How to Use Cricut Autopress: Your Get Started Guide
If you are reading this blog, it’s
because you want to learn how to use
Cricut Autopress. Ever since I started my crafting journey, I have created
a lot of crafts. But for the long term, I decided to start my own venture,
which is a custom T-shirt business. Through this business, I have sold
thousands of T-shirts using my press.
Since Cricut Autopress is designed for
industrial purposes, it offers incredible features compared to conventional
heat press machines. Since I am an expert in using this machine, I can guide
you in getting started with your Cricut Autopress machine. Plus, I will show
you how to make your first project using this heat press.
After reading this blog, you will be able
to use it without anyone’s help. So, whether you want to make a bunch of
T-shirts for your family or tote bags, this Cricut machine has you covered!
What Can You Do with Cricut
EasyPress?
Earlier, we had a traditional heat press,
which was not very user-friendly. That used to be so heavy, making it difficult
to place it somewhere else. But Cricut launched its new version of heat-press
which is called a Cricut Autopress. With this press, you can stick iron-on
vinyl, Cricut Infusible Ink, and sublimation prints on a wide range of flat
blanks. These blanks include T-shirts, coasters, tote bags, and much more.
I know you might be thinking about Cricut
EasyPress, such as why we can’t use EasyPress instead of buying this bulky
machine. After all, they both do the same things as EasyPress.
But, being the owner of a T-shirt
designing business, I know the utmost importance of having an Autopress. In
contrast, it was not made for personal use but for industrial use so that it
could handle massive projects quickly. But for smaller projects, EasyPress is
always a good option.
Steps for Cricut Autopress
Setup on Your Computer
Before we move to how to use Cricut Autopress, every machine needs to be set up.
However, setting up an Autopress is relatively easy. Follow the steps below to
set your Cricut Autopress heat press:
- First of all, unbox the machine by removing the black handles.
- Take out the
USB cord to connect your Autopress Control Pod to your computer.
- Go to the Cricut Setup and follow the steps
given on the screen to set up your heat press.
- If you want to set it up via Design Space, then just go to the top
left menu and select the New
Product Setup.
Note
for Mac users: Newer
computer users who do not have a Standard USB driver will need to use a
USB-to-USB converter. But if you have a Cricut Mug Press, then you must already
have this converter.
How to Use Cricut Autopress
for Making an Iron-on Project?
Let’s take an example to understand the
usage of Autopress. In this example, I am going to use a Cricut Infusible Ink
on my customer’s T-shirt. Before we use this press, we will first need to
create a design on Design Space. Afterward, cut the same design using your
Cricut cutting machine. After cutting the design, move to the step-by-step
instructions given below to apply the design to the T-shirt:
Step 1: Set the
Time & Temperature
First of all, I am going to switch on my
Cricut Autopress. Next, I am going to preheat my blanks. For this, we need to
set the time and temperature for our compatible materials based on a heat
guide. For my blank, I have set the temperature to 400° for 15 seconds. You can
modify your temperature and time according to your materials using the Cricut
Heat Guide.
Step 2: Preheat
the Blank
Let’s learn how to use Cricut Autopress for preheating. In order to preheat my
blank, I simply put my shirt on the base of the heat press. Afterward, I close
the Autopress and try to press the handle downward until it gives a click
sound.
After closing it, the timer will start
counting down. Then, the press will open up automatically once the timer
reaches zero. Since it might be too hot, do not try to touch it very soon, and
leave it to cool down.
Step 3: Place
Your Design on the Blank T-shirt
I always do preheat because it removes
the crease, and the surface becomes evenly flat, making it an ideal surface for
your design. So, after preheating, I place a cardstock inside my blank and then
place the Infusible Ink design on my blank.
As you can see in the above image, I have
used heat-resistant tape to keep the design in the center. Also, my design is
facing downward. Afterward, I place the butcher paper on the top of my T-shirt
blank.
Step 4: Apply the
Pressure to Your T-shirt
Before applying the pressure, I reset the
Pod for 45 seconds. Then, pull the handle down to apply the pressure until it
produces a click sound. Once your countdown reaches zero, you should leave it
for a while to cool down. Later on, you can remove the transfer!
Finally, our guide on how to use Cricut Autopress comes to an
end. Here’s what my Infusible Ink design looks like on a white T-shirt.
FAQs
Question 1: What
projects can I make with Cricut Autopress?
Answer: the upgraded version of the traditional heat press, Cricut Autopress,
is mainly designed for bigger projects. However, the possibilities are endless
with this advanced heat press. These projects include clothing such as
T-shirts, tote bags, and any other oversized clothes. Besides, you can also
make home Decor, e.g., personalized address sign plate/board and ceramic
coasters.
Question 2:
Should I use Cricut Autopress without the mat?
Answer: You can only use Autopress without a mat when you are using a thicker
blank. However, thin blanks require you to use the mat. Then, just adjust the
heat and temperature for your compatible materials and place the design onto
your blank. Afterward, you can pull down the handle to press the heat press. As
a result, your design will adhere to the blank. Make sure you do not touch it
just after applying the design. Let it cool down and take it out.
Question 3: Can I
adjust the pressure on Cricut Autopress?
Answer: No, you don’t need to apply pressure yourself, as Cricut Autopress
comes with an automatic pressure feature. Thus, it can apply the necessary
pressure automatically on any project with up to 2 inches of thickness.
However, you just need to lower the heat plate and press down the handle so
that the motor engages properly. Finally, the in-build mechanism will do the
rest to adjust the pressure.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, I have written this guide on how to use Cricut Autopress for beginners. Using this guide, they can make their first project easily. To help the beginner, I have added points like what you can do with your Cricut Autopress. Further, I discussed the setup procedure of the press. Without this setup, we cannot get started with this device. Last but not least, the step-by-step tutorial to make your first project can help you apply your design on a T-shirt or any other blank effortlessly.
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