Cricut: How to Make a Black History Month Banner with Iron-on

Open the links below, right click and save the images.

Download design element 1 here

Download design element 2 here

Download design element 3 here

The premise behind this piece is that black history has been lifted up by our ancestors, the pillars that have paved the way for a reality that we live today. Now we continue to work for change for the future generation.  

No generation has been perfect but, from adversity, we continue to grow with time. To leave the world better than we found it. 

Once you've imported the images into the software. Adjust it to the right size for your project.

Measuring your blank can make sure it's a great fit.

Now it's time to cut!

Add your vinyl to the cutting mat and make it the right size. Click 'make it' and select the correct settings for your project (e.g. selecting 'iron-on vinyl').

Make sure you click 'mirror image' before cutting so your design comes out the right way when you're pressing it.

Now, just load your cutting mat into the machine by lining it up with the guides and pressing the load button. Press the go button and start cutting.

Once each piece if cut, unload your cutting mat from the machine.

Next you'll need to remove the parts of vinyl you no longer need, this is called 'weeding'.

Use your weeding tool to pull them up from your vinyl backing. This part can be fiddly, I like to leave my cut piece on my cutting mat to help with resistance.

Once you have weeded out all of your pieces, arrange them onto your banner. I like to use Cricut’s heat proof tape to keep them in place, especially if I’m pressing onto a tricky surface.

Now all that’s left to do is press each component. Place butcher paper on top of the piece you want press.

The standard time for iron-on vinyl is around 40 seconds press for each piece. Wait until it's cooled and peel back the plastic (if you’re layering, be mindful of the piece you've pressed first).