Heat transfer vinyl is fun to use and gives you a lot of options. Looking for a personalized gift or a shirt for a specific occasion? You can easily make it yourself with some heat transfer vinyl and the right tools.

Heat transfer vinyl can be used on any material that you can safely iron. In order for the heat transfer vinyl to adhere you need to have your heat press on a high setting, so be sure that it is a material that can stand the heat.

Once your project material is ready, it’s time to create your design. Once you have your design sized, be sure to flip it into a mirror image so that it will face the correct way once complete.

Then, prepare your vinyl for cutting. Be sure the width of your vinyl is sized for your machine and then load it with the backing of the heat transfer vinyl facing up. Start with the default cut settings for the type of heat transfer you are using and do a test cut. Once you see how it handles the material, you can adjust your settings accordingly. Just be aware that the cuts may be hard to see, but by holding your design to the light or bending it just slightly you will be able to find your design.

Once you have your design cut, it’s time to weed it. Start by trimming around the design if there is extra around the edges. Then, peel off the negative space or any parts of the design that you don’t want to have applied (like the inside of any letters). When you’re done, your design will be ready to transfer.

Before transferring, be sure your design is arranged correctly. If you designed and cut all of the pieces spaced as you want them, then you should be able to place the design on as one piece. But, if you compacted parts of the design to save space while cutting, cut out the separate elements and place them where you want them. Also be sure to trim the backing close to the design so that none of it ends up under other parts of the transfer.

Once everything is in place it’s time to press! Be sure to read the specific directions for your heat transfer vinyl. When layering multiple heat transfer vinyl colors be sure to use a teflon sheet over any vinyl that no longer has the carrier paper protecting it.

For more tips and a diverse selection of heat transfer vinyl, visit our website, http://www.proworldinc.com/ and pin this handy infographic! 

Are you ready to start crafting? Have fun and remember to submit your projects for us to see by tagging us on Instagram at #proworld or #proworldinc

Do you have a little one who loves to color? I hope so! Because we have a unique gift idea that will provide endless fun.

Today we are going to show you how to make a coloring book shirt for your little one or even a shirt for their cuddly stuffed animal! Now your child can color without making a mess. Once they are tired of their design, or if they go outside of the lines… you can throw it in the washing machine and start again.

Here’s what you will need:

–Cutting Machine
–Black Heat Transfer Vinyl
-Garment (we used a blank doll shirt)
–Weeding Tool
–Heat Press
-Crayola Washable Markers

First, you will want to find a coloring book image that you would like to apply to your shirt. You can do this by:

• Tracing a free coloring book page from Google
• Snapping a photo of an actual coloring book page that you own and tracing the design
• Find a coloring book image that has already been created online.

Or if you are just using a font you can do this by:

• Download a coloring book font so that it has the open center
• Write the child’s name in your favorite font and then offset the letters within your design program.

Once you have your design all set, it’s time to cut! First, check your cut lines. Then mirror your design. Load your heat transfer vinyl into your cutter, and select your cut settings.

Now, carefully weed your design.

Fire up your heat press, and adhere your design at the correct time/temperature settings.

Carefully peel off the plastic carrier sheet, and admire your work! It is now ready for your child to color.

Just be sure to give them washable markers if you want the shirt to rinse free. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, you can use fabric markers.

And of course, we love seeing our customers projects… so don’t forget to tag us online by using @proworldinc or our hashtag #proworldinc