Step 3: Cut EasySubli HTV with the Cricut Explore Air 2

1. Position EaySubli HTV on the standard grip cutting mat.  We don’t need this HTV slipping and sliding around while cutting, so a (mostly) clean standard grip cutting mat is going to work best.

2. Load the cutting mat into the Cricut as usual. The optical eye is located under the blade carriage (indicated by red arrow) and can be seen as a white light when in use. Before cutting, the machine will read the registration mark (the large black box around the image) so you want to make sure there’s ample space in the front and back of the Cricut so the mat can feed back and forth without disruption.

3. Adjust the Smart Set Dial to “Iron On” and press the flashing green button to start cutting! Prior to cutting a full design, we always recommend performing a test cut. It’s especially important if you’ve been using the same blade for a while and it’s gotten dull or if you’re using a brand new blade that’s very sharp. In these cases, it’s likely you’ll have to stray from our recommended settings. Check out this post for instructions on test cutting and how to determine a good cut and setting.

Step 4: Weed and Mask EasySubli HTV

1. Use a weeding tool to separate a corner of the EasySubli HTV from the static backing. Weed carefully because the static backing is not sticky like an EasyWeed® carrier! After removing the outer excess, pick out the inner cavities.

2. Grab a sheet of EasySubli Mask and separate it from it’s aerated backing. EasySubli Mask is different than TTD Masks and cannot be used interchangeably.

There’s several methods to masking and you can do whatever feels most natural to you. Some prefer to lay the mask on top of the HTV and others prefer to lay the HTV on to the mask. Some like to start from the center and some like to start from an edge. All up to you!

3. Apply firm pressure with a squeegee to bond the heat transfer vinyl to the Mask so the static backing can be removed. If you want to save the design for later, re-stick it to the EasySubli Mask liner. We recommend applying EasySubli HTV within 24 hours of printing.

If you’re not storing your transfers for later, then EasySubli HTV is ready for heat application.

Step 5: Apply EasySubli HTV with the Cricut EasyPress

1. Set the Cricut EasyPress temperature to 345°F and the timer to 15 seconds. We recommend increasing the temperature when using an EasyPress since it does not hold consistent heat as long as a standard heat press will (note the 325°F temperature pictured below) and lower heat can effect the overall appearance of the end result.

2. Lay your garment on a solid surface (like a wooden table or cutting board) or on the EasyPress Mat. If using a mat, make sure the collar and shoulder seams hang off the edges so you can apply proper pressure.

3. Pre-press the t-shirt for about 5 seconds. This removes wrinkles and moisture from the shirt as well as pre-shrinks the cotton slightly. A pre-press helps prep the fabric for the best possible bond with EasySubli HTV.

3. Center EasySubli HTV and place parchment paper on top. This step is especially important if you’re not using EasySubli Mask. Since EasySubli uses sublimation inks, they will still go through the process of turning into a gas and coming back to a solid. This process sometimes results in a light ghost image transferred to the Mask. Parchment paper is a cost effective way to block the ghost image from transferring to the EasyPress’ heat plate or heat transfer cover sheet (and every project thereafter…)

4. Press firmly with the EasyPress for 15 seconds at 345°F with medium pressure. That’s at least 40°F cooler than infusible inks!

Rodeo Style (one handed) is not recommended, but sometimes necessary for picture taking purposes.

4. Peel EasySubli Mask warm if it’s there. Otherwise, your newly sublimated 100% cotton shirt is ready to be gifted!

For long lasting color and quality:

• Wait 24 hours before first laundering
• Turn garment inside out
• Machine wash cold with mild detergent
• Machine dry on a low heat setting
• Do not dry clean or use bleach

Let’s take a moment to appreciate that color development one more time…wow!

Questions, comments, concerns? I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments down below!

For those who learn better from videos, we’ve got you covered! Click here to watch EasySubli HTV in action.

I know we covered a lot more information in this post than usual, so make sure you can come back and easily find it again by pinning the image below to your Pinterest boards.