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Guide · 6 min read

How to make custom T-shirts with a heat press and HTV

A beginner's guide to custom T-shirts with heat-transfer vinyl (HTV): what you need, how to cut and weed, pressing temperatures, and washing care.

Heat-transfer vinyl (HTV) is the easiest way to make custom shirts, tote bags and caps at home. Here's the whole process from design to the first wash.

What you'll need

Step by step

  1. Mirror your design in your cutting software. HTV is cut from the back.
  2. Cut with the shiny side down on the mat.
  3. Weed away the excess vinyl, leaving your design on the clear carrier.
  4. Pre-press the shirt for a few seconds to remove moisture and creases.
  5. Position the design with the carrier side up, cover it with a Teflon sheet and press at the temperature and time on your vinyl's instructions.
  6. Peel hot or cold, as the vinyl's instructions say.

Washing care

  • Wait 24 hours before the first wash.
  • Wash inside out in cool water.
  • Avoid bleach and fabric softener, and don't iron directly on the design.

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