Best Fabric For Heat Transfer Vinyl (2024)

Posted By TeckWrap Craft On february29, 2024

Supplies Needed For Heat Transfer Printing Using HTV

• Fabric of your choice
• HTV of your choice
• Heat press machine (EasyPress, Cap press or Logo Press)
• Weeding tool
• Parchment paper or thin teflon sheet
• A lower heated element like a rubber pad (usually comes with the heat press machine).
• Cutting machine (Cricut or Silhouette)

Best Types Of Fabric For Heat Transfer Vinyl Printing

If you want to enter the apparel industry or start your clothing line, you should know the best fabrics for heat transfer printing using vinyl. Here at TeckWrap Craft, we have gathered the best types of fabrics on which you can print heat transfer vinyl designs.

Ring-Spun Cotton Fabrics

Other than ring-spun cotton shirts, you can also print on other materials made of cotton like aprons, bedroom slippers, or pillowcases. However, you have to be careful to use the right settings. Do not use high heat for the bedroom slippers above as their cotton fabric is thinner than the one used for the usual cotton t-shirt. A high temperature may cause scorch marks.

Polyester Shirts

Denim

May it be a jacket or jeans, yes you can apply HTV on denim. However, the challenge with it is that it does not have a smooth and flat surface. Heat transfer vinyl works best on a fabric with a flat or smooth surface.

Canvas

Yes! You can print vinyl on canvas fabrics too! May it be a canvas tote bag, wallet, apron, or pillowcase. How much heat you need depends on the type of vinyl you use, so make sure to check out the guide above.

Hoodies And Sweatshirts

Heat transfer vinyl designs are also applied to hoodies and sweaters. Most of these apparel are made of 100% cotton or ring-spun cotton with significantly fewer stray fibers and a tight weave, thus applying HTV with high heat application settings will be successful.

Hats

Mittens

Oven mittens are usually made of polyester and cotton, both compatible with heat transfer vinyl printing. When printing on an oven mitten, one thing to remember is to use hard pressure since the fabric is thick.

Tips When Printing On HTV Fabrics

• Use parchment paper or a Teflon sheet to avoid scorch marks on the fabrics or heat press boxes.
• Use a lower heat press platen for fabrics with uneven surfaces like denim. The lower heat press platen is placed under the garment.
• If the HTV is not sticking properly on the garment, try to repress it again.
• When peeling the carrier sheet, always check if the HTV is a cold peel or hot peel (check the product instructions of the vinyl).
• Always pre-press the garment before printing the design. Do it for 5 to 10 seconds to wick away moisture.
• When applying HTV, use the right time and pressure.
• Do not forget to mirror the design or flip it horizontally on the software before sending it for cutting.
• It is recommended to use a heat press rather than iron on it.
• For HTV, the shiny side is the carrier sheet. The dull side is what faces the blade on the cutting machine.
• Fabrics made of cotton blended with other materials like polyester are also compatible with HTV printing.
• Always stick to the recommended temperature. Temperatures lower than the recommended ones may cause the vinyl not to stick properly.
• The pressure setting for the heat press machine when it comes to fabrics is usually medium to hard.
• Nylon is a heat-sensitive material, but you can print HTV on it. It is recommended to use a lower temperature when printing HTV on the nylon fabric. Make sure to always test print first and use parchment paper to avoid scorching.
• You can layer different colors of HTV, read our blog ‘How to Layer Vinyl on a Shirt Like a Pro: A Step-By-Step Guide.’
  

Frequently Asked Questions

There You Have It!

These are the best fabrics you can use to print heat transfer vinyl designs. At this point, you’re pretty much ready to start your own clothing brand. Whether you plan on printing on a t-shirt or a bag, TeckWrap Craft’s extensive collection of heat transfer vinyl is your best partner in customizing high-quality garments.

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