Make a ‘Finding Dory” shirt and learn how to apply iron-on vinyl

*This post does contain affiliate links. If you love it and buy it, I will receive a small percentage of the sale. Thank you for your support.Finding Nemo is one of my favorite Disney movies of all time because it speaks to just about any situation we’ve ever been in or known someone to be in. Cricut has amazing Disney images and a few Dory images. I’ve included the link to the cut file below but you will need to purchase the Disney images if you do not have any of the cartridges linked to your Cricut. There is a bubbles image and a font that is included in their subscription (which is totally worth it, btw). I’m really excited to see Finding Dory because it’ll just add to the nostalgia that the original movie had for me. So for this post I’m going to show you how to effectively layer iron-on vinyl and how to really get that image to stick to your fabric.

• First – turn your iron on to about medium-high and the steam off. You want it hot enough but you don’t want it too hot or else it’ll melt the plastic.
• Second – Get your t-shirt warmed up before you place your first piece of iron-on vinyl down. This will help warm the glue and ensure a good stick.
• Third – Place your first color down. It is important to note that you cannot place any additional vinyl over glitter iron-on vinyl, it will not stick. For me this was the black. Place heavy pressure on your iron and hold the iron in place for around 10 seconds. Between each step, turn the shirt over and iron again using pressure. Don’t try to remove the plastic and iron on top, it will melt. After you’ve ironed it, remove the plastic coating. This will come off fairly easily and it’ll let you know which parts weren’t ironed.
• Fourth – Add your second image which is the navy blue for Dory. Be sure to follow the guided cut lines that the image gives you. It’ll help line it up perfectly. (I had to use two pieces because I was running low so your image will not have a space between it.). Iron the front and then turn your shirt over and iron again using pressure. Remove the plastic. **Save the smaller eyelids for later
• Fifth – Add your light blue image. Repeat ironing the front and back using pressure and remove the plastic.
• Sixth – Add your white eyes, bubbles and then add the smaller navy blue eyelids. Repeat the ironing process.
• Seventh – Add the yellow using the guidelines and repeat the same ironing technique.

The most important part of layering your Iron-on Vinyl and getting it to stick is making sure your shirt is warmed up, you’re using pressure and you’re heating the glue from the front and back. I had a really hard time getting my vinyl to stick once I washed my shirts but this method has helped a lot.

I’m totally wearing this to the Finding Dory premiere and I can’t wait for you all to see the other Finding Dory blog posts sharing everything from crafts to where you can spot her at Walt Disney World. Check that out here.

For the file, click here for the Design Space cut file. I hope you enjoy!