DIY SWIM SHIRT WITH CRICUT SPORTFLEX IRON ON VINYL
Cricut SportFlex is designed to move with your fabric, making it perfect for performance materials like nylon, polyester, and more—think swimsuits, jerseys, and activewear.
Equipment
- Cricut Maker or
- Washi or Masking Tape
Instructions
- Uploading to Cricut Design SpaceStart by uploading the strawberry file to Cricut Design Space. If you need help uploading an SVG, check out this post.Once you have your strawberry in Design Space, resize it so that it will fit on your shirt. This one is 6" tall, but your size may change based on the size and fit of your swim shirt.
- Click Make It in the upper left corner. In the Prepare Screen, make sure to mirror both your mats. This isn't quite as important on an image like a strawberry, but you'll definitely notice if you don't mirror words—they'll be backward!
- Then click continue. In the Make Screen, search for and select Cricut SportFlex as your material.
- Cutting Cricut SportFlex with an Explore or MakerPlace your SportFlex color-side down on the mat.SportFlex is the same as any other iron on material with one difference—the stuff does NOT stick to the mat. To combat it shifting around your mat, use a little tape along the edges—this will help make sure your project cuts correctly.
- Cut out both layers of your strawberry. Then weed off the negative material. Need weeding tips? Check out this tips and tricks post!
- Applying Cricut SportFlex to Your Swim ShirtNow you're ready to apply your iron on to your shirt! Get your space prepped—put down your EasyPress Mat or a folded towel. Then smooth out your swim shirt on the mat and heat your EasyPress to the proper settings. Using SportFlex on polyester is 305° for 30 seconds, but you can check Cricut's Heat Settings Guide to find the correct temperature if you're using a different base material.Start by preheating your shirt for 5 seconds.
- Then place your first strawberry piece down on your shirt.
- Suggestion: Use a piece of cotton as a pressing cloth when working with any type of iron on (though Cricut says it's not necessary). Press for 30 seconds.
- Then let the SportFlex cool for 30 seconds before peeling.
- Then carefully peel back the plastic liner piece.
- Then repeat the process with the other piece of the strawberry, carefully lining it up with the first piece.
- Love working with this material—it's super lightweight and doesn't crack or peel.
- And there you have it!
