You can create colorful graphic tees with ease using Craftables Inkjet Printable Heat Transfer Vinyl. In today's step-by-step tutorial I'll show you how to print, cut and apply this versatile material to create a vintage inspired graphic tee in under 30 minutes.
Here's What You'll Need:
- Craftables Inkjet Printable HTV
- Cutting Mat
- Blank T-Shirt
- Iron or Heat Press
- Teflon Sheet
- Cricut Maker or similar machine
Step One: Prepare Image For Printing
Start by uploading the design you want to use and save it as a print then cut image.
To add a vintage/distressed look, open a textured overlay and place it over the design. Select both images and click the slice tool.
You can see the results in the image below. It gives the design a vintage feel.
Next, scale the image to fit on your shirt. I wanted a larger design on my tee and the available print area is only 9.25" x 6.75" for Cricut machines so I used the shapes tool to create a circle then used the slice tool to separate the large image into two smaller ones.
Step Two: Print Images
Click the make it button and the software will prompt you to print the images before continuing to the cut settings. Select your printer in the drop down menu, load the printable HTV into the printer and print the images.
You should end up with your printed images inside of a black registration box like you see in the photo below.
Step Three: Cut Images
Place the sheet of HTV on the cutting mat and load the mat into the machine.
Select printable iron on (dark) as the cutting material and click continue.
The machine will cut around the edge of the printed image.
Once cutting is complete you can remove the excess vinyl from around the design.
Step Four: Apply
Remove the paper backing from the vinyl and center the design on the t-shirt.
Once you have the location of the design you can remove one of the pieces and press them on one at a time.
Cover the vinyl with a teflon sheet or soft cloth and press with an iron or heat press for 20-25 seconds at 320 degrees.
Allow the vinyl to cool completely before removing the teflon sheet.
Align the second part of the design making sure that it is right up against the first one but not overlapping then press again.
Once the vinyl cools you can remove the teflon sheet and your shirt is complete!
For best results wait at least 24 hours before laundering to allow the adhesive to set to the fabric. When it is time to wash, turn the item inside out and wash with cold water then hang or lay flat to dry.
For more detailed information check out this post, How To Use Inkjet Printable Vinyl on the Craftables Blog.
About the Author
Kayla
My name is Kayla and I’m a DIY loving mom of 3, living in North Carolina. I absolutely love creating! It doesn’t matter if it’s refinishing furniture or paper crafting, I love it all. I’m a former blogger for Silhouette America and current blogger for Cricut so I know the ins and outs of both machines and love teaching beginners all of the handy tips and tricks. Come visit my blog at kaylamakes.com or follow me on Instagram @kayla_made.