This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
Crochet Project Bag Using the Cricut MakerÂ
Over the holidays I took some much needed time off to relax with family and friends. I also spent quite a bit of time thinking about things I’d like to blog about in 2019. Of course there is crochet (the staple of this blog) but I’d like to share some other favorite crafts once in a while too. As I thought more about it, I realized how much overlap there actually is between many of my favorite crafts. With that in mind….
I needed a new Crochet Project Bag and decided to try my hand at designing one with my new favorite tool – my Cricut Maker! I wanted something that was an homage to my crochet business but not simply my logo or company name.
Now that I have a few simple projects under my belt, I wanted to try something a little more involved. I decided to go for a double palm tree in two colors using two types of iron-on vinyl. The trick here is figuring out how to split up the image to get only the cuts you want in the colors you want as to not waste material or add extra bulk.
Here’s what I used for my project:
I opened up the Design Space on my laptop and started a new project. A quick search of images produced this pretty double palm tree, however, the way this image is designed there are several layers of the design on top of each other. This would be too bulky for my needs plus a waste of the vinyl that would be underneath.
Much to my delight, the design tool has a feature called “slice”, which takes an image and slices it into the various layers that make it up, here’s what my palm tree image looked like after I was done slicing.
For my purposes all I needed was the second and fourth images, so I deleted the others. I also used an option called “contour” to get rid of the random lines and pieces in the slice with the trunk. Here’s what I was left with when I was done with contouring.
Next I added the text and changed the colors in the image to my two color choices – black and glittery turquoise. I made sure to choose “cut” for the images and clicked on “Make It”. The cutting layout displays the design for each mounting board (one for each material/color). Be sure to “mirror” the image so the text will print out in the correct direction.
When layering a design the order in which you iron-on is important as you can’t add vinyl over glitter vinyl. So I started with the trunk and lettering that would be cut on Everyday Vinyl in black. Now I was ready to place the vinyl onto to the appropriate board and load it into the Cricut Maker.
Next, tell the Cricut Maker what material you are using so it can apply the proper pressure and cutting motion. Choose your material from the drop down list and be sure to have the right blade inserted in the Cricut Maker, then Go!
Once the design is cut, I find it easier to work with a smaller section of the vinyl so I cut out the sections with my design (and save the remainder of the material), and then I go about weeding (eliminating the excess vinyl) with the weeder tool. This tool makes it so easy to get this job done!
I like to get all my pieces cut out and then lay them on my base to make sure the layout is to my liking.
Now I’m ready to press! First I look up the appropriate settings for the material I am using and enter them onto the Easy Press 2. I heat up the area where I’ll be adding the transfers to make it warm and then I start pressing my design in place.
I started with the black design pieces first. It’s looking good already!
When your design includes overlaying one color/material over another, you must be sure that the vinyl from the first press (the black portions of the design) does not stick to the Easy Press 2. An easy fix is to place the glitter pieces in place and then use an old cotton napkin (or scrap of cotton fabric) over the design. Now you can press on top of the napkin without risking a sticky mess.
OK, here we go, my bag is done! I love it!
It was super easy to get this project done, but I’ll make it even easier for you! Just go to my project template for I’m Hooked On Crochet Tote Bag, click “Make It” and you are ready to go!
I hope you enjoyed this super quick and easy project.
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I’m always happy to help you with questions regarding my patterns. Send me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Please feel free to sell finished items from my patterns. Pattern credit is not required, but is always appreciated.
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