# Best cutting machines for making T-shirts with iron-on and HTV Source: https://bladeandmat.com/best/best-cutting-machine-for-t-shirts Publisher: Blade & Mat. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://bladeandmat.com/how-we-pick Making shirts with heat transfer vinyl takes two machines: a cutter for the design and a press to apply it. The cutter has to be wide enough for an adult shirt back, handle iron-on cleanly, and its software has to mirror the design before cutting. Many bundles now pair a cutter with a press, which can save buying them separately but locks you into that press size. This guide compares cutters and cutter-plus-press bundles on what the listings state: cut width, whether a heat press comes in the box, what iron-on material is included and the design software. A 24 inch machine makes sense if you plan to batch several shirts per cut. Where a listing does not state the width, check it before you buy. ## Picks ### 1. Cricut Explore 5 Essential Bundle with Multicolor Sampler + EasyPress 9x9 Max cut width: 12 in (30.5 cm); Heat press included: EasyPress SE 9x9; Iron-on (HTV) in box: Smart Iron-On; Software: Design Space, Bluetooth The Explore 5 with an EasyPress 9x9, Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On and card supplies. A complete shirt setup for beginners, with a 12 inch cut width that covers adult prints. What the listing offers: - Cutter and 9x9 press in one box, with the Explore 5's 12 in (30.5 cm) cutting width. - Smart Iron-On included, and the listing names T-shirts, sweatshirts, totes and bodysuits as press projects. - Bluetooth connection to Design Space with guided setup for new users. Limits to know: - A 9x9 press needs more than one press for a large back print. - The Explore 5 works with six tools, so no thick-material or engraving options later. ### 2. Silhouette America Cameo 5 Alpha (α) - Smart Cutting Machine for Print & Cut - Quiet Operation with AutoBlade, Studio Software, Cutting Mat- Matte Black (Machine) Max material thickness: 3 mm; Max cut width: Not stated; Blades/tools: AutoBlade; cuts, sketches and embosses; Software: Silhouette Studio; Connectivity: Not stated Silhouette's main 12 inch class machine handles vinyl to fabric up to 3 mm thick, with 4-point print and cut registration and speeds up to 400 mm/s. The cheapest way here to leave Design Space behind. What the listing offers: - Materials up to 3 mm thick, including fabric and heat transfer, according to the listing. - 4-point registration with vertical and horizontal correction for accurate print and cut stickers. - Runs on Silhouette Studio software instead of Cricut Design Space. Limits to know: - The listing does not state cut width or connection type. - No engraving or debossing tool is mentioned, which the Maker line offers. ### 3. Cricut Maker 4 T-Shirt Making Bundle - Cutting Machine with EasyPress SE Heat Press, Vinyl & Iron-On Kit for Custom Apparel, Tote Bags & DIY Projects Machine: Cricut Maker 4; Heat press: EasyPress SE (size not stated); Key materials: Vinyl, iron-on HTV, tools and accessories; Software: Cricut Design Space Maker 4 plus an EasyPress SE with vinyl and HTV for apparel work. A fit for Etsy sellers and shirt makers who want Maker material range and a press. What the listing offers: - Pairs a Maker 4 with an EasyPress SE, so you can cut and press apparel with no extra equipment, per the listing. - The listing states the EasyPress SE has auto-shutoff and a heat base. - Includes vinyl and HTV materials plus tools for first shirt and tote projects. Limits to know: - The EasyPress SE plate size is not stated in this listing. - Material quantities are not stated, so compare against buying the press separately. ### 4. Cricut Maker 5 Multicolor Sampler + Heat Press Machine: Cricut Maker 5; Heat press: EasyPress SE 9x9; Key materials: Smart vinyl and HTV sheets, tools; Software: Cricut Design Space The newest Maker with a 9x9 EasyPress SE and Smart vinyl and HTV sheets. Costs the most here but pairs the latest machine with a press. What the listing offers: - Includes the Maker 5 and an EasyPress SE 9x9, per the listing, a full cut and press system. - EasyPress SE auto-shutoff and heat base are listed safety features. - Smart vinyl and HTV sheets are included to start apparel projects right away. Limits to know: - The highest price in this guide, and the materials are listed as sheets rather than rolls. - The listing does not state cut width or thickness limits for the Maker 5 in this bundle. ### 5. Siser Romeo 24" Professional Vinyl Cutter Machine Bundle with HTV, Design Software & Designs Max cut width: 24 in; Heat press included: No; Iron-on (HTV) in box: 12 Easyweed and 6 Glitter HTV sheets; Software: Leonardo Design Studio (Mac and PC) A 24 inch cutter from an HTV brand, bundled with 18 sheets of Siser HTV, a roll feeder and an integrated camera for print and cut. For sellers batching several shirt designs per cut. What the listing offers: - 24 inch cutting width fits several shirt designs per pass or very large prints. - Bundle has 12 Siser Easyweed and 6 Glitter HTV sheets, plus a pressing cover sheet. - Includes a weeding hook, vinyl applicator and three blades of two angles. Limits to know: - No heat press in the box, so budget for one separately. - Leonardo Design Studio is new to many crafters coming from Cricut or Silhouette apps. ### 6. Cricut Joy Xtra Cutting Machine T-Shirt Making Bundle with Mini EasyPress Heat Press - Includes Smart Iron-On Materials, Tools & Heat Transfer Vinyl Design Guides Machine: Cricut Joy Xtra; Heat press: EasyPress Mini; Key materials: Smart Iron-On, crafting tools, design guides; Software: Not stated A compact Joy Xtra with the EasyPress Mini and Smart Iron-On. Suits small designs, baby clothes, hats and curved surfaces rather than full shirt fronts. What the listing offers: - Includes the EasyPress Mini, which the listing pitches for curved surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. - The cheapest bundle here that includes a Cricut heat press. - Smart Iron-On materials and crafting tools are included for first apparel projects. Limits to know: - A mini press and a compact cutter limit design size on adult shirts. - The listing does not name the design software or the materials quantity. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.