Using glitter HTV is a fun way to add sparkle to design projects. However, using it correctly can be somewhat tricky since it is thick and has glitter, making it so much harder to cut and weed than regular vinyl. 

In this article, I will take you through the design and application process of glitter HTV on fabric, share some tips on using the HTV on non-fabric blanks, and care for the designs for a long-lasting impression. I’ll be using Loklik IdeaStudio for the designing process, and the HTVRONT heat press for this project. Let's get into creating a beautiful and sparkly HTV design.

You need a design for every project. You can either buy templates online and edit them, or create one from scratch if you want a more personal feel to it. Start by opening the design software on the computer. You can download Loklik IdeaStudio.

Upload any pre-designed templates as SVG files, or create a new project by opening a new canvas. Set the Canva's dimensions to match the type of project and the blank’s size. Use design tools like text fonts and sizes, shapes, and images to tweak the design’s elements. 

Although you can assign a color to the design, it’ll only be used for preview. The final look is determined by the color on the HTV sheet. Loklik IdeaStudio supports image importing as SVG and PNG files.

To layer glitter HTV, arrange and group elements on the software as needed. Note, however, that specialty iron-on is best used as a top layer in a multi-layer design. Do not layer other types of HTV on glitter HTV because the sparkle will hinder proper adherence.

After you are done designing, ensure everything is mirrored before sending it to the cutting machine. By skipping this critical step, the design will appear in the wrong orientation (mirrored) after pressing. Press the “flip horizontal” or “mirror” function to mirror the design.

Save the design as a compatible file with the cutting machine, like SVG, JPG, or PNG, or Loklik-specific file types for Loklik cutting machines.

Place the glitter HTV on the cutting mat with the carrier sheet on top and secure it with tape to prevent shifting while cutting. Press the “load” button and place the mat in the cutting machine. Connect the design software with the cutting machine and select the material to cut as glitter HTV. This helps it determine the blade depth and pressure settings. However, these settings can be manually adjusted if need be.

Double-check the design for mirroring and sizing, then click “cut” or “start” to cut. Monitor the cutting process to check for any lifting or shifting.

After everything is cut, click the “offload” button to retrieve the cutting mat.

Using a weeding tool, carefully peel out the excess material. Since glitter-on is thicker than other HTVs, it can be a little harder to see the cutting lines. Start at one corner and slowly peel it away, leaving only the design on the carrier sheet. Remember to peel out all the islands that are easy to miss (the pieces inside enclosed spaces), especially on intricate designs.

Now your design is ready for pressing.

Since glitter HTV is thicker than standard HTV, special attention to particular details when pressing is required in order for it to adhere well.

Contaminants like lint, oils, chemicals, and dirt reduce the HTV’s tack, weakening adherence. Before starting this process, the fabric needs to be washed and dried. Use a lint roller to remove lint and dust. Then pre-press it for less than 5 seconds to drain any remaining moisture and straighten any creases. Pre-pressing also helps warm up the fabric for better adherence.

To determine the mid-part of the fabric, fold it in half when pre-pressing to create a line running along it. Slightly curve the HTV carrier sheet in half, matching where the design starts and ends (not the carrier sheet), and bend the mid part to create registration marks. When positioning the design on the mid part of the fabric later, you will match the marks on the fabric with those on the carrier sheet.

Different fabrics have different heat press settings based on their heat resistance abilities. Although the typical heat setting for glitter HTV is 320°F, refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for specific guidelines.

The typical pressing time for glitter HTV is 15-20 seconds, under medium pressure. To test for pressure, press the unloaded heat press: it should be snug, but not extremely tight.

Preheat the heat press for 3 minutes before use.

Place the fabric on the heat press plate and strategically position the HTV design. Place a Teflon paper or a thin cloth on the carrier sheet to protect the HTV and fabric from excessive heat exposure. Close the heat plate and start pressing for 20 seconds.

After the timer goes off, carefully open the heat press plates to prevent shifting the design. Avoid opening the plates prematurely because the adhesion might be incomplete.

Since glitter HTV requires a warm peel, cool the design for 5 to 10 seconds (it shouldn’t be hot to the touch) then carefully peel the carrier sheet at a 45° angle. Some manufacturers might recommend a cold peel. In such a situation, ensure the design is completely cool before peeling the carrier sheet.

If you don’t have a heat press machine, you can still transfer your glitter HTV design using an iron-on.

Start by turning off the steam because any moisture will reduce the adhesion. I recommend completely emptying any water from the iron-on to avoid any mistakes. The soleplate needs to be clean, without any tack from prior projects. Use a sturdy surface like a table or the floor. Avoid using an ironing board or a bouncy surface because it absorbs most of the pressure.

Set the temperature to cotton or linen (it is generally the highest heat setting) and allow it to preheat for 2 minutes. Different glitter HTV brands have different temperature settings, so remember to check the packaging instructions for accuracy.

Position the HTV design on the fabric and place a Teflon sheet on top to protect both the HTV and fabric from the direct heat. Then, firmly press the iron-on down on all the parts over the glitter HTV.

Apply as much pressure as possible using both hands, holding down one position at a time for 20 seconds. Avoid sliding the iron-on as you would with a regular ironing procedure, as it might shift the design. Repeat this for every section until the entire design is pressed.

If you’re uncertain of the areas that have already been adhered to, carefully lift a corner of the carrier sheet to confirm. Where a section of the design lifts along with the carrier sheet, press the area again for another 10 seconds.

After pressing, let the design sit for a few seconds before peeling. A good rule of thumb is to feel the sheet using the back of your palm. If you get a burning sensation, let it cool for a little longer.

Glitter HTV can also be applied on wood, glass, metal, and ceramic, but with special handling. The blank should have a smooth and heat-safe surface, meaning that it will not burn, warp, or melt when exposed to heat.

Start by cleaning it to get rid of any dust, oils, and dirt, and completely dry it. Place the glitter HTV design on it and secure it using heat-resistant tape. Firmly press using temperatures of up to 300°F–320°F for 30 seconds. You might have to press for longer and use more pressure since the blanks lack fibre, which helps in adherence. After a warm peel, you can apply clear adhesive or epoxy to seal the design and increase its lifetime.

This is something you have to check with the specific fabric. However, always wait for 24 hours after application to wash the fabric. This allows the adhesive to fully cure for long-lasting results. When washing and drying, turn the fabric inside out to prevent friction from lifting the design’s edges. 

Also, remember to wash with warm water, and avoid drying at “hot” settings. Use mild washing chemicals that do not reduce the HTV’s tack. In that respect, avoid bleaching the fabric.