All the answers you need to know about Cricut’s lineup of heat presses, including what you can do with an EasyPress, Hat Press, Mug Press and Autopress. If you are wondering if a Cricut heat press is worth it, keep reading!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine. This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for details.
I reach for my Cricut machines for all sorts of projects and making custom shirts and personalized gifts are definitely at the top of that list. A lot of these types of projects involve heat-transfer materials and my Cricut heat presses.
Today we’re doing a deep dive into everything Cricut heat presses: what they are, how they work, what you can do with them, and if they’re really worth buying.
I’m also sharing the tutorial for this adorable birthday shirt I made for Logan–it’s hard to believe he turns ONE this week!
<<PIN THE IMAGE BELOW FOR LATER!>>
Cricut Heat Press Overview
What is a Cricut heat press and how do they work?
Cricut heat presses are heat tools designed specifically for adding heat-transfer materials (also known as HTV or iron-on material) to your projects. Unlike a household iron, Cricut’s heat presses give you fast, even heat and digital controls so you can get flawless heat transfer results every time.
Since the release of the original EasyPress in 2017, Cricut’s family of heat presses has expanded to include three different sizes of EasyPress 3’s plus a few heat presses for specialty projects like hats and mugs. They can be used to make projects like t-shirts, bags, pillows, banners, shoes, hats, blankets, and much more.
Cricut’s heat presses plug into a standard outlet and give you full control over the temperature settings (the new EasyPress 3 adjusts automatically when synced with the Cricut Heat app!). They also have built-in time settings which come in very handy while making projects. And unlike a regular iron, these heat presses all have safety features built right in.
The entire family of Cricut machines can cut iron-on material so no matter which machine you own, you’ll be able to combine it’s cutting capabilities with a heat press for really cool heat transfer projects.
What are the different Cricut heat presses?
There are several sizes and styles of Cricut heat presses:
1. Cricut EasyPress 3
The new Cricut EasyPress 3 is a “smart” heat press that connects to your phone via Bluetooth and works with the Cricut Heat app. This flat, handheld heat press comes in two convenient sizes: 9×9 inches and 12×10 inches.
2. Cricut EasyPress Mini
The EasyPress Mini works well for small projects as well as heat transfers onto unusual objects with curves and contours. It’s also very handy for sewing projects and the pointed tip can squeeze into seams and between buttons.
3. Cricut Mug Press
Make pro-looking mugs in minutes with the Mug Press, one of Cricut’s specialty heat presses. Add any design you’d like to a coffee mug–great for personalized gifts!
4. Cricut Hat Press
The Hat Press is another specialty heat press that gives you flawless heat transfers on hats. Create custom hats with any design you create in Cricut Design Space, how cool is that?!
5. Cricut Autopress
The Autopress is designed for those who create heat transfer projects in bulk (like those who own a t-shirt business, for example). It’s an automated heat press with a 15×12 inch heat plate that merges commercial power with a home-friendly design. It’s loaded with automated features that save you time and guesswork.
What’s the Cricut Heat App?
The new Cricut heat app (available for both iOS and Android) takes all the guesswork out of heat transfer projects. It’s really convenient! It connects directly to the EasyPress 3 using Bluetooth technology so you can send precise time and temperature settings with a single tap.
Cricut Heat also includes details how-to guides that will walk you through each step of your project so you’ll never forget a press or wonder if you need a warm or cold peel. The visual prompts are very helpful and easy to follow. I’m especially loving all the prompts during Infusible Ink projects because I always seem to mix up the order of the steps!
What’s the difference between the Cricut EasyPress 2 vs EasyPress 3?
Both include great features like even heating and accurate time and temperature controls. What sets the EasyPress 3 apart is its built-in Bluetooth technology that allows it to conveniently connect to your phone so you can control it via the Cricut Heat App.
The EasyPress 2 is still a great option but since it isn’t a “smart” heat press, you’ll need to refer to the Cricut heat guide and manually plug in the settings for your project.
What can you do with a Cricut heat press?
What kinds of projects can you make with a Cricut heat press?
You can make so many cool Cricut projects with a heat press. I personally use my EasyPress a lot for creating custom t-shirts with iron-on material. And my EasyPress Mini has come in so handy for smaller craft projects like handmade gifts and personalizing items. I also own the Mug Press and it’s so fun to create custom mugs!
Here are some examples of heat press projects:
- Custom Shirts
- Tote Bags / Canvas Bags
- Coffee Mugs
- Monogrammed Gifts
- Hats & Visors
- Makeup Bags
- Decorative Wood Signs
- Fabric Banners
- Wall Decor
- Aprons
- Sneakers
- Tea Towels
- Pillows
- Coasters
- Gift Bags
- And so much more!
Click the images below to check out some of my past heat transfer projects:
Here’s a quick tutorial for this adorable first birthday onesie I made for my son the other day. It’s so crazy to me that I can make custom shirts like this!
DIY First Birthday Onesie With Cricut Iron-On
Learn how to make a custom baby onesie for their first birthday party! This Cricut project uses iron-on material and the EasyPress 3. This heat-transfer project is great for beginners!
Materials
Tools
Instructions
Prep
- Open the project in Cricut Design Space. If you want to alter the size, select Customize and use the Edit panel tools to make any changes before you cut. If you don't need to make adjustments, click Make It.
Cut
- Mirror the image in Design Space and place the iron-on material on your machine mat, shiny side down.
- Follow the prompts in Design Space to cut the design.
Assemble
- Use a weeding tool to remove the negative pieces so your design remains on the clear liner.
- Apply the iron-on layers to your onesie using your Cricut EasyPress and EasyPress Mat. Use the Cricut Heat app or heat guide to find the optimal time and temperature settings for the iron-on material you're using and the onesie material.
Notes
This design is sized to fit a 9-12 month bodysuit. Click customize to resize the design before cutting.
What materials are compatible with a Cricut heat press?
You can use a few different materials to create heat-transfer projects with your Cricut cutting machine. Iron-on vinyl (often referred to as heat transfer vinyl or HTV), Infusible Ink transfer sheets and pens, and sublimation transfers all work with your Cricut heat press. And any base material or blank that’s compatible with your heat-transfer material will work.
Is a Cricut heat press worth it?
If you’re considering buying a Cricut heat press, you’re probably wondering if they’re really a must-have. And the honest answer is no, you could probably get by with your standard home iron for occasional iron-on projects.
But if you are a regular crafter and love making things like custom shirts, personalized gifts, DIY mugs, and more, then you’re going to LOVE having a Cricut heat press. They’ll give you the best results and their ease of use can’t be beat. Once you own one, you’ll wonder how you ever crafted without it!
My EasyPress and EasyPress Mini are mainstays in my craft room, and I find myself reaching for them for all sorts of projects. Whether I’m whipping up a quick shirt for my son’s first birthday or adding monograms to makeup bags for my sister’s wedding, my EasyPresses give me professional results every time. I think they’re well worth the investment!
Which Cricut heat press should I get?
With a few sizes of EasyPresses plus the specialty heat presses, you may be wondering which heat press is the best option. Here are a few things to consider when deciding which is the best heat press for you:
- Want to make T-shirts, home decor, custom gifts, etc? You’ll want the EasyPress 3. There are two sizes so choose the one that best matches what kinds of projects you expect to do.
- Making small crafts, personalized gifts, or unusually shaped projects? The petite EasyPress Mini is just what you need!
- Want to make mugs? The Mug Press was made for mugs!
- Want to make hats? The Hat Press makes hat projects a breeze.
- Making projects in bulk? Check out the Cricut Autopress.
If you love a visual, Cricut has an awesome flow chart that will help you decide which Cricut heat press is best for you.
Want to learn more about the Cricut? Check out the rest of my Cricut Basics blog posts:
- Cricut Comparison Guide | Which is the best Cricut machine?
- How To Make Cards With Cricut Joy | Insert Card & Cutaway Card Tutorial
- How To Use The Cricut Mug Press With Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets
- What is the Cricut Joy and what materials does it cut?
Have a fantastic day!
