What is Cricut Sublimation?
Cricut sublimation is a creative printing technique that lets you permanently transfer vibrant designs onto compatible surfaces using heat. Unlike vinyl or stickers that sit on top of the material, sublimation dyes the surface itself—meaning your designs won’t crack, peel, or fade.
Think of it as a modern twist on tie-dye: your artwork becomes part of the fabric or blank, giving you smooth, professional-quality results that last.
How to Do Sublimation with Cricut
The sublimation process is beginner-friendly and similar to working with heat transfer vinyl (HTV). Here’s the basic workflow:
Print your design on sublimation paper with sublimation ink.
Place the paper face-down on your blank (shirt, mug, etc.).
Apply heat and pressure with a heat press.
Remove the paper—your design is now infused into the blank.
The key difference between sublimation and HTV is durability. Sublimation becomes part of the material, while vinyl layers sit on top. That’s why sublimation projects stay smooth and vibrant wash after wash.
What is Sublimation Ink?
Sublimation ink is specially designed for this process. Regular printer ink won’t work because it can’t convert to gas under heat. Using sublimation ink ensures your designs transfer correctly, with bright colors and sharp details.
Pro tip: If you’re converting a standard printer into a sublimation printer, make sure you switch out all the original inks. Mixing them with sublimation ink won’t give you proper results.
Cricut Infusible Ink vs Sublimation
Many beginners ask: Is Cricut Infusible Ink different from sublimation?
The answer: Cricut Infusible Ink is Cricut’s branded version of sublimation sheets and markers.
Sublimation transfers – Custom prints made with sublimation ink and paper.
Cricut Infusible Ink – Pre-printed sheets and pens created by Cricut.
Both work the same way—the main difference is cost and flexibility. Cricut’s products are convenient, but printing your own sublimation transfers gives you more creative freedom and saves money.
What Are Sublimation Transfers?
Sublimation transfers are simply designs printed with sublimation ink on sublimation paper. You can:
Buy Cricut Infusible Ink sheets.
Print your own transfers with a sublimation printer.
Order ready-to-press transfers online.
“Ready to press” transfers are especially handy if you don’t want to invest in a printer—just press them directly onto your blanks.
Sublimation Printing: What You Need
To start sublimation printing, you’ll need:
A sublimation printer (like Epson EcoTank® models)
Sublimation ink
Sublimation paper
Heat press or mug press
Sublimation blanks (shirts, mugs, tumblers, etc.)
Heat-resistant tape & butcher paper
Best Sublimation Printers for Beginners
Epson EcoTank models (ET-2720, ET-2760, ET-4760) are the most popular because they’re easy to convert and budget-friendly.
Best Sublimation Paper
A-SUB sublimation paper is widely recommended for crisp results and minimal bleeding.
What Are Sublimation Blanks?
Sublimation blanks are specially coated items that can absorb sublimation ink. Not all mugs, t-shirts, or fabrics will work. Always check that your blanks are sublimation-compatible before pressing.
Popular Sublimation Blanks:
T-shirts (high polyester content for vibrant colors)
Mugs & tumblers
Tote bags
Coasters & mouse pads
Ornaments & keychains
Pillowcases & blankets
Tip: White or light-colored polyester shirts work best. Dark cotton fabrics won’t give the same vibrant results.
Cricut Sublimation Mugs & Shirts
Cricut offers sublimation-friendly mugs that pair perfectly with the Cricut Mug Press. While convenient, you can also buy sublimation mugs from Amazon or other suppliers.
For shirts, stick with polyester blends (65%+ polyester is ideal). The higher the polyester count, the brighter your transfers will look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cricut Sublimation
1. Do I need a Cricut machine for sublimation?
No, a Cricut machine isn’t required for sublimation. What you need is a sublimation printer, sublimation ink, sublimation paper, blanks, and a heat press. Cricut Infusible Ink sheets are optional.
2. Is sublimation the same as heat transfer vinyl (HTV)?
No. HTV applies a vinyl layer on top of fabric, while sublimation permanently dyes the material itself. Sublimation lasts longer and won’t peel or crack.
3. Is Cricut Infusible Ink the same as sublimation?
Yes. Infusible Ink is Cricut’s branded version of sublimation sheets, pens, and markers. They’re convenient but more limited compared to DIY sublimation printing.
4. What’s the best sublimation printer for beginners?
Epson EcoTank printers like ET-2720 and ET-4760 are the most popular for home crafters. They’re affordable, reliable, and easy to convert to sublimation use.
5. Can I sublimate on cotton shirts?
Not effectively. Cotton doesn’t absorb sublimation ink. Stick to 100% polyester or blends with high polyester content for the best results.
6. What are the top Cricut sublimation project ideas?
Personalized mugs, t-shirts, coasters, keychains, ornaments, tote bags, and pillowcases are among the most popular sublimation projects.
Final Thoughts: Start Your Cricut Sublimation Journey
Cricut sublimation is one of the easiest ways to elevate your crafting projects, whether you’re making custom gifts or building a small business. With the right tools, sublimation produces professional-quality results that outlast vinyl.
✨ Ready to bring your designs to life? Let’s create something amazing together.
👉 Contact us at info@ezstitchdigitizing.com or message us directly on our Facebook page.
