How to Layer Siser® Heat Transfer Vinyl
Put a fresh spin on your designs with multiple colors and finishes! Siser® HTV provides all kinds of options for you to layer, however not ALL heat transfer vinyl can be layered. If you want to check if your HTV can be layered simply go to our website www.siserna.com, select the “HTV” drop down menu, and choose which HTV you’re working with. Once you’re on the product page look for the “layerable” icon which appears as 3 sheets of material stacking on top of each other.
The following tips are helpful whether you mix multiple colors of the same product or multiple colors of multiple products. As long as all products have the layerable icon then you can mix and match them!
1. Close Cut Carriers
When trimming your cut design away from the sheet or roll of HTV it’s important to cut closely for a few reasons:
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Saves as much material possible
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Allows you to heat apply multiple transfers at one time
Cut back on production time by cutting your carriers closely. Overlapping HTV and carriers will adhere to each other instead of the garment, but if they’re trimmed then you can avoid overlapping and apply multiple colors at one time.
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Reduces the risk of a carrier impression mark on the first layer of HTV
If you’re getting carrier marks consistently, check out tip #3. If they’re still an issue, lower your pressure.
Carrier marks are hard to photograph, but appear more clearly in person.
2. Short Presses
You know how in baking something can be under done, just right, or baked to the point of burning? Well applying HTV is kind of like baking. You don’t want to over or under do it since peeling can be caused by both a too short press and too long.
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Prevents Over Baking HTV
When pressing multiple layers its important to remember that the first layer will receive the additional heat of each press afterwards. Say you pressed a 4 color design for the recommended 15 seconds for each layer. The first layer would end up with a total pressing time of ONE MINUTE. That is one burnt cookie.
How about another example? This time showing the right way to press HTV! If you’re working with an EasyWeed product, you have the benefit of the 1 second tack.
- Tan EasyWeed: 1 second tack, hot peel
- Sweet Mint EasyWeed Stretch: 1 second tack, hot peel
- Lilac EasyWeed Stretch: 1 second tack, hot peel
- Passion Pink EasyWeed Stretch: 1 second tack, hot peel
- Press everything for 10 seconds
- Gold Glitter: 1-5 second press, warm peel
- Mint Glitter: 1-5 second press, warm peel
- Lavender Glitter: 1-5 second press, warm peel
- Hot Pink Glitter: 1-5 second press, warm peel
- Press everything for 10 seconds
All presses should be done with a cover sheet of some kind. Check out tip #3 for the reason why!
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Prevents Shrinking HTV
Over baking HTV leads to shrinking HTV! Short presses reduce the amount of shrinking from HTV and your garment. This is especially important for maintaining proper registration and alignment of your designs.
3. Use A Heat Transfer Cover Sheet
*Pro Tip: Use magnets to anchor a heat transfer cover sheet to the top platen.
Siser offers non stick, reusable cover sheets, but if you don’t have one of those you can use parchment paper, multipurpose paper, or a pressing cloth like a clean piece of 100% cotton. The benefits of a cover sheet are…
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Protects Upper Platen
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Protects Garment
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Protects HTV
Previously applied heat transfer vinyl without a carrier sheet (like the first layer of a multi-color design) can melt or leave adhesive residue on the pressing platen. The residue on the platen may not be noticeable, but the next press without a cover sheet could adhere a random piece of gunk to the garment. A cover sheet keeps everything clean. Cover sheets also offer a layer of heat protection to prevent heat sensitive items from scorching.
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Alleviates Carrier Marks
Remember those pesky carrier marks we talked about in tip #1? Well they’re easily dealt with if you use this trick. Press the HTV with the carrier for 1-5 seconds, peel the carrier according to the product, then place a cover sheet on top and press for the remaining time. Peeling the carrier early prevents it from embedding in the bottom layer, and pressing with the cover sheet evens out any marks.
4. Glitter is ONLY A Top Layer
Glitter is the star of the show, so it’s never on the bottom! It might also have something to do with durability…Ok fine, it’s all about durability. The textured surface of Glitter does not provide an even application area for HTV. When HTV is applied on top of the textured Glitter surface the adhesive cannot grab on as easily as it does to fabric, so in the end the HTV is likely to lift after laundering. If you want to use multiple kinds of HTV, ensure your design leaves Glitter only on top (This rule also applies to Holographic.)
Neon Pink Glitter layered on top of white EasyWeed heat transfer vinyl
Confetti Glitter layered on top of black EasyWeed heat transfer vinyl
If you’re determined to layer, then I’d suggest checking out our Sparkle™ HTV. Sparkle has all of the shine, but none of the texture of Glitter HTV so Sparkle can be layered!
5. The Trick to Layering the Less Bulky Way
But what if you want a look that’s multicolored and all Glitter? You can do it! Just be mindful of your artwork and check out this Blog Post: How to Fake the Layered Look for all the details. This method eliminates bulky layers, allowing the garment to move naturally with the body. So it’s not just a good trick for Glitter, but for all HTV layering! See how we used the same method with EasyWeed Stretch in this post.
Bonus Tip!
So now that you know the tips and tricks for layering heat transfer vinyl, you might be wondering How Many EasyWeed Colors Can I Layer? The best HTV projects start with a great design and this post will help you start designing smarter!
Pin this post for later!
Please leave any questions in the comment section :)
Are you a visual learner? Well you’re in luck, you can now watch these tips in the video below…
I am doing a layering, but everything is vinyl, two layers, the top is Gillett but I want to put a 5 on top of that with vinyl and an edge.. will that be a problem?
Hi
I don’t have a heat press. I can just use my normal iron . Just single layer white writting nothing fancy .how should I do it and how long do I iron it for ?
Thank you x
Hello! Please watch this video for how we recommend ironing on Siser® heat transfer vinyl. Additionally, recommended iron settings for each product can be found under “Application Settings” on the products pages of this website.
I am doing chew layers of vinyl the top part glitter vinyl but I need to put a 5 and Edge it with a vinyl would that be okay?
Hi Ophelia! Glitter is only recommended as a top layer, and should not have another HTV layered on top of it. However, you can still create a layered look by creating a knockout design. This video explains the knockout method.
If using glitter and easyweed smooth on the same shirt, how do you handle the temperature differences and get a complete press with over or under pressing time and temp
Hi Jennifer! Siser® HTV can be applied in a range of temperatures. When applying heat transfer vinyls with 2 different temperature settings, it’s best to opt for the lower one. Which in your case is the 305°F for EasyWeed®. If you can press both colors without overlapping the plastic carriers, then 1 press for 15 seconds will do the trick. However, if you’re layering the HTV directly on top of each other- I’d suggest tacking the EasyWeed down for 1-5 seconds, peel the carrier hot, and then tack down the Glitter the same way. After peeling the Glitter carrier, press for 5 more seconds. Make sure to use a heat transfer cover sheet of some kind to protect your layers.
This is my first time layering and I have q base layer and then will have 2 layers on top of that none are glitter or design just basic colors is that ok or will it shrivel up?
Hi there! As long as the Heat Transfer Vinyl you’re working with can be layered (look for the layerable icon on our website) then 3 colors can be applied on top of each other successfully using the proper time, temperature, and pressure. If the HTV has different temperature suggestions, use the higher temp.
Hello. I was layering siser easy weed (4 layers) I got air bubbles between the first 2 layers. This has never happened before. Any suggestions on how to avoid this happening. Thank you Rhonda
Hi Rhonda! Bubbles sometimes occur from too much heat. It’s possible you need to lower your temperature or press for shorter periods of time on each layer. EasyWeed® only needs 1-3 seconds of pressing time per layer if you’re using a heat press with medium pressure.
I had the same thing happen to mine and I had my temperature set at 305 and I did the 1-3 seconds of press per layer.
Hi Jennifer! If you’re using a heat transfer pillow or teflon sheet during application, you may want to lower the temperature slightly since they tend to hold onto more heat than parchment paper would. Additionally, you may want to check the temperature of your heat press with a temperature gun to ensure it’s evenly heated and not creating hot spots.
I’ve got some shirts finished and pressed but the white vinyl keeps coming off the tie dyed siser heat transfer vinyl I have on layered on there. Any suggestions on how to make it stick? They look good until you wash then it starts to peel. Thanks
Hi Megan, I’m sorry your HTV is peeling! I’d suggest re-pressing with a heat transfer pillow and cover sheet for 5 seconds to re-apply. Be sure you’re using our recommended wash settings listed on our website as well. If you need further help, please email support@siserna.com with pictures of the issue. Good luck!
Hi!
Are ALL Siser Easyweed products able to be layered…or just the HTV?
Hi Karla! All Siser® EasyWeed® products are heat transfer vinyl and can be layered. Siser® pressure sensitive/adhesive vinyl is EasyPSV™ and all can be layered as well.
I really enjoy crafting and making unique shirts and bags for my family and friends, and I’ve just decided to start looking into siser htv rolls as a way to add a little sparkle and flair. Your tips for how to apply them is really helpful, especially your tip to cut close for reducing carrier impression marks. It’s good to know that I can layer HTV, and I’ll definitely take your advice and keep my pressure lower for the second layer.
My customers keep having issues with the top layer (on 2 layer stuff) peeling off – any suggestions ?
Hi Sarah! Which types of heat transfer vinyl are you layering and what was the time, temp, and pressure you used to apply them? Some HTV (like Holographic and Glitter) can only be a top layer. Other HTVs (like those in the EasyWeed® family) can peel from uneven pressure caused by seams, buttons, zippers, etc. You may want to watch this video on uneven pressure and how to correct it with heat transfer pillows. If you’re still experiencing issues, please email our tech team directly at support@siserna.com.
I forgot to add a name o an already htv pressed shirt, how do I fiix it without damaging the rest of the design?
Hi Bianca! Applied HTV can be pressed again with a heat transfer cover sheet on top to protect it.
Hi Lily!
Quick question … can you layer regular EasyWeed on top of Black Board HTV ?
Hi Juanita! We do not recommend layering with BlackBoard™ HTV. I’d suggest using the knockout method to give the appearance of layering.
Making my great granddaughter a poppy troll on her 2nd birthday shirt…small and layers…did 1 layer fine..2nd layer pealed up and stretched..do I need to wait til the first layer is cool? I have removed the design and recut the first two layers..any other hints? Using siser.
Thanks,
Sharon
Hi Sharon! Which HTV are you using, what are using to heat apply it, and how long did you press each layer? This information will help me advise you best.
In the mean time, if you’re using a product from the EasyWeed® Family, we typically suggest pressing each layer individually for 1-5 seconds and peeling the clear carriers while hot. If any areas are still lifting, cover your layers with a heat transfer cover sheet and press for 5-10 seconds.
Since you experienced the HTV not sticking you may need to press longer, more firmly, or use a heat transfer pillow under the application area.
Can I layer sister HTV on top of sister stretch HTV?
Hi Carol! You can layer Siser® EasyWeed® HTV on top of EasyWeed® Stretch HTV.
What about the opposite? Stretch on Easyweed
Hi Ainslee! You can layer EasyWeed® Stretch on top of EasyWeed® too.
Excellent info!!! Thank you very much!!! ❣💐❣💐❣💐❣💐❣
Hi! How would one layer easyweed stretch on top of regular easyweed since stretch needs 320 degrees and 20 seconds but regular easyweed says 305 for 10-15 seconds? Thank you!!
Great questions, Stephany! I would recommended sticking with the 320°F and firm pressure needed for applying EasyWeed® Stretch for the whole application. If you’re able to, apply EasyWeed Stretch first (since it’s the thinnest) for a 1-3 second tack and hot peel the carrier. Next, layer and apply the EasyWeed for a 1-3 second tack and hot peel the carrier. Repeat tacking until all colors are applied. After everything has been applied, use a heat transfer cover sheet or parchment paper on top of the HTV and press for a final 10-15 seconds to reach a total of 20 seconds on the EasyWeed Stretch. Good luck with your project!
I only have household iron. What setting should I use? How much pressure and for how long?
Hi Pamela! For most Siser HTV, we suggest using the cotton setting for 10-15 seconds. Your settings can vary slightly depending on the type of fabric you’re decorating. Check out this blog post for tips on decorating heat sensitive fabrics. You may also want to review this video for tips on properly ironing on Siser heat transfer vinyl.
Hi Lily
I am new to this craft and need some advice. I am working on a project for a t-shirt, using Siser Holographic and Easyweed Electric. It is NOT layered. Being the holographic is to be applied @ 320 and Easyweed @ 305, should I tact one down first? Which one? What temp and for how long? I am using the Cricut EasyPress 2.
Hi Nancy! When applying multiple materials with different temperature settings, it’s usually easiest to use the lower temperature, in this case: 305°F. However, on the Cricut EasyPress, we find 335-340°F gives the best results for EasyWeed® products. If both products can be applied without overlapping carriers then 1 press for 10-15 seconds should be suitable. However if the carriers overlap, you’ll need to press the products separately. In that case, I’d recommend tacking the EasyWeed® Electric first for 1-3 seconds and peel the carrier hot. After, you can place the Holographic HTV and press for 10-15 seconds. Remember to peel Holographic’s carrier cold though, otherwise you could experience lifting.
Hello, 2 layering questions:
1. I have been trying the 1 sec tac on the 1st layer but when I hot peel, some of the image/vinyl is staying on the carrier sheet. I have been pressing the 1st layer sometimes up to 5 sec then the second layer does not line up because of shrinking. I have my press at 305. What am I doing wrong?
2. I wanted to do an image on the front and back. Would you suggest a pillow or some kind of barrier so the opposite side I am working does not bet over heated? .
Thanks for your help!
Hi there!
1. Often when the time and temperature are correct and lifting occurs there is a problem with pressure. I’d suggest using a heat transfer pillow and trying the 1 second tack again.
2. Yes, a pillow is recommended to be inside of the garment if you’re unable to thread it on the lower platen of your heat press or if you’re working with a home iron. Additionally, I’d suggest laying a cover sheet or piece of parchment paper on the lower platen when you flip the garment over to press the other side. This ensures the HTV that’s already been applied won’t pick up anything from your lower platen on the second set of presses.
Hello, is it possible to layer on top of the Colourprint pu vinyl?
Hi Kate! ColorPrint™ PU can’t be layered, but you could make a layered look if you use the knockout method.
I have someone who wants me to just cut the images and they said they will iron them on themselves but now they want the letters in layered colors. I’m new to this so not sure if I send them the pieces and they do it all themselves or is there a way I can layer them for them and all they have to do is slap them on..tia!
Hi Jenni! There’s isn’t a way to pre-layer HTV before applying it. You can stick the carriers together, but each color will still need to be applied individually.
I completed a multi layer dress but after one wear the bottom layer is peeling up. Can I fix this?
Hi Sara! Yes, you can fix the lifting HTV by re-covering the area with a heat transfer cover sheet and pressing for 5 second intervals with your heat press or iron until it’s re-adhered.
I am making a design where the bottom is regular siser htv vinyl and I am layering with siser glitter htv vinyl. The glitter is getting all over the plain vinyl? Is there anyway to prevent this? or remove it?
Hi there! To remove the loose glitter from plain HTV, wait until it’s cool and then use a lint roller or your hand to brush the flakes away. To avoid this on your next application, you can tack the Glitter HTV for 1-5 seconds, peel the carrier, and re-cover with a heat transfer cover sheet before pressing for the remaining 5-10 seconds.
Does anyone know if the Siser Vinyl and inkjet paper can be layered? For instance, I designed the a larger vinyl piece and created a hat to go on top of this piece. The tips of the hat touch the vinyl piece. I just got notification that this is beginning to roll up at the edges where the paper touches the vinyl.
Is this fixable? Can they put a low heat iron to it with no steam and it lay back down?
Thanks.
Hi Tameka! While I can’t speak to the inkjet paper, you can reheat Siser HTV with a cover sheet (parchment paper or a cotton cloth will work too) for 5 seconds at a time to re-adhere any lifting pieces.
thank you. I told my customer to use an iron with something over it, so hopefully that works for her.
Hi Sylvia! Even though you’re not washing the cheer bow, I would still recommend using the knockout method of layering for best results and greatest longevity. Layering HTV directly on top of Glitter can have unpredictable results.
Thank you for all the great tips…I am about to do some T-Shirts, I want to put a logo on the back and small one on the front of the shirt. How do I protect the back of the shirt when I do the front. I am using a press. Thank you for all your help.
Hi Carol! I’d recommend threading the shirt on the lower platen if possible. If your heat press doesn’t allow you to thread the garment, then placing a heat transfer pillow inside the garment will help protect the already applied HTV.
Can i layer siser metal over easyweed?
Yes, Chana! Siser® Metal HTV can be layered as a top layer only.
Thanks you for an informative article. I am trying to find out if I can make a T-Shirt using a Transfer sheet and adding all the colors at once onto the transfer sheet then doing a single press? Sometimes I work with 6 layers and would like to use the knockout out method, but instead of pressing/peeling aver 1 – 2 seconds and adding a new color each time, would I be able to use the transfer sheet to place all the colors and then do one press? I don’t know if the transfer sheet can be used in a an heat press.
Hi Laurie! You can heat apply as many colors as you can place on the shirt without overlapping carriers (the plastic on top.) If any HTV is on top of another carrier instead of directly touching the fabric, it will adhere to the plastic. You could use an additional piece of heat transfer mask to position all the pieces (while still avoiding overlapping) but you will want to be certain it’s heat transfer mask and not another type of application tape that cannot be successfully heat applied.
Can I layer regular easyweed over flock?
Yes you can, Elena! However we do not recommend direct layering with the StripFlock® Pro Fluorescent colors. The knockout method can be used instead.
Hello, I’m using sister htv on a wood project with my heat press (305 degrees) 15 seconds and it’s leaving glue residue around the letters and looks terrible :( please help! What am I doing wrong?
Hi Rishona! When you have a clear halo around your HTV, the pressure is too high and is pushing the adhesive out to the sides of the vinyl. Lower the pressure of your heat press or switch to a hand held heating element like a home iron or EasyPress where you can manually apply lighter pressure.
Can we layer siser easyweed htv onto patterned htv? Thanks
Hi Holly! We recommend layering EasyPatterns® as your top layer or using the knockout method for best results. That’s Tip #5 in this EasyPatterns blog post. Check it out if you have any other FAQ’s :)
I’m trying to do a 3 layer design and the bottom layer grows so that it shows when I get to the top layer.
What am I doing wrong?
Hi Jodee! Typically when layering HTV we suggest pressing each color for a short 1-5 second “tack” to reduce shrinking and allow the layers to line up. Most Heat Transfer Vinyl doesn’t expand during heating. Can you please send pictures of the issue to Support@SiserNA.com? They will be able to help troubleshoot this issue further.
Hi! I’ve just started using glitter HTV and encountered an issue with layering. When I weed the glitter HTV, there’s some residue glitter on the carrier sheet in negative spaces. The residue glitter didn’t transfer onto fabric when I applied the glitter htv directly to fabric. But it did transfer onto underlying (non-glitter) htv when I used glitter htv as the top layer. Do you have any suggestions for getting rid of the residue glitter before layering onto other htv?
Thanks!
Hi Liz! The residual glitter flakes should be able to be brushed away once cooled. If they’re still sticking, you can use a lint roller or a bit of tape to pick them up. Additionally, shorter presses (AKA tacks) can help reduce the amount of glitter flakes coming off the carrier.
Hi I love using glitter. Thank you for this info.
Hi, I’m wanting to layer holographic htv and glitter htv. How do I prevent shrinking or over heating the holographic vinyl.
Hi Cinthia! Both Holographic and Glitter HTV are not recommended for direct layering. However, you can fake the layered look with a few methods- I’d suggest checking out this blog post for more details. Designing your artwork with a slight overlap will help prevent alignment issues caused by the garment shrinking. The more cotton in the garment the more it will shrink, so you may want to consider something like a triblend or 50/50 blend for you blank garment.
As a business owner, is there a standard tolerance when working with multi layer HTV.?
Hi Norwinda! We suggest maxing out around 4-5 direct layers where you’ll start to notice the bulk of the HTV. However, there are a few tricks to making the HTV look layered while reducing the bulk. Check out this post and this post for more info on faking the layered look.
Can you layer Siser Easy weed and Siser stretch in the came design?
Absolutely! :)
I have trouble with putting gold and silver metallic and holo as a top layer. It sticks to the easyweed well, but after a couple of washes it peels. Am i doing it wrong?
Hi Louis! If you’re tacking (a tack is a 1-3 second press) the HTV layers, be sure the total pressing time on each layer comes out to about 15-20 seconds so the HTV is fully applied. Additionally, Holographic has a slightly higher pressing time of 320°F so you’ll want to opt for the higher temperature in order to fully apply the material.