This post was created in partnership with Cricut. All opinions and content are my own.
While tidying my closet recently, I found a few items that could use a refresh: an old pair of sandals, a plain bandana, and even a water bottle tucked away on a shelf. It’s surprising what pops up when you take the time to clean out a closet. I initially set everything aside to paint or dye another day, but then I realized I didn’t need paintbrushes or dye—my Cricut Maker could do the job.
I teamed up with Cricut to share three simple summer accessory makeovers that you can do with things you already own. Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions and free downloadable patterns to recreate each look.
For these projects I used the Cricut EasyPress 2 for iron-on work and Cricut premium vinyl for items that aren’t compatible with a heat press, like a water bottle. This approach lets you combine iron-on and vinyl techniques depending on the surface.
Instead of Photoshop, I sketched the patterns in Procreate this time, which felt much more intuitive for these abstract, organic shapes—especially if you’re an amateur designer. If you’d rather skip designing, I’m sharing three ready-made patterns you can download and use directly.
Design Files for Summer Pattern Projects
Download the ‘sideways landscape’ design here (used on the bandanas).
Download the ‘groovy wave’ design here (used on the sandals).
Download the ‘flower mountains’ design here (used on the water bottle).
How to Embellish a Plain Bandana (with Iron-On)
The bandana is the simplest project. Upload your chosen design to Cricut Design Space, mirror the image if needed, and cut it on Everyday Iron-On. I used white iron-on for a blue bandana and lilac iron-on for a white bandana that I tied to my straw bag.
After cutting and weeding the design, use the EasyPress 2 to adhere it. For my fabric I set the EasyPress to 330°F and applied heat in 30-second intervals until the design was fully bonded. Use Cricut’s heat guide to determine the correct temperature and time for your material.
Finished bandanas are versatile: wear them as an outfit accent, tie one to a tote bag, or even frame one as wall art.
How to Add an Iron-On Design to Shoes
I used a plain, never-worn pair of sandals as my canvas. Cut your design on Everyday Iron-On with the Cricut Maker, weed the excess material, and apply with the EasyPress 2. For these sandals I used 330°F and applied heat in 20-second intervals across the strap until the iron-on was secure.
Troubleshooting tips for shoes: stuff the inside of the shoe with fabric to create a rounded form, and prop the shoe on both sides with a cardboard tube or similar tool to stabilize it for pressing. Start pressing at one end of the strap and move toward the center, then repeat toward the other end to avoid wrinkles and get an even bond.
How to Add a Vinyl Design to a Water Bottle
For the water bottle I used Cricut Premium Permanent Vinyl in tangerine. Premium permanent vinyl has a durable adhesive designed to last; it’s great for drinkware and other hard surfaces.
Cut your design with the Cricut Maker, weed away the excess vinyl, and use transfer tape to move the cut pieces onto the bottle. The transfer tape helps keep the elements aligned and makes application straightforward. Smooth the vinyl onto the curved surface, burnish firmly to remove any bubbles, and carefully peel off the transfer tape.
I love all three makeovers, but the sandals are my favorite—they went from plain and unused to something I actually want to wear everywhere. It’s amazing how much a simple iron-on or vinyl detail can change an item’s appeal.
Which project do you like best? What other items could you refresh with iron-on or vinyl for summer—tote bags, hats, sunglasses cases, or phone covers, for example?