If you’ve been wondering what is the best HTV for making shirts, you’re in the right place! We will be breaking down different brands of iron-on vinyl in terms of quality, price, and ease of application. We will also be sharing our recommendations for which one is best for multi-layered designs.

The Brands of HTV I’m Comparing

At Joto Imaging Supplies, two standout HTV brands are MultiCut™ and MultiPrint™. MultiCut™ is ideal for those who need reliable, easy-to-weed vinyl for cutting intricate designs. It offers a soft and flexible feel, making it perfect for detailed designs on apparel, bags, and other textiles, and is available in various colors. On the other hand, MultiPrint™ is designed for printing directly on vinyl. It features a printable surface compatible with eco-solvent and solvent inks, providing high-quality print resolution and different finishes. This makes MultiPrint™ versatile for custom apparel, promotional items, and more. Both brands ensure excellent durability and high-quality results for various textile applications.

Choosing the Right Type of HTV

• When it comes to selecting the best heat transfer vinyl (HTV) for your projects, our own brands, MultiCut™ and MultiPrint™, offer exceptional quality and versatility. Here’s how to choose the right type for your specific needs:

MultiCut™: Precision for Cutting

• MultiCut™ HTV is specifically designed for use with vinyl cutters. Here’s why it stands out:
• Material Compatibility: MultiCut™ is versatile and works well with a variety of materials including cotton, polyester, blends, and even some specialty fabrics.
• Ease of Weeding: This HTV is designed for easy weeding, allowing you to effortlessly remove excess vinyl around intricate designs.
• Durability: MultiCut™ offers excellent durability, ensuring your designs withstand repeated washing and wear without fading or peeling.
• Finish Options: Available in various finishes such as matte, glossy, glitter, and metallic, you can choose the perfect look for your project.
• Precision Cutting: Ideal for detailed and complex designs, MultiCut™ ensures clean cuts every time, making it perfect for intricate projects like custom T-shirts, stickers, and signage.

MultiPrint™: Vibrant Printing on Vinyl

• MultiPrint™ HTV is tailored for printing vibrant designs directly onto vinyl. Here’s what makes it a great choice:
• Color Retention: MultiPrint™ vinyl provides excellent color retention, ensuring your printed designs remain bright and sharp even after multiple washes.
• Versatile Printing: Compatible with various printing methods, including inkjet and laser printers, MultiPrint™ delivers high-quality prints suitable for any custom design.
• Durability and Flexibility: This HTV is both durable and flexible, making it perfect for items that require frequent washing and stretching, such as athletic wear and custom apparel.
• Specialty Options: MultiPrint™ also offers specialty options like glow-in-the-dark and reflective vinyl, adding an extra dimension to your designs.

What’s the Best Heat Transfer Vinyl Overall?

We think the best Transfer Vinyl are the MultiPrint and MultiCut because compared to the Cricut vinyl these are the best for its uniqueness, quality, and ease of use.

What Do You Need to Make Iron-On Vinyl Shirts?

To make iron-on vinyl shirts using the textile transfer vinyls from Joto Imaging Supplies, you will need the following items:

• Textile Transfer Vinyls: Choose the desired colors and types of vinyls from Joto Imaging Supplies' collection.
• Design Software: Use design software like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Silhouette Studio to create or import your designs.
• Vinyl Cutter: A vinyl cutter such as a Silhouette Cameo, Cricut, or a professional cutter like the Roland VersaSTUDIO BN2-20A Desktop Inkjet Printer/Cutter.
• Weeding Tools: These are small tools used to remove excess vinyl from your cut design.
• Heat Press Machine: For transferring the vinyl to the shirt, a heat press machine is essential. Depending on your needs, you can use options like the Joto Cap and Flat Press, or other heat press machines.
• Teflon Sheet or Parchment Paper: To protect your design and the shirt from direct heat during pressing.
• Shirts: Choose blank shirts made from materials suitable for heat transfer, such as cotton or polyester blends.
• Heat Tape: Heat-resistant tape, such as Joto Imaging Supplies Heat Tape, to hold the vinyl in place during pressing.

Steps to Create T-Shirt Design

To customize the t-shirt design, follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Design Software

• Use design software like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Silhouette Studio.

Step 2: Create or Import Your Design

• Create a Design: You can create your own design from scratch. Think about the theme, text, graphics, and overall layout.
• Import a Design: If you have a pre-made design or image, import it into your design software.

Step 3: Customize the Design Elements

• Text: Add any text you want. Customize the font, size, color, and alignment. Use bold, italics, or other styles to make it stand out.
• Graphics: Add or create graphics that match your theme. Use shapes, icons, or illustrations.
• Colors: Choose colors that complement each other and stand out on the shirt. Ensure the colors match the vinyl you have.
• Layers: Organize your design into layers if it’s complex. This makes it easier to edit specific parts without affecting the whole design.

Step 4: Size and Position Your Design

• Measure: Measure the area on the shirt where the design will be placed.
• Adjust: Resize and position your design within the software to match the shirt dimensions.

Step 5: Mirror the Design

• Mirror: For iron-on vinyl, you need to mirror (flip horizontally) your design before cutting. This ensures the design is oriented correctly when transferred to the shirt.

Step 6: Prepare the Design for Cutting

• Outline: Ensure all elements of your design have a clear outline for cutting.
• Cutting Settings: Adjust the cutting settings in your software based on the type of vinyl and cutter you’re using.

HTV Brands from Joto Imaging Supplies

Joto Imaging Supplies offers a variety of high-quality Heat Transfer Vinyls (HTVs) suitable for creating custom t-shirt designs. Here are more details about some popular HTV brands they provide:

MultiCut™ Heat Transfer Vinyl
Description: MultiCut™ is designed for easy cutting and weeding, making it ideal for intricate designs. It provides excellent durability and washability, ensuring the design lasts on the garment.

Features:

• Easy to cut and weed
• High durability and washability
• Suitable for cotton, polyester, and cotton/poly blends
• Available in various colors and finishes

Application Instructions:

• Temperature: 320°F (160°C)
• Time: 15-20 seconds
• Pressure: Medium
• Peel: Warm or cold

MultiPrint™ Printable Heat Transfer Vinyl
Description: MultiPrint™ is a printable vinyl that allows for full-color designs. It is perfect for creating complex, multi-colored graphics.

Features:

• Printable with most inkjet and solvent printers
• Suitable for light and dark fabrics
• Soft and flexible feel
• High wash durability

Application Instructions:

• Print using compatible printer and ink
• Temperature: 320°F (160°C)
• Time: 15-20 seconds
• Pressure: Medium
• Peel: Warm or cold

How to Use HTV for Custom T-Shirts

• Design Creation: Use design software to create your design. Remember to mirror the design if using traditional HTV.
• Cutting the Vinyl: Load the vinyl into your cutter with the shiny side down. Set the appropriate cutting settings for the vinyl type.
• Weeding the Design: Use weeding tools to remove the excess vinyl from around your design.
• Preparing the Shirt: Preheat the heat press machine. Place the shirt on the press and pre-press it to remove any moisture and wrinkles.
• Applying the Vinyl: Position the weeded design on the shirt. Use heat-resistant tape if necessary to keep the design in place.
• Heat Pressing: Cover the design with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper. Press it with the heat press machine following the recommended temperature, time, and pressure settings for the specific vinyl type.
• Peeling the Carrier Sheet: After pressing, let the shirt cool for a few seconds. Peel the carrier sheet according to the instructions for hot or cold peel.
• Final Inspection: Check the design for any areas that may need additional pressing. Re-press if necessary using a Teflon sheet for protection.

Which HTV is Best for Quality?

When it comes to selecting the best Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) for quality, MultiCut™ Heat Transfer Vinyl stands out as the top choice. Known for its versatility and ease of use, MultiCut™ offers exceptional durability and washability, ensuring your designs remain vibrant and intact even after multiple washes.

This HTV is particularly user-friendly, making the cutting and weeding process smooth and efficient, whether you are working on intricate or simple designs. MultiCut™ is compatible with a wide range of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and cotton/poly blends, providing flexibility for various applications.

Which HTV is Best for Price?

All HTV offers a compelling combination of flexibility, durability, and vibrant colors at a budget-friendly price point. This HTV is designed to be easy to cut and weed, making it suitable for both beginners and professionals.

Which HTV is Best for Layering?

We recommend the MultiCut™ Premium Transfer Vinyl. It can handle up to 3 layers, making it versatile and effective for more complex designs.

The Best Heat Transfer Vinyl

We hope you found this post helpful, especially if you’re still figuring out which iron-on vinyl is your favorite! It doesn’t hurt to shop around and find the HTV that works best for you, and hopefully, this gives you a starting place so you know what to look for. The absolute best heat transfer vinyl is the one you love and have consistently great results with time after time!

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FAQs

What's the Difference Between HTV and Adhesive Vinyl?

HTV is used on fabrics and requires heat to adhere, while adhesive vinyl sticks to surfaces like walls and is used for decals and stickers.

Can HTV be Applied to Any Fabric?

HTV works best on cotton, polyester, and cotton-poly blends. Check the vinyl’s instructions for other fabrics.

How Do I Ensure HTV Lasts Long on a Garment?

Apply it correctly and care for the garment by washing inside out on a gentle cycle and avoiding high heat drying.

Should I Wash Fabric Before Applying HTV?

Yes, pre-washing fabric without fabric softeners is recommended to remove impurities and prevent shrinkage.