How to use Cricut Iron-On Vinyl on an Apron [Free Cricut SVG file]

First time using Cricut Iron-On Vinyl? It’s a lot easier than you think! In this Cricut iron-on tutorial, I’ll walk you through step-by-step on how to use Cricut iron-on vinyl and how you can find the right temperature to set your easy press machine. This Cricut project is perfect for beginners and makes the perfect gift for Father’s Day or his birthday. Let’s jump right in!

This apron project was super cost-effective and only took ten minutes to make from opening up your Cricut Design Space to a gift-ready product. I am using a 100% polyester apron that I found at Dollar Tree. You can find all of the supply links below.

If you like this tutorial, join our Facebook community where I post my free SVG files and resources! I look forward to crafting with you!

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MATERIALS TO MAKE THE CRICUT IRON-ON APRON

• Cricut Maker or Explore Air 2

• Cricut Tools

• Standard Grip Cutting Mat (the 12″x 12″ size)

• Fine point blade

• Cricut Iron-On Vinyl or Heat Transfer Vinyl

• Easy Press Machine, Iron or Heat Press Machine

• Easy Press Mat or a towel

• Parchment Paper

• My free SVG design file (available in my free resource library – get the password by filling out the form on the sidebar or below).

Not subscribed? Get access to the free resource library below!

HOW TO USE CRICUT IRON-ON ON AN APRON

If you’d rather watch a video on the Cricut iron-on vinyl instructions, take a look at this video here (highly recommended!):

STEP 1: DOWNLOAD THE SVG FILE

Grab your SVG file from the free resource library.

Unzip the file. If you do not have a program installed on your computer to unzip, I recommend 7-zip. (It’s free! Windows only. Mac comes with an unzipper; just double-click on the zip file.)

STEP 2: PREPARE IN CRICUT DESIGN SPACE

Upload the apron design in Cricut Design Space.

The design is already sized for cutting but if you want to make adjustments, you can go to Templates > search for “Apron” and use this as a guide. These templates are guidelines only and will not show up in the final cut.

First we need to ungroup the layers so we can work with the different layers.

Now select all of the layers and “Attach“. This ensures that everything will be cut as displayed. Otherwise, Cricut Design Space will attempt to rearrange them on the mat.

Now we are ready to cut it out.

STEP 3: CUT IT OUT

Cricut Design Space will sort the mats based on colour. Since we only have one colour, there should only be one mat.

Make sure the design is laid out the way we want it (not all jumbled up).

Before you cut it out, be sure to turn MIRROR ON. We always mirror the design when we are working with Cricut Iron-On or other heat transfer vinyl.

Cut out your design.

STEP 4: WEED

Now we need to weed our iron-on vinyl. (This basically means removing the parts we don’t want to use.)

I liked to start from the corner to get the bigger piece off and then use my weeding tools to get the smaller bits.

I also leave this on my mat to help hold down the design to make it easier to weed.

Tip // Place your protective cover sheet on the part of the mat below the design you are weeding. This protects the mat when you are weeding.

You may have seen people talk about transfer tape. Transfer tape is not necessary when using iron-on or heat transfer vinyl.

STEP 5: IRON ON OUR DESIGN ON THE APRON

Now that our Cricut Iron-on Vinyl is ready to go, we can start preparing our apron for ironing.

I am using the Cricut Easy Press 2 (9×9) but this can be done with any other ironing device such as a regular iron or a heat press machine. Cricut makes it easy to find the correct temperature and timing to use with their products.

So how do we find the correct temperature to use for our Cricut Iron-on?

Head over to Cricut’s heat guide and put in the materials we are using. (This is a great page to bookmark!)

For this project, I am using a 100% polyester apron that I picked up from Dollar Tree. If you are using a different apron, be sure to put the correct material in on the Cricut heat guide and adjust your temperature and timing accordingly.

Here are the settings for my 100% polyester apron:

If you are using an iron or a regular heat press, you will need to make adjustments. With 100% polyester, you will need to use a low temperature. Keep checking your iron-on to make sure you didn’t burn it.

Finally, make sure to use an extra protective sheet on top of your Cricut iron-on. Cricut sells rolls of iron-on protective sheets. Some great Cricut iron-on protective sheet alternatives are parchment paper or a sheet of Teflon. This helps prevent your apron from burning.

When the iron has reached the desired temperature and you are ready to start ironing, start by preheating the apron without the vinyl design. Place your iron on your apron for just a few seconds (5 is enough).

Then place the Cricut iron-on on the apron.

Place a protective sheet on top of the design.

Iron using the temperature and timing from the heat guide. You can set the temperature and the timing by using the buttons on your Cricut easy press. Once you are ready to press, press the Cricut logo and it will start counting down.

Flip the apron over and iron the other side of the apron to help the design stick to the apron. Follow the heat guide. In this case, we need about 15 seconds.

What do I do? My Cricut iron-on is not sticking.

Flip over your apron and check your design to see if your vinyl stuck to the apron. You can check this by slowly lifting the clear sheet to see if the iron-on stuck to the apron. DO NOT PULL IT OFF ALL THE WAY.

Be careful not to burn your apron! If you are ever unsure, do shorter passes with the iron and keep checking.

Once you are satisfied that the iron-on vinyl has stuck to the apron, let the apron COMPLETELY COOL. Do not pull off the sheet until it is completely cool. This is known as a cool peel.

CONGRATULATIONS

Great job! You just put Cricut iron-on on an apron. Be sure to let the vinyl sit on the apron for 24 hours before washing it. You can also re-iron the design if you see some parts peeling.