I’m so exited to share my first DIY project that I made with my new Cricut EasyPress 3 – some customized tote bags! Heat transfer projects are my favourite type of Cricut project, so I was really excited about the new Cricut EasyPress 3 when they launched it.
What sets the EasyPress 3 apart from is predecessors is that it uses the same new smart technology as the Hat Press. This means that you can control your EasyPress’ heat settings with just a tap via your smart device. If you want to learn more about the EasyPress 3 and it’s unique features, be sure to check out my intro post to it.
My friends and family will be the first to tell you that I probably own too many tote bags – I just love a good quality canvas tote, and I love making them even more! Naturally, when I got my new EasyPress 3 the first project I wanted to create was a customized tote bag. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own.
customized tote bags
Supplies needed
- Cricut machine of your choice, I’m using my Maker 3
- Cricut EasyPress 3
- Canvas tote bag, I’m using a Cricut blank and one I picked up from Michael’s
- Heat transfer material of your choice from Cricut, e.g. iron-on vinyl or infusible ink
- A towel or heat mat
- Cricut tool set
Step 1: creating your design
First things first, we need to create our design! You can create your design using Cricut Design Space on your computer, or via the app on your smart device. Once you’ve launched Design Space, you can search for images to use or create your own design using shapes and fonts. Alternatively, if you’re graphic design savvy, you can create your own design using a program like Illustrator or Photoshop and import a .jpg, .svg, ,esp, or .png image to Design Space.
For this project, I used an image I found on Design Space and created my own typographic design within Design Space. Once you’re happy with your design, it’s time to get cutting! Simply click on “make it” to advanced to the next screen.
Step 2: cutting and weeding your design
Once you’re on the next screen, follow the prompts. First, select your Cricut machine and the type of material you’ll be using, as well if you’re using any cutting mats. If you’re using a cutting mat, you’ll be able to see a preview of the mat and your design so you can adjust the position if needed. Next, we need to be sure that “mirror on” is selected – this is crucial for any heat transfer project. If you don’t do this, your design will be backwards once you transfer it to your base material.
Once you’ve completed modifying your settings, its time to load the machine and start cutting! If you’re using smart iron-on vinyl, you want to load it with the material shiny side down, if you’re using iron-on material on a mat, place it on the mat with the shiny side down. For Infusible Ink, place the transfer sheet on the mat with the liner side facing down. Once your material is loaded into your machine, click the “Go” button to start cutting.
After your design is cut, it’s time to weed! This is essentially the process of removing the negative space, or the unwanted bits of your design. If this is your first Cricut project, this is a helpful video that demonstrates the weeding process.
Step 3: transferring your design
After your design is weeded, it’s time to transfer it to your base material! The first step to doing this is to heat up your EasyPress 3. To do this, turn your heat press on and then open the heat press app on your mobile device. Select the materials you are using and send the settings to your heat press and wait for it to heat up. Once it is heated, follow the instructions within the heat app and warm up the tote bag.
Next, place your design onto of your blank material and continue to follow the instructions on screen to transfer your design and start the timer. As a reminder, if you are using Infusible Ink, you will need to insert a layer of butcher paper between your transfer sheet and the EasyPress 3.
One the timer as stopped and the app has prompted you to remove the heat, do so. Set your EasyPress 3 aside and wait for your materials to cool down before peeling back the liner. Once it’s cool to the touch, it’s time to reveal your design!
Overall, I love how these tote bags turned out. My old EasyPress was the 9×9, and my EasyPress 3 is the 12×10 version – the larger-size heat plate made it even easier to make these tote bags! I can’t wait to make some coasters and t-shirts next.
Until next time, happy crafting!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. While I may have received compensation and/or product mentioned in this post, the opinions and text are all mine. This post also contains affiliate links.
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