Knowing the client's needs and selecting the right HTV accordingly is essential. When choosing a heat transfer viny;, keep in mind the stretch and rebound of the garment. If you're heat pressing activewear, you need a heat transfer vinyl that is light and flexible, minimizing any restriction or unnecessary weight.

In order to cut the vinyl, you will need to choose which vinyl cutter suits your business best and the prints you want to produce. A variety of vinyl cutters are available such as the Cricut Maker 3 or Silhouette Cameo4 for recreational, to professional cutters from Graphtec and Roland DG. The type of cutter you need is largely determined by how big your business is although fundamentally for the most part, the process is the same:

Are you planning to cut vinyl from a roll yourself? Or do you plan on using a custom-cut vinyl or pre-cut vinyl?

For your vinyl cutter to read and cut the artwork, a cut file is required. All vinyl cutters come pre-loaded with software that can register these cut files. To create a cut file, you can use software such as CorelDRAW and Adobe. Instructions on creating cut files can be found here. Alternatively, you can buy cut files if this isn’t suited for you.

Once your cut lines are made it’s time to resize your design to suit the size of your garment. This is usually done with the same software used to create the cut line file (Corel,Adobe).

Your design will need to be mirrored when being cut to ensure it is orientated correctly on your garment.

More information can be found here by Googling

"Mirror your HTV"

It is essential to follow the specific guidelines corresponding with the HTV as they each have a unique set of instructions. If options are available on your cutter, ensure the offset, force and speed settings are optimal and that you are using the correct blade.

More information detailing the different sets of guidelines can be found usually be found within the packaging depending on who you order through. Elite Heat Transfer Media will supply you with all necessary documentation when making a purchase.

Weeding vinyl essentially is like weeding your garden; remove all the unwanted bits without damaging the flowers. Weeding can be a breeze or a nightmare depending on the intricacy of your design and quality of HTV you are using. Ensuring all excess vinyl is removed and you are happy with your design, it’s time to heat press.

Making sure to follow the HTV application guide(hot, warm and cold peel) exactly as instructed to ensure the best quality print is produced. Failing to do so will can blemish, scorch and ruin your garment completely.

If you are finding it difficult to follow the application guidelines with your current equipment, you may consider using a different HTV. For example, certain HTV’s can take up to 15 seconds whereas some others may only take up to 8 seconds. When completing large job orders, this is one way to effectively save your business’s time and money.

1. Turn on your heat press

2. Set the correct temperature and pressure

3. Wait for your heat press to reach temperature

4. Allign your item to center of the heat press

5.         Close the press on the item to pre-heat it and eliminate any wrinkles

6. Place your design on the item with the carrier facing up

7. Put a cover sheet over the item to protect it

8. Press as per HTV application guidelines

9. Open your heat press, remove the item, and peel off the carrier according to the HTV guidelines

10. Move on to the next item