DIY A Goldbergs-Inspired “It’s ThanksFUCKINGgiving” T-Shirt

Time needed: 30 minutes

This is a really basic design and DIY. It would make a great, quickie project for anyone looking to begin using iron-on.

1. Design The Cut File

   You have two options here. You can either download the cut file that I created and uploaded into Cricut Design Space (adjust the font, size, alignment, etc. as needed to fit the size of your T-shirt)
   
   OR use the same basic steps in this tutorial to create your own design.

2. Create Two Different Cuts

   Because you'll be cutting one part of the phrase in basic iron-on and the other in glitter iron-on – you'll need to create two different cuts for this project. Don't worry! It's easy.
   
   Simply click one of the phrase parts (I did the lower portion), then click again on the small black circle to the right of the scissor icon in the layers menu on the right.
   
   This will make a new box pop up with colors – pick a color (a different color than the larger circles) and click on it.
   
   Now, your shape will be that color (and, ultimately, be cut separately on it's own mat).

3. Make The Cuts

   Click the green “Make It” button in the upper right corner. This will send your text to the mat. Next, under “Material Size”, select “12 x 12 in.”.
   
   Then, select the “Mirror” option (this cuts out the text backwards – which then gets applied to your T-shirt with the text reading the standard way). Now, click the green “Continue” button on the bottom right.

4. Prep and Load Your Mat For Cutting

   Take the protective film off the 12″x12″ Standard Mat and adhere a 12″ wide by 10″ long piece of the Iron-on on it. Be sure to brayer it or press it down all over to make it stick completely.
   
   Next, select the green “Browse All Materials” link option from the “Select Material” option. Select “Iron-on” and click the green “Done” button. Then, be sure to load your rotary blade (gears in, plastic cover out) securely into the slot on the right in your Cricut Maker.
   
   Now, use the arrows button on your Cricut Maker to gently load the mat. Once the loaded, the “Cricut” button on your Cricut Maker will blink – push it to begin cutting.

5. Weeding Your Phrase

   Once the Cricut Maker is finished cutting, click the arrow button on the machine to unload the mat. Carefully peel the iron-on from the mat (this is easily done by peeling the MAT from the material [instead of the material from the mat]).
   
   Use a weeding tool to remove all the negative space material (everything you DO NOT want to appear on the T-shirt design) but be sure to keep the iron-on on the clear plastic liner (your phrase will appear backwards). If needed, use a BrightPad to see the cut lines for easier removal.

6. Adding The Basic Iron-On Design To The T-Shirt

   Place your cut and weeded basic graphic on your tee (remember that since you had it cut out as a mirror image, that it will now be placed on the T-shirt with the graphic the right way and the clear plastic liner facing up).
   
   Use the 12″x10″ EasyPress 2 (with a 20″x16″ EasyPress Mat between the T-shirt layers) to gently press transfer the graphic on to the T-shirt. The settings for the Basic Iron-on on the 12″x10″ EasyPress 2 is:
   
   Set the EasyPress 2 for 315 degrees F.
   
   Preheat the area where your graphic will be going for 5 seconds with the EasyPress 2.
   
   Press for 30 seconds on the front of the T-shirt and then, turn the T-shirt inside out, and press for 15 seconds using medium pressure both times.
   
   Peel off the clear liner once it's warm to the touch. Hang on to the liner – you'll need it for the next step.

7. Adding The Glitter Iron-On Design To The T-Shirt

   Place your cut and weeded glitter graphic on your tee (remember that since you had it cut out as a mirror image, that it will now be placed on the T-shirt with the graphic the right way and the clear plastic liner facing up).
   
   Use the leftover liner pieces from the last step to cover up the already ironed on design. This will protect it from direct heat.
   
   Use the 12″x10″ EasyPress 2 (with a 20″x16″ EasyPress Mat between the T-shirt layers) to gently press transfer the graphic on to the T-shirt. The settings for the Glitter Iron-on on the 12″x10″ EasyPress 2 is:
   
   Set the EasyPress 2 for 330 degrees F.
   
   Preheat the area where your graphic will be going for 5 seconds with the EasyPress 2.
   
   Press for 30 seconds on the front of the T-shirt and then, turn the T-shirt inside out, and press for 15 seconds using medium pressure both times.
   
   Peel off the clear liner once it's cold to the touch.