Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is a material that is used to create designs and text on fabrics and other materials. HTV has a heat-activated adhesive that bonds permanently to the fabric when heat is applied. This step-by-step guide will show you how to use heat transfer vinyl with Cricut. Let’s dive into this write-up and explore what you can make with a Cricut machine. First, collect the materials you need for your crafting project.
Cricut Supplies You Will Need for Your Project
Before you dive into this guide, let’s gather everything you need to complete this project. Read the below list:
An HTV
A blank shirt
A Cricut cutting machine (Here I am using Maker for cutting)
Standard Grip mat
Weeding tool
EasyPress mat
You have gathered all the materials now. Let’s focus on how to use heat transfer vinyl with Cricut. Read ahead to know.
Step 1: Create a Design
Now that you have gathered all the materials, let’s proceed to the main part, which is how to use HTV with your crafting machine. First, open Design Space app and click on New Project to create a design. You can upload an SVG file if you do not want to make a design. From the left toolbar menu, click the Upload option.
Step 2: Prepare Your Design for Cutting
When you are done with your design, which has layers, you need to hit the Attach option in Design Space. This will group the layers together so they all move together when you move or resize the image. To change the color of a layer or an image, select the image and then hit the colored square under the line type menu to choose a new color. When you are done choosing the color, click on the Make It button.
Step 3: Put the Iron-on Vinyl on Mat
On the preview screen, click on the Mirror option. This option is necessary when cutting the heat transfer vinyl. After that, click on the Continue button. Here, I am using Everyday iron-on vinyl for this project. Under the materials settings, choose iron-on. If you are using the Explore machine, you can’t choose this option; instead, you have to set the Smart dial on the top of your machine. Put your HTV on the StandardGrip mat and make sure the shiny side is down. Press down the vinyl to make sure it is stuck properly to the mat. Install the blade on Clamp B and then load it into the machine and press the Load button. After loading the mat, hit the Go button on the machine to start cutting.
Step 4: Cut HTV on a Cricut Machine
Now that you have put the material on your mat and mirrored your design, you have to cut. You can use iron-on vinyl with any of the machines. With the Explore series machine, you can set the dial to iron-on for cutting or on custom and pick from the list in Design Space.
Step 5: Weed Out the Vinyl
After your design is cut, you need to remove all of the excess iron-on vinyl from around the design with the help of your weeding tool. You can trim the excess iron-on vinyl around your design.
Step 6: Apply Heat Transfer Vinyl
Once you have weeded out the extra part from your design, I am going to add this to my shirt. For that, you will have to use the heat press machine to transfer your design. Set the time and temperature on your machine to transfer your vinyl. Before you put the design on the shirt, get ready with your shirt. Preheat your shirt for a few minutes to remove any wrinkles and moisture. Correctly place your design and apply the heat with the machine so your design can be transferred smoothly. Let it cool for a few minutes, then peel off the liner material.
Now, you are ready with your shirt.
Tips for Using a Heat Press With HTV
Above, you read about using heat transfer vinyl with your machine. Now, there are some tips you should remember when using HTV. Follow the below instructions:
When you apply your design to the shirt, use a hard, flat, heat-resistant surface underneath.
Place the parchment paper or a Teflon sheet between the iron-on and the vinyl carrier sheet.
You should wait at least 24 hrs before washing your shirt. Wash it inside out with mild detergent.
Conclusion
In short, with the help of this blog, you learned how to use heat transfer vinyl with Cricut to make customized shirts. You need some other tools and materials for making it. The process is very easy and straightforward if you follow it correctly and stepwise. HTV is a special kind of material that can be used to make designs and text on various fabrics. You can use the press machine to transfer the design to your fabric permanently.
FAQs
Why Do I Need to Mirror the HTV?
You need to mirror your HTV before cutting. Otherwise, your design will appear incorrectly on the base material. When you cut HTV, you cut from the back side of the vinyl. If you do not mirror your design, it will appear backward on the material, and it includes. Most HTV comes with a shiny, clear, heat-resistant liner that protects the design.
What Cricut Settings Should I Use for HTV?
When you use HTV on a Cricut, you will have to choose an iron-on material setting from Design Space. The default pressure setting should work fine for most standard HTVs. You can increase the temperature if necessary and when you are working with intricate designs. Before cutting, always mirror your design. If you are using another type of vinyl, like glitter HTV, you need to change the blade as the glitter vinyl is thicker.
What Is the Difference Between HTV and Iron-On?
Heat transfer vinyl and iron-on are used to transfer images onto the fabric, but they differ in a few ways. HTV is a material that has glue with its backing, whereas iron-on is a design that can be printed using transfer paper. If you use HTV, you need to remove the extra part, while iron-on needs a crafting machine and a heat press machine.
Visit: Cricut.com/setup
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