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Vinyl Decal Shirt Making
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items Getting started in making your own shirt designs with cut vinyl and transfers can be intimidating but doesn't need to be... here are tools and tips to get you going with confidence.
Sections
5
Maker Machines
Tools
Pre-made Designs
SVG File Designing Technology
Supplies
Maker Machines
These are the "machines" that make these projects so they're a cross between a printer and an expo knife, instead of inking the lines a small blade cuts. And the others are heat tools that help you properly apply the designs.
There are newer models with some awesome features but this one is well priced, has many of the latest features and is a great starter machine for getting into this hobby.
Shop Cricut Explore Air™ 2 & Accessories
Excellent first heat press - so very useful for most of your starter projects and takes the guessing out of heat transfer vinyl application. Set the temp, set the time and just press.
Cricut EasyPress 2 Heat Press Machine, Raspberry
As a sports mom this is my recommendation for heat press #2. Hats are nearly impossible without this and there always seems to be a reason or a need for a certain type of hat for tournaments or activities. Whether it is cute personalized visors for t...
Cricut® Hat Press™
Little and starter projects
Cricut Joy™ | Cricut.com
Tools
These are funky little gadgets that look like stuff you might expect in a dentist office or a hardware store painting section. They make all this work easier and crisper.
These are not as intimidating as they seem and are the every day tools you'll rely on for great projects so get yourself a nice set - possibly two and a cute pouch to store them in.
Cricut® Core Colors Basic Tool Set
I went a long time without one of these, DON'T wait just get it. This is a great way to ensure your vinyl rolls out and adheres properly. Makes everything easier and adhesion better.
Cricut® Applicator and Remover Set
Goes under your shirt or project to help the pressing process. Get one as big as your heat press or larger.
Cricut® EasyPress Mat™
With an Explore Air 2 you need a mat for every cut. This is an excellent starter pack with each of the different grips. I think Cricut mats work better than knock off brands so this is something I look for sales on as well to get the real thing.
Cricut® Cutting Mat, 3 Pack Reg
You'll also need a longer mat for the big projects. Recommend getting the stronger grip in this first one so it meets the moment for a range of products.
Cricut® Stronggrip Cutting Mat
Pre-made Designs
These are ready to press designs that take the pressure of being creative away and just let you get started learning and testing the DTF transfer approach and compare to vinyl.
These pre-designed iron on decals are simple and easy to iron onto any shirt, bag or hat and are baseball themed for the baseball moms out there.
Baseball DTF Transfers Ready-To-Press
Seasonal pre-designed iron on transfers
Holiday & Seasons DTF Transfers Ready To Press | Ninja Transfers
SVG File Designing Technology
You have the machine and tools but this is where it all really starts, design programs for your phone, ipad and laptop.
Design Space is the part of this hobby that makes creating easy. You don't need special design training or software and you can find thousands of premade designs OR use graphics, text and upload your own logos to make your own. It is user friendly an...
Cricut Design Space
If you have graphic design skills these iron on transfers are amazing for large projects where cutting and weeding doesn't make sense
Ninja Transfers
Help deciding
Compare Cricut machines – which one is for you?
Supplies
The vinyl is your medium that you'll be cutting and ironing on with the cricut. This list includes a variety of the types you'll need for various projects.
This is used for projects that are not heated to transfer the vinyl onto the project. Think last names on sports helmets or logos on water bottles.
Cricut® Vinyl Transfer Tape
Great for flexible fabrics and sports gear
SportFlex Iron-On
Great for t-shirts
Iron-on (HTV)