Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) is a material used to permanently decorate fabrics, such as custom apparel and textiles. The process involves cutting a design using an electronic machine and then applying heat to transfer it onto the material. Successfully transferring a design requires understanding the material’s construction and the correct orientation for cutting. This guide provides the steps for preparing, cutting, and applying HTV.
Identifying the HTV Layers
Heat Transfer Vinyl is constructed with two distinct layers. The top layer is the carrier sheet, typically a clear plastic film (PET). This sheet is often smooth, shiny, or tacky, and its purpose is to hold the cut design pieces in place for application. The bottom layer is the actual colored vinyl material, which adheres to the fabric when heat is applied. This vinyl layer generally has a matte finish and contains the heat-activated adhesive. The dull, less smooth side is the vinyl material, which is the side the cutting blade should contact.
The Placement Rule
When cutting HTV, the rule for placement is straightforward: the carrier sheet must face down onto the cutting mat. The shiny or tacky side of the material should be in contact with the sticky surface of the mat. Conversely, the dull, matte vinyl side must face up toward the cutting blade. This placement ensures the machine only cuts through the vinyl layer, leaving the thicker carrier sheet intact. The carrier sheet acts as a protective backing, holding the design components together. By placing the carrier sheet down, the blade performs a precise “kiss cut,” slicing the vinyl without damaging the plastic backing used for transfer.
Essential Cutting Preparations
Once the HTV is loaded, the design must be manipulated in the cutting software. The primary step is “mirroring” or horizontally flipping the image or text. Since the vinyl is cut from the back side, failing to mirror the design means text or graphics will appear backward when applied to the garment. The machine’s blade settings must also be calibrated to achieve the necessary kiss cut. The goal is to set the blade depth and pressure to slice cleanly through the vinyl layer without scoring the carrier sheet underneath. Using a test cut feature is recommended to verify the settings, ensuring the vinyl weeds easily while the carrier sheet remains whole.
Transferring Your Design
After cutting, the excess vinyl material must be removed from the carrier sheet in a process called weeding. Once only the desired image remains adhered to the carrier, the design is ready for application. The design is placed onto the garment with the carrier sheet facing up and the adhesive side of the vinyl pressed onto the fabric. Heat and pressure are then applied using an iron or a dedicated heat press to activate the thermal adhesive. Following the manufacturer’s recommended temperature, time, and pressure specifications is necessary for a permanent bond. Finally, the carrier sheet is peeled away, either immediately while hot (“hot peel”) or after cooling (“cold peel”), depending on the HTV type.