This Iron on Umbrella DIY is a quick project and a simple reminder that any day can be filled with sunshine, even if its raining!
Iron on Umbrella Supplies
To decorate your own umbrella with iron on, you will just need two supplies:
- your umbrella
- iron on vinyl (or heat transfer vinyl, as it’s also known)
Heat transfer is such an easy product to work with. It’s even easier than vinyl, because it comes with a built in transfer paper. This project literally took fifteen minutes, start to finish.
I found an image of a sun on the DS app, and laid it out with the text, then saved it. I knew I wanted to use some fonts that I had on my computer, so when I got home, I pulled up the file and continued working on it. (The fonts I used were 5AM Gender and Mulberry.)
Let’s Talk About Fonts…
While we’re on the topic of fonts, let me make a little PSA. As you probably know, free fonts abound all over the internet. While you certainly may cut them with your Cricut machine, in my experience, premium fonts (those that you usually pay for) produce a better result. This has nothing to do with the machine, and everything to do with the quality of the font. They are usually produced by professional designers who create graphics for a living. They know what words like kerning mean and the difference it makes in the final product. (For the record: kerning has to do with the spacing between letters.)
I have more than my fair share of free fonts, but I do like to invest in a few quality fonts that I use when it really matters – like when I am asking my Cricut machine to cut razor thin pieces of script text. That font better have smooth edges! Mulberry, the script used here in this project, is one of my favourites, and you can purchase it, and other great fonts, at Creative Market. The paid fonts in Cricut Design Space have also been optimized for use with your machine, so they will produce great results as well!
Back to the Iron on Umbrella
Once I had my fonts changed, I put my iron on sheet FACE DOWN on my mat (I’m using a firm mat because it’s old and losing it’s stickiness – a regular hold mat will do just fine) and hit the GO button. Don’t forget – whenever you are using iron on vinyl, click the little box that says “Mirror image”… that way it will cut a mirror image of your project.
When the Cricut is finished doing its work, cut the pieces apart. Use a weeding hook to take the excess off. I was a little worried because of the thin curves of the script font, but as mentioned, it was flawless. There wasn’t a single snag or missed spot.
Position the larger piece of text on one of the umbrella panels. Place the smaller piece on the umbrella cover. Iron according to the directions on the package – and you’re done. I was worried about the iron on adhering to the umbrella fabric, but it adhered so quick. It was so easy!
I love how the bright yellow pops against the black umbrella. Plus, it reminds us to find the sunshine, even in the rainy days!
Patricia S. says
Love that saying on an umbrella! Awesome idea. 🙂
MichelleMichel Meeks says
Good Morning, I am feeling discouraged. I applied Oracle 651 vinyl to my clear umbrella but it’s not staying. Can I use HTV with my heat press. I have 7 people who would like to purchase a umbrella from me….but my way is not working.
Sarah says
I’ve only tried it on a fabric umbrella, not a clear plastic type one, so Im not sure. Sorry!
Peggy says
How has it held up? Is the design still on the umbrella?
Sarah says
It is! But my daughter broke an arm on it… so it doesnt work anymore!