Do I need a sublimation printer if I have a Cricut?

If you own a Cricut machine, you might be wondering if you also need a sublimation printer to make custom designs. The answer depends on the type of projects you want to create. A Cricut by itself cannot print sublimation designs. It’s a cutting machine, not a printer. If you want to make full color, vibrant sublimation projects (like mugs, tumblers, or polyester shirts), then yes, you’ll need a sublimation printer in addition to your Cricut.

However, if your focus is on vinyl crafts, paper cutting, or Cricut’s Infusible Ink transfer sheets, you can still make plenty of projects without investing in a sublimation printer.

How Cricut and sublimation are different

• Cricut machines cut materials like vinyl, paper, cardstock, and iron-on transfers. They don’t print ink.

• Sublimation printers use special inks that turn into gas with heat and permanently bond to polyester fabrics and polymer-coated blanks.

Cricut and sublimation can work together beautifully, but they serve different purposes.

When you don’t need a sublimation printer

You don’t need a sublimation printer if you’re happy using:

• Cricut’s Infusible Ink sheets (these work a bit like sublimation but come in pre-printed patterns)

• Adhesive vinyl or iron-on vinyl for fabric and hard goods

• Paper crafting, card making, or stencils

These projects rely only on your Cricut and don’t require a printer.

When you might want a sublimation printer

You’ll want to add a sublimation printer if you want to:

• Print your own custom designs instead of being limited to pre-printed sheets

• Personalize items with names, photos, or logos

• Make full-color projects with gradients, fine details, or photographs

• Expand into making mugs, tumblers, puzzles, ornaments, or polyester shirts

This is where Cricut and sublimation work hand-in-hand. Cricut can cut out heat transfer shapes, vinyl decals, or templates, while the sublimation printer produces vibrant printed designs.

Craft Express sublimation printers
Craft Express heat presses
Craft Express sublimation blanks

The perfect combo: Cricut + sublimation printer

Many crafters use both tools together. For example:

1. Design in Cricut Design Space or another program.

2. Print the design on a sublimation printer.

3. Cut accents or stencils with your Cricut.

4. Heat press the design onto a blank, then add extra Cricut details for layered effects.

This gives you maximum creativity and endless project options.

FAQ: Cricut and sublimation printers

1. Can I use my Cricut to do sublimation without a printer?
Not directly. You can use Infusible Ink sheets, but they come in pre-made colors and patterns only.

2. Do I need both a Cricut and a sublimation printer?
Not always. If you only want to cut vinyl or paper, Cricut is enough. If you want full-color sublimation designs, you’ll need a sublimation printer too.

3. Can I sublimate cotton shirts with Cricut and a sublimation printer?
Not directly. Sublimation works best on polyester. For cotton, you’d need a sublimation coating or special transfer sheets.

4. What’s the best setup for beginners?
Start with your Cricut, then add a sublimation printer, sublimation paper, and a heat press when you’re ready to expand into more colorful projects.