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!

Testing cut settings on EasyPatterns HTV Digi Camo with the Cameo 4 Plus

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

Do not mirror your cut files for EasyPatterns heat transfer vinyl

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

Use TTD High Tack Mask to pick up EasyPatterns before heat application

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.

Squeegee TTD High Tack Mask on top of EasyPatterns HTV

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.

Separate carrier mask with EasyPatterns from static liner.

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.

Pink Digi Camo EasyPatterns on a military green t-shirt

 

Tip # 5: Knockout Method or Top Layer Only

Layering EasyPatterns on top of EasyWeed heat transfer vinyl

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.

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