Customising t-shirts using heat transfer vinyl is a great way to add your own personal touch to your t-shirts without it costing too much. In this blog I will show you step by step how to customise a t-shirt using HTV.
Material I used:
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Step 1
Load up design space. On the canvas click on the text icon. This will bring you up a text box to start typing the text you requite on the front of your t-shirt.
For the first t-shirt I used the text Be Kind with a font that I had already purchased called BFC Paris Stacked.
For my second t-shirt I typed in the text Mum of boys. I changed the font again to a font I had purchased called strawberry dreams. I then typed #outnumbered and changed the font of this text to rainy shine.
You can chose any font that you like, as we all have our favourites.
Step 2
Measure across the front of the t-shirt so you know the maximum size that you can make the design.
Head back into design space. At the top of the canvas you will see the size boxes, change the size of your design to fit the front of your t-shirt.
If, like my mum of boys design you have multiple lines of text remember to attach the designs together so they cut out how you would like them too.
Step 3
When you are happy with your design click on make it in the top right of the canvas.
You will now see a prepare screen. This is showing you how the design will look on the mat. I have separated my 2 designs so that it is easier to lay the HTV on the mat. I have also mirrored the designs so once they are cut they will be the correct way around.
Step 4
Once you are happy with how the design is positioned on the mat, select continue. Now you will need to select the materials you are using and the cutting pressure. I selected Premium vinyl and the cutting pressure to be more.
Step 5
Lay the HTV onto the standard grip mat. HTV must be placed with the carrier sheet down on the mat. You will see this as the shiny side of the vinyl.
As I am cutting my designs in 2 different colours, I have placed both pieces of vinyl on the mat. This will help to save time when cutting. Load the mat into your cricut and start the cutting process.
Step 6
Remove the vinyl from the mat by flipping the mat over and removing the mat from the vinyl. This will help prevent the vinyl curling up.
Trim around the edge off the vinyl to save time weeding the vinyl. Weed both designs so all you are left with is the design you want to see on the front of your t-shirt.
Step 7
Heat your heat press to 135 degrees celcius. Prepare your t-shirts by pressing the t-shirt for 15 seconds. This will help to remove any moisture and help the HTV adhere to the fabric.
Line up the deign on the front of your t-shirt. I like to place my design at least a hand width down from the collar. I also like to measure the sides of the design to make sure I have the design in the centre of the t-shirt.
Step 8
Now we are ready to press the design onto the t-shirt.
If you need help knowing what temperature to press your vinyl you can check out the heat guide at cricut.com. Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will find the link for the heat guide.
I pressed my design for 30 seconds, I then flipped the t-shirt over and pressed it from the back for a further 15 seconds. I peeled the carrier sheet off the design whilst it was still warm.
If your design hasn't fully adhered to the fabric lay the carrier sheet back over the design and press again.
I repeated the same process for both t-shirts.
if you enjoyed this blog please take a look at my other blog posts:
Easy Left chest logo and text placement for T-shirts
Make Your Own Personalised Travel Snack Tray
You can also check out my video showing how I added HTV to my t-shirts by clicking on the video below