The Difference Between Cricut Materials and Their Uses

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I am thrilled to be partnering with Cricut for this sponsored post explaining their different materials and their uses. 

There are so many different materials that you can use when Cricut crafting! All these options might make your head spin, but I’m here to help! I keep my craft room stocked with a wide variety of materials perfect for completing just about any project! From permanent to printable vinyl, and even iron-on, here’s a look at the most popular crafting materials as well as when and how to use them!

Adhesive Vinyl Products

I think the majority of people associate Cricut projects with vinyl crafts. I love using my Cricut to make decals, but which vinyl should you be using?!

Removable Vinyl: As the name suggests, Cricut’s Removable Premium Vinyl is adhesive vinyl that can easily be removed from the surface that it’s applied to without leaving residue. It cuts easily in all Cricut cutting machines. On the Cricut Explore Air 2, that I have, simply turn the material dial to vinyl.

Great project ideas for Removable Premium Vinyl include:

  • Window decals (that you might want to remove) – think seasonal decor at home
  • Pantry labels – for those ever changing bins of product
  • Stencils – I love using removable vinyl as a stencil for glass etching and wood painting projects as it removes easily
  • Wall decals – add fun shapes or characters to the walls in children’s bedrooms without hurting the walls

Permanent Vinyl: Cricut Permanent Premium Vinyl is perfect for projects that you need the vinyl to stay put on. The permanent adhesive lasts up to 3 years, and is water-resistant and UV-resistant. It’s available in a plethora of colors and so easy to cut, using the Cricut Vinyl setting. 

Use Permanent Premium Vinyl on:

  • Personalized drinking or wine glasses – The glittered wine glasses are always my favorite (handwashing is recommended)
  • Windshield decals – You want to use permanent vinyl for decals that will be out in the elements
  • Upgraded mailbox – Back in Kentucky, I redid the numbers on our mailbox
  • Outdoor signs – If making a welcome sign for your porch, you’ll want to use permanent vinyl

Don’t forget that you’ll likely also need Transfer Tape for moving and applying your vinyl projects. Keep in mind that regular Transfer Tape is what you’ll want to use when using most adhesive vinyl. StrongGrip Transfer Tape is specifically designed to transfer glitter vinyl projects. 

Printable Vinyl: Another less talked about version of adhesive vinyl is printable vinyl. Printable vinyl is designed to be used with the Cricut’s Print Then Cut feature. It’s my absolute favorite product to use for planner stickers, because the colors always print bold and brightly! Printable vinyl is wonderful for using on complicated designs, instead of layering multiple colors.

Uses for Printable Vinyl: 

  • Planner stickers – MY FAVE!
  • Return address labels – I have a tutorial on my TikTok for these
  • School supply labels – It’s so easy to make a full sheet of labels for supplies in a matter of minutes

Iron-On/Heat Transfer Vinyl

Iron-On/Heat Transfer Vinyl is one of my go-to products for creating fun t-shirts for our family. Cricut Iron-On Vinyl comes in a whole bunch of varieties, perfect for any type of project! Some varieties include: everyday solid colors, glitter, sequin, foil, metallic, and my favorite: holographic sparkle.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Depending on which type of iron-on vinyl you’re using, you might have to use the custom material setting. Also, don’t forget to mirror the project before cutting, and place it with the shiny side facing the Cricut mat. 

While you can totally use an iron to iron on your iron-on vinyl, having a Cricut EasyPress is a GAME CHANGER! Using the EasyPress along with Cricut’s Heat Guide will ensure that your projects have professional results! 

Project ideas for Iron-On Vinyl:

  • T-shirts
  • Baby bodysuits
  • Bags
  • Kitchen towels

Home of the free because of the brave grey tshirt with red sleeves

Infusible Ink

Infusible Ink is Cricut’s newest (and in my opinion coolest) project material. The colors from Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets or Infusible Ink Pens infuse permanently to the material, creating a seamless, peel-proof result. I love Infusible Ink because the colors are vibrant and they don’t add any bulk to the project surface. 

Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets cut much like Iron-On vinyl, with the shiny transfer side down on the mat, and the Infusible Ink material facing up. it comes in a whole bunch of solid colors, as well as a variety of different patterns. Don’t forget to mirror this as well! 

For best results, I recommend Cricut Infusible Ink Blanks, however you can also use materials that have a high poly-count. For shirts, I’ve learned that you want something light colored with at least 60% polyester (the more, the more vivid your colors will be). Along with shirts, Cricut also offers Infusible Ink Blanks in the form of coasters, canvas totes, pillow covers, and even wine bags! 

I think that covers the basics! Have any more questions? Leave me a comment below!