Since publishing my first posts on using Cricut Infusible Ink and using it with colored fabrics, I have gotten a ton of responses and questions wanting to see how it holds up on cotton and other fabrics after washing.
So I’m sharing the outcome of several projects with you.
This post contains affiliate links, which allow me to receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase. All opinions are authentic and my own.
Cricut Blank Shirt – 95% polyester / 5% spandex
The first shirt I made with Cricut’s Infusible Ink was this Beach Mode shirt. It’s a blank white t-shirt from Cricut made specifically for Infusible Ink. It’s 95% polyester and 5% spandex.
As you can imagine, the Cricut shirt project looked great after pressing it and has held up great after being washed and dried.
To see the full post on using Cricut Infusible Ink with Cricut blanks, with a step-by-step guide, click here.
When experimenting with other blends of fabric, I had mixed results in both the creating process and in washing and drying.
To see the full post on creating with Cricut Infusible Ink on colored fabrics, click here.
100% cotton
For this blue, 100% cotton shirt I used black Infusible Ink for the Mom-Half Marathoner design. It looked really great after cutting the design and heat pressing it.
However, after the shirt sat for a little more than a month, without ever being worn or washed, it already looked faded compared to how it did right after pressing.
And after washing and drying it a few times, it looks even more faded.
Black Infusible Ink on blue, 100% cotton shirt after one wash & dry. 
Black Infusible Ink on blue, 100% cotton shirt after washing & drying twice.
I tried black Infusible Ink on two more 100% cotton shirts and again, had great initial results. As you can see, the Be Kind and Pineapple Monogram designs look really vibrant.
I washed and dried both shirts shortly after pressing them and both not only faded but seemed to turn more towards a brown color.
60% cotton / 40% polyester
I did have better luck with this pink Mermaid Mode shirt I made for my daughter. It’s 60% cotton and 40% polyester.
While the color of the ink was not as vibrant after pressing, as it was on the white Cricut shirt, I was happy with it.
And after washing and drying it twice, I am still pretty happy with it. I think it has a bit of a vintage vibe.
65% polyester / 35% rayon
What has actually turned out to be my favorite project, is this orange athletic shirt with the Mind Over Miles design. It’s 65% polyester and 35% rayon.
I have made lots of running shirts and the way Heat Transfer Vinyl sits on top of the fabric can be a bit annoying. Especially if you make a design with a lot of HTV in it. It just doesn’t lay well on the fabric and move fluidly. And moving fluidly and effortlessly is exactly what you want an athletic shirt to do.
That’s why I love Infusible Ink so much, especially for athletic shirts. It becomes part of the fabric so you don’t feel anything extra, just the comfortable fabric.
And I am happy to say that after sweating (a lot) and washing & drying the shirt at least four times, it looks pretty much the same.
94% polyester / 6% spandex
But although I had great success with my Mind Over Miles running shirt, all athletic shirts are not created equal when it comes to heat pressing.
This pink 94% polyester/6% spandex, dri-fit tank top took the Infusible Ink beautifully, but the pressing process totally wrecked it.
You can see light marks where the edge of the heat press was on top, and where the cardstock was underneath. (With Infusible Ink, it’s suggested that you place a piece of white cardstock inside the shirt in case any ink bleeds through.)
Update: Two ways to avoid the heat press imprint on the shirt is to place a towel or thin piece of foam inside the shirt. That may prevent the marks from the backside of the shirt imprinting on the front.
Also, what I’ve had the most success with, is turning down the heat on your heat-press. On tricky fabrics like this, I turn the heat down to about 250 degrees and press the shirt a few times in shorter bursts, about 10 seconds each. It makes a huge difference.
My takeaways
1- Cricut blanks are the ideal material to use with Infusible Ink. Which makes sense. They designed it to work together. The ink will show up more vibrant and clear and last longer without fading.
From Cricut’s Infusible Ink FAQ:
Can I use blanks without the Infusible Ink compatibility badge?
>>We do not recommend it – we’d feel terrible if you wasted good money trying products that were not designed to work together. We designed the Infusible Ink system – and rigorously tested it – to ensure that you get the very best results for every project. Infusible Ink designs are guaranteed to create permanent transfers on all blanks bearing the Infusible Ink compatibility badge. Using generic blanks (blanks without the compatibility badge) may compromise your results.
>>Cricut Infusible Ink FAQ
2- You can have success with shirts in other colors (besides white) and other fabrics. But it will depend on the color and fabric type.
3- Darker inks on lighter fabrics seem to show up better and they’re more vibrant.
4- Shirts that are largely polyester seem to do well.
5- Dri-fit athletic shirts are not good to use with heat pressing.
6- It’s always best to take baby steps on any DIY project when you are not certain of the results.
My Disclaimer:
My aim is to show you the different ways I am experimenting with Cricut Infusible Ink. I always strive to accurately show you the outcome of each of my projects. But I, in no way, guarantee that your projects will turn out like mine.
If you are using any product outside the way it was intended by the manufacturer, results will vary and it is always a risk. I would suggest starting small, with blanks that you can make mistakes on, to avoid wasting time and money.
Cricut Care Instructions For Infusible Ink
- Machine wash inside out with cold water and mild detergent
- Tumble dry low or line dry
- Do not use fabric softener, dryer sheets, or bleach
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I have been curious about how the invisible ink works on other materials. Thank you for sharing! I’ll do some experimenting myself on some polyester shirts that I have.
I’m so glad this was helpful to you. Good luck on your projects! -Tracy
Try using a pressing pilllow in the middle of the dri fit shirts or any shirt for that matter. It left the mark because of the seams on the back side of the shirt increased the pressure in that area of the design. By using a pressing pillow, only the design area is against the heat press plate and you will get a better even press. I just bought my first roll and I’m excited to try it.
Good luck! That is a great tip about the heat press. Unfortunately, even when doing that I’ve found the square of the heat press plate imprints on some shirt fabrics. BUT, I have discovered recently, that by turning down the heat I can avoid that. So I usually decrease my heat on tricky fabrics and press them a few times, in shorter bursts. It seems to work great!
Hi there! Have you tried the infusible ink on 95% rayon/5% spandex? I am struggling with what to use on a shirt I was given to make for my cousin’s baby shower. A design has been requested for the belly of the shirt and I want to make sure it looks great. Thanks in advance for your help!
I have not used it on that certain blend. The most rayon I have used has been 35%. I always air on the side of caution, so I would highly recommend trying it out on a shirt for the first time, that you can trash if it doesn’t work out. I do think infusible ink should work great on a maternity shirt because of its stretch. But if you want to be on the safe side, I would use a Cricut brand shirt, or experiment first. Good luck!
The Cricut machine cuts the designs with great speed and quality without using scissors and an x-acto. And this is possible due to the subscription and uploading the document or design you want for the project. It also gives the work a smooth effect. And the project also lasts for more time, and it doesn’t even peel off, no flaking, no cracking, and no wrinkling.
https://us-cricut.com/setup/
This is super helpful! Thanks for experimenting and sharing the results.