Learn how to make these custom drawstring backpacks using Cricut Iron-On Designs. It’s a simple way to make a custom bag for you or your kids, with pre-designed artwork you can iron on to a variety of materials! I made these matching drawstring bags for me and my “baby bear” to take to the park, hiking, and other summer adventures.
I’m so excited to share this project with you guys today! I love using my Cricut Maker to create custom shirts, pillows and other items for my home, but sometimes I just don’t have the time to sit down at my computer and create the design I’m envisioning in my head. So I was super excited to discover these pre-designed Cricut Iron-On Designs that don’t require any work! You can just iron them directly on to whatever surface you are using for your project, and it is done in just a few minutes. I decided to make a set of coordinating custom drawstring bags for my little boy and me to use this summer, with the adorable “Mama Bear” Iron-On Design.
How to make a custom drawstring bag with Cricut Iron-On designs
First, I found the cutest selection of drawstring backpacks on Amazon, and bought this one with the triangle designs. They remind me of trees in a forest!
For my son’s bag, I decided to DIY it so it could be a custom size that fits his little back. Nat helped me to sew the bag using a canvas cotton material and cotton rope. I will be sharing the tutorial soon, along with some other ideas for kids summer backpacks!
Next, I selected my Cricut Iron-On Designs Mama Bear design. As soon as I saw this design, I knew I had to make something for my son! Isn’t it the cutest?
Cricut has come up with such a wide variety of iron-on designs, including funny quotes, home decor designs, baby, and kid-friendly artwork! There are currently over 50 designs available with lots more coming soon! The Iron-On Designs come in two sizes, large and small. The design I used, Mama Bear, is a large design and the sheet measures 8.5″x12″, which includes both the mama and baby bears. Some of my other favorites are these Cricut Iron-On Designs Cute Sea Girl and Cute Sea Boy designs, which are the small size designs, 4.25″x12″. I am planning to make some summer swim bags for my girls using these mermaid and seahorse Iron-On designs and I know they will love them!
One of the things I love about these Iron-On designs, is the fact that they are completely done and ready to apply to your project, so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying creating! They are also perfect for older kids to use to make their own crafts this summer, as long as they are supervised during the ironing part.
Speaking of ironing, let’s get to the easiest part of this entire project. You can definitely use a regular household iron to apply the designs, but for a simpler and flawless result, I love using my Cricut EasyPress!
How to use the Cricut EasyPress to apply an Iron-On Design
When you remove the design from the package, you will first need to need to cut the plastic sheet in half if it has two parts like mine does.
Next, you will place your material or in this case, the drawstring bag, on top of the EasyPress Mat. The EasyPress Mat is a no-brainer investment if you own an EasyPress! The layers in the material of the mat help to wick moisture away and distribute the heat more evenly as you are applying your designs. It also protects your surface from heat damage, which is total peace of mind for me! One of my bags was large enough that I could slip the EasyPress Mat inside the bag before pressing. For the smaller bag, I just placed it on top of the mat.
Heat your EasyPress to 340 degrees, which is the recommended setting for Iron-On Designs. If you use the EasyPress Mat, the design will be able to adhere faster, so you should only need 30 seconds. If you are using a towel, you may need up to 50 seconds. For more a complete list of recommended heat settings and times for different materials, make sure to refer to the EasyPress Recommended Settings Page.
Once you have your design placed where you want it, you will take it off and quickly pre-heat the material with the EasyPress for 10-15 seconds. Then place your design on with the clear sheet on top (it will look just as it should when you are done) and press with your EasyPress using medium pressure for 30 seconds.
Then you will flip it over and press for another 15-20 seconds on the back of the material. Let it cool completely and use the COLDPEEL method to remove the clear plastic sheet.
That’s it! The Iron-On Designs will transfer beautifully, just like mine did!
My little boy adores his Baby Bear drawstring backpack! We tried them out earlier this week when we went to the Tulip Festival and he was in heaven! He helped me pack some snacks and his jacket inside, and it was the perfect size. I love my backpack too!
I would love if it you check out some of my other DIY Cricut projects:
- DIY Dalmation Print roller shade
- “A Million Dreams” kids pajamas
- Coco-inspired Mouse Ears
- How to Cut Wood With the Cricut Explore
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.
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