Cricut is a well-reputed brand known for producing high-quality and versatile cutting machines. It makes the whole craft-making process a breeze. Cricut offers several accessories and crafting tools to make the craft-making process more convenient, which many overlook. These items are vinyl, HTV, infusible ink; iron ons, and heat presses. EasyPress is an overlooked tool, a great alternative to traditional heat presses.
EasyPress Mini is the latest addition to the EasyPress family and can be used for all heat-transfer processes, allowing you to achieve heat-transfer results at home. Of all the EasyPress models, Cricut EasyPress is the smallest in size. In this blog, we will determine whether it is as powerful as his elder sibling and, most importantly, whether it is worth the money.
Overview
When you hold EasyPress Mini for the first time, you will feel like you are holding a mini iron. The device is 1.92" wide and 3.25" tall, giving an impression of a mini iron, but it packs more power than that. It works well for iron-on transfers, infusible ink, and sublimation printing. Since it is small and agile, It fits nicely in your hands and can be used on flexible and easy-to-reach products. If you've ever tried printing a design on smaller items or surfaces that are not so smooth, your results are less than desirable. The stand it comes with is sturdy and isn't prone to tipping over.
The device features one button for temperature control. When you press the button once, the device heats up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit; when you push the button for send time, the device reaches up to the temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit; and when you push the button for the third time, the device will heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It works great with infusible ink projects, but if you are going to use it for sewing, we recommend you start with a low temperature, then up the temperature to medium.
Difference Between Large EasyPress and EasyPress Mini
- Unlike its big counterpart, which boasts specific temperature controls, EasyPress Mini has three temperature settings: low, medium, and high.
- Also, EasyPress does not come with a countdown timer.
- As mentioned earlier, it is smaller than other EasyPress models. It's so lightweight and compact that it can easily fit in the palm of your hand. It can be used for unusual and unconventional projects.
- It boasts a narrow end to reach into tight space. This feature also comes in handy when you are quilting.
How Does It Work With Heat Transfer Vinyl/Iron-On Vinyl?
Vinyl transfer is a method of transferring a design crafted in vinyl onto a material or fabric. Heat Transfer Vinyl is used when you want to put a vinyl design on an object that is not smooth, like a shirt, hat, or sneakers. The heat and pressure from the heat press bond the design to the fabric. Easy Press Mini works excellent with HTV/Iron-On-Vinyl designs that are small in size- no more than 4’’x6". It also works great on a sticky substrate.
Due to its small and agile design, you will apply HTV on accessories such as jewelry, clothing tags, pocket designs, shoes, purses, and more. Use the tapered tip of the device to access areas that are hard to reach with a large flat heat press. If you use delicate iron materials such as Cricut Foil Iron On, use the device at a low-temperature setting. For every day, Iron-on and Cricut Glitter use medium temperature settings.
How Does It Work With Dye Sublimation?
Dye sublimation is another method to imprint a design onto a shirt. In this process, the dye first changes from a solid to a gaseous form and then bonds directly into the threads of the fabric. The design is not simply imprinted on top of the material but becomes a part of the clothing. Unlike the HTV design, it will not peel because it is bonded permanently to the fibers. Over time and repeated washing, it may fade.
To print on sublimation paper, you must use special inks and printers. Once the design has been printed onto the sublimation paper, you will need a heat press to sublimate the dye into the object. That's where Easy Press Mini comes into the picture. If your design is 4’’x6" or smaller, the EasyPress Mini will have no problem sublimating the image onto the object. You have to set the device at a high temperature for dye sublimation. Like HTV, you can use the tapered edge of the device to access areas that are hard to reach.
How Does It Work With Infusible Ink?
Infusible ink is one of the most popular ways of imprinting designs, and rather than being imprinted onto the material, the infusible ink is printed into it. And like dye sublimation, it won't peel off over time, and you will get much brighter, clearer, and long-lasting results. When you are done applying your infusible ink design to your chosen material, you must apply heat. The heat infuses and secures the ink. As mentioned earlier, EasyPress Mini works great with small designs of size 4’’x6" or smaller.
Conclusion
Cricut EasyPress Mini is a small and compact yet powerful device. Its nimble is handy when working with tricky projects; you can easily access the impossible areas with other large heat presses. And its even heat distribution features, thanks to its quality ceramic heat plate, is the icing on the cake. It glides over fabrics and materials and gives you professional finishes. This tool works great with HTV, sublimation, and infusible ink, so we recommend this product.
FAQs
Does the Cricut EasyPress Mini have any safety features?
While using a Heat Press, you must be extra careful, or you can get a nasty burn. The same goes for EasyPress Mini, but it also boasts some handy safety features. These features are:
- The whole design is very stable.
- When not in use, the device will sit in its sturdy base so that it won't fall over by accident.
- The base is also insulated.
What are the benefits of EasyPress Mini?
This compact yet powerful device has many features that will be useful to crafters.
- Perfect for working on smaller and tricky projects.
- One of the safest heat presses
- High-quality printing results
- Printing results are clear and long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Even heat distribution
What can you use the Cricut EasyPress Mini for?
Its compact design, ergonomic handle, and a tapered tip allow for successful heat transfer on the contours of tricky objects. Add iron-on vinyl to smaller items such as hats, shoes, backpacks, and wood items. You can also use it for quilting projects.
