Learn how to layer 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!
All year round, I gravitate towards pinks and purples in designs and crafting - but especially this time of year, I like to find projects that look cute and romantic, but also work all year round!
As I am an Aunt to 6 amazing nieces and nephews, I tend to do a lot of projects that involve making something beautiful and custom for children. But, because I am not a mother myself, I like to find ways to design something that works both for kids and for adults with just a simple change of the size of the cut file!
My niece, Luna, is the youngest of my family, and I decided to make this with her in mind. This project is super simple, and so easy to make different variations on a number of materials!
What you will need:
- A toddler shirt (or any size shirt, if you want to make it for an adult) - I used a Cat & Jack long sleeve toddler shirt from Target
- Color Chimp Heat Transfer Vinyl - Purples & Pinks Bundle
- The Future is Female Cut File (you can download it here)
- Weeding Tool
- Heat press/iron
Step One: Prepare Heat Transfer Vinyl
Import the two cut files I created into your design program for your cutting machine, and make sure you have it sized correctly based on what you plan to put it on. When doing the overlapping items, make sure you combine/attach the files with the shadow and the writing before sizing up or down to assure they will work together!
I also included a bonus cut file with the calligraphy design cut out of the shadow, so you only have one color, but you will be able to see the material that you place it on through it! This is one of the many ways this works as a variation!
When cutting, cut on the Iron-On setting, and do not forget to flip the design so it cuts backwards. Place the HTV with the glossy side down on your cutting mat, and continue cutting it the designs. Use any colors you would like - but for the purpose of this tutorial, I used Baby Pink with the calligraphy file “TheFutureIsFemale1.svg” and I used Cardinal Red with the shadow file “TheFutureIsFemale2.svg”
Once fully cut, take your weeding tool and weed like normal, preparing the vinyl to be heat pressed on top of each other!
Step Two: Place First Color
No matter what color you chose to cut your design out in, you will be using the cut out background vinyl first to create the shadow color. I first place the garment down on the Heat press/down on ironing board and press it or iron it to make sure that it is completely smoothed and slightly heated up.
Then, place the shadow vinyl piece on the garment, glossy side up, assuring that it is centered. Put parchment paper over the design, and press. On my heat press, I press it for 15 seconds, but if you are using an iron, you may need to press longer. Note: Make sure the steam function is off or there is no water in the iron before using!
Peel off the plastic transfer tape slowly, and continue to the next color.
Step Three: Layer the Second Color
Once your shadow is on, align the second cut file, aka the one with the calligraphy, on top of the shadow. It should be pretty easy to see where it goes, but place slowly.
Put the piece of parchment on top again and heat press again. I did another 15 seconds on the heat press, but again, the iron may take longer. Take extra caution after when you are removing the plastic transfer tape, as the calligraphy design is a little more fragile and easier to tear. Do it slowly, ironing more if need be.
Once the second color is heat pressed and the plastic is off, press it one more time with the parchment paper on top of it. This helps with added security to the garment.
Step Four: Enjoy & Create Again
I plan to gift this shirt to my niece in a few days, and I can’t wait to see it on her. The design I created is very versatile, I may make a matching shirt to my sister and probably even for myself.
The best part about this project and design is that you have endless options for additional projects. There are three distinct ways to use the files, (1) like in these photos, with the shadow and the calligraphy on top, (2) with just the calligraphy file, no shadow, or (3) using the last file with the calligraphy cut out to put on a garment by itself so you can see the material color through it.
I plan to use the third option above to create a clear mug design with permanent adhesive vinyl - so I can see whatever I put in the mug right through the calligraphy part of the design!
For more amazing ideas and inspiration, please visit Craftey's Community page!
