🇺🇸 How to Make Your First 4th of July Shirt Using a Cricut & Heat Press
If you’re new to Cricut and want to make a cute, custom 4th of July shirt, you’re in the right place! This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through creating your very first Independence Day shirt — no experience required. Let’s get crafty!
✂️ What You’ll Need:
- Cricut cutting machine (Explore Air 2, Maker, or Joy)- I have the Maker 3 – https://amzn.to/40bHidF
- Heat press or Cricut EasyPress – This is my favorite press – https://amzn.to/4678AWe
- Red, white, and blue heat transfer vinyl (HTV) – Blue – https://amzn.to/4l9trN1; White – https://amzn.to/4n5z2Ws
- Weeding tool – https://amzn.to/4leSVsA
- Blank cotton Onesy (preferably white, red, or gray) – https://amzn.to/44jPdYJ
- Cricut Design Space (free software)
- Teflon sheet or parchment paper – I love these Teflon sheets – https://amzn.to/4kGrk3v and I love this Parchment Paper – https://amzn.to/4lhGQmt
- Patriotic SVG design (Canva, Etsy, or your own!) – This is the one that I used – I chose this one from Creative Fabrica! https://www.creativefabrica.com/product/my-first-4th-of-july-design-png/ref/1758875/
🎨 Step 1: Download Your Design
I chose this one from Creative Fabrica! https://www.creativefabrica.com/product/my-first-4th-of-july-design-png/ref/1758875
🧠 Step 2: Upload and Resize in Design Space
Open Cricut Design Space, upload your SVG, and adjust the size to fit your t-shirt.
📏 Tip: check out this sizing guide to help you with sizing. But I always measure first! When I don’t, I usually mess things up!
🧲 Step 3: Mirror and Cut
- Select your vinyl type in the “Set Materials” menu.
- Always mirror your design when using iron-on/HTV!
- Don’t forget to put down the shiny side or the carrier side down on the mat. You want your vinyl cut and not the carrier sheet.
- You have a different color for each mat. I try and buy mats on sale!
- Load your vinyl shiny side down on the mat and press go!
- Side note: Glitter vinyl does not layer well. I do not recommend using glitter vinyl for layering.
🪄 Step 4: Weed Your Design
Use your weeding tool to carefully peel away the excess vinyl, leaving only the design on the clear carrier sheet.
🔥 Step 5: Press Your Design
Preheat your t-shirt for 5 seconds to remove moisture.
Position your design, lay your Teflon or parchment sheet on top, and press:
- Cricut EasyPress/or other heat press: 315°F for 30 seconds (light pressure)
- Heat Press: 305–315°F for 15–30 seconds, depending on your vinyl
Peel off the carrier sheet (check whether it’s a hot or cool peel!).
🧼 Step 6: Care Tips
Let the shirt sit for 24 hours before washing. Wash inside out in cold water and hang dry or tumble on low.
🧨 You’re Done!
Your first 4th of July shirt is ready to shine — literally! Whether you’re headed to a barbecue, fireworks show, or parade, you’ll be decked out in homemade red, white, and blue.
📌 Pin & Share This Project!
Loved this Cricut project? Pin it for later or share your creations with us using #CraftySportsMom!