1. Weed
Weeding means removing the unwanted vinyl from around and inside your cut design.
After your Cricut cuts the vinyl, you will peel away everything that is not part of the finished design.
For example, when cutting the word “CRAFT,” you would remove:
- The vinyl surrounding the word
- The center of the letter A
- Any other small interior pieces
A weeding tool, pin pen, tweezers, or craft knife can help remove small pieces.
Good lighting makes weeding much easier, especially when working with detailed designs or dark vinyl.
2. Weeding Box
A weeding box is a rectangle placed around a vinyl design before cutting.
Instead of weeding an entire sheet of vinyl, you only need to remove the material inside the smaller box. This can make large projects much easier to manage.
Weeding boxes are especially useful for:
- Long quotes
- Wall decals
- Large signs
- Multiple small vinyl designs
3. Transfer Tape
Transfer tape moves adhesive vinyl from its backing paper onto the final surface.
After weeding your design, place transfer tape over the vinyl. Burnish it firmly, lift the design from the backing, and place it onto your project.
Transfer tape is commonly used for:
- Decals
- Signs
- Tumblers
- Glass projects
- Storage labels
- Car stickers
Transfer tape is generally not used with heat transfer vinyl because HTV already includes a carrier sheet.
4. Burnish
To burnish means to rub firmly across vinyl or transfer tape so the layers stick together properly.
You can burnish using:
- A Cricut scraper
- A felt-edged squeegee
- An old gift card
- A flat plastic tool
Burnish both before lifting the vinyl from its backing and again after placing it onto your project.
5. HTV
HTV stands for heat transfer vinyl.
HTV is vinyl that is applied using heat and pressure. It is commonly used on fabric projects such as:
- T-shirts
- Sweaters
- Tote bags
- Pillow covers
- Baby clothing
- Aprons
HTV is usually cut with the shiny carrier side facing down, which means the design must normally be mirrored.
Different HTV brands require different temperatures, pressing times, and peeling methods. Always follow the instructions provided by the vinyl manufacturer.
6. Adhesive Vinyl
Adhesive vinyl has a sticky backing and is applied directly to a surface.
It is often used for:
- Tumblers
- Glassware
- Signs
- Storage containers
- Car decals
- Wall decorations
Permanent adhesive vinyl is designed for longer-lasting projects, while removable vinyl is better for temporary decorations and indoor wall decals.
7. Carrier Sheet
A carrier sheet is the clear, slightly sticky layer attached to heat transfer vinyl.
It holds all parts of the design in position while you transfer the vinyl onto fabric. After pressing the design, the carrier sheet is peeled away.
Depending on the product, the carrier sheet may need to be removed while it is hot, warm, or completely cool.