Learn how to create a multicolored design using heat transfer vinyl with Mariah of MJ Creative Co, plus download an exclusive, hand-lettered free cut file to use in your own projects! Looking for more inspiration, ideas and free cut files? Head over to the Craftey Community and join in on the fun!
One of the best things about being crafty, and working with something so versatile like vinyl, is the possibilities are absolutely endless as to what I can create. Sometimes, though, being crafty is driven by being creative, and I know I’m not the only one who feels a creative block every once in a while. But, the beauty of Craftey and their Color Chimp HTV Vinyl is that they have put together packs of such gorgeous colors, and color is a huge source of creative inspiration for me.
When I created this cut file, I was immediately drawn to three colors in their Luxe Must-Haves Bundle: pink, green, and black. Watermelon colors make for a seriously adorable and fun piece, and I wanted to really incorporate this color scheme in a literal way. I hope you love it as much as I do!
What you will need:
- Some sort of bag (I used a simple zipper bag, but I think this would work on a cute tote or beach bag too!)
- Color Chimp Heat Transfer Vinyl - Luxe Must-Haves Bundle
- “It’s Summer Somewhere Cut File (download it here)
- Weeding Tool
- Heat press/iron
Step One: Prepare your files & Cut Your HTV
Import the cut files into the design program of your choosing. Make sure everything fits together by dragging each piece to overlap before cutting. If you need to size up or down, based on your material, make sure you’re selecting all the pieces so they will continue to work together. I also make sure to “Weld” each individual color’s cut file once it’s in the program, so you don’t have to worry about it moving at all when you cut.
I cut all three colors on the same mat, spaced apart, to speed things along. With my design flipped in the design program, my dial on “Iron-On,” and the HTV glossy side down, I went ahead and cut! Once cut, weed as normal, and get ready for heat pressing!
Step Two: Place Black Seeds
When I laid the cut and weeded vinyl down on the zipper bag, I put each of the colors on top of each other in the orientation needed. I did this because although the black seeds are all around and is able to be centered first, I wanted to make sure that the lettering was straight as well before heat pressing the black seeds.
After centering everything, I pulled the pink and green layers off together and set them off to the side. Place your parchment over it, and then go ahead and press! This specific HTV uses less heat for less time, so it only took about 5 seconds to press it on my heat press, but timing will vary with an iron. Finish by pulling off the plastic transfer tape and move on to the lettering!
Step Three: Place the Final Two Colors
With the black seeds down, I kept the pink and green stuck together while I placed the vinyl within the black HTV. This just assures that everything will fit perfectly (I’m a little bit of a perfectionist in this way). Once you get it in the right position, pull off whatever color is stuck on top, it doesn’t really matter which you do first and follow the same instructions above to press again.
The final color should be pretty easy to get in the right spot after organizing each layer from the beginning. The space between the two lettering colors doesn’t really matter, and it’s up to personal preference whether you want it closer together or further apart. Press the final color like normal, and once the plastic transfer tape is pulled up, I like to press the whole design once more with the parchment paper on top just to make sure it’s really on there!
Step Four: Fill the bag with all your summer essentials!
This little bag is the perfect companion for summer activities, or it could be used for literally anything you need a small bag for! I put some summer essentials, like my sunglasses, sunscreen, and chapstick, but it would also work for makeup, craft supplies, or anything else! I love that heat transfer vinyl can be put on so many items and materials, and one design can be used a bunch of times. Add it to a cute beach bag or daily tote, a t-shirt for the kiddos in your life, or switch it with adhesive vinyl to put on a water bottle or cooler!
For more amazing ideas and inspiration, visit Craftey’s Community Page!
