layer heat transfer vinyl

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Learning How to layer heat transfer vinyl can be a tricky process but it is still an easy project to accomplish. Have you ever wished you could get a multi color transfer for your next great t-shirt project? I used to think that way, I have figured out a solution. Im here to share that with you how to layer heat transfer vinyl.

My daughter is going on her first date soon. She is a sixteen year old high school sophomore. She asked a good young man (he better be a good kid) to the annual MORP dance. The tradition here is for the girls to ask the guys. For the dance they wear matching shirts. So I decided to show my method of layering with her shirts.

The supplies you will need for this project are as follows:

 You need multiple colors of a high quality heat transfer vinyl.

A Heat press or good quality iron will come in handy.

A Cricut or a silhouette cutter is helpful.  I currently use a Cricut explore one. One day I’ll upgrade.

Also  a computer with internet access is important.

I also use Corel Draw to design my shirts. You can use any graphics program that you choose.

The Cricut machines are like Computers. Once you buy a new one, the company soon upgrades and you are stuck with an outdated machine. I do like the explore one. It is capable of doing everything that I need it to do. I will eventually upgrade when I feel the need to.

The first part of the program is coming up with your design. You can search Google for any ideas you might want to use. Please keep in mind that a lot of designs are copyright protected. Use the tools and search designs labeled for re use. Read here to learn how.  Make sure you include your daughter or son in the design process. In my case, I had to design a shirt that was not only fitting for a young woman. I also had to keep the young man’s feelings in mind. I also wanted to design shirts that both of them would want to wear again.

Once you have you design picked out now is time to do your manipulating of the image to make it so you can cut different layers of your design in different colors of vinyl.

Design time

This could take a lot of time or be rather short depending on factors. Such as the quality of the design and the size of the design. When you have a large design it allows you to manipulate the design. You then can shrink it down to your desired size. This allows you to make it where no one can tell anything on the design was done altered in anyway.

Cutting time

Now comes time to cut out your layers. Depending how large your design is you could possibly cut all the layers in one go. If your design is larger you might have to run the cutter a few times. Take your time and make sure its cut right.

It’s time for the fun. You will do each layer in a process. Choose your background color of vinyl and get it centered where you want it to be on your shirt. If you are using a heat press you will want the machine to heat up to 350 degrees.

How to layer heat transfer vinyl

Once it is pre heated you want to tack on your first layer of vinyl. You do this by pressing the design for 5 seconds. Le it cool and remove you backing sheet. Make sure continue to use your teflon sheet through out the process.  If you don’t you will mess up your design.

You keep following this process until you have all of your layers on the shirt. You will then press the entire design for the vinyl manufacturers recommended press time.

When you press the shirt this many times it will appear to discolor the shirt. Don’t worry about this as the heating and pressing has removed moisture from the shirt. It will return to normal soon or when it is washed. Which brings me to washing instructions. For longevity of your design follow these instructions.

Washing Instructions:
Turn garment inside out.
Machine wash COLD with mild detergent.
By all means don’t use bleach.
Dry at a normal dryer setting on household machines or hang out to air dry.
Do not dry clean.
These Instructions apply to the material only, please use common sense and follow the garment washing instructions as well.

If you are looking for a great resource for all things family Disney shirts check out new mom at 40.com.

Let me know if you have any questions about layering your heat transfer vinyl. You will be a rock star for your kids with the kind of designs you will be capable of when you learn how to layer heat transfer vinyl.