here are a basic list of supplies you need to use to make Cricut Infusible Ink Projects, like a shirt or coasters.

• Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air Series Machine
• Cricut Standard Grip Mat
• Cricut EasyPress
• Cricut EasyPress Mat
• Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet
• Cricut Infusible Ink Markers
• White Laser Copy Paper or Sublimation Paper
• Cricut Blank Shirt
• Cricut Blank Baby Body Suit
• Cricut Infusible Ink Compatible Coasters
• Lint Roller
• Butcher Paper (starter sheets come in transfer sheet package)
• White Cardstock (to protect your EasyPress Mat)

What are Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets?

Cricut launched a line of Infusible Ink Transfer sheets that seem similar to vinyl, but are actually quite different. The transfer sheets are more like a “paper” than vinyl and requires a different weeding process. It has a carrier sheet, and can still be cut into precise designs and applied to a variety of materials, just like vinyl.

Unlike vinyl, the final design becomes part of the fabric or other base material: it is PERMANENT, machine washable, and is similar to a professional level heat transfer product. It is now available in a variety of solid colors and patterns in vibrant colors.

SHOP Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets

What are Cricut Infusible Ink Pens?

In addition to transfer sheets, Cricut launched a series of Infusible Ink pens and markers that can be used with the “Draw” feature of your machine, or used freehand.

They contain a special kind of sublimation ink that when heated can be applied to compatible sublimation blanks. The Infusible Ink pens are probably my FAVORITE product and I love using them to create artwork like for these DIY Watercolor Coasters.

NEW: Cricut has launched a whole new collection of colors PLUS a set of Infusible Ink pens just for using freehand!

Shop Cricut Infusible Ink Pens and Markers

What Blanks Can Be Used With Cricut Infusible Ink?

Updated for 2023: Get the BEST Sublimation Blanks for Infusible Ink Projects

Cricut has also designed a line of Infusible Ink Compatible Cricut Blanks that are specifically designed to be compatible with Infusible Ink products.

In the new Infusible Ink Compatible Blank products (with more to come in the future), there are shirts (that are so soft!), baby bodysuit (onesies), tote bags, coasters, mugs, pillow cases, and wine bags. Cricut Infusible Ink System materials are especially designed to make sure you achieve professional results every time with your Infusible Ink projects – but they are not the only products that work with Infusible Ink sheets and pens.

Because Infusible Ink uses the process of sublimation, it is compatible with a particular material that is in a variety of products. Sublimation works with polyester based materials and coatings, as it can accept the inks that are used in a variety of sublimation products on the market. If it is difficult to find an Infusible Ink blank that you love, I highly recommend searching Amazon for “sublimation blanks.”

Does that mean that all materials or blanks that work with sublimation will work with Infusible Ink? I can’t guarantee that. For best results, definitely use Cricut made blanks. But, here are a list of blanks available on Amazon that should work reasonably well.

Because Infusible Ink uses the process of sublimation, it is compatible with a particular material that is in a variety of products. Sublimation works with polyester based materials and coatings, as it can accept the inks that are used in a variety of sublimation products on the market.

Does that mean that all materials or blanks that work with sublimation will work with Infusible Ink? I can’t guarantee that. For best results, definitely use Cricut made blanks. But, here are a list of blanks available on Amazon that should work reasonably well.

• Sublimation Mouse Pads
• Sublimation Puzzles
• Women’s Performance Shirt
• Sublimation Key Rings
• Sublimation Compatible Mugs (MUST use mugs that are coated with polyester)

As I find products I like, I also add them to the Infusible Ink and Sublimation list on my Amazon Influencer page.

What Heating Methods can be used with Cricut’s Infusible Ink?

Because Cricut Infusible Ink materials require a high heat setting and more precision than traditional irons, it is important to use a heating element like the Cricut EasyPress or a heat press machine. You should NOT use a regular iron. It heats to 400 degrees, and the heat plate is designed to ensure an even temperature across the whole surface of your design. I have not tried a regular heat press, but I know others that have with good results.

You can use an original EasyPress, but Cricut’s support team says that it may take longer to heat and that it may not produce great results each time. To get vibrant designs that will last, be sure to use an EasyPress 2.

Another perk to having a Cricut Easy Press to use with Infusible Ink is that you can use the Cricut Interactive Heat Guide. The Cricut Heat Guide will show you exactly what temperature and time settings to use for a variety of base materials.

As of 2021, there is also a Cricut Mug Press that is available to be used with Infusible Ink to create mugs and tumblers. I absolutely love the Mug Press and I use it all of the time. Make sure you read my entire guide on How to Make a Sublimation Mug! You can even get a heat press designed for mugs (available on Amazon)!

Which Cricut Machine Can I Use with Infusible Ink?

Although Cricut Infusible Ink materials can be used in both the Cricut Explore models and Cricut Maker, I think it’s a great time to get a Cricut Maker. It can cut hundreds of materials, from fabric to paper, leather, balsa wood, and more! The original Maker model is on sale, and it’s a machine that you’ll have for a long time! Cricut Infusible Ink is the latest material in the myriad of cutting materials you can use to create DIY craft projects limited only by your imagination!

In addition to the Explore and Maker models, you can also use Infusible Ink transfer sheets, pens, and markers with the Cricut Joy. Just look for the Cricut Joy branded products – they are sized a little bit smaller to fit the Joy.

How to Use Infusible Ink

If you’re making an Infusible Ink project for the first time, don’t worry! I have several Infusible Ink tutorials with step by step instructions that you can reference to make a successful first project! Definitely check out my entire category of sublimation posts, which include Cricut’s new Infusible ink products as well as sublimation projects that don’t require a Cricut machine. There’s an infusible ink post in there that will be perfect for your first infusible ink project.

The basic process of using Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets, Pens, or Markers is the same as using heat transfer materials. Upload your own cut files or own design, or use Cricut Design Space to cut or draw your design in mirror image. Wipe the material or surface with a lint-free cloth or lint roller. Then place the design face down on your material and secure with heat resistant tape if necessary. Protect your mat with a piece of thick paper (like card stock) and your project with a piece of butcher paper, then heat to the recommended temperature and time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cricut Infusible Ink

I’ve tested a variety of blanks and Infusible Ink materials, and I have some great tips and tricks for you! (Check out all of my Cricut Infusible Ink ideas).

• Do you need a printer for Infusible Ink? You don’t need a sublimation printer for these products. It’s a question I get ALL of the time – Cricut Infusible Ink eliminates the need for a special printer, transfer paper, or ink. The science is all contained right in the Infusible Ink products! Converting a printer is easy though, if you want to try making your own designs!
• Are there Infusible Ink designs in design space? You can use almost all designs for Infusible Ink Projects. I would recommend using designs with thicker lines, at least to start with!
• Is Infusible Ink the same as Heat Transfer Vinyl? No! Cricut’s infusible ink embeds into the polyester of a material and heat transfer vinyl is adhered to the top.
• Can I Use Infusible Ink on Dark Shirts? Infusible Ink works best on LIGHT colored products. I’ve tried it on a gray shirt and a blue shirt, but only with black Infusible Ink Transfer sheets. It works fine, but is not as vibrant as it is on a white shirt. To achieve the most vibrant colors, use a 100% polyester, white shirt.
• Can you use Infusible Ink on a Cotton Shirt? Infusible Ink also works the best on 100% polyester products. It WILL transfer to products that contain less than that, but might appear faded. In addition, the ink can fade in the wash if you use it on a shirt that has less than 100% polyester. I made a shirt for my son that had 60% polyester and it gave it a vintage look that I actually loved. But it is not as vibrant or permanent as other shirts I’ve made.
• Why does Infusible Ink colors look dull? Don’t worry, that’s how it is made! After heating, your final project will have bright colors!
• Can I Use Infusible Ink with a Silhouette Cameo? Yes, you certainly can! If you want to use the pens, you will first need a pen adapter to fit the Silhouette Cameo. Infusible Ink transfer sheets are basically a solid sublimation ink that has a carrier sheet. You may have to play with the settings, but I have seen that the following machine settings will work for transfer sheets: Blade 5, Speed 4, Force 26, 1 Pass.

Tips and Tricks for Using Infusible Ink

• Although I’ve achieved results with other kinds of copy paper, I prefer to work with Laser paper because it is a little thicker.
• Recommended washing instructions: Use cold water without fabric softener or a dryer sheet.
• If you’re making a mug or ceramic coasters and don’t have an EasyPress or Heat Press – make sure you’re using an oven that you DON’T prepare food in. Sublimation is a chemical process. A little counter top toaster oven or convection oven is a great idea, and you should only use it for crafts.
• Make sure your hands are clean and free of lotion or other products when handling transfer sheets – any exposure to moisture can affect the transfer of the ink. Handle them as little as possible and use tweezers to help with weeding.
• As of 2021 when I updated this post, I have tried various sublimation techniques and blanks. As long as you have the necessary materials, you can achieve great results as a home crafter!

I hope you’ve learned a lot about Cricut Infusible Ink. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments! You’ll be so happy you added Infusible Ink to your craft room. There’s no time to waste to try this new thing to take the craft world by storm.

Pin this Guide to Cricut Infusible Ink to reference later!