How to Iron on Vinyl Video Tutorial!!

In this video tutorial, I will show you how to iron on vinyl. Create a cute patriotic heat transfer t shirt following this series of Cricut tutorials.

Hi Friends! You made it to step 3 in our heat transfer t-shirt Cricut tutorial series.

In Step One I showed you how to make a file using the slice feature and upload an SVG to Cricut Design Space. Then in Step Two, we went over cutting and weeding vinyl iron on/ HTV.

So, today I am going to show you how to iron on vinyl. This is the last step before you get to show off your very own creation!

If you missed Cricut Tutorials Step One click here. This is where I have video tutorials on designing a file in Cricut Design Space and also how to upload a file to CDS.

Step Two on cutting and weeding iron on vinyl can be found here.

So, let’s finish this project! Once you have all your HTV weeded, you are ready to put apply it to your fabric.

How to Iron on Vinyl Tips

I usually use a heat press to apply iron on. I love it and use it all the time! Mine covers a 15×15 inch section and presses everything evenly.

I don’t have HTV peeling off like I used to after a few washes. If you’d like to learn more about a heat press, how to use it and to see a video of it in action with applying the “God Bless America” file to a pillowcase, check out my heat press post by clicking here.

I know most of you probably don’t have a heat press, so I made a video on how to iron on vinyl with an iron. Make sure you are not using steam.

It’s best to follow the instructions on the heat transfer vinyl that you are using. In this video, I’m using Cricut holographic iron on which said to set the iron to wool setting.

I usually fold my HTV in half to get the center, but the holographic left a little crease in it when I did it with an iron. You can barely notice it, but it’s probably best not to fold the thicker iron ons! However, if you look at the pictures you can barely see it!

You will also see me using teflon sheets. I get them on Amazon here but you could also use wax paper or parchment paper. Once you have the first layer down, you don’t want your iron to touch the HTV without a barrier or it can melt.

Regarding washing your shirts first… I have read mixed opinions on this. Some say some of the chemicals in detergent can cause the iron on to not adhere as well so to not wash them first. When I read the instructions on the holographic iron on, it said to prewash the shirts to prevent shrinkage that might occur after.

I have never pre-washed my shirts and haven’t had a problem but you might want to try both and see what works best for you. Do not wash your item for at least 24 hours after you apply the HTV.

You will also see me ironing on a tile. I had read somewhere a long time ago that ceramic tiles act like a heat press in that they absorb the heat (or something like that!!) and causes the iron on vinyl to adhere stronger. I think it works, so I use a tile. Again, you might want to try both ways and see what you prefer.