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Today we’re going to talk about the best HTV for your crafts. Whether you’re starting a craft business using HTV or looking to add HTV projects to your product line, this article will help.
If you’re brand new to crafting and trying to decide which Cricut machine is right for your crafting needs, check out my Cricut comparison post to learn more about each machine and what they can do.
You can watch as we talk about HTV and why it’s a great option for a craft business by pressing play on the video below.
What is HTV?
HTV stands for Heat Transfer Vinyl. It is also referred to as iron-on. The adhesive on HTV needs heat to activate it. You cannot feel the adhesive before you apply heat. Because it’s not sticky, it makes locating it on the blank easier than regular vinyl.
Heat transfer vinyl is a great material for new Cricut crafters. It’s inexpensive and can be applied to many different blanks making it a great material for crafters just starting out.
What Do You Need to Use HTV?
To use HTV, you will need some type of cutting machine. You can start with a small machine like the Cricut Joy or use a different machine that you already own.
You will also need a heat source. I recommend a press of some type. It can be an EasyPress or traditional heat press but I think you’ll be happier with those than you will trying to use an iron.
You can use an iron with HTV but it is more inconsistent than a heat press. If you’re using HTV in your small business, I would for sure have a heat press versus an iron.
You will also want a weeding tool when you’re working with HTV to remove the excess material after cutting it.
What is the Best HTV?
There are many different HTV materials on the market. You will likely hear different recommendations if you ask different people.
I always recommend starting with a well-known brand. I have tested a lot of different iron-on materials over the years and the ones that always perform the worst are unknown brands.
Cricut Iron-on
I have always had success with Cricut Iron-on. It weeds easily when you use the correct cut setting and when pressed correctly it lasts wash after wash.
Cricut iron-on comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes. You’ll find regular everyday iron-on, glitter, shimmer, foil, mesh, sportflex, patterned, and more that I’m probably forgetting.
With the StrongBond Guarantee, which means as long as you use the product correctly if you aren’t completely happy Cricut will replace it for you, you don’t have to worry about the material.
As with every other brand, you need to follow the recommendations for pressing and washing to ensure the longest-lasting results.
Siser HTV
Siser is another brand that works really well. It cuts and weeds beautifully making it very easy to use. It comes in a lot of colors and is readily available at most retailers.
Siser heat transfer vinyl is a high-quality vinyl that has been the standard for years. You will not be disappointed in this vinyl.
BFlex Gimme 5 HTV
BFlex Gimme 5 is another HTV material that I am a big fan of. It has a low-pressing temperature and you only have to press for a few seconds.
I think this one is perfect for people running a craft business because you only have to press for a few seconds versus 30 seconds or more.
Gimme 5 HTV is also great for specialty materials that may not hold up to the higher temperatures required for other iron-on materials.
I actually love the BFlex Gimme 5 HTV so much that I’ve started selling it! Cori George from Hey, Let’s Make Stuff and I created a fun bundle that includes a collection of cut files and a bundle of different colored sheets of the Gimme 5 HTV. You can learn more about the bundle and purchase now here.
What HTV Should You Start With?
I’ve already mentioned starting with a well-known iron-on material. If you’re new to heat transfer vinyl projects, I don’t think you can go wrong with glitter iron-on.
Glitter heat transfer vinyl works so well that you really can’t mess it up. That’s why I like to recommend it to beginners.
With glitter HTV you don’t have to worry about creases in the material when you remove the carrier sheet. There is also something about the adhesive that it sticks the first time every time and it holds up wash after wash after wash.
Using glitter iron-on is a great way to boost your confidence when you’re new to these types of projects because it works well every time.
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What Types of HTV Should You Avoid?
I believe if it seems too good to be true it probably is. I’ve spent years working with heat transfer vinyl and any time I test these materials the ones that fail first are the no-name deals you often find on sites like Amazon where they’re offering 20 sheets for like $5.
The dollar store is another brand of HTV I would avoid, it is not a high-quality material and it won’t hold up in the wash over time.
In the end, purchasing low-cost materials can end up costing you more over time. If you’re having to use more product because it’s not working correctly the first time you’re not really saving money.
If you have to remake products for your customers because the material doesn’t hold up in the wash that can cost you not only extra money in materials but also customers if they’re unhappy and share their experience.
Getting the Best Results
As with any material or product you need to follow the directions, make sure you’re cutting the material correctly, mirroring your design, pressing at the right temperature, etc.
No HTV is going to perform well or last if you don’t follow the directions.
The right material for you may be dictated by what you’re putting it on or if you need a specific color or type.
I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the three brands I mentioned in this post. They all work well and last through many wash cycles.
If you have any additional questions about which HTV is best, leave them in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer them for you.