How To Use Printable Heat Transfer Vinyl

Ever wanted to try printable heat transfer vinyl (HTV)? Now’s your chance! I’m excited to introduce you to two different types of printable HTV from StarCraft, suitable for both light and dark materials. I’ve conducted several experiments on various surfaces to showcase how versatile these products are. Below, you’ll find my findings and tips to help you get started on your own projects. If you’re looking for sticky-back printable vinyl, check out our other post here. Let’s dive into the world of printable HTV and explore the creative possibilities!

Types of Printable HTV

For this tutorial, I’m using two types of StarCraft InkJet Printable HTV: one for dark materials and one for light materials. The dark material HTV is versatile and works well on any surface, especially fabrics. The light material HTV is perfect for creating rustic wood signs, which fits right into the farmhouse style that I love. Below, I’ll share the specifics of each type and how to use them effectively in your projects.

Printing Tips and Tricks

When printing on HTV, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind. First, this product is only compatible with InkJet printers, not laser printers. For the light material version, remember to mirror your design before printing. Set your printer to photo quality to achieve the best print possible. Additionally, the maximum size for Cricut’s Print Then Cut function is 6.75 x 9.25 inches. While I used my Cricut to cut all my designs, you can also cut them with scissors if you prefer.

Do You Need Transfer Tape?

The use of transfer tape depends on the specific project. For the light material HTV, transfer tape isn’t necessary as you leave the design on the backing paper. However, for the dark material HTV, you might want to use transfer tape, especially for designs with multiple pieces. Make sure to use a transfer tape rated for heat transfer vinyl to avoid any mess. I found that some projects benefited from transfer tape, while others were easier to handle without it.

Cutting on Your Cricut Machine

I used the Print Then Cut function on my Cricut machine for all my projects. This function is available on the Cricut Explore, Venture, Joy Xtra, and Maker machines but not on the original Cricut Joy. For both types of StarCraft printable HTV, I set my machine to “printable iron-on for dark fabrics,” which worked perfectly. Using my Cricut ensured clean cuts and the ability to handle intricate designs. Don’t forget to mirror your design for the light material HTV before printing!

Weeding Printable HTV

After cutting your design, it’s time to weed away the excess material. Both the light and dark material HTV can be delicate, with the light material being particularly prone to tearing. Carefully lift the excess from the backing to avoid damaging your design. This step ensures your final project looks clean and professional.

Applying StarCraft for Dark Fabrics

Applying the dark fabric HTV is straightforward. You can either peel the design from the backing paper by hand or use transfer tape. I tested both methods and found that peeling by hand worked best for simple designs, while transfer tape was helpful for multi-piece designs. Cover the design with butcher paper and press it for the recommended time and temperature. I used an EasyPress, but a heat press is ideal. Once the design is cool, remove the butcher paper, and your project is ready!

Applying StarCraft for Light Fabrics

For the light fabric HTV, start by mirroring your design before printing. After weeding, turn the design over onto your surface and press it for the recommended time and temperature with heavy pressure. Peel the backing paper away immediately while it’s still hot, using tweezers if necessary to avoid burns. This method infuses the ink into the fabric or wood, creating a seamless and rustic look.

Testing on Various Materials

I tested the StarCraft printable HTV on a variety of materials. For dark fabric HTV, I used a cotton blend onesie, a cream-colored canvas zipper pouch, a grey nylon workout tank, and a black fabric tote bag. The HTV performed well on all these surfaces, including the stretchy workout tank and the black fabric, where the white design remained vibrant. For light fabric HTV, I created a rustic wood sign, which turned out beautifully with the wood grain showing through the design.

When to Use Printable Iron-on

Printable HTV is a great alternative to sublimation, especially if you don’t have a sublimation printer or need to work on cotton fabrics. It allows you to create custom designs without investing in expensive equipment. I recommend the dark material HTV for fabric surfaces and the light material HTV for wood projects. Experiment with different designs and surfaces to see what you can create with this versatile product!

FAQs about Printable HTV