How to Apply Siser Patterned HTV

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I recently discovered patterned HTV! Patterned HTV is an amazing product that has so many other applications. Once I got some, I couldn’t wait to use it.

Now heat transfer vinyl (HTV) is something I’ve been working with for a while now. It has so many applications. I wrote an entire how-to guide on HTV which you can find here. Recently, I started using patterned HTV.

What is Patterned HTV?

Typically, HTV, regardless of the brand you get, comes in solid colours. You can, however, get HTV with a printed pattern on it.  Patterned HTV is available from a number of online retailers. Here in Canada, I got it from ScriptDesigns.

The type of patterned HTV I got was printed on Siser EasyWeed ColurPrint HTV. One of my favourite patterns is buffalo plaid, so of course, I had to get some. ScriptDesigns offers a huge selection of patterned HTV. The pattern is printed on the Siser HTV, using special eco-solvent ink.

When I purchased my buffalo plaid HTV, I got 2 items – the actual patterned HTV as well as a sheet of Siser Easy Mask. Solid coloured HTV comes attached to that shiny backing which is the carrier sheet – the sticky sheet that your HTV is stuck to and that you use to help you apply it. Patterned HTV does not come attached to a carrier sheet, which is why you need the Siser Easy Mask

How to Cut the HTV with your Cricut

You can follow the basic concept of cutting and applying HTV as outlined in my HTV basics post. However, there are a few extra steps involved.

I cut my buffalo plaid HTV using the regular iron-on settings on my Cricut Maker. The main difference is that you DO NOT need to mirror. Since the pattern is face-up, place the HTV on your mat face up and DO NOT mirror. I used my regular green (medium grip) mat and the regular iron-on setting on my Cricut. This is the same as I would do for regular HTV.

Weed this HTV as usual – remove all the excess that you do not need. It will be attached to a translucent backing.

Cut a piece of the Siser Easy Mask, a bit larger than your cut HTV. Making it a bit larger gives you a bit of wiggle room – cutting it exactly does not give you a margin for error. It doesn’t have to be huge (that would be a waste), but a bit larger makes life easier.

Once the Siser Easy Mask is cut, remove the white backing. Place the Siser Easy Mask on a table, with the sticky side up. Put the HTV on the Siser Easy Mask. I like to curve my patterned HTV and apply the middle first and then roll out. Flip it over and use a scraper or squeegee to remove all the air bubbles – burnish it well.

Remove the translucent backing off the cut HTV, leaving it stuck to the Siser Easy Mask.  It now has a carrier sheet (the Siser Easy Mask).

How to Apply Patterned HTV

Place your HTV on your item with the sticky side of the Easy Mask down. Your graphic should look “right” (not mirrored).

Here are Siser’s recommendations for applying this particular type of HTV:

• preheat your item for 2-3 seconds at 295 F or 146 C; this is especially important for things like garments as it not only removes the wrinkles but also removes any excess moisture
• place your graphic on the item and position (remember it’s attached to the Easy Mask)
• press for 15-20 seconds with medium pressure at the above-mentioned temperature
• remove Easy Mask
• allow the it to cure or set for 24 hours before washing

Care for This Type of HTV

The care for this type of HTV is similar to that of regular HTV. Here are Siser’s recommendations:

• turn item inside out
• machine wash cold
• no chlorine bleach
• do not dry clean

What Can I Use It For?

There are numerous applications for this type of HTV. Basically, anything you would put regular HTV on, you could put patterned HTV on.

I’ve seen numerous applications on shirts and cushions. I made a Christmas banner with mine.

Tips for Using Patterned HTV

You’ll notice that there aren’t really that many differences between regular and patterned HTV. But I do have a couple of tips that may help you in the design process.

• Pick a “fat” font or a graphic that will show off the pattern. Something too small or a font too narrow won’t really showcase the pattern.
• Consider the colour of your base that this HTV will go on. I prefer something neutral as a background so that the pattern can really stand out.

Now that you know about patterned HTV, we can make some great projects. Stay tuned for what’s coming up.

Want to remember this info on patterned HTV? Be sure to save this to your favourite Pinterest board.