Heat transfer vinyl, also known as, iron-on vinyl, t-shirt vinyl or HTV, is a special type of vinyl that can adhere to fabric. This is different than adhesive vinyl sheets and rolls, that are sticky from the onset. The adhesive on the vinyl is activated with heat.
- Best heat transfer vinyl for t-shirts and fabrics: Siser EasyWeed Heat Transfer Vinyl.
- Runner up for best heat transfer vinyl: Cricut Everyday Iron-On.
- Best iron-on heat transfer paper for light fabrics: Koala Light T-shirt Transfer.
- Best iron-on heat transfer paper for dark fabrics: Avery Printable T-shirt Transfers.
Transfer tape is only used on adhesive craft vinyl. Heat transfer vinyl has a clear carrier sheet attached to the vinyl that is used instead. Using an application tool the vinyl should be rubbed with pressure adequate to adhere it to the applied surface and remove any air bubbles.
Heat Transfer Vinyl
- An iron. Some people still prefer this method to press vinyl onto their chosen fabric. Vinyl is simply placed on top of your fabric, and you press down with a hot iron.
- A heat press. If you have one, then a heat press really is the best way to stick a heat transfer vinyl in place.
Designs placed on the back of shirts should be approximately 5” from the collar and centered between the left and right seams. From the left shoulder seam, measure 7"-9" down and center between the center and side seam of the shirt. Another option is to measure 4"-6" to the right of center.
No matter where you are buying it from make sure it is IRON ON if you are using a home iron. Some vinyl does not work with a home iron. IF USING A HOME IRON YOU NEED PARCHMENT PAPER! Wax paper will not work!!
Create one of a kind fabric art using your inkjet printer. It's simple and easy! First, load it up with iron on transfers, which print just like regular paper, and start decorating everything from T-shirts to pillowcases, quilting squares, and canvas bags.
HOW MANY WASHES DOES THE TRANSFER LAST? They will last between 7 to 10 washings when applied with a home iron. They will last 10 – 15 washings if a heat press is used.
Before iron-on applicationKnow the type of fabric and the type of iron-on material you are using and reference our recommended settings chart. Always pre-wash and thoroughly dry your fabrics.
The heat of the iron and the duration in which it is applied when ironing the print plays a major rule in the durability of the print on the fabric. A heat of at least 190 degrees for at least 5 minutes and strong pressure on a solid worktop (not an ironing board!) will ensure long lasting results.
Adhesive vinyl is very similar to a sticker. Just as with a heat transfer vinyl, adhesive vinyl is available in a wide choice of colors and different finishes. It is a good choice for smooth surfaces but is not a good choice for fabrics.
HTV works best on cotton or polyester or cotton/poly blends. Other synthetic fabrics, like acrylic, won't work correctly because they will melt under the heat of an iron. For more advanced crafters, you can apply HTV to mugs, baseball hats, footballs and even wood!
Cotton or Polyester shirtsYou can use some poly blends with dtg but the inks work best with 100% cotton face shirts. If you are screen printing you can print on 100% polyester or cotton blends or 100% cotton. The same goes for HTV. HTV stands for Heat transfer vinyl.
When looking for shirts for your iron on project, I suggest going with 100% cotton, 100% polyester, or a 50/50 blend of the two. I have found that quality counts when it comes to your shirt—a higher quality shirt is going to have a better result with iron on vinyl.
If you've been keeping up with the Siser® Blog you now Siser HTV can be applied to all kinds of materials and textiles. (These tips will also work for applying on heat sensitive fabrics like rayon, 100% polyester, silk, or any other material you're unsure about.)
HTV has a clear carrier sheet over the top and then the vinyl is actually behind that. And your adhesive is on this back side. Heat Transfer Vinyl, can basically go on anything that can withstand the heat; So obviously it can go on tshirts. It is recommended for cotton, cotton polyester blends or just polyester.
Time- Pressing or ironing for too short a time can cause HTV not to stick to your shirt. Pressing or ironing for too long can have the same effect. HTV works by using a heat activated adhesive so too little time and it won't heat enough to stick. Too long and it can actually burn the adhesive off.
You use a “heat” press to adhere the transfers adhesive or ink to the fabric. Some polyester fabric is more sensitive than others and may require a temperature of as low as 280 to not see scorch marks.
Fabrics such as cotton, cotton/polyester blends, polyester, and canvas work well with heat transfer vinyl. There are types of vinyl that can also be used with nylon and leather. However, products such as paper and plastics do not work well because they cannot take the heat required to adhere the vinyl to the substrate.
Place the area of the unwanted heat transfer vinyl over the plate and pull tight with one hand. Using your scissors, X-Acto knife, or razor blade, gently use a sweeping motion to pick away the HTV, starting at the top of the unwanted heat transfer vinyl. The material might come off in chunks at a time.
10-15 seconds is the perfect pressing time. You don't want to scorch the adhesive by keeping the heat on too long and over pressing.
Heat Transfer Vinyl on a Satin Cape! satin Halloween cape! Press the first layer for only 2 seconds then remove the carrier sheet.
When working with heat transfer vinyl, the shiny side of the material always goes face down for cutting. This shiny side is called the “carrier.” It covers the face (the colored side that will face out on the garment) of the HTV and holds the cut pieces in alignment during cutting and applying.
Place your iron on vinyl plastic-side DOWN on your cutting mat. I often use my Cricut Brayer to help press my vinyl into my mat, particularly if my mat is on the older side. Insert the mat into the Cricut and press the arrow button on your Cricut. It should grip your cutting mat and bring it into the machine.
As a general rule, you do not mirror adhesive vinyl. If you're using HTV (heat transfer vinyl), you DO mirror your image before you cut and be sure to place your vinyl glossy side down or dull color side up on the mat. If there's no backing or cover sheet, be sure NOT to mirror and place upright on your mat.
The shiny side goes down when your cutting. The vinyl side goes face up. You want to cut through the vinyl, but not through the carrier sheet. Perform test cuts to get your settings correct, and remember to reverse your image on your computer before cutting HTV.
If not holding material well enough, causes may include the following: Cutting mat's liner has not yet been removed (if never used and mat surface is not sticky at all) Using a material that is not conducive to the cutting mat (overly "linty" and so cannot be held well enough) Mat is older and adhesive has worn down.
(All of Standout Vinyl's products have recommended cut settings and application instructions in the product description.) With adhesive vinyl, you want to load your vinyl paper-side down like I did in the image above. You can also see that I just load my vinyl straight into my machine.
Cutting Premium Vinyl - Permanent with a Cricut MachinePlace vinyl (liner side down) onto Cricut StandardGrip cutting mat. Select images and size and load the mat into the machine.
