Hi friends! Are you wanting to learn how to sublimate on cotton? I’m here to show you how you can sublimate on cotton with HTV! No sprays or powders are needed, so let’s get started!
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How to Sublimate on Cotton with Glitter HTV
Are you wanting to sublimate something besides 100% polyester? I’m excited to show you this fun sublimation trick where you can sublimate on 100% cotton items using glitter iron on vinyl! This method can be done on t-shirts, canvas, wood (see how I did it here with a Santa’s Snack Plate) and so much more! NOTE: I’m sharing this project to show you the process of sublimation on cotton. I do not sell copyrighted images or projects, this was created for my son and is for personal use only.
What you will need:
Cricut Machine (I use my Cricut Explore 3)
Heat Press (I use my Cricut Autopress)
Cotton or Canvas Drawstring Bag (I got mine from Oriental Trading Company)
Design of your choice
Ok, let’s start with the process in Cricut Design Space:
Upload your graphic or pick one from the Cricut Design Space library. Make sure you select PRINT THEN CUT. If needed, flatten the image to make sure it cuts just the border of the image.
Size it to fit your bag, Cricut Design Space will let you know if you need to resize it for the print then cut feature. If you want to print on 8.5 x14 paper as I did, you change the selection in your settings. Note: At the time of this post, printing on the larger page is only available in the Beta desktop version of Cricut Design Space. Check your settings to see if you have it.
Create an offset, this will be the layer you will cut on Glitter HTV that you will sublimate on. I created a minimal offset since I do not want to have a big outline around my image. If you do not want a white outline at all, set the offset to ZERO. Create it however you want to, there are no rules! Next, select BASIC CUT for the offset layer.
Make sure you mirror your image in Cricut Design Space for both the print and the offset.
Next, following the prompts in Cricut Design Space, send the image to your sublimation printer. I de-select the ADD BLEED toggle and select the USE SYSTEM DIALOG toggle.
When done printing, load your paper onto the cutting mat and select medium cardstock for the cut setting. The Cricut will detect the black registration marks on the paper to determine where to cut.
I’ve created a quick video to show you the rest of the process, check it out below:
Let’s recap what I shared in the video…
After you cut the image, load the glitter HTV (shiny side down) on the mat. Cut and weed.
Prep your bag by pressing it, this removes moisture and wrinkles.
Set your heat press to 330 degrees for 30 seconds. Center the HTV on your design and press.
Now, place some butcher paper under the bag, line up the sublimation print, and secure it face down with heat-resistant tape. Cover with butcher paper and press for 60 seconds at 400 degrees.
Remove the paper to reveal the sublimated design!
Look at the detail! I love the added glitter, and best of all it’s no mess! No sprays, no powders needed!
My son will be using this bag for his trip to Super Nintendo World!
I hope you try out this technique to make an array of sublimation crafts! If you do, please tag me on social media @michellespartyplanit, I’d love to see what you create!
Need more sublimation ideas? Check out these favorites…
HOW TO SUBLIMATE A MOUSE PAD
HOW TO SUBLIMATE A PILLOW COVER | LOVE LETTER FROM JESUS PILLOW
DIY VALENTINE’S DAY DOG BANDANA
SUBLIMATION OVEN OR CRICUT MUG PRESS – WHICH IS BEST?
HOW TO SUBLIMATE FAUX LEATHER
Happy Crafting!
PIN FOR LATER!
- Unlocking Sublimation: A Guide to Sublimation
- Sublimation Oven or Cricut Mug Press – Which is Best?
- HTVRONT Auto Heat Press Product Review
- Cricut Maker VS Cricut Maker 3 – Which Cricut Machine is Right for you?
- Cricut Glue Gun Product Review
- How to Sublimate Frosted Glass Can Tumblers with the Cricut Mug Press
- How to Sublimate Tumblers with the Cricut Mug Press
- How to Sublimate on Wood With or Without a Sublimation Printer
3 comments
In your recap you say,
Set your heat press to 330 degrees for 30 seconds. Center the HTV on your design and press.
Is this for a pre press to remove moisture? Or is this how long you press the glitter? Most I’ve seen say to press the vinyl, glitter vinyl etc for just a few seconds is why I ask. I prefer written instructions as well as videos. Thank you in advance for clarifying.
This is the pressing time and temp for the glitter.
How to sublimate on dark shirts using HTV matte and what setting to use to cut it.