DIY Graphic Swimsuit: How to Apply Heat Transfer Vinyl on a Swimsuit

DIY Graphic Swimsuit: How to Apply Heat Transfer Vinyl on a Swimsuit

Hello, there! This is Liz from The Pretty Life Girls blog and today I’m going to show you how to make a fun DIY Graphic Swimsuit using heat transfer vinyl and your Silhouette CAMEO! This simple project will let you create a darling swimsuit that will make you one-of-a-kind at the beach! Let me show you how with this step-by-step tutorial!

Estimated Time: 45 minutes (this project is for beginners)

Step 1: Load your design into your design software (I use Silhouette Studio) and scale it to size to fit your swimming suit.

Step 2: Right click on the design and select Release Compound Path. This is the first step for preparing the design to be cut by color. If you want to use just one color of vinyl, send your project to cut at this point (make sure it is mirrored) and skip Step 3 and 4.

Step 3: Drag to select each individual word, right click again, and click Make Compound path. Repeat this with each word so they are grouped as words. Then, fill each word with the color that corresponds with the vinyl you will use. Click the Send tab, and then click Fill. Be sure that you have pauses between each color, and double check your cut settings. Load your vinyl, shiny side down. Click to begin cutting (make sure the design is mirrored). Switch your vinyl colors as prompted by your machine and click Resume in Silhouette Studio.

Step 4: Once all the colors of your vinyl are cut, remove any excess vinyl using a weeding hook.

Step 5: Arrange the design on your surface with the carrier sheet facing up (so you can read the design). Cover with a teflon sheet and iron with a hot, dry iron. Ironing time can vary, so I like to gently pull up the carrier sheet to check if the vinyl is sticking.

Step 6: Once the design is fully adhered, let the design cool for 1-2 minutes, then carefully peel back the carrier sheet.

That’s it! Now, all you need is a floppy hat, a comfy beach chair, and a cold pina colada in-hand! This project is so simple to make and with all of the gorgeous colors of Craftables HTV and Craftables Free Cut Files available, you can create all kinds of show-stopping suits!

About the Author

The Pretty Life Girls

The Pretty Life Girls is a blog about babies and sugar and paint and twirly dresses, written by two sisters who love all things pretty. Liz is a momma of two who lives in New Orleans. She has a Master’s Degree in Technical Communication and has embraced the fact that she is a diet coke addict and a bookworm. Sam lives in Utah and is a momma of two with a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology and has a weakness for thrift stores, succulents, and colorful tights.

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