Have you ever pressed heat transfer vinyl to a garment and then noticed it is not properly adhered after wear or wash? Don’t fret! While this problem is a little frustrating, it is easily fixable. And with a little troubleshooting, practice and experience, you can prevent this common problem from happening in the future.
Whether you’re working with a heat press, home iron or EasyPress for business or pleasure, take these tips into account so you can gift, sell and use the products you make with confidence.
Not Enough Pressure
First things first, the most common reason your HTV may not be sticking to your shirt, sweater or whatever else you’re applying it to may be because you’re not using enough pressure. And pressure is important. Without it, your HTV projects may not be as long lasting as you would like. But there are some things you can do to fix that.
If you’re using a heat press, you can adjust the pressure on your machine. To determine the right amount of pressure, try the dollar bill test. This easy test involves closing dollar bills (bills of any denomination work or even a piece of computer paper) between the heat press platens and adjusting the pressure until you CAN NOTremove the billwhen the press is closed. You can watch how I did it here:
As you can see in the video, I was able to see that I get more pressure on the left side of my press so I take that into account pressing designs on the right.
For home iron users, you may want to find asturdier surface to press on, or use the floor, so you can utilize your body weight to help you get the pressure you need. The same technique may also be beneficial for EasyPress users.
Improper Press Time or Temp
Pressure is definitely important when it comes to your designs adhering to your garments, but so is the press time and temperature. If you don't press long enough or at a high enough temperature, you likely won't get the material hot enough to release its adhesive so it will stick to the fabric once cooled.
We have all the temps and times for our HTV here: iCRAFT HTV HEAT SETTINGS
Layered the Wrong Materials
Another common mistake you may have made is layering the wrong HTV materials. While some of our materials - including our matte, glitter, liquid patterned and printable - can be layered, that is not true for other materials or other manufacturers.
Other materials like our hologram and spectrum are thicker materials that need to be applied directly to the garment to ensure they stick and stay put. Be sure you check with your supplier before layering your materials so you don't waste any material. While it may (or may not) adhere at first, a material that is improperly layered will most likely come off very quickly after wash and wear.
If you want to use 2 kinds of HTV together but, they are not recommending for layering, you still can! Just use the "knockout" method to slice out any part of your design that would be underneath an HTV material that shouldn't be layered.
You can check out this blog for everything you need to know about layering HTV materials from iCraft!
Seams, Zipper or Designs are in Your Way
When you're pressing your HTV, you need flat, even pressure on the entire designs so it adheres with the garment. Fabric seams, zipper, buttons and garment details could all be preventing you from getting the even pressure you need. If this is happening, place a pressing pillow or towel underneath your fabric to raise the material to meet the seams and create a flat surface. Or try hanging the offending seams or zippers off the press if you can.
Here are some examples of how I addressed uneven pressing surfaces:
Forgot about a Final Press
Did you forget to press your HTV design for a full, final press before you finished? If not, that could be a culprit for HTV that is peeling up. Before you take your garment off the press or put away your iron, make sure you go over the entire design once more with heat to ensure every layer and piece is firmly adhered to whatever you’re pressing on. When using a heat press, I typically do a final press for 10 seconds. When working with an iron I typically do a final press on each part of the design for 20 seconds. If you’re working with an EasyPress, make sure you flip it over and apply heat to the backside for 15 seconds.
Washed Too Soon
You can count on your HTV from iCraft being long lasting when washed and cared for correctly. After you have applied heat transfer vinyl to a garment or any other washable fabric, do not wash the item for at least 24 hours to give the HTV time to cure to the fabric so you can ensure it stays adhered. We also recommend washing in cold or warm water (inside out), hang drying or tumble drying on low heat, anddo not recommend bleach or fabric softeners.
Low Quality Products
If you have tried the tips we have shared in this blog but are still having issues, it may be the heat transfer vinyl itself. Some HTV does not last as long as others. Make sure you’re working with a high quality product and using the correct heat and time settings so you can create one of a kind projects that last. At iCraftVinyl, we supply only the highest quality vinyl products. Additionally we offer reliable support, helpful resources so you can craft with confidence.
Bonus: How to Tell if Your HTV is Adhered
Now that you know how to fix the problem of your iron-on materials not sticking, it is also a good idea to note how to knowif your HTV is properly adhered in the first place. You should first make sure you're working on a hard surface and using firm pressure.
For our thinner materials - like our matte, liquid, pattern & printable - you should be able to see the lines of the fabric through the HTV.
Check out some examples here:
For our thicker materials, I recommend running a flat hand over the finished design, feeling for any corners that are lifting. If you notice any pieces that aren't fully adhered, just cover and press again.
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By Kelli McDaniel 0 comment
I'm an experienced enthusiast with in-depth knowledge of heat transfer vinyl (HTV) applications, having delved into various techniques and materials extensively. My expertise is backed by practical experience, including troubleshooting common issues, conducting experiments, and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article about heat transfer vinyl:
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Not Enough Pressure:
- Inadequate pressure during the heat transfer process can result in the vinyl not adhering properly.
- Adjusting the pressure on a heat press machine is crucial, and the article suggests using the dollar bill test to find the right amount of pressure.
- For home iron users, a sturdier surface or using body weight can help achieve the necessary pressure.
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Improper Press Time or Temp:
- Both press time and temperature play vital roles in ensuring the material is hot enough to release its adhesive.
- The article recommends referring to the provided temperature and time settings for the specific HTV material being used.
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Layered the Wrong Materials:
- Layering different HTV materials requires careful consideration, as not all materials are compatible for layering.
- Thicker materials may need to be applied directly to the garment for proper adhesion.
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Seams, Zipper, or Designs in Your Way:
- Uneven pressure due to fabric seams, zippers, or other garment details can hinder proper adhesion.
- Solutions include using pressing pillows or towels to create a flat surface or hanging seams and zippers off the press.
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Forgot about a Final Press:
- A final press ensures that all layers and pieces of the HTV design are firmly adhered to the fabric.
- Recommendations for final press durations vary depending on the tool used (heat press, iron, or EasyPress).
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Washed Too Soon:
- Allowing the HTV to cure to the fabric is essential, and the article advises not washing the item for at least 24 hours after application.
- Proper care instructions, such as washing in cold or warm water, inside out, and avoiding bleach or fabric softeners, are highlighted.
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Low-Quality Products:
- The quality of the heat transfer vinyl itself can impact its longevity.
- The article emphasizes the importance of using high-quality products and following correct heat and time settings.
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How to Tell if Your HTV is Adhered:
- Visual and tactile cues are provided to determine if the HTV is properly adhered.
- Checking for fabric lines through thinner materials and feeling for any lifting corners on thicker materials are recommended.
In conclusion, by addressing these key concepts, individuals working with HTV can troubleshoot issues, enhance adhesion, and create durable and long-lasting designs.
