This post is sponsored by Cricut, but all opinions are my own.

It’s time for another upgrade to the Cricut machines—meet Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Maker 4! These are the next generation of Cricut machines and in this post, we’ll specifically talk about the features of the new Cricut Explore 4 and how it compares to the other Cricut Explore machines. You can also check out my overview of Cricut Maker 4, if you want to learn about Cricut’s top-of-the line machine.

If you have any questions about anything in this post, let me know in the comments!

What is Cricut Explore 4?

Cricut Explore 4 is the newest generation of Cricut cutting machines, which also includes Cricut Maker 4. These machines are a minor upgrade over the 3-series machines that were released in 2021, and have features that make crafting faster and more affordable.

In the Cricut Explore 4 Box

To make getting started with your new Cricut even easier, Cricut has included more in the box than they have in past machines. You’ll get the machine itself, a USB cord, a power cord, a Fine Point Blade and housing (installed in the machine), a welcome book, a small weeding tool, a black pen, a blue cutting mat, and a nice selection of practice materials that can make up to 10 small projects. This means you are buying less alongside your machine, which definitely makes it easier to get started.

Connect the power cord to the back of your machine and plug the other end into an outlet. Click the power button to turn it on. It’ll make some noises—you’re ready to begin!

Setting Up Your Cricut Explore 4

To connect your Cricut Explore 4, sign into Cricut Design Space (create an account if you don’t have one already) and then click on the top left menu and select New Product Setup.

From there, you can select your new machine and follow the on-screen instructions to get it hooked up to your computer. This will change whether or not you want to use the USB cord or Bluetooth, and which type of device you are using (Mac vs. PC; computer vs. a mobile device, etc.).

Once your machine is connected, you’ll have the option to do a test project cutting out a vinyl decal of the Cricut logo. Design Space will walk you through all the steps for setting up this project. If this is your first Cricut, I highly recommend walking through this sample project just to give you an idea of how to make a project using your Cricut.

How is Cricut Explore 4 different than Cricut Explore 3?

This is a small upgrade to the machines, so if you already have Cricut Explore 3, don’t feel like you need to rush out and get Cricut Explore 4 (unless you want to!). All of the blades, tools, mats, and accessories that work in your Cricut Explore, Cricut Explore One, Cricut Explore Air 2, and Cricut Explore 3 will work in Cricut Explore 4.

Here’s how the two machines differ from each other.

Speed

The biggest upgrade to the machine is the speed. It’s can cut up to twice as fast as Cricut Explore 3 (and that machine is fast!) and now includes cutting on a mat. This is new compared to Cricut Explore 3, and makes it a great upgrade particularly for paper crafters who must us a mat.

I decided to put this to the test with three projects: cardstock, print then cut, and removable Smart Vinyl. I cut the first on my Maker machines, and the other two on my Explore machines, but your results should be similar no matter which machine you have. Your speed will also depend on the intricacy of your design as well as your material. For example, your machine can’t move as fast cutting a detailed design as it can with a big simple shape. And it can’t foil as fast as it can cut a vinyl because it will tear the foil.

For most of my tests, my new Cricut did have more “thinking” time before it cut, but it still ended up being faster than the 3-series machine. I remember this being the case when I was comparing my 3-series machines to my older machines and over time, they did actually get faster. I think software updates helped.

Cardstock

For the cardstock, my Cricut Maker 3 cut it in 2:24 while my Cricut Maker 4 beat that with 1:43. It did have quite a bit of thinking time before it started to cut, but once it started, my Cricut Maker 4 flew through the processing. This was a somewhat intricate heart design cut at 11″ tall.

Print then Cut

For this test, I had each machine cut out six stickers. Again, there was quite a lot of thinking time before it started to cut, but it still ended up finishing before my Cricut Explore 3.

Smart Vinyl

For this one I used the same intricate heart design, but I cut it at 3″ tall. That means that the Cricut doesn’t have quite as much time moving on the rollers. For this one, the time was nearly identical, with the new machine actually being about a second slower than my Cricut Explore 3, because of that thinking time I mentioned. If it’s the same as the 3-series machines, that lag time will improve over time.

Ease of Use

Cricut also wanted to make it easier for people to get started using their Cricut machines without having to spend even more money on accessories. That’s why this machine includes even more in the box, including more practice materials, a blue cutting mat, a weeding tool, and a pen. You really can get started with your Cricut without having to buy anything else right off the bat. Then, once you’re comfortable, you can grab more materials or Cricut tools to make your crafting even easier.

Here are the materials you’ll get in the box, along with everything else:

• 3 sheets of Smart Vinyl (13″ x 6″)
• 2 sheets of cardstock (11″ x 4.25″)
• 2 pieces of transfer tape (12″ x 6″)
• 1 sheet of Smart Iron-On (13″ x 6″)

These should allow you to make up to 10 projects that are around 4″ x 6″ (think things like mugs, baby bodysuits, labels, cards, etc.).

Cost

Cricut also knows that money is tighter for folks, so they’ve worked to get the retail price point of this machine lower than the price point when Cricut Explore 3 launched. Cricut Explore 4 will come in at just $249, whereas Cricut Explore 3 was $319 when launched.

Color

Of course, there are new colors for this machine launch—seashell and sage. Both of my new machines are the seashell color. In the US, Mexico, and Canada, Cricut Explore 4 will be available in seashell (all retailers) and sage (Michaels only, in a bundle). Outside of the US, Mexico, and Canada, Cricut Explore 4 will only be available in sage.

These colors are specifically designed to fit in with home decor, vs. the bright and colorful machines we’ve seen in the past (particularly with Cricut Explore Air 2). The Cricut Maker 4 has a glossy finish with a metallic lid, and the Cricut Explore 4 has a matte finish.

Seashell is a soft neutral color, bordering on rose gold just a bit. The sage is a moody greenish blue color. Both of these machines would look nice sitting on a shelf in a living room or den, not just a colorful craft room.

I only have the seashell, but as you can see here, it’s a pretty neutral pinkish color.

This is a small detail, but I appreciate it. The plug for the new machines has the cord at a 90° angle. This means you need less space behind the machine while storing it with it plugged in, and because it’s a circle, you can aim that cord in either direction depending on your needs.

I want every single crafting machine I have to have a plug that does this right angle, please.

These are the differences between Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Explore 3. If you want to see how these compare to the other Explore machines, check out my post Cricut Explore 3 vs Cricut Explore Air 2. This post will walk you through the differences in the anatomy of the machine as well as using Cricut Smart Materials without a mat.

Cricut Explore 4 Essentials Bundle

I mentioned above that the sage color is only available in the US as a part of a bundle at Michaels. This is a great deal to get even more materials and tools to start with. In addition to everything that comes in the box above, you’ll also get:

• 6 sheets of Smart Vinyl (13″ x 12″)
• 6 sheets of cardstock (12″ x 12″)
• 5 sheets of transfer tape (12″ x 6″)
• 6 sheets of Smart Iron On (13″ x 12″)

You’ll also get a set of tools that includes a weeder, scraper, spatula, and scoring stylus, as well as a StandardGrip mat and two fine-point pens. This bundle will retail at $299.99.

Is Cricut Getting Rid of the Cricut Explore Air 2 or Cricut Explore 3?

In the past few years, Cricut has slowed down sales of the Explore Air 2 and other Explore machines, though you can still buy refurbished machines on their site. They have no plans to stop selling Cricut Explore 3 at this time, though you might expect to see Cricut Explore 4 on store shelves moving forward.

BUT don’t worry—support for all of the Cricut Explore machines isn’t going anywhere. Because these new machines are within the same “ecosystem” as the original machines (meaning they use the same mats, blades, tools, and accessories), support for these machines will still be readily available.

Should I Upgrade to the Cricut Explore 4?

So the big question is—should you upgrade to the new Cricut Explore 4?

I like to look at this machine sort of like you would the next generation of your phone. If you want all the latest and greatest updates (in this case, faster cutting and maybe a different color), then you probably want to get the Cricut Explore 4 or upgrade to the Cricut Maker 4 to be able to use even more tools and materials.

If you are happy with your current machine, you don’t need to upgrade at this time. Like you would with a phone or other device, you sort of know when it’s time to upgrade. And when you do, I definitely recommend one of the two new 4-series machines, depending on your needs.

If this is your *first* Cricut, then I also recommend getting Cricut Explore 4 over Cricut Explore or Cricut Explore 3. It has all of the same features as the other machines, but it’ll be even faster.

I hope you found this post helpful as an overview of the new Cricut Explore 4! If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer them or track down answers if I don’t know myself!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Cricut Explore 4 appeared first on Hey, Let's Make Stuff.

This post is sponsored by Cricut, but all opinions are my own.

It’s time for another upgrade to the Cricut machines—meet Cricut Maker 4 and Cricut Explore 4! These are the next generation of Cricut machines and in this post, we’ll specifically talk about the features of the new Cricut Maker 4 and how it compares to the other Cricut Maker machines. You can also check out my overview of Cricut Explore 4.

If you have any questions about anything in this post, let me know in the comments!

What is Cricut Maker 4?

Cricut Maker 4 is the newest generation of Cricut cutting machines, which also includes Cricut Explore 4. These machines are a minor upgrade over the 3-series machines that were released in 2021, and have features that make crafting faster and more affordable.

In the Cricut Maker 4 Box

To make getting started with your new Cricut even easier, Cricut has included more in the box than they have in past machines. You’ll get the machine itself, a USB cord, a power cord, a Fine Point Blade and housing (installed in the machine), a welcome book, a small weeding tool, a black pen, a blue cutting mat, and a nice selection of practice materials that can make up to 10 small projects. This means you are buying less alongside your machine, which definitely makes it easier to get started.

Connect the power cord to the back of your machine and plug the other end into an outlet. Click the power button to turn it on. It’ll make some noises—you’re ready to begin!

Setting Up Your Cricut Maker 4

To connect your Cricut Maker 4, sign into Cricut Design Space (create an account if you don’t have one already) and then click on the top left menu and select New Product Setup.

From there, you can select your new machine and follow the on-screen instructions to get it hooked up to your computer. This will change whether or not you want to use the USB cord or Bluetooth, and which type of device you are using (Mac vs. PC; computer vs. a mobile device, etc.).

Once your machine is connected, you’ll have the option to do a test project cutting out a vinyl decal of the Cricut logo. Design Space will walk you through all the steps for setting up this project. If this is your first Cricut, I highly recommend walking through this sample project just to give you an idea of how to make a project using your Cricut.

How is Cricut Maker 4 different than Cricut Maker 3?

This is a small upgrade to the machines, so if you already have Cricut Maker 3, don’t feel like you need to rush out and get Cricut Maker 4 (unless you want to!). All of the blades, tools, mats, and accessories that work in your Cricut Maker and Cricut Maker 3 will work in Cricut Maker 4.

Here’s how the two machines differ from each other.

Speed

The biggest upgrade to the machine is the speed. It’s can cut up to twice as fast as Cricut Maker 3 (and that machine is fast!) and now includes cutting on a mat. This is new compared to Cricut Maker 3, and makes it a great upgrade particularly for paper crafters who must us a mat.

I decided to put this to the test with three projects: cardstock, print then cut, and removable Smart Vinyl. I cut the first on my Maker machines, and the other two on my Explore machines, but your results should be similar no matter which machine you have. Your speed will also depend on the intricacy of your design as well as your material. For example, your machine can’t move as fast cutting a detailed design as it can with a big simple shape. And it can’t foil as fast as it can cut a vinyl because it will tear the foil.

For most of my tests, my new Cricut did have more “thinking” time before it cut, but it still ended up being faster than the 3-series machine. I remember this being the case when I was comparing my 3-series machines to my older machines and over time, they did actually get faster. I think software updates helped.

Cardstock

For the cardstock, my Cricut Maker 3 cut it in 2:24 while my Cricut Maker 4 beat that with 1:43. It did have quite a bit of thinking time before it started to cut, but once it started, my Cricut Maker 4 flew through the processing. This was a somewhat intricate heart design cut at 11″ tall.

Print then Cut

For this test, I had each machine cut out six stickers. Again, there was quite a lot of thinking time before it started to cut, but it still ended up finishing before my Cricut Explore 3.

Smart Vinyl

For this one I used the same intricate heart design, but I cut it at 3″ tall. That means that the Cricut doesn’t have quite as much time moving on the rollers. For this one, the time was nearly identical, with the new machine actually being about a second slower than my Cricut Explore 3, because of that thinking time I mentioned. If it’s the same as the 3-series machines, that lag time will improve over time.

Ease of Use

Cricut also wanted to make it easier for people to get started using their Cricut machines without having to spend even more money on accessories. That’s why this machine includes even more in the box, including more practice materials, a blue cutting mat, a weeding tool, and a pen. You really can get started with your Cricut without having to buy anything else right off the bat. Then, once you’re comfortable, you can grab more materials or Cricut tools to make your crafting even easier.

Here are the materials you’ll get in the box, along with everything else:

• 3 sheets of Smart Vinyl (13″ x 6″)
• 2 sheets of cardstock (11″ x 4.25″)
• 2 pieces of transfer tape (12″ x 6″)
• 1 sheet of Smart Iron-On (13″ x 6″)

These should allow you to make up to 10 projects that are around 4″ x 6″ (think things like mugs, baby bodysuits, labels, cards, etc.).

Cost

Cricut also knows that money is tighter for folks, so they’ve worked to get the retail price point of this machine lower than the price point when Cricut Maker 3 launched. Cricut Maker 4 will come in at $399, whereas Cricut Maker 3 was $429 when launched.

Color

Of course, there are new colors for this machine launch—seashell and sage. Both of my new machines are the seashell color. In the US, Mexico, and Canada, Cricut Maker 4 will be available in seashell (all retailers) and sage (Michaels only, in a bundle). Outside of the US, Mexico, and Canada, Cricut Maker 4 will only be available in sage.

These colors are specifically designed to fit in with home decor, vs. the bright and colorful machines we’ve seen in the past (particularly with Cricut Explore Air 2). The Cricut Maker 4 has a glossy finish with a metallic lid, and the Cricut Explore 4 has a matte finish.

Seashell is a soft neutral color, bordering on rose gold just a bit. The sage is a moody greenish blue color. Both of these machines would look nice sitting on a shelf in a living room or den, not just a colorful craft room.

I only have the seashell, but as you can see here, it’s a pretty neutral pinkish color.

Plug

This is a small detail, but I appreciate it. The plug for the new machines has the cord at a 90° angle. This means you need less space behind the machine while storing it with it plugged in, and because it’s a circle, you can aim that cord in either direction depending on your needs.

I want every single crafting machine I have to have a plug that does this right angle, please.

These are the differences between Cricut Maker 4 and Cricut Maker 3. If you want to see how these compare to the original Cricut Maker, check out my post Cricut Maker vs. Cricut Maker 3: Which is Best for You? This post will walk you through the differences in the anatomy of the machine as well as using Cricut Smart Materials without a mat.

Cricut Maker 4 Essentials Bundle

I mentioned above that the sage color is only available in the US as a part of a bundle at Michaels. This is a great deal to get even more materials and tools to start with. In addition to everything that comes in the box above, you’ll also get:

• 6 sheets of Smart Vinyl (13″ x 12″)
• 6 sheets of cardstock (12″ x 12″)
• 5 sheets of transfer tape (12″ x 6″)
• 6 sheets of Smart Iron On (13″ x 12″)

You’ll also get a set of tools that includes a weeder, scraper, spatula, and scoring stylus, as well as a StandardGrip mat and two fine-point pens. This bundle will retail at $449.99.

Is Cricut Getting Rid of the Cricut Maker or Cricut Maker 3?

In the past few years, Cricut has slowed down sales of the original Cricut Maker, though you can still buy refurbished machines on their site. They have no plans to stop selling Cricut Maker 3 at this time, though you might expect to see Cricut Maker 4 on store shelves moving forward.

BUT don’t worry—support for Cricut Maker and Cricut Maker 3 isn’t going anywhere. Because these new machines are within the same “ecosystem” as the original machines (meaning they use the same mats, blades, tools, and accessories), support for these machines will still be readily available.

Should I Upgrade to the Cricut Maker 4?

So the big question is—should you upgrade to the new Cricut Maker 4?

I like to look at this machine sort of like you would the next generation of your phone. If you want all the latest and greatest updates (in this case, faster cutting and maybe a different color), then you probably want to get the Cricut Maker 4.

If you are happy with your current machine, you don’t need to upgrade at this time. Like you would with a phone or other device, you sort of know when it’s time to upgrade. And when you do, I definitely recommend one of the two new 4-series machines, depending on your needs.

If this is your *first* Cricut, then I also recommend getting Cricut Maker 4 over Cricut Maker or Cricut Maker 3. It has all of the same features as the other machines, but it’ll be even faster.

I hope you found this post helpful as an overview of the new Cricut Maker 4! If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer them or track down answers if I don’t know myself!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Cricut Maker 4 appeared first on Hey, Let's Make Stuff.

There’s a big trend to create varsity-style hoodies that have collegiate looking numbers on them. In today’s tutorial, we’re going to create a varsity shirt using one of my varsity designs. The crewneck sweatshirt will feature the word MERRY on the front and a big December 25th on the back!

For this project, I’m using a super soft BELLA+CANVAS hoodie in a natural color. Neutrals are also very trendy right now! This is the perfect cozy shirt to wear all holiday season long–and beyond! The numbers are quite large, so I’ll show you how to create the oversized, larger than mat project using your Cricut. You could use this technique to personalize with jersey numbers or any other special number you’d like to show off.

Did you know you can buy BELLA+CANVAS garments at wholesale pricing without a reseller license? Get a BELLA+CANVAS Maker’s Account! This account allows you access to the wholesale side of their business without the need for any permits or licenses. Even better? It’s free! Learn more in my post Buying Wholesale Blanks without a Resale License!

For this project, I’m using this super soft crewneck sweatshirt. BELLA+CANVAS shirts work great with any type of HTV you can imagine!

For this particular project, I’m using a few variations of B-Flex HTV. This HTV is low temp and low time, so it’s really easy to use and it’s fast! It also has a really nice feel and washes well. You can, however, use whatever type of HTV you’d like, in whatever colors you’d like! I used traditional red and green for this one. I know, I know…not my usual colors. But, I thought they accent the natural shirt color well!

Watch the Video

Want a video overview of this Cricut project? Just hit play below! Or keep reading for a written tutorial.

Supplies

• BELLA+CANVAS fleece hoodie or other shirt
• Cricut (I used my Maker 3) or other cutting machine
• Green Standard Grip cutting mat
• Brayer (optional)
• Regular HTV
• Weeding tool
• EasyPress or regular heat press. I used my large WalaPress for this project.

Set up the File in Cricut Design Space

I’m using Cricut Design Space because I am using my Cricut, but the process should be similar in other cutting machine software.

Start by uploading the file you downloaded from my craft library. I am using the December 25 design, but you can choose any design you’d like. You can delete or hide the images you aren’t using.

Start by resizing the image for your sweatshirt. Let’s start with the word Merry. I want to make this basically as big as my mat, so I’m going to lock the dimensions and select 11.5″ wide.

For December, I actually want it larger than 11.5″, so we’ll need to mess with the file a bit. I could’ve built the file larger, but I wanted to show you how you can actually edit it to be larger than your mat. To start, ungroup everything. Let’s start with the word December. Make a copy two copies of December.

Use the contour tool to cut out some of these letters. Let’s keep DECE. Cut out the M and the B and the E and the R plus all of the little pieces inside. Then click out. You are left with just the first three letters.

Do the same with the copy, but contour out the first four letters. Click contour and choose the D, E, C and E and the middle of the D. Then, click out of it. You now have two pieces for December.

Let’s make it a bit bigger. Select both together and make them 12.5″ wide. It’s not much bigger than the mat, but it’s bigger for the shirt and will stand out well. You want to make sure that these stay in two separate pieces, don’t weld them or anything like that. They need to be cut separately.

Now do the same with both pieces of the 25. Make a copy of both numbers.

Go to the first one that’s red and click contour. Contour out to the five.

Do the same with the green and contour out the five.

Now, do the same to the second one by contouring out the two. Now you have two numbers that you can work with separately.

Zoom out a little bit and put the numbers next to each other. Make those 12.5″ wide as well. Now if all of this was together on a single mat, it would be too big, but because we’re cutting it in pieces, we can then piece it together on our sweatshirt.

That’s it! Click Make in the upper right corner. In the Load screen, choose On Mat (unless you are using Smart HTV).

You can see here that it’s sort of putting everything in basically kind of a weird place.

We are going to have to piece everything together, but I think it will be worth it for the back of this shirt. One thing I am going to do is go to my second mat and I’m move the second half of December back to that first mat because it will fit. This will fit easily here below our number. So we have the outline of our number two, the E and the R for Merry and the whole word December.

On our second teal mat we just have the outline of the five.

On mat number three, we have both of our numbers. I’m going to spread them out just a little bit.

And then on mat number four we have M, R, and Y for Merry.

Let’s go back to that first mat and make sure we are mirroring all of our mats. Go back to that first mat and click Continue.

Cricut design space will connect to your machine. I’m going to choose everyday iron on as my project and get everything set up to cut.

Cutting Your HTV

Next it’s time to cut our HTV! I like using a brayer to help adhere the HTV to the mat. Each of these is cut with the shiny carrier sheet down. You can learn more in my post How to Use HTV.

Insert your mat into your Cricut and your Cricut will cut your HTV! Repeat for all of your mats!

Weeding Your HTV

The next step is to remove all of the excess HTV we don’t need in our images. I prefer to weed on the mat. To do this, use a weeding hook to pull up that excess HTV.

If you need help, I have a post called Weeding Iron On Vinyl that offers tips and tricks for making it easy.

Making Your Varsity Christmas Hoodie

All we have left to do is apply our HTV to our shirts!

Start by pre-pressing your shirts for 10-15 seconds. This removes any moisture and gives you a nice flat pressing surface.

Now you need to position your design on the hoodie. I cut my two and my five apart because I think they need to be a little farther apart. I then cut apart the other sections.

Let’s start with the word Merry. Go ahead and center it on your shirt. Normally I do three fingers kind of from the top, but it feels like for this one it’s going to go just a little bit lower.

Then press your project! Make sure you are pressing according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific HTV. Now again, this is a low temp low time press, so it’s only 285 degrees for five or six seconds. You can get away with four seconds on a t-shirt, but I do like for a hoodie to do it for just a little bit longer to make sure it sticks really well.

Then peel back the carrier sheet! Your instructions should say whether or not you should peel it back while it’s warm or cool. If you’re having trouble getting your HTV to stick properly, check out my post Tips to Get HTV Stick and Last Longer.

Then I’ll take my other two letters and repeat the process. If you also have HTV that is not covered by the plastic, grab a piece of cotton or parchment paper to protect that HTV from your press.

Now flip it over and do the back. Let’s start with the word December. Lay out both December and your numbers so you can make sure everything looks good before pressing. Press according to your manufacturer’s instructions.

Then repeat and press the 25 onto the shirt.

And that’s it! This is such a cute varsity-style hoodie! I cannot wait to wear it. If you want to make this hoodie, definitely check out BELLA+CANVAS. They make such a wide variety of garments perfect for all your holiday projects!

The post How to Make a Varsity Style Holiday Hoodie with a Cricut + FREE Christmas SVGs appeared first on Hey, Let's Make Stuff.

Halloween is around the corner and if you’re panicking to make a last-minute costume for your kids (or yourself!), I’ve got you covered! In today’s tutorial, we’re making three EASY costumes using simple BELLA+CANVAS t-shirts and your Cricut or other cutting machine.

These Halloween costume shirts are perfect if you don’t have a lot of time or money to spend on creating an outrageous Halloween costume. You can pair these cute shirts with a colorful tutu, sweat pants, or even jeans. They are also great for being comfortable if your child has an all-day Halloween school event or you want to make your own tee to wear to work.

Did you know you can buy BELLA+CANVAS garments at wholesale pricing without a reseller license? Get a BELLA+CANVAS Maker’s Account! This account allows you access to the wholesale side of their business without the need for any permits or licenses. Even better? It’s free! Learn more in my post Buying Wholesale Blanks without a Resale License!

Costume shirts like these are also great for kids and adults with sensory issues. Instead of a big bulky costume that doesn’t breathe, a BELLA+CANVAS tee is easy for someone who needs something soft and comfortable. Plus BELLA+CANVAS tees come in a huge variety of colors, so you can really make these designs your own! Here’s an example of just the kids’ tee colors:

We’re going to be making a jack-o-lantern, an emoji, and a skeleton shirt and you can grab the free SVG below! All of these are so easy to make and you can use a variety of colors for both your shirts and HTV. If it’s cold where you are, these designs also work on a pullover fleece sweatshirt!

And then for this project, I’m using a few variations of B-Flex HTV. This HTV is low temp and low time, so it’s really easy to use and it’s fast! It also has a really nice feel and washes well. You can, however, use whatever type of HTV you’d like, in whatever colors you’d like! Make it fun!

Watch the Video

Want to get a video overview this easy project? Just hit play below! Or keep reading for a written tutorial.

Supplies

• BELLA+CANVAS kids’ tees or other shirts
• Cricut or other cutting machine
• Green StandardGrip cutting mat
• Brayer (optional)
• Regular HTV
• Smooth Glitter HTV (do not layer on the “rough” glitter from some HTV brands)
• Holographic HTV
• Weeding tool
• EasyPress or regular heat press

Set up the File in Cricut Design Space

I’m using Cricut Design Space because I am using my Cricut, but the process should be similar in other cutting machine software.

Start by uploading the file you downloaded from my craft library. I am making all three shirts, but if you are making just one, you can delete or hide the images you aren’t using.

Measure your shirt so you can determine the right size for your project.

Resize your images. I also re-colored my skeleton so that it wouldn’t cut on the same mat as the eyes for my emoji.

That’s it! Hit Make in the upper right. In the Load screen, choose On Mat (unless you are using Smart HTV).

Because we are using HTV you’ll want to mirror each layer in the Prepare screen. This is so that your images aren’t backwards (not as important with these particular designs, but very important for designs with text).

Click Continue and select your material. I used the Everyday Iron On setting for the black smooth glitter and the regular HTV, and the Holographic Iron On setting for my holographic glam HTV.

Cutting Your HTV

Next it’s time to cut our HTV! I like using a brayer to help adhere the HTV to the mat. Each of these is cut with the shiny carrier sheet down. You can learn more in my post How to Use HTV.

Insert your mat into your Cricut and your Cricut will cut your HTV!

Weeding Your HTV

The next step is to remove all of the excess HTV we don’t need in our images. To do this, use a weeding hook to pull up that excess HTV. These are pretty easy images to weed, but if you need help, I have a post called Weeding Iron On Vinyl that offers tips and tricks for making it easy.

Making Your Halloween Costume Shirts

All we have left to do is apply our HTV to our shirts!

Start by pre-pressing your shirts for 10-15 seconds. This removes any moisture and gives you a nice flat pressing surface.

Then add your design to your shirt. The jack-o-lantern and skeleton are single layers, so they are very simple.

The emoji is two layers, so I added both of them, with the black mouth piece on the bottom, so I could get an idea of the layout for my design. Then I carefully peeled off the pink layer, leaving the black layer in the exact spot I wanted it.

Then press your project! Make sure you are pressing according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific HTV.

Then peel back the carrier sheet! Your instructions should say whether or not you should peel it back while it’s warm or cool. If you’re having trouble getting your HTV to stick properly, check out my post Tips to Get HTV Stick and Last Longer.

For the emoji, you’ll need to add your second layer and press again, peeling back the carrier sheet when you’re done.

And…that’s it! Your Halloween costume shirts are done!

I love these Halloween shirts and they are so easy to make! Plus you an do a ton of variations — simple white HTV for a regular skeleton, any number of colors for your jack-o-lantern shirt, etc. The wide variety of BELLA+CANVAS tees and HTV mean you can endlessly customize this easy Halloween Cricut project!

Print

THREE EASY HALLOWEEN COSTUME SHIRTS

Looking for a last-minute Halloween costume? These shirts are so easy to make using HTV! Just cut these free Halloween SVG files using your Cricut and apply with a heat press. These easy Halloween costume shirts can be made in less than 15 minutes!

Keyword Costumes, Halloween, SVG

Author Cori George

Equipment

• Cricut Maker 3 or
• Cricut Maker or
• Cricut Explore 3 or
• Cricut Explore Air 2
• Cricut Green StandardGrip Mat
• Cricut EasyPress® 2 (12×10) or
• Cricut EasyPress® 2 (9×9) or
• Cricut EasyPress® 3 (12×10) or
• Cricut EasyPress® 3 (9×9) or
• household iron
• Brayer
• Weeding Hook

Ingredients

• BELLA+CANVAS kids' tees or other shirts
• Regular HTV
• Smooth Glitter HTV (do not layer on the "rough" glitter from some HTV brands)
• Holographic HTV
• Halloween Costume Shirt SVG Files #C483

Instructions

• Set up the File in Cricut Design Space

  Start by uploading the file you downloaded from the craft library. For this project all three shirts are being made, but if you are making just one, you can delete or hide the images you aren't using.
  
• Measure your shirt so you can determine the right size for your project.
  
• Resize your images. The skeleton has been re-colored so that it won't cut on the same mat as the eyes for the emoji.
  
• That's it! Hit Make in the upper right. In the Load screen, choose On Mat (unless you are using Smart HTV).
  
• Because we are using HTV you'll want to mirror each layer in the Prepare screen. This is so that your images aren't backwards (not as important with these particular designs, but very important for designs with text).
  
• Click Continue and select your material. The Everyday Iron On setting was used for the black smooth glitter and the regular HTV, and the Holographic Iron On setting for the holographic glam HTV.
  
• 
• Cutting Your HTV

  Next it's time to cut our HTV! Use a brayer to help adhere the HTV to the mat. Each of these is cut with the shiny carrier sheet down. You can learn more in this post How to Use HTV.
  
• 
• 
• Insert your mat into your Cricut and your Cricut will cut your HTV!
• Weeding Your HTV

  The next step is to remove all of the excess HTV we don't need in our images. To do this, use a weeding hook to pull up that excess HTV. These are pretty easy images to weed, but if you need help, see this post called Weeding Iron On Vinyl that offers tips and tricks for making it easy.
  
• 
• 
• Making Your Halloween Costume Shirts

  All we have left to do is apply our HTV to our shirts!

  Start by pre-pressing your shirts for 10-15 seconds. This removes any moisture and gives you a nice flat pressing surface.
  
• 
• 
• Then add your design to your shirt. The jack-o-lantern and skeleton are single layers, so they are very simple.
  
• 
• The emoji is two layers, so add both of them, with the black mouth piece on the bottom, to get an idea of the layout for the design. Then carefully peel off the pink layer, leaving the black layer in the exact spot..
  
• Then press your project! Make sure you are pressing according to the manufacturer's instructions for your specific HTV.
  
• 
• 
• 
• Then peel back the carrier sheet! Your instructions should say whether or not you should peel it back while it's warm or cool. If you're having trouble getting your HTV to stick properly, check out this post Tips to Get HTV Stick and Last Longer.
  
• 
• 
• For the emoji, you'll need to add your second layer and press again, peeling back the carrier sheet when you're done.
  
• 
• And…that's it! Your Halloween costume shirts are done!
  
• 
• 

The post Three Easy Halloween Costume Shirts + Free SVG Files appeared first on Hey, Let's Make Stuff.

When working with heat transfer vinyl (HTV), DTF transfers, sublimation, and white toner printing, choosing the right protective sheet can make all the difference in the quality and success of your project. But there are a lot of options—do you want butcher paper (and what color?), parchment paper, a teflon sheet, or wax paper? It can be confusing and I get a lot of questions on what to use.

The right sheet protects your design and your press, ensures even heat distribution, and prevents damage to your projects. In today’s post, we’ll explore the best options for your specific needs. To be perfectly honest, I have three out of the four on hand at all times since they work in different ways!

Watch the Video

Want to get a video overview of all of the protective sheet options? Just hit play below! Or keep reading for a written explanation!

Wax Paper

Put that back in your kitchen, my friend! Wax paper is coated in wax (I know, shocking) so it shouldn’t be used for heat press crafting. The was will melt, ruining your project and potentially your press!

Teflon Sheet

Let’s start with the teflon sheet. A teflon sheet is a heat-resistant, non-stick sheet made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is commonly known as teflon. You can even get a teflon sheet cover for the top of your heat press. Because it’s non-stick, it’s great for many crafting applications…but not all of them!

Teflon Sheet Best Uses

• Ideal for HTV. Use for a post-press after you have peeled back the carrier sheet.
• Can be used with white toner printing, but most professionals suggest parchment paper instead.

Teflon Sheet Pros

• Reusable and durable for long-lasting use.
• Non-stick surface.
• Provides even heat distribution.
• Easy to clean if needed.

Teflon Sheet Cons

• Holds in moisture, which is particularly bad for sublimation.
• Can permanently stain with sublimation, which can then transfer the design to future projects.
• Higher initial cost compared to disposable options.

Butcher Paper

Butcher paper is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a paper that butchers use for wrapping pieces of meat for you take home from the deli.

Butcher paper is uncoated and usually comes in white or brown. I recommend using white so you don’t have any color transfer on your projects. It also comes in rolls or in sheets. I love the 12×12 sheets—they are perfect for most projects and I don’t have to deal with the paper curling.

Butcher Paper Best Uses

• Ideal for pressing sublimation prints and DTF transfers.
• Can be used with HTV or white toner printing, but it may stick.

Butcher Paper Pros

• Protects your heat press from sublimation ink transfer.
• Uncoated surface won’t leave anything behind.
• Inexpensive and widely available.

Butcher Paper Cons

• Generally single use for sublimation if there is any ink transfer (can be used more times for DTF transfers).

Parchment Paper

While it looks a lot like butcher paper, parchment paper is actually coated with a very thin layer of silicone, making it non-stick. This is why it’s so great for baking cookies—they slide right off! Parchment paper has some good crafting applications as well.

Parchment Paper Best Uses

• Ideal for the first press with a white toner print. It won’t stick to the toner.
• Can be used with DTF transfers, but butcher paper is even less expensive so that’s my preference.
• Can be used with HTV.

Parchment Paper Pros

• Non-stick surface.
• Inexpensive and widely available.
• Can be used many times.

Parchment Paper Cons

• Holds in moisture, which is particularly bad for sublimation.
• Not as durable as a teflon sheet and has limited reusability.

Wax Paper

Wondering if you can substitute wax paper for any of the above? Don’t! Wax plus heat = a totally sticky mess. Wax paper is not suitable for any heat transfer project and has the potential to ruin both your project and your heat press. Put that back in the kitchen cabinet and only use it for food applications where it makes sense.

By Application Type!

Let’s break it down by which type of craft you are doing:

• HTV: Teflon sheet or parchment paper
• Sublimation: butcher paper
• DTF transfer: Teflon sheet or butcher paper (can use parchment paper in a pinch)
• White toner print: parchment paper

I hope this post helped you decide on the best protective sheet for your project! As always, if you have any questions, let me know down in the comments.

The post Choosing the Best Protective Sheet for Your Heat Transfer Project appeared first on Hey, Let's Make Stuff.

If you’re new to the world of craft cutting machines like Cricut or Silhouette, you might be overwhelmed by the options available when it comes to materials.

Two of the most popular types of vinyl are heat-transfer vinyl (usually called HTV or iron-on vinyl) and adhesive vinyl. Though they may look similar at first glance, they are two completely different materials and are suitable for different projects. Today we’re going to talk about how to tell these two materials apart, how to cut and apply them, and which you should be using for your particular project.

Watch the Video

Want to get a video overview of the difference between HTV and adhesive vinyl? Just hit play below! Or keep reading for a written comparison.

Before we start looking at the differences, let’s see a basic overview of these two materials.

What is HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl)?

HTV is a type of vinyl material that has a heat-activated adhesive on the back. This means that it is applied with a heat press.

What is Adhesive Vinyl?

Adhesive vinyl has a sticky adhesive, much like a sticker. It is applied by hand (for very simple designs) or using transfer tape.

Identifying HTV and Adhesive Vinyl

When I first got my Cricut, I had no idea what was HTV or adhesive vinyl if I was looking at an unlabeled sheet. Thankfully, there are some key differences between the two that should help you identify the material:

HTV Properties

• Carrier Sheet: HTV typically has a shiny side and a matte side. The shiny side is the carrier sheet, which is clear. The matte side is the HTV itself.
• Feel: HTV often feels softer and more flexible than adhesive vinyl.
• Separating Layers: It’s very hard to separate the carrier sheet from the HTV. If you do get it, the HTV layer will not be sticky.

Adhesive Vinyl Properties

• Backside: Adhesive vinyl has a paper backing that you peel away to reveal the sticky adhesive side.
• Feel: Adhesive vinyl feels more rigid and less flexible than HTV.
• Separating Layers: It can be pretty easy to separate the two layers of adhesive vinyl (the carrier sheet and the vinyl itself). When separated, the colored vinyl will have an adhesive back like a sticker.

Cutting Processes

The cutting processes for HTV and adhesive vinyl are different, and if you don’t use the right process in the right way, your material won’t cut properly.

Cutting HTV

• Design: Create your design in your cutting software and mirror it (this is very important for 99% types of HTV).
• Placement on Mat: Load your HTV into the cutting machine with the shiny side down.
• Cutting: HTV is cut in reverse (mirror image) because it is applied face down on the material and then transferred using heat, as we’ll see.

Cutting Adhesive Vinyl

• Design and Cut: Create your design in your cutting software and do not mirror it.
• Placement on Mat: Load your HTV into the cutting machine with the colored-side up and the carrier sheet side down.
• Cutting: Adhesive vinyl is cut right-side up, and the design is transferred directly to the surface using transfer tape, as we’ll see.

Weeding HTV and Adhesive Vinyl

The process for weeding excess material from HTV or adhesive vinyl is similar. You can see my posts How to Weed HTV and How to Weed Adhesive Vinyl for specific tips, but overall, they are similar to weed.

Application Processes

Applying HTV to a Blank

• Position: Place your design onto the fabric with the shiny side up (carrier sheet side).
• Heat Press: Use a heat press to apply heat and pressure to the design. Follow the HTV manufacturer’s instructions for temperature and time.
• Peel: Once the vinyl has cooled slightly, peel off the carrier sheet, revealing your design on the fabric.
• Learn more in my post How to Iron On Vinyl!

Applying Adhesive Vinyl to a Blank

• Transfer Tape: Apply transfer tape over the top of your design, smoothing it down to ensure it adheres.
• Position: Peel away the backing paper, leaving your design on the transfer tape. Position the design on your chosen surface.
• Apply: Smooth down the design using a scraper o ensure it sticks to the surface.
• Peel: Carefully peel away the transfer tape, leaving your vinyl design in place.
• Learn more in my post How to Use Adhesive Vinyl!

Best Uses for HTV and Adhesive Vinyl

Each type of vinyl has its own strengths and is best suited for different types of projects.

Ideal HTV Projects

• Fabric Projects: HTV is ideal for decorating clothing, tote bags, pillowcases, and other fabric items.
• Custom Apparel: It is perfect for creating custom T-shirts, team jerseys, and personalized gifts.
• Wood, Canvas, Paper: HTV also works on porous harder surfaces, including wood, canvas, paper, and more.

Ideal Adhesive Vinyl Projects

• Hard Surfaces: Adhesive vinyl is great for applying designs to hard, smooth, non-porous surfaces like glass, plastic, metal, and painted wood.
• Home Décor: Use adhesive vinyl for wall decals, signs, and labels for organizing.
• Outdoor Use: Some types of adhesive vinyl are rated for outdoor use and can withstand weather conditions, making them perfect for car decals, outdoor signs, and mailbox decorations.

Understanding the differences between HTV vs adhesive vinyl is crucial for achieving the best results in your crafting projects. By learning how to identify each type, mastering their application processes, and knowing their best uses, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful, durable designs. Whether you’re customizing a T-shirt with HTV or adding a decorative touch to your home with adhesive vinyl, each material has unique qualities that make it indispensable in the world of crafting.

The post HTV vs. Adhesive Vinyl: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Hey, Let's Make Stuff.