Heat Pressing designs is one of the easiest ways you can customize your hoodies using stunning creations with ease.

In this comprehensive Do It Yourself (DIY) guide, we’re going to show you how you can combine both Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) and Sublimation Paper to create vibrant, full-color prints that are textured with vinyl elements using an Auto Heat Press.

This method is perfect for crafting bold designs with intricate details and added texture, while the Auto Heat Press ensures consistent pressure and temperature for professional-quality results.

We will also cover everything from materials, steps involved, and how to optimize your Auto Heat Press settings to address challenges, ensuring a durable and polished project, even for beginners!

Before starting this project, you need to have some materials and supplies. Below is a list for your reference:

Start by coming up with the type of design you want to heat press on your hoodie.

You can use a number of design software such as LOKLiK IdeaStudio, Silhouette Studio or Ms Word among others. 

Alternatively, you can find some with graphic design skills to make one for your project.

In your designs, you have to separate the colorful detailed parts from the solid or textured elements or outlines.

• For Sublimation areas, use the colorful and detailed parts of your design.
• For HTV areas, use the solid or textured parts of your design.

Once your designs are ready, go ahead and print. Remember to mirror your designs so that they are transferred accurately onto your hoodie, especially when working with letters or numbers.

For sublimation design, print using a sublimation paper and Inkjet printer with sublimation ink. Let the ink completely dry before handling the paper to prevent smudging. Go ahead and print the HTV design on the Glitter HTV paper with the shiny side facing upwards.

Now stick the printed paper on the cutting pad of your cutting machine with the shiny side facing downwards. Use the software of your cutting machine to set the cutting measurements and cut.

Finally, use a weeding tool to remove the excess vinyl from the design so that it is perfectly shaped.

Now make sure your hoodie is very clean. You can press it for about 5-10 seconds just to remove any moisture or wrinkles that will interfere with the transfer. Use a lint roller to remove any debris or particles from the fabric.

This process is quite easy even for beginners, to become a pro, you need to practise as much as possible.

We recommend watching several videos and practising as much as possible so that your projects are always flawless and professional-looking.

Working with HTV and sublimation paper on the same project can be quite challenging. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind to ensure your project runs smoothly to the end.

• Do Some Testing: Conduct some tests on a scrap piece of similar fabric as your hoodie before doing the actual project. This will enable you to check for compatibility of your hoodie to the materials you’re about to use.
• Use Sublimation-Friendly HTV: Make sure you purchase sublimation-friendly HTV if you want to follow the application steps used in this guide. However, if you’re using the regular HTV, then sublimate first before the HTV application. Regular HTV is not sublimation friendly and can melt if pressed under sublimation temperatures.
• Double-Check Your Heat Settings: Remember HTV and Sublimation work under different heat settings. Recheck your heat press machine settings as you move from one application to another to avoid temperature issues.
• Use Quality Sublimation Materials: The quality of sublimation prints is dependent on using top quality sublimation ink and sublimation paper. So get the best quality you can afford.
• Use Protective Gear: Sublimation ink can produce some fumes when heated, so have a mask on to prevent inhalation. Also, put on some heat resistant gloves to prevent accidental burns from the heat press.
• Practise Patience: The whole application process requires one to be patient enough so that each application is done properly.

Working with HTV and sublimation can be challenging sometimes. Here are some of the common issues you should expect and how to solve them.

Your HTV designs might start peeling or lifting off your fabric after application.

This normally occurs around the corners and is caused by moisture in the fabric or incorrect heat settings.

Ensure the hoodie is clean and smooth before your application. Heat press it for about 5-10 seconds before doing the application.

Double-check the optimal temperatures of your HTV application.

This is caused when the sublimation ink has not transferred properly or fully to your hoodie.

You need to add the heat press heat settings by 5 - 10°F and press for 15-20 seconds while applying even and firm pressure.

Ensure the sublimation paper is correctly aligned over the HTV.

If need be, you can use a heat resistant tape to prevent any movement during pressing.

This is a heat press problem and happens when it moves during application.

Note that any slight shift of sublimation paper will cause your images to end up smudged.

Smudging can also occur when you handle the printed sublimation paper from the printer before the ink completely dries.

So make sure to handle the sublimation paper when the ink is dry and position it accurately over the HTV.

Also, make sure your heat press machine is on a stable background and apply medium pressure when pressing because too much pressure can also cause the ink to smudge.

Warping or shrinking is majorly a heat problem. This is caused when you use incorrect heat settings that leads to overheating or underheating the design.

Ensure you have the right temperature of your HTV before starting your application.

The ideal temperature is normally 300°F for HTV and 380°F for sublimation.

However, when unsure, call your manufacturer and enquire for the right heat settings.

Also, avoid using too much pressure or pressing time during application.

This is a peeling issue. You have to know which type of peel is your HTV.

For hot peels, always peel immediately after heat pressing. For cold peels, do so after the design has completely cooled.

If this problem persists, repress the design for an additional 3 to 5 seconds and try peeling again.

I’m sure there are some questions that you might have regarding sublimation and HTV. Worry not, here are the most frequently asked questions and answers. This will also expand your knowledge on heat pressing hoodies or any other fabrics.

To conclude, designing your hoodies or any other fabric using HTV and sublimation is one unique and exciting way to express your creativity. You can do this on both light-colored and dark-colored fabrics with ease.

This guide has provided you with all the steps required to make your project a success. Go through the video provided on YouTube and watch similar videos so that you sharpen your skills when working with HTV and sublimation on different projects.

Remember, even if you’re a beginner, all you need is a little practice and together with patience you’ll be crafting like a pro in no time.

We wish you all the best in your next crafting project and share with us your experience-we would like to know how it turned out. Happy Crafting!