How to Successfully Use Siser® EasyPatterns® Heat Transfer Vinyl
Patterns punch up every design! Get our top tips for working with Siser EasyPatterns HTV and make your next shirt stand out from the solids!
Tip #1: Test Cut, Test Cut, Test Cut!
Place Siser EasyPatterns on your vinyl cutter so that the pattern side is facing you. Since EasyPatterns do not come with a carrier mask attached like regular EasyWeed® does, the patterns are thinner and will benefit greatly from a test cut before cutting a full design. Your settings will vary based on the age and wear of your blade, cutter, and other cutting accessories. The most common issue when working with EasyPatterns is cutting too deep and minutely pinching the HTV between the static liner which then causes Tip #3 to be difficult.
Tip #2: Do NOT Mirror Your Cut File
Typically, HTV is cut with the carrier side down while the blade cuts through the adhesive on the back. Since EasyPatterns don’t come with the carrier attached, you’re cutting through the front/face of the material and the adhesive side attached to the static liner down while cutting. Keep reading for how to expose that adhesive side for heat application!
Tip #3: Mask with TTD High Tack
Apply a heat transfer carrier mask on top of the EasyPatterns with a squeegee. We recommend using TTD High Tack Mask for best results. The proper mask usually comes with the HTV when you purchase from an Authorized Distributor or Reseller. Please note that some of them will place it inside the roll of vinyl, like Michaels Craft Stores does, so don’t throw away the cardboard tube until you’re sure it’s completely empty.
Once you’ve squeegeed all the air bubbles out between the HTV and carrier mask, grip a corner of the liner and corner of the mask. In one quick motion, peel and separate the 2 layers. Unlike PSV, where we recommend slowly peeling back the Application Tape, EasyPatterns HTV and TTD High Tack Mask work best when swiftly separated.
If you’d prefer to weed off of a sticky carrier first, try the reverse weeding trick! Just put your heat transfer mask on top of your cut EasyPatterns before weeding. You can do the same thing with EasyPSV®, shown in this video:
Tip #4: Layer EasyPatterns with Solid Colors
After all the work you’ve gone through to get EasyPatterns on you shirt, be sure they’re properly seen! Use contrasting colored fabric or heat transfer vinyl to make the patterns pop! A solid HTV outline can make text easier to read.
Tip # 5: Knockout Method or Top Layer Only
For best results, use the knockout method to create the appearance of layering. If you must directly layer, be sure EasyPatterns are the top layer. For more information on the knock out method, watch this video:
Our standard washer and dryer recommendations apply to EasyPatterns:
- Wait 24 hours before first wash
- Machine wash cold / mild detergent
- Dry on normal dryer setting
- Do not dry clean
If you’d rather watch the masking and heat application process, check out this EasyPatterns video:
You can give these army themed shirts a try with the FREE cut files here.
If this blog post was helpful for you, share and save the image below to Pinterest:
Can you layer on top of the easypatterns?
Hi Joyce! We do not recommend layering on top of EasyPatterns®, but you can layer EasyPatterns on top of other layerable HTV. If you want to make it look like you’ve layered HTV on top of EasyPatterns, you can use the knockout method- which I go over in this post.
I have a question. I turned mirror on when using siser easypattern htv. Is there anyway to fix this.? I have to complete this shirt by tomorrow.
Hi Pamala! Unfortunately, once HTV is cut it cannot be changed. If you already heat applied the HTV, you could remove it using a product like VLR, but you will likely need to cut the EasyPatterns® without mirroring.
How does this differ from EasyPatterns plus?
Hi Dani! EasyPatterns® Plus come with the carrier mask already attached so you cut with the pattern side down and mirror your designs. With EasyPatterns®, the carrier mask is not attached yet, so you cut with the pattern side up and do not mirror your design.
Hi Dani! the current EasyPatterns requires a separate mask. The material has to be cut face up, weeded, and masked before applying. The new EasyPatterns Plus comes pre-masked. You simply put it face down on the cutter or cutting mat and cut your design in reverse like any other heat transfer vinyl. Hope this helps answer your question!
Can I layer easypattern on another easypattern?
Hi Sarah! I would not suggest layering EasyPatterns® on top of more patterns. You could use the knockout method to create a layered look though.
what can i do if i run out of the masking sheet?
Hi Danielle, if you’ve run out of TTD Mask then you can use a piece of EasyWeed® carrier mask left over from an applied project. Keep in mind you can also use TTD Mask more than once before discarding. Typically you can get 2-3 uses out of it before it starts to lose it’s tack. Of course, you can always purchase more TTD Mask from an authorized distributor or reseller. If you’re not sure who that is, then please email us at Info@SiserNA.com for help finding an authorized seller.
Hello, I purchased EasyPatterns Plus yesterday from Michael’s. I’m having the worst time, but I cut it without mirroring and with mirroring but it’s not sticking to the mask? How do resolve this issue?
Hi Ebonie! I’m sorry you’re having trouble with EasyPatterns® Plus. EasyPatterns® Plus comes pre-masked so the mask is already attached to the pattern and all you have to do is cut a mirrored image, weed excess HTV, and heat apply. I hope this video can help clear things up for you. If not, please reach out to our support team at Support@SiserNA.com for further help.
Some retailers are recommending you do not print on EasySubli with an Epson F170 Printer. Why is this? I did it and it seemed to work great.
Hi Libby! EasySubli® HTV and Inks are designed to be compatible with Sawgrass printers. While some customers have had success with other brands of printers, we cannot guarantee consistent results so that’s likely why some retailers do not feel comfortable making that recommendation. Glad to hear you had good results though!
My easy pattern WILL NOT release to the mask- it’s been a total pain. Is there a truck when the cut won’t lift to the mask!! I have squeegeed the heck out of it!
Hi Angela- sorry you’re having troubles! This may sound silly but it works- Put the EasyPatterns® with the mask on in the freezer for 5-10 minutes and then try to lift the masked patterns away from the liner. Oftentimes the summer humidity can cause a bonding issue between the mask and HTV. Check out this blog post for more information on how the weather can affect your HTV.
My easy pattern WILL NOT stick to the mask! I have burished it down a lot, tried the freezer trick and I still only get a few of the letters to stick! I cut it twice using different settings thinking that I have cut too deep and that didn’t seem to help, I feel like I am wasting this whole roll of htv! Do you have any suggestions??
Hi Julie! I’m sorry the usual tricks haven’t worked for you. Can you please send pictures of the problem you’re experiencing to Support@SiserNA.com and we will do our best to troubleshoot the issue. Thank you!
Pics have been emailed. Thanks!