Supplies:
- DTF I ordered mine from Jiffy, but there are other companies including Cricut that sell it.
- Fabric you wish to place your DTF on. I tested cotton and textured canvas and had no issues with any of those materials. There is also DTF stickers for none fabric materials. I tested that out in this video.
- Heat source like an easy press.
- A pressing mat.
- Teflon sheet.
- Optional: shirt guide, which you can find the ones I made here.
- Optional: heat resistant tape.
Steps:
- Pre-wash your fabric if possible (shirts).
- Use a lent roller to remove any extra hairs or lint from your fabric.
- Pre-press your fabric for 10 seconds to remove any moisture.
- Cut DTF design out if you purchased multiple designs and it is all on one big sheet.
- Place your DTF design on your fabric. Use a shirt guide on shirts to insure proper placement. Use heat resistant tape if needed to help hold your design in place. You want to place the DTF so the color side is facing up.
- Apply heat to your DTF for 10 to 15 seconds. For cotton and mix blends you need 300 – 320 degrees Fahrenheit. For polyester fabrics you need 270 to 290 degrees Fahrenheit. For more textured fabrics, like the canvas bag, you may need to do this step twice.
- Wait at least 10 seconds before removing the carrier sheet (transparent sheet) over your design. It is best to start removing the carrier sheet over bigger areas first and slowly pull it towards the thinner more delicate areas.
- Place a Teflon sheet, parchment paper, or another shirt like fabric over your design and press again for 10 seconds.
I really liked how quick and easy it was to use the DTF. It allows you to make very detailed designs without needing expensive equipment. There is no weeding, which I actually do not mind weeding HTV. The only thing I did not like about it was that it wrinkles if it gets put in a dryer. Even when I pre washed my shirt and put it on a delicate cycle, the design still came out wrinkled.
This is what happens when it goes through the dryer. It shows no signs of coming off, so it could be a cool effect on certain designs. I have thrown it in the dryer multiple times now with no changes noted.
DTF on a very textured canvas bag and just look at that thin detail that was applied with ease. It also worked great on shirts and even canvas shoes right over the stich work.
