Wondering how to select the best Infusible Ink Pens for your Cricut project? Read on!
In this article, we’ll explore the top pen brands on the market. I’ll also help you understand the different types of Infusible Ink Pens and their unique features.
So, let’s dive in!
| Cricut Infusible Ink Fine Point Pens |
| Fine point tips allow for intricate and precise designs. |
| Cricut Infusible Ink Markers |
| Perfect for larger projects and thicker outlines. |
| Cricut Joy Infusible Ink Pens and Markers |
| Fully compatible with Cricut Joy. |
| Artesprix Permanent Thermal Transfer Markers |
| 10 vivid colors. |
| Siser Sublimation Markers |
| Delightful set of pastel colors. |
Cricut Infusible Ink Fine Point Pens — Best infusible ink pens for Cricut
Cricut has been doing some amazing things to help us make personalized projects.
One of their most exciting products is the Cricut Infusible Ink Fine Point Pens.
Specially made for Cricut machines, these tools enhance creativity and precision in the infusible ink transfer process.
Precision in Every Stroke
When I need to create outlines or add fine lines and detailed touches to my crafts, the Cricut Infusible Ink Fine Point Pens are my secret weapon.
These pens rock a super-slim 0.4 mm fine point tip that lets me create precise outlines and even fancy lettering.
From dainty flowers to names and dates on personalized gifts, these pens nail the precision game.
Perfect Match for Cricut Machines
What’s even cooler is that these pens are a perfect match for Cricut Explore and Maker machines, and for the Cricut EasyPress heat press.
They’re made by Cricut, for Cricut.
So you can bet there won’t be any awkward compatibility issues, just smooth crafting.
Colors Galore
The starter pack includes five basic shades, which is nice.
But what’s even better is that Cricut offers fine point pen sets in several color schemes.
Such as neon and watercolor palettes.
So you get a whole paintbox for creating outlines and small details for your art.
Size Matters: Small but Mighty
These fine point pens are best for small-scale projects with delicate lines.
If you’re tackling a big project that needs thicker outlines, you might want to consider Cricut infusible ink markers.
Also, use those markers to fill in outlines drawn with your fine point pens.
Cricut conveniently makes different tools for different jobs.
Economical, but with a Tiny Catch
These pens are very economical and will last you for a long time.
But, there’s a tiny trade-off.
They can dry up fast if you’re not careful.
So always store them standing up with the tip down, and keep that cap on when they’re not in action.
It’s a small sacrifice for the fantastic results they bring.
Pros:
- Fine point tips allow for intricate and precise designs.
- Made for Cricut machines and fully compatible.
- Versatile: for drawing, writing, and adding fine details.
- Create vibrant, long-lasting designs that won’t fade, peel, or crack.
- Good color palette for pens.
- Economical.
Cons:
- Not for thick outlines or filling.
Cricut Infusible Ink Markers — Best infusible ink markers for Cricut
These markers are also specifically designed to work with Cricut machines.
They are a perfect tool for adding thick lines and vibrant colors to your projects.
A Burst of Colorful Creativity
The Cricut Infusible Ink Markers are a must-have for anyone craving vibrant and bold designs.
With a whopping 30-color set at your disposal, you’ll have an awesome palette for your craft room.
From lovely pastels to eye-popping neons, these markers offer a spectrum of choices.
Perfect for those who love to experiment with a variety of hues.
Seamless Cricut Compatibility
These markers also have seamless compatibility with my Cricut gear.
Whether it’s the Explore or Maker machines, or the Cricut EasyPress heat press, they’re designed to be the ideal match.
Just like with pens, there’s no need to worry about compatibility issues.
All Cricut products are made for each other.
Versatility Unleashed
I’ve found these markers to be a fantastic choice when you need thicker outlines or want to fill in your designs with rich, eye-catching colors.
You can use them to create outlines by hand or with Cricut.
Keep in mind, though, that the outlines drawn with these markers will be less intricate compared to the ones made with fine point pens.
The markers are great for hand-filling pen drawings too.
And if you want to use Cricut to fill in your designs, the machine can do it by drawing precise hatching patterns.
Vibrant Results, No Fading
Once your design goes under the heat press, these markers work their magic.
They won’t bleed or fade.
Here’s a pro tip: the higher the polyester count of the fabric, the more vibrant your colors will appear when you press them.
Beyond Cricut
Here’s a bonus perk: these markers can also play nice with other machines that have a pen clamp.
I’ve used them with a Brother’s Design n Cut unit, and they worked like a charm.
It’s always nice when your crafting tools have some flexibility.
Economy vs. Creativity
Cricut markers might not be as economical or long-lasting as pens.
But they serve a different purpose with their vibrant color and thicker lines.
And like their fine point counterparts, these markers can also dry out faster than you’d like.
So, the storage rule of thumb still applies.
Keep them well-capped and standing upright.
Pros:
- Perfect for larger projects and thicker outlines.
- Can be used for both outlining and filling in designs.
- Seamless Cricut compatibility.
- Vibrant and long-lasting.
- Available in 30 various colors.
Cons:
- Less suitable for intricate and fine details than pens.
Cricut Joy Infusible Ink Pens and Markers – Best for Cricut Joy
Let’s dive into the world of Cricut Joy Infusible Ink Pens and Markers, specially crafted for the Cricut Joy machine.
They may be small, but they pack quite a punch.
Here’s my take on what makes them a hit for Joy users:
Perfectly Compact Compatibility
These pens and markers are designed exclusively for the Cricut Joy.
It’s the smaller but mighty sibling of the Cricut family.
So, if you’re a Joy user, you’ve got a perfect match on your hands.
They’re also in sync with the Cricut EasyPress heat press and Cricut mug press, ensuring a seamless crafting experience.
Quality in a Smaller Size
Despite their smaller size, these pens and markers deliver the same quality as their counterparts designed for larger machines.
You’re not compromising on quality for the sake of compactness.
That’s a big win.
A Dash of Color Choices
While you may not have the sprawling color palette of the larger pens and markers, you still have a respectable range to choose from.
They’re available as 0.4 fine point pens or 1.0 markers.
And you can snag them in sets of three.
Think classic black, vibrant reds, greens, and more.
So, even if you’re working on smaller projects, you’re not limited in your creative choices.
Ease of Use
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, these pens and markers are as easy to use as it gets.
They’re perfect for adding that personal touch to your Joy projects.
You can use them for a quick greeting card or a personalized label, etc.
Storage Tips
Now, here’s a little tip: just like their larger counterparts, they can be a bit quick to dry out.
So, make sure you store them properly, with the tip down.
It’s a small effort to keep them ready for your next burst of creativity.
Pros:
- Fully compatible with Cricut Joy.
- Ease of use, ideal for beginners.
- The same quality as large pens.
- Vibrant colors.
Cons:
- Fewer color options compared to pens and markers for larger Cricut machines.
- Not suitable for larger machines.
Artesprix Permanent Thermal Transfer Markers — Best alternative infusible ink pens for Cricut
Artesprix Permanent Thermal Transfer Markers are a nice alternative to infusible ink pens.
They may not be Cricut-branded, but they’ve got some unique qualities that make them worth considering.
Vivid Variety of 10 Colors
These markers come in a set of 10 bright and vibrant colors that are sure to make your artwork pop.
You’ll have all the colors of the rainbow at your fingertips to bring your ideas to life.
Compatibility with Cricut Machines
Now, here’s the cool part — these markers play nice with Cricut machines.
They’re compatible with Cricut Explore and Maker, but there’s a small catch.
You’ll need a universal pen adapter to fit them into the pen clamp of your Cricut machine.
amazon bestseller=”cricut universal pen adapter” items=”1″]
Once you’ve got that sorted, you’re all set for some crafting magic.
Wide Chisel Tip for Versatility
The standout feature here is the wide chisel tip.
Each marker can draw lines ranging from 1 to 4 mm.
Use them for larger designs and thicker lines.
Make thin lines with the tip of the nib and fill in open spaces with the wide edge.
Get creative with Cricut, hand drawing, calligraphy, or hand-filling outlines drawn by your Cricut machine.
Long-Lasting and Brilliant Results
Once your designs are pressed, these markers shine.
They offer long-lasting, bright, and beautiful colors that won’t fade over time.
Your projects will have that wow factor you’re aiming for.
Storage Tip: Keep ‘Em Down
Artesprix markers can also dry out if stored tip up.
In fact, they might dry out even quicker than Cricut markers.
So, the golden rule here is to always store them tip down.
This ensures you’ll have those vibrant results every time you use them.
Paper Matters: Laser Copy Only
And another pro tip: always use these markers on laser copy paper.
Steer clear of sublimation paper, as it can clog them up.
Stick to laser copy paper, and you’ll avoid any unexpected hiccups.
Pros:
- 10 vivid colors.
- Compatible with Cricut
- Chisel tip (1-4 mm) for a variety of lines.
- Long-lasting after heat press.
Cons:
- Require a pen adapter for Cricut.
- May dry out quicker than Cricut markers.
Siser Sublimation Markers – Prettiest pastel colors
What makes Siser Sublimation markers truly special is their beautiful range of pastel colors.
These markers are perfect for adding a gentle and elegant touch to any project.
Here’s why these markers caught my eye:
From the Makers of EasyWeed
Siser is no stranger to the crafting world.
This manufacturer is known for producing some of the best iron-on vinyl out there, including the coveted EasyWeed.
So, when a brand with such a stellar reputation takes a leap into sublimation markers, you know they mean business.
Versatile Compatibility
The beauty of these markers is that they’re not just Cricut-bound.
They’re also fantastic for hand drawing, plus hand-filling your machine-made designs.
Elegance in Pastels.
This set of Siser Sublimation Markers shines in beautiful pastel shades: Peach, Light Pink, Lavender, Light Blue, Sea Foam, and Light Green.
It’s a lovely bouquet of soft, soothing colors.
The absence of black in this set may be a downside.
But not to worry!
You can buy a set of 6 black Siser sublimation markers separately.
And if you need primary colors, they have a pack of 6 primaries too.
Chisel-Tipped Creativity
These markers come with a chisel tip, offering a versatile range for your artistic endeavors.
Use it for outlining, shading, or filling in outlines: this tip can adapt to your needs.
Mind the Drying
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that, like many other infusible ink markers, these markers can be quite speedy in drying out.
So, it’s a wise move to store them properly and cap them securely when they’re not in use.
You wouldn’t want your pastel magic to fade prematurely.
Pros:
- Delightful set of pastel colors.
- Reputable brand reliability.
- Cricut compatibility.
- The chisel tip allows for different line thicknesses.
Cons:
- No black in the set.
- Not suitable for small-scale intricate designs.
Cricut infusible ink pens overview
Infusible ink pens and markers for Cricut are like the superheroes of crafting.
They’re not your everyday markers.
Instead, they’re designed to work their magic on laser copy paper and infuse into a blank with heat.
Here’s how they work:
1. Getting Creative
You use these nifty pens and markers on laser copy paper.
Draw, write, get as creative as you like.
2. Cricut Connection
You can use them for freehand drawing.
But it’s best to use them with a Cricut machine.
All Cricuts have a pen clamp.
Just pop an infusible ink or marker into your unit.
And it will draw your design with precision on laser copy paper.
3. Heat It Up
Take your drawing and place it on the material you want to jazz up – it could be a shirt, a coaster, you name it.
The material should have a high polyester count (for fabrics) or a polyester coating (for hard surfaces).
The best items for Cricut infusible ink pens are sublimation blanks.
Secure the paper sheet with some heat-resistant tape.
4. Blast of Heat
Use a heat press, like the EasyPress machine, or a mug press to give your design a blast of high heat.
This heat works its magic, turning the ink on the laser copy paper into a gas, which then fuses directly into the material.
5. Chill Out
As your material cools, the ink becomes solid within it.
This makes sure your design stays put and won’t fade, peel, or crack.
So there you have it!
Use infusible ink pens and markers with your Cricut machine to create durable designs that fuse with your chosen material.
Perfect for adding that personal touch to your projects.
Cricut infusible ink pens and markers buying guide
Consider a few key factors when searching for the perfect iron-infusible ink and markers for your Cricut.
Let’s break them down:
1. Color Variety and Versatility:
Think about the colors you need.
The more shades available, the better.
It’s like having a big box of crayons for your creative projects.
Look if there are extra sets or individual colors you can buy separately.
Get a few sets to assemble a mix of pastels, vibrant hues, and the basics.
This will give you the freedom to customize your collection.
2. Compatibility with Cricut Machines:
Check if the pens or markers are best buddies with your Cricut machine.
You don’t want any compatibility issues.
They should be made to work seamlessly together or at least fit your unit with an adapter.
3. Precision and Line Thickness:
Some projects need fine details, while others require thicker lines.
Look at the tip size of your pens or markers to see if they match your needs.
Fine point pens should be around 0.4 mm sharp for intricate designs.
While markers should be good at thicker lines (1 mm and above) and filling spaces.
It’s actually good to have both in your toolkit for different project needs.
4. Durability and Vibrancy:
You want your creations to stand the test of time.
See if the ink resists fading, peeling, or cracking after it’s been pressed.
Nobody wants their hard work to go to waste.
5. Ease of Use:
Crafting should be fun, not frustrating.
Make sure the pens or markers are easy to use, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro.
They should be your crafty sidekick, not a puzzle to figure out.
6. Storage Longevity:
No one likes dried-out markers. Check if they’re prone to drying out quickly.
Plus, keep in mind that proper storage is key to keeping them in tip-top shape.
7. Compatibility Beyond Cricut:
If you have other machines or materials, see if the pens or markers can play nice with those too.
Flexibility is a plus.
What’s the Difference Between Cricut Infusible Ink Pens and Markers?
Infusible ink pens are designed for fine detailing and drawing thin lines, perfect for intricate designs.
Infusible ink markers, on the other hand, have a wider tip and are great for thicker lines and filling in larger areas.
How Do I Prevent Cricut Infusible Ink Pens and Markers from Drying Out?
Proper storage is key. Store them with the caps on tightly.
And for most pens and markers, it’s best to keep them tip down to prevent premature drying.
Can I Use Cricut Infusible Ink Pens and Markers on Any Paper?
Stick to laser copy paper for the best results because it can stand high heat, which regular paper can’t.
Avoid using sublimation paper, as it can clog your markers’ tips.
Are Cricut Infusible Ink Pens and Markers Compatible with Any Machines?
It depends on the brand and model. Some tools are designed specifically for Cricut machines.
While others may work with machines from other brands that have a pen clamp.
Check the product details for compatibility information.
Do I Need to Heat Press or Transfer the Designs Created with Infusible Ink Pens and Markers?
Yes, to make the designs permanent, you’ll need to heat press them onto your chosen material using the recommended temperature and time settings.
This process infuses the ink into the material, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting designs.
Can I Use Infusible Ink Pens and Markers on Clothing?
Yes, you can use them to create custom designs on clothing and accessories, such as t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags.
amazon bestseller=”cricut infusible ink t-shirt blank” items=”1″]
Just make sure the material is compatible with infusible ink.
This means it has to have a high (at least 50-65%) polyester count and have a light (white or light pastel) color.
Are There Any Special Care Instructions for Finished Projects?
Finished projects created with this type of ink are quite durable.
However, it’s best to follow care instructions provided with the specific material you’ve used to ensure the longevity of your design.
Usually, washing inside out in cold water is best.
Can I Layer Different Colors of My Drawings?
No, avoid layering infusible ink.
Lower layer’s ink will get reactivated with the intense heat from the press.
So the colors will get mixed and will come out muddy.
Can I Use Cricut Infusible Ink Pens and Markers on Non-Polyester Materials?
Infusible ink works best on materials with a high polyester count (usually 65% or higher).
If you use it on natural materials (like 100% cotton), the results won’t be as vibrant or durable.
Always check the compatibility of your blank before starting your project.
What’s the Ideal Temperature and Time for Heat Pressing Infusible Ink Designs?
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or Cricut Heat Guide for the correct settings.
Most inks use temperatures around 385-400 °F (196-204 °C) and pressing times of 40–60 seconds.
Can I Edit or Correct Mistakes Made with Cricut Infusible Ink Pens and Markers?
Unfortunately, infusible ink can’t be corrected or edited once it’s pressed.
This is because it fuses into the fibers and becomes one with the blank.
Can I Use Infusible Ink on Dark-Colored Materials?
This ink is most effective on light-colored or white materials because it doesn’t contain white ink.
Applying it to dark-colored materials may diminish the vibrancy of your drawing, making the design less visible.
Can I Apply Infusible Ink to Items Other Than Clothing and Fabric?
Yes, it works great on various materials, including coasters, mugs, ceramic tiles, and more.
Just use light-colored special polyester-coated sublimation blanks.
Can I Use Cricut Infusible Ink Pens and Markers on Wooden Surfaces?
Again, this ink is made for materials with a high polyester content.
You will need a smooth light-colored piece of wood with a polyester coating.
So there you have it!
These are some of the best infusible ink pens for Cricut that you can use to create stunning projects.
Go ahead and give them a try, and let your creativity shine!
