PrintWorks – Different Types of Fabric Transfers
Are you working on a project that involves fabric transfers? If you take a look around, you will notice there are a few different types of fabric transfers to choose from. Some common types include heat transfer vinyl, sublimation transfers, and iron-on transfer paper (like ours). Understanding the differences between these types of transfers and the process for applying them will help you achieve the results you are looking for in your finished project! Below we’ve listed some of the key differences and features so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
PrintWorks Fabric Transfers
Our Fabric Transfers are easy to use and only require an inkjet printer, scissors, and an iron. They do not require a heat press or smart cutting machines, but are compatible with both and can streamline your process if you choose to use them! We offer transfers for different fabric colors, as well as fun effects like glitter or glow in the dark if you want to enhance your projects!
Creating a Design
You can print full color photos, graphics, and text.
Printing
Our transfers are compatible with inkjet printers (do NOT use in laser printers).
Fabric Color
We offer both Dark and Light Fabric Transfers so you can get great results on all sorts of fabric colors.
Click here to read about the different processes for applying our Dark or Light Fabric Transfers!
Fabric Type
Our transfers should only be applied to 100% cotton, or a cotton-poly blend fabrics.
Cutting Machines
You can either cut your design by hand, or use a desktop cutting machine for more detailed designs.
Click here for tips on using our transfers in a desktop cutting machine!
Ironing
To apply our transfers, you can use either a household iron, or a heat press (visit our FAQ’s page for heat press instructions).
Our transfers can not be layered on top of each other like you might do with vinyl. The transfer is designed to adhere directly to your fabric. If you try to iron a transfer on top of another transfer, it will no longer be in direct contact with the fabric, and therefore will not adhere to the fabric properly and peeling may occur. The benefit of our transfers over vinyl, is that there is actually no need to layer your transfer. With vinyl you will need to layer to achieve a multi-color design, but with our transfers you can simply print your design in full color using an inkjet printer!
Sublimation Transfers
With sublimation transfers, the ink becomes embedded into the fabric, as opposed to sitting on top of the fabric like a typical iron-on transfer would. This process requires specialized tools like a sublimation printer with sublimation inks, and can only be applied with a heat press.
Image Source: Sweet Red Poppy
Creating a Design
You can print full color photos, graphics, and text.
Printing
You will need a special sublimation printer with sublimation inks.
Fabric Color
The process of using sublimation is basically dying your fabric. There is no white or “opaque” option for sublimation transfers, so they can only be used on white or very light colored fabrics.
Fabric Type
Sublimation transfers can only be used on fabric that is at least 50% polyester. The polyester fibers are what holds on to the ink, therefore this process will not work properly on a regular cotton t-shirt. The less polyester there is in the fabric, the more faded the inks may appear, and the more unlikely it will be to achieve a successful transfer.
Ironing
These transfers require even pressure for a long period of time, therefore they can only be applied with a heat press. A household iron will not work because it is difficult to maintain the even pressure required in this process.
Heat Transfer Vinyl
Heat Transfer Vinyl (commonly referred to as HTV) comes in rolls or sheets and has an adhesive backing that must be cut and weeded before being placed on the fabric and applied with either an iron or heat press. HTV typically comes in solid colors or patterns, or even special effects like metallic or holographic.
Image Source: Upright and Caffeinated
Creating a Design
Heat Transfer Vinyl typically comes as one solid color or pattern. Any design involving multiple colors will require cutting out each color separately and layering the vinyl. This typically works well for graphics that have solid areas of color (think cartoon characters or logos), but is not ideal for full color photos.
Fabric Color
Heat Transfer Vinyl is opaque, so you can use it on any color fabric.
Fabric Type
Most types should only be used on 100% cotton, or a cotton-poly blend fabrics.
Cutting Machines
You can either cut your design by hand, or use a desktop cutting machine for more detailed designs. The “carrier sheet” on the back of the vinyl makes it ideal for designs that involve separate pieces (such as letters in a word – see the image above as an example). This carrier sheet holds everything in one place so you can position and transfer the design all at once, instead of individually positioning each letter.
Ironing
You can use either a household iron, or a heat press.
Now you know the differences between sublimation transfers, heat transfer vinyl, and iron-on transfers. We hope this helps you choose the best type of transfer for your project!
Follow us @printworksdiy on social media for more craft inspiration, and visit our Store to check out the rest of our product line.
