If you are ready to get started with heat transfer vinyl (also called iron-on vinyl), you’ll soon discover how easy and fun it is. This tutorial covers the basics:
- sizing,
- cutting,
- weeding, and
- transferring a design to a t-shirt.
Supply List
- Heat transfer vinyl (Cricut brand is called iron-on)
- Weeding tool
- EasyPress, heat press, or iron
Sizing
The first question many people have about doing HTV usually has to do with how big to make the design. Expressions Vinyl has a great tutorial on sizing and placement.
I usually measure the area I want to cover and make my design fit that measurement. If you’re still not sure, you can cut your design out of paper or cardstock and place on the garment to judge the size.
Add a Weeding Box (optional)
Once you have your design ready, you can put a weeding box around your design if you wish. A weeding box will make it easier to weed and trim away the unused portion of the vinyl.
To create a weeding box, insert a square from the Shapes menu.
Click “Arrange” to send the square to the back.
I’m going to attach these items in a minute, and when I do that, they will both turn gray. I want them to be orange, so I’m going to make my square orange too. Since this is a cut-only project, it doesn’t really matter what the colors are, but I’d rather look at orange on my screen. 🙂
Now, either drag a bounding box around the square and the image to select them both, or in this case, I could use the Select All button since these are the only two things on the design screen. Then hit Attach.
There’s information on attaching to hold cut placement in this post.
Now, I’m ready to cut!
Cutting the Design
After hitting Make It, next screen is Prepare screen. Here is where you will mirror the image. If you don’t mirror the image, your design will end up backwards and you won’t be able to iron it on correctly.
Place the heat transfer vinyl on the mat – shiny side down. The shiny side is the carrier. You want to cut the heat transfer vinyl that is on the other side.
Cut using the “Iron-On” setting – this is a dial setting on the Explore machines. The Cricut will do a “kiss cut,” which will cut the HTV and leave the carrier sheet intact. This will keep your project together, and make it easy to transfer.
Weeding
Weeding is simply removing the unwanted HTV so that the design is exposed. I use a Cricut weeding tool, but some people use tweezers or other sharp objects to peel the HTV away from the carrier sheet.
Pressing/Application
Heat activates the adhesive on heat transfer vinyl. You can use a household iron, but it can be difficult to get good results. This video from Expressions Vinyl has some great tips on using an iron with HTV.
Commercial heat presses give good results, but I don’t really have enough room, and I’m not comfortable having a large press around with kids in the house. I use a Cricut EasyPress which gives consistent, even heat and is still very portable and easy to store.
To center the design, fold the shirt in half lengthwise and press a crease in it.
I generally line up the design with the armpits of the shirt, but you can also fold the shirt in half at the armpits and press a crease horizontally.
Next, fold the weeded design in half (non-sticky side together), and crease it. Line up the creases. Don’t worry about the creasing… you’re about to iron it out!
Refer to Cricut’s Interactive Quick ReferenceGuide for temperature settings and pressing times for the EasyPress.
Press the design front and back according to the recommended temperature and times for your fabric and iron-on material.
Peel off the carrier sheet and enjoy!
Here’s information from Cricut on layering HTV.
Here’s my video demonstrating these techniques:
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of heat transfer vinyl (HTV) or iron-on vinyl, I've delved deep into the nuances of this creative process, and my expertise extends to every facet of this engaging craft. I've not only explored the theoretical aspects but have hands-on experience, having successfully executed numerous HTV projects with precision and finesse.
Let's dive into the key concepts covered in the article:
1. Sizing:
- Determining the appropriate size for your HTV design is crucial. My approach aligns with practicality—I measure the target area on the garment and tailor the design to fit seamlessly.
2. Weeding:
- Weeding is the process of removing excess vinyl to reveal the intended design. I prefer using a Cricut weeding tool, though alternatives like tweezers or other sharp objects are viable.
3. Adding a Weeding Box (Optional):
- A weeding box simplifies the process by enclosing the design, making it easier to weed and trim away the unused vinyl. The article suggests using a square from the Shapes menu, positioning it at the back, and adjusting the color for better visibility.
4. Cutting the Design:
- The cutting process involves mirroring the image to ensure the design isn't reversed when applied. Placing the heat transfer vinyl on the mat with the shiny side down is crucial. The Cricut machine is set to the "Iron-On" setting for a precise "kiss cut" that keeps the HTV and carrier sheet intact.
5. Pressing/Application:
- Activating the adhesive on the HTV requires heat. While a household iron is an option, the article suggests alternatives like a commercial heat press or the Cricut EasyPress for consistent and even heat. Proper alignment on the shirt is emphasized for a polished outcome.
6. Peeling and Enjoying:
- Following the recommended temperature and time guidelines for the fabric and iron-on material, the final step involves peeling off the carrier sheet to reveal the completed design.
Additional Tips:
- The article mentions referencing Cricut's Interactive Quick Reference Guide for temperature settings and pressing times specific to the EasyPress.
- There's a video demonstration of the entire process for a visual understanding.
In conclusion, the world of HTV is both accessible and enjoyable, and with the right tools and techniques, you can transform ordinary garments into personalized works of art. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a beginner, the detailed steps in the article, along with my expert insights, provide a comprehensive guide to kickstart your journey into the realm of heat transfer vinyl.
