Cricut Easy Press 2


The Cricut Explore Air is a popular cutting machine. The Cricut Easy Press is a little less well known. I stumbled upon the Cricut Easy Press 2, a machine by cricut that I had never heard of it before browsing Circuit’s website. At first, I was not sure what it was or how to use it and if it was worth it. I ultimately purchased the Cricut Easy Press 2 in the 9in x9in size and enjoy using it to make projects. . Keep reading to learn more about the Cricut Easy Press 2 and how it can be used with your crafting projects.

What is A Cricut Easy Press?

A Cricut Easy Press is a compact heat press machine.  The Cricut Easy Press can be used to apply heat transfer vinyl, iron-on vinyl, and cricut infusible ink.  Heat Transfer Vinyl also known as HTV, iron-on vinyl and cricut infusible ink can all be used to customize items such as hats, pillowcases, aprons, totes  t-shirts, socks, and much more.  Iron on vinyl and other transfer materials require the use of a dry and even high heat temperature (275F-400F).  The Cricut Easy Press has a Digital display to set the temperature and time to use the Cricut Easy Press.  Once the Easy Press reaches the desired temperature, you press the button with the cricut logo to start the timer.

Can I use an Iron instead of a Cricut Easy Press?

Yes. If you are making a project using iron on vinyl for a one-time project using an iron is probably ok, you would get better results with an Easy Press, but the Easy Press is probably not worth the investment for a one-time project. If you are making project to sell, or you frequently create vinyl projects, the Cricut Easy Press is worth the investment.

There are a few reasons why the iron will not work as well as the Cricut Easy Press. The first reason is Heat Transfer Vinyl and Iron on Vinyl require dry heat for proper application. Irons have water wells that are used to generate steam heat while iron. The moisture from the iron can interfere with the Heat Transfer or Iron on Vinyl’s ability to adhere to your project. The Cricut Easy Press does not produce steam, and will not add any moisture to your project.

An iron is generally wider at one end and narrows gradually. The heat produced by an iron will not be distributed evenly on your project. This will cause inconsistent results on your project and can lead to premature peeling or cracking of the vinyl. If your making a project using iron on vinyl for a one tome project

How Big is the Cricut Easy Press?

The Cricut Easy Press comes in Four different sizes so that it is able to fit a variety of crafting needs. Ranging from small projects like hats to oversized projects such as blankets. The largest size of Cricut Easy Press available is 12 x 10. The smallest size is smaller than a household iron.

Easy Press Mini

The Easy Press mini is the smallest, it is smaller than the average home iron.  The Easy Press Mini is good for smaller projects such as putting heat transfer vinyl on hats.

Cricut Easy Press 6in x 7 in

The Cricut Easy Press 2 6in X 7in is the small size easy press. The 6in x7in size is good for smaller size  projects such as baby onesies.

Cricut Easy Press 9in x 9in

The Cricut Easy Press 2 9in X 9in is the mid-size easy press. This is the one I have decided to purchase. It is a good size to use on t-shirts, totes, & pillow cases. I also figured it could do some smaller projects such as socks, or infant onesies.  It can also handle large projects by using the heat press to work on smaller sections. This seemed like the best option for the projects I had in mind.

Cricut Easy Press 12in x 10in

The Cricut Easy Press 2 12in X 10in is the largest sized easy press that is offered. It is a good size to use on blankets & oversized clothes.

Where to buy the Cricut Easy Press 2?

Cricut.com

All sizes of the Cricut Easy Press 2 are available for sale directly from Cricut. Cricut often runs great sales, so this is a great place to start if you are interested in purchasing the Cricut Easy Press 2. Cricut offers bundles that include heat transfer vinyl so that you can get started with projects as soon as you receive your machine.  To check the current price of the Easy Press 2 on Cricut’s website visit here.

Amazon

The Cricut Easy Press 2 us available on Amazon. I could not find the Easy Press 2 bundled with vinyl available on Amazon. So, if purchasing your machine bundled with vinyl is something you are interested in, you should consider purchasing the Easy Press 2 directly from Cricut’s website by visiting  here.  Check the current price of the Easy Press 2 on amazon by visiting the links below:

Cricut Easy Press mini on amazon

Cricut Easy Press 6in x 7in on amazon

Cricut Easy Press 9in x 9in on amazon

Cricut Easy Press 12in x 10in on amazon

What Comes with the Cricut Easy Press 2?

I purchased the Cricut Easy Press 2 in the 9in x9insize. In the Box for the Cricut Easy Press 2 was the Cricut Machine, the base, a storage bag, user manual, and a Cricut logo iron-on transfer to use as a practice project.  For the Practice project I ironed on the Cricut Logo to the included bag.

How to use the Cricut Easy Press 2 Machine

It is pretty simple to use the Cricut Easy Press 2 Machine first you need to visit Cricut’s website and review the heat guide to determine the temperature and timer settings for your project. The heat guide ask you to select the type of Heat Transfer material you will be using (i.e Everyday iron-on, Cricut infusible ink), the base material (i.e Cotton, Poyester, T-shirt, tote). Once you select your Heat Transfer Material, Cricut provides the temperature and time settings to use the  Heat Guide can be found here on Cricut’s website.

Once you have found the temperature and timer setting for your project turn on your Cricut using the Power button

Select the thermometer button and use the “+” or “-“ button to adjust the temperature as necessary.  The “C” cricut logo will stay a reddish color until the Easy Press 2 reaches temperature.

Select the clock button and use the “+” or “-“ button to adjust the timer as necessary. The timer will not start until you press the “C” Cricut logo button. DO NOT press the “C” button yet!

Once the “C” Cricut logo is green, it is ready to place on your project. Apply pressure as indicated in the heat guide. Once the heat press is on your project the “C” button to start the timer. The timer will begin to count down, once the timer reaches 0, remove the press from your project.

The last step is to remove the transfer sheet from your vinyl or infusible ink. The Heat Guide will tell you if you should perform this last step while your project is still hot, or if you should wait until it cools off.

Do You need an Easy Press to use a Cricut Cutting Machine?

No, you do not need an Easy Press to use a Cricut Cutting Machine. You can purchase Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) or iron-on vinyl to cut with your machine.  If you don’t have an Easy Press you can use an iron or a different heat press machine to apply your Heat Transfer designs.

Accessories for Cricut Easy Press

Cricut Easy Press Mat

One accessory that is helpful for the Cricut Easy Press 2 is a Heat Press Mat. Heat Press Mats are designed to absorb the heat that passes through your base material as you press different materials. The Heat Press Mat protects your surface. When using Cricut Infusible Ink, the Heat Press Mat, in addition to a white piece of cardstock, keeps the ink from bleeding through to the backside of your project.  

The first time I used the Cricut Easy Press 2, I did not have a heat press mat.  A folded towel is a recommended alternative to the heat press mat.  I attempted to use a folded towel with an infusible ink project and I got uneven results.  Initially I thought not having a heat press mat wouldn’t be a big deal, but having a heat press mat ensures that there is a flat surface to work on your projects.  I haven’t purchased a heat mat yet. I am considering purchasing one from amazon. The one I am considering purchasing is the Easy Press Mat by Cricut, it is available on amazon and has great reviews. Check the current price of the Cricut Easy Press Mat on Amazon by visiting here.

Cricut Easy Press Storage Bag

The Cricut Easy Press comes with a lightweight storage bag. The bag only fits the machine and not the base, this works ok for me as I use the Cricut Easy Press at home.  Carrying your Easy Press outside of the home frequently would require a sturdier storage/carrying bag. There are storage bags for each of the different easy press machines available on Amazon. Visit the following links to check the current price of Cricut Easy Press Storage Bags on Amazon:

Cricut Easy Press mini Storage Bag

Cricut Easy Press 2 6in x 7in Storage Bag

Cricut Easy Press 2 9in x 9in Storage Bag

Cricut Easy Press 2 12in x 10in Storage Bag

Mimi D.

Mimi D is the creator of Dream Plan Smile. An NYC native, she is a wife and mom with a passion for crafting. She holds a Bachelor's in Engineering and a Master's in Project Management. In her current role as a working wife and mom, she is getting a crash course in budgeting, planning, & organization.

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