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Home » Crafts » The Ultimate Craft Vinyl Guide

The Ultimate Craft Vinyl Guide

Created On: January 21, 2019  |  Updated: October 5, 2021  |   Leave a comment

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This post may contain Amazon and other affiliate links. Using these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

If you are new to a Cricut or other cutting machine, learn all the details you need to know in the Ultimate Craft Vinyl Guide. Become the vinyl pro and craft all the things in no time!

For anyone who just got a cutting machine (Cricut, Silhouette, or other brand) it can feel a little overwhelming to start.

If you have joined a facebook group for project ideas, or just tried shopping for vinyl, chances are you have seen a lot of strange words floating around. 651, 631, HTV, Iron On, Adhesive Vinyl, Permanent vinyl! AHHH!

How do you know what to get or when to use what? Calm down and keep reading. I will walk you through the baby steps to get you started on your craft journey.

How to know which type of vinyl you need to use. Cricut crafts.

How To Know Which Vinyl To Use

There are so many different types of vinyl and all the options may be overwhelming when you first start out (it was for me).  The type of vinyl you use will depend on the project you want to make and there are so many names for the same product!

To save you time in the craft store, or while shopping online, I put together this vinyl guide to help you know what you need, and when to use it. I typically buy my vinyl from Expressions Vinyl or Cricut so I will list the most common names found at these shops as well as other names you may find them under.

What Is Your Project Type?

What surface will you be applying the vinyl to? Do you want the vinyl to be permanent or temporary? Will it be outside or exposed to water?

Removable Vinyl / Oracal 631

Removable vinyl is also known as indoor vinyl, or basic vinyl.  It can be added to a painted surface and removed without damage which is perfect for home decor projects.  Removable vinyl is perfect for projects such as stencils, binders, wall decor, etc.

This farmhouse Christmas sign was made using adhesive vinyl.  Get the tutorial and free SVG!

Here are lots of projects made with vinyl – get ideas for all the things you can make! Get vinyl project ideas HERE!

Shop indoor vinyl at Expressions Vinyl
Shop basic vinyl at Cricut

Permanent Vinyl / Oracal 651

Permanent vinyl is also known as outdoor vinyl because it is water resistant and strong enough to handle some wear and tear.  I love to use permanent vinyl on mugs, tumbler cups, car decals, mail boxes, or outdoor signs / decor.

You can use permanent vinyl on indoor items as well, but it may leave a residue that is tricky to remove.

Shop Oracal 651 from Expressions Vinyl

Iron-on Vinyl / Heat Transfer Vinyl

Iron-on vinyl adheres to a fabric when heat is applied.  It comes with a clear plastic sheet on the front side which holds your designs in place. 

When you cut iron-on vinyl it needs to go on the cutting mat shiny side down and you will mirror your image before cutting.  This is because you will peel off the surrounding vinyl and will be left with a clear sheet with your design on the back. 

Its like transfer tape and vinyl all in one, and it is AMAZING.  I love it because this feature makes all iron-on projects look more professional and not home made because the spacing and everything is kept the same.

Whats the difference between the Cricut EasyPress and EasyPress 2?
When you are ready to up your iron on game, I highly recommend an easy press.  They have a more consistent temperature than a household iron and you will notice a difference in how the iron-on vinyl holds up to many washes.

Iron-on vinyl comes in a lot of different finishes so be sure to read the instructions on the vinyl for heat settings to use.  Some metallic or shiny vinyls need to cool before removing the plastic sheet to keep the vinyl from wrinkling.

I love iron-on vinyl because it can be used in so many different ways.  My favorites include the glitter, metallic, flocked, halographic, and patterned options!

Get your iron-on vinyl from Cricut
Find heat transfer vinyl from Expressions Vinyl

How to tell if its adhesive or iron on vinyl?

This adhesive vinyl has a paper backing where an iron on vinyl would have a colored back with a shiny clear sheet on the top.

Adhesive vinyl will have a paper backing (as seen in the image above) while iron-on vinyl will have a clear sheet on the front and no paper backing.

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Brooke - Author of Brooklyn Berry Designs.

Brooke is an interior designer and DIY’er who loves all things creative and crafting. She loves to be busy with at least 3 projects on the go and is constantly chatting or singing along to the radio. As a mom to 4 boys, she is always blending creativity and chaos, with some diet coke mixed in. Stick around for the big projects and get 20 little projects in between.

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