Are you here to learn how to use Cricut EasyPress Mini? We’ve got your back! Ever since Cricut launched its mini heat press, I couldn’t resist buying it. This cute small gadget is capable of doing a lot of great things for your small projects, like wine bags, hats, yoga blocks, socks, baby bandanas, and even face masks. But, do you know, I have made hundreds of items over the last two years?
Hence, I am excited to share a project that I created as a gift for my closest friend on her birthday. She is a shoe lover and likes to try different types of shoes. With this in mind, I added a small yellow flower to the white shoes. Want to know how I made it? Let’s visit the blog to learn. Prior to that, I will also talk about the features of EasyPress Mini.
Key Features of Cricut EasyPress Mini
Before I tell you how to use Cricut EasyPress Mini, let me tell you about the major features of this machine:
- Compact and small in size
- A sharp, pointed edge, allowing it to move hard-to-reach area
- Ceramic-coated heat plate suitable for even, dry heat distributions like other EasyPress
- There are three heat settings are available for foil/delicate: regular Iron-on, and Infusible Ink
- The base is also insulated, making it easier for you to rest the Mini when hot
- There is an auto-shutoff feature, so you don’t need to worry if you forget to turn it off
These are the key features that you will find in your machine. Now, let me take you to the supplies I used for making the beautiful shoes.
Essential Supplies Required to Create Custom Shoes
When I unboxed my new mini press, I mainly got three items in the box. They were EasyPress Mini, safety base, and instructions. Here are the essential supplies I have used on shoes:
- Iron-on Protective Sheet
- Cricut EasyPress Mini
- Cricut Explore Air 2 (or other Cricut machine)
- Cricut Iron-on (gold and yellow)
- Canvas shoes
- Weeding tools (optional)
- Scissors
- Towel
From the above supplies, you are familiar with the supplies needed for shoes. Now, let us shift our focus to the tutorial on EasyPress Mini to beautify these white shoes.
How to Use Cricut EasyPress Mini on Shoes?
I was very well aware of the fact that If I had used this press machine on my shoes or even a household iron, then I would have ruined the shoes. Hence, I decided to buy this press machine that is available at an affordable price. This press is specially designed for small projects, and it can apply heat anywhere we want. So, let me show you how I made these custom shoes using this mini-press and iron-on.
Step 1: Get Ready With Your Design
In the first step, you have to decide the design you want to add to your shoes. Since I wanted to add a yellow colored sunflower, I chose the design and adjusted the size in Design Space that fit my blank shoes.
Step 2: Cutting the Design
After I chose the design and adjusted it according to the shoe size, I sent the file to the Cricut machine to cut. For cutting, I used my Cricut Joy, as it is ideal for smaller projects. However, if you have chosen the same design, then you can cut as many flowers as you want.
Step 3: Weed Out Your Design
After cutting, I weeded the design using a weeding tool. Since the size of the sunflower was too small, I preferred to take the help of a weeding tool. Also, I would recommend you to use the same for all intricate designs.
Step 4: Set the Temperature for Your Iron-on
EasyPress has three heat settings: low, medium, and high. However, for iron-on materials, you have to select the temperature according to the fabric you are using. For this project, I am using medium heat settings. In addition, you can navigate to the Cricut EasyPress Mini Heat Guide for the temperature settings offered by Cricut.
Step 5: Apply the Heat to Your Shoes
Before applying the heat, I added a towel inside the shoes so that I could press against something easily. Then, place the iron on and follow the time instructions according to the heat guide. One more thing: This press machine doesn’t come with a timer, so you will need one. So, set the timer on your phone. After you place the iron-on design, you have to use the press on the center of the flower. After pressing, just remove the carrier sheet.