Which Side Goes Down on Cricut Vinyl?

If you’re new to using a Cricut cutting machine, one of the most important questions to ask is which side goes down on Cricut vinyl. The answer is simple – it depends on the type of vinyl you’re using!

For starters, it’s important to understand that there are two types of Cricut vinyl: adhesive and heat transfer. Adhesive vinyl has an adhesive backing that sticks to most surfaces, while heat transfer vinyl (or HTV) needs to be applied with a heat press or iron.

When it comes to adhesive vinyl, the shiny or printed side should always go down on your cutting mat. This is because the adhesive will stick better if it’s directly against the mat. It also helps ensure that your designs will be cut accurately.

For heat transfer vinyl, you need to pay attention to whether you’re using a glossy or matte finish. With a glossy finish, the printed/shiny side should go down on your cutting mat. However, with a matte finish, you should put the dull/matte side down instead.

Conclusion:
When working with Cricut Vinyl, which side goes down depends on the type of vinyl you’re using – adhesive or HTV. For adhesive vinyl, always put the shiny/printed side down on your cutting mat. For HTV, put either the glossy/printed side (for glossy) or dull/matte side (for matte) down instead.