How to Print on Fabric with Cricut Explore Air 2
Are you looking to add a personal touch to your fabric projects? The Cricut Explore Air 2 is a fantastic tool that allows you to print directly onto fabric with ease. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to print on fabric with the Cricut Explore Air 2, ensuring your projects stand out from the crowd.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials for printing on fabric with your Cricut Explore Air 2. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Cricut Explore Air 2 machine
– Cricut cutting machine mat
– Fabric of your choice
– Fabric ink or fabric markers
– Cricut EasyPress or iron
– Heat-resistant pressing cloth
– Scissors
– Cricut Design Space software
Step 2: Prepare Your Design
Next, you’ll need to prepare your design in the Cricut Design Space software. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open Cricut Design Space and create a new project.
2. Choose a design or upload your own image.
3. Resize the design to fit your fabric.
4. Click “Make It” and select “Printable Image” as the type of project.
Step 3: Load Your Fabric
Now it’s time to load your fabric into the Cricut Explore Air 2. Here’s how to do it:
1. Place your fabric on the cutting mat, ensuring it’s centered and smooth.
2. Use the provided fabric grip to hold the fabric in place.
3. Load the mat into the machine, making sure the fabric is aligned with the machine’s cutting area.
Step 4: Print Your Design
With your fabric loaded, it’s time to print your design. Follow these steps:
1. Connect your Cricut Explore Air 2 to your computer using a USB cable.
2. In Cricut Design Space, select “Print” as the type of project.
3. Choose your fabric ink or markers and load them into the machine.
4. Send the design to the machine, and it will print your design directly onto the fabric.
Step 5: Heat Set Your Design
After printing, you’ll need to heat set your design to ensure it stays in place. Here’s how to do it:
1. Place your fabric face down on a heat-resistant pressing cloth.
2. Cover the fabric with another pressing cloth to protect your iron.
3. Use a Cricut EasyPress or iron to press the fabric for the recommended time and temperature, depending on your fabric type and ink.
4. Allow the fabric to cool before removing the pressing cloth.
Step 6: Cut Your Fabric
Once your design is heat set, you can cut it out using your Cricut Explore Air 2. Follow these steps:
1. Load your fabric into the machine, ensuring it’s aligned with the cutting area.
2. In Cricut Design Space, select “Cut” as the type of project.
3. Send the design to the machine, and it will cut out your fabric design.
4. Remove the fabric from the mat and use scissors to trim any excess fabric.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully printed and cut a design on fabric using your Cricut Explore Air 2. Now you can add this personalized touch to your fabric projects and show off your creative skills. Happy crafting!
