Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) is one of the easiest and most popular ways to customise T-shirts. It’s perfect for names, logos, numbers, and simple designs — whether you’re running a print shop or doing DIY projects at home. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to use heat transfer vinyl on T-shirts, step by step.
What Is Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)?
Heat Transfer Vinyl is a special type of vinyl that sticks to fabric when heat and pressure are applied.
It comes in many styles, including:
- Matte & glossy
- Glitter
- Metallic
- Puff
- Reflective
HTV is widely used for custom T-shirts, sportswear, and workwear branding.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- Heat transfer vinyl (HTV)
- T-shirt (cotton or cotton blend works best)
- Cutting machine (Cricut, Silhouette, etc.)
- Weeding tool
- Heat press or household iron
- Teflon sheet or parchment paper
Step 1: Create and Mirror Your Design
Start by creating your artwork using software like:
- Canva – beginner-friendly with templates
- Cricut Design Space – directly compatible with cutting machines
- Adobe Illustrator – for professional vector designs
Important: Always mirror your design before cutting. HTV is applied face-down, and mirroring ensures the design appears correctly on the T-shirt.
Step 2: Cut the Vinyl
Load the HTV into your cutting machine shiny side down, which is the carrier sheet. Adjust the blade settings based on the type of vinyl:
- Standard HTV: Medium cut pressure
- Glitter or thick vinyl: Higher cut pressure
Once cut, carefully remove the excess vinyl, leaving only the design on the clear carrier sheet.
Step 3: Weed the Design
Weeding is the process of removing all the unwanted vinyl around your design. Use a weeding tool to peel away the excess carefully. Only the parts that you want to appear on your T-shirt should remain on the carrier sheet.
Tip: Work slowly around fine details to prevent tearing.
Step 4: Prepare the T-Shirt
Before applying the vinyl, prepare your T-shirt:
- Lay the shirt flat on a heat press or ironing board
- Pre-press the shirt for 5–10 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles
A smooth, flat surface ensures better adhesion and prevents bubbles or wrinkles in your design.
Step 5: Heat-press the Vinyl
Position the vinyl design-side down on the T-shirt. Cover it with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper to protect the vinyl from direct heat.
Recommended heat press settings (may vary by vinyl brand):
- Temperature: 150–160°C (300–320°F)
- Pressure: Medium
- Time: 10–15 seconds
If using a household iron, apply firm pressure and move slowly over the design to ensure even heat distribution.
Step 6: Peel the Carrier Sheet
After pressing, remove the clear carrier sheet according to the vinyl type:
- Hot peel: Remove immediately while still warm
- Cold peel: Wait until the vinyl cools completely
If the vinyl lifts or edges don’t stick, press again for a few seconds using a Teflon sheet.
Step 7: Final Press (Optional)
For extra durability and a smoother finish, do a final press for 5 seconds with the Teflon sheet on top of the design. This step helps the vinyl bond completely to the fabric and increases wash longevity.
Washing & Care Tips
To make your HTV T-shirt last longer:
- Wait 24 hours before washing
- Wash inside out
- Use cold water
- Avoid tumble drying
- Do not iron directly on the vinyl
Following these tips will keep your design looking vibrant and intact for years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to mirror the design
- Applying too much or too little heat
- Pressing on a wrinkled or damp shirt
- Using incompatible vinyl for the fabric
- Peeling the carrier sheet too early or too late
Conclusion
Heat Transfer Vinyl is one of the easiest and most versatile ways to create custom T-shirts. With the right tools, technique, and care, you can make professional-quality designs that are durable, colourful, and eye-catching. Whether for a small DIY project, a print-on-demand store, or branded workwear, HTV is a reliable choice for creating unique, personalised T-shirts.