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Activity 001: Single-Color HTV T-Shirt Application

Activity ID: U9M3-ACT-001 Duration: 40 minutes Objective: Design, mirror-cut, weed, and heat-press a single-color HTV design onto a cotton T-shirt.

Overview

Students complete the full HTV workflow from design through finished garment. They create a text-based or graphic design, mirror and cut it, weed the design, pre-press the garment, apply the HTV with the heat press, and peel the carrier to reveal the finished custom T-shirt.

Materials & Equipment Needed

  • Vinyl cutter with design software
  • Siser EasyWeed HTV (assorted colors, 12"×15" sheets)
  • Standard grip cutting mat
  • Weeding tools (hook, tweezers)
  • Heat press (preheated to 305°F)
  • 100% cotton T-shirt (light color recommended for first project)
  • Teflon sheet or parchment paper
  • Ruler or HTV placement guide
  • Timer
  • Heat-resistant gloves
  • Safety glasses (recommended)

Instructions & Procedure

Phase 1: Design and Mirror-Cut (10 minutes)

  1. Open design software. Create or import a design (text, logo, or graphic).
  2. Size the design: maximum 10"×10" for a standard chest placement.
  3. MIRROR THE DESIGN. Verify text reads backwards on screen.
  4. Set material to "Iron-On" / "HTV" or manually: 45° blade, 130 gf, medium speed.
  5. Load HTV on mat: shiny carrier sheet DOWN, dull vinyl side UP.
  6. Perform a test cut. Verify kiss cut through vinyl only.
  7. Cut the full design.

Phase 2: Weeding (8 minutes)

  1. Remove HTV from the mat.
  2. Weed the negative space: remove all waste vinyl from the carrier sheet.
  3. Start with interior details (letter counters), then remove surrounding waste.
  4. Verify all waste is removed—hold the carrier up to a light source.
  5. Trim the carrier sheet to within 1" of the design borders.

Phase 3: Garment Preparation (3 minutes)

  1. Turn on the heat press if not already preheated (305°F / 150°C).
  2. Verify temperature has stabilized.
  3. Place the T-shirt on the heat press platen, smooth and flat.
  4. Pre-press: Close the press for 5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles. Open.
  5. Use the placement guide to mark the design position: center the design 3-4" below the collar.

Phase 4: Heat Press Application (8 minutes)

  1. Place the HTV design on the T-shirt: carrier side UP, vinyl/adhesive side touching the fabric.
  2. Verify the design is correctly positioned and not wrinkled.
  3. Place a Teflon sheet over the design.
  4. Close the heat press firmly. Start the timer: 15 seconds at 305°F, medium pressure.
  5. When the timer sounds, open the press.
  6. Hot peel: Immediately and smoothly peel the carrier sheet at a 45° angle. Start from one corner.
  7. If any vinyl lifts with the carrier, lay the carrier back down and re-press for 5 seconds.

Phase 5: Post-Press and Inspection (5 minutes)

  1. Place the Teflon sheet over the design. Close the press for 3-5 seconds (post-press).
  2. Open and remove the T-shirt.
  3. Inspect the design:
  4. All elements fully adhered?
  5. No edge lifting?
  6. Text reads correctly (not mirrored)?
  7. Smooth surface with no wrinkles or bubbles?
  8. Verify by gently testing edge adhesion with a fingernail.

Phase 6: Documentation (6 minutes)

  1. Record the settings used: temperature, time, pressure, HTV brand/type.
  2. Note any adjustments made during the process.
  3. Document the result with a photo.
  4. Label the garment with care instructions: wash inside-out, tumble dry low, no bleach, no dry cleaning.

Discussion Points

  • Did you remember to mirror the design before cutting?
  • How did the pre-press affect the garment surface?
  • What did the carrier release feel like during hot peel?
  • How would you modify the process for a polyester shirt?

Expected Outcomes

  • Correctly mirrored and cut HTV design
  • Clean weeding with all waste removed
  • Properly positioned and pressed design with full adhesion
  • Professional-quality finished T-shirt

Assessment Rubric

Criteria Excellent (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2) Beginning (1)
Mirror & Cut Design mirrored correctly, clean kiss cut Correct mirror, minor cut adjustment Forgot to mirror, corrected before pressing Cannot complete cutting process
Weeding All waste removed, design intact 1-2 small pieces remaining Significant waste or damaged elements Cannot weed without damaging design
Pressing Full adhesion, correct parameters Minor re-press needed Significant adhesion issues Scorched or failed application
Placement Centered, level, correct position Slightly off-center Noticeably off Significantly misplaced

Safety Considerations

  • Heat press platens reach 305°F+ — never touch the upper platen or the pressed area immediately after opening
  • Use heat-resistant gloves when handling the garment immediately after pressing
  • Keep hands, hair, and loose clothing clear of the press when closing
  • Never leave the heat press unattended while on
  • Ensure the press is on a stable, heat-resistant surface
  • Keep water and liquids away from the heat press

Last Updated: 2026-03-19