How to Create a Custom Mug with Cricut's Mug Press and Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets

Have you seen the new Cricut Mug Press? Are you still a little nervous to try out the Cricut Infusible ink transfer sheets? In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create your very own custom mug with the new Cricut Mug Press. Scroll down for all the info!

The Cricut Mug Press is designed to create vivid, permanent results using Cricut Mug Blanks and Infusible Ink. For more information on the new Cricut Mug Press, be sure to check out my blog post HERE. 

Click here to view all of the new Cricut Mug Press products!

The Cricut Mug Press will release on March 11th, 2021.

I've had so much fun creating these customized mugs and testing out this new product. I even created a bunch of SVG files that are perfect for mugs and sized for Cricut's mugs. You'll want to make sure to download the files for this project!

Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets

Cricut Mug Press DIY Mug - Tools Needed

For this project, you will need: 

• Cricut Joy, Explore Air 2, or Maker
• Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets
• Standard Grip Mat
• Design File
• Fine-Point Blade
• Alcohol Wipes
• Cricut Mug Blank
• Heat Resistant Tape
• Cricut Mug Press
• Scissors
• Tweezers

Click HERE to download FREE SVG Files for the Cricut Mug Press.

Step 1 - Cut Your Design

Begin by opening up Design Space. 

We’re going to be cutting out this adorable SRP free SVG file which you can find by downloading it below the supply list.

This design is already sized for your mug, but if you are creating your own design, be sure to resize it to the correct size. 

Once you have your design ready, go ahead and click “Make It.” 

This will bring you to the prepare screen. Be sure to "Mirror" your design. Click “Continue."

Select “Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets” as your material. Make sure you have a Fine-Point Blade loaded into your machine.

Place the Infusible Ink Transfer Sheet ink side up on a Green StandardGrip mat. Insert it into the machine and press the flashing "C" button to begin cutting

Step 2 - Weed Your Design

Once you have your design has finished cutting, unload it from the machine.

Gently roll the cut area to remove the excess, negative space from your design. For more intricate designs, use tweezers to weed your design.

Trim the clear liner so it does not extend beyond your mug's surface area.

Step 3 - Prepare Your Custom Mug

To begin, clean your mug using rubbing alcohol.

Once it is dry, use a lint-free cloth to remove any stray hairs or lint from your mug.

Be sure to let your mug completely dry before placing your Infusible Ink design on it. 

Secure your design to your mug using heat-resistant tape. I like to place a piece of tape along both sides to really secure the transfer to the mug.

Heat-resistant tape prevents your transfer sheet from shifting during the press. You don't want the transfer sheet to move around at all because it causes ghosting, leaving a lighter impression of the design to the side.

Step 4 - Apply Your Design Using the Cricut Mug Press

To heat up your Mug Press, plug it in, and then click the power button to turn it on. The power button will turn green when the press is heated up. 

The Mug Press only heats up to one temperature making it super easy to use.

Next, insert the mug into the press. Make sure that the lever is completely up when you insert it in. 

Once it’s in, press the lever down and let the mug press do the rest. 

You’ll notice these five lights above the power button. These let you know how far along your mug is in the process. Once the press is complete, your machine will beep and all five lights will flash. 

To take the mug out, just lift up on the lever and pull your mug straight out. 

CAUTION: Your mug is going to be extremely hot, so be extra careful taking it out. I like to wear an oven mitt when doing this.

Step 5 - Let Your Custom Mug Cool 

Set your on a heat-resistant surface and let it cool completely. Now you can remove the transfer sheet and reveal your custom mug.

Step 6 - Enjoy!

Now we have this adorable mug. I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about the Cricut Mug Press. I can not wait to see what you create! 

Looking for more Cricut Mug Press tutorials? Be sure to check out my Infusible Ink Pen Mug Press tutorial HERE. 

Share your finished mugs with us in the Sweet Red Poppy Crafting & Sewing Group!

Troubleshooting

When using Infusible Ink and the Cricut Mug Press, there are a few things that can go wrong. Here are the top problems I see as well as solutions to prevent them from happening to you.

My Infusible Ink Transfer is Faded or Uneven

This is one of the most common problems with Infusible Ink. There are a couple of reasons this could be happening.

First, there is something in between your mug and transfer sheet, causing it not to lay evenly. Make sure that you clean your mug beforehand.

Another reason for fading is that you're not using Cricut's Mug Blanks. Cricut's straight-edged mugs are designed to work seamlessly with Infusible Ink and Cricut's Mug Press.

Fading can also occur if you do not press your mug for the correct amount of time. Only take out your mug when you hear the Mug Press beep and see all 5 lights flashing.

Finally, an uneven transfer can be caused by moisture. After cleaning your mug, be sure to let it completely dry beforehand.

There are Colored Dots Around My Design

If you see small, pin-sized dots on your mug, chances are you used a weeding tool to weed your transfer sheet. If you pierce your transfer sheet with a weeding tool, it may push little pieces of infusible ink into the transfer sheet.

To avoid this, I always weed by hand. I occasionally use a tweezer to help lift away pieces.

My Infusible Ink Design Ghosted

If your transfer sheet shifts during or after the press, you may lift it up to find that it has "ghosted" or left a light image slightly off-center.

When pressing your design, be sure to secure it with heat-resistant tape. Once your press has finished, wait until it has completely cooled before removing the transfer sheet.

My Design is Off-Centered

Your design may shift and become off-centered if you do not use enough (or any) heat-resistant tape. I like to tape down all 4 sides of my transfer just to be safe.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about Cricut's Mug Press and Infusible Ink. Do you have any questions about the Mug Press or Infusible Ink? Be sure to let me know in the comments below.

Have you used Cricut Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets? Let me know in a comment below!