Halloween will be here before you know it, so it’s the perfect time to DIY your Halloween decor. Let’s try the new Glow in the Dark TeckWrap Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Paper and make a cute Pacman inspired Halloween Pillow. Let’s get started!
Disclosure: I received product from TeckWrap to review. All opinions are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you.
DIY Glow in the Dark Pillow with TeckWrap Heat Transfer Paper
This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process of creating a personalized black pillow cover using TeckWrap heat transfer paper, an inkjet printer, and your Cricut machine. We’ll cover everything from designing in Cricut Design Space, cutting with Print Then Cut, to applying the design with a heat press at 320°F. Whether you’re working on a Halloween project or simply looking for a fun, creative way to personalize a pillow cover, this guide will help you create a beautiful end product.
Supplies You’ll Need:
- TeckWrap heat transfer paper (compatible with inkjet printers)
- Heat transfer mask (included with heat transfer paper pack)
- Inkjet printer
- Black pillow cover (cotton or polyester) I get mine from IKEA.
- Cricut machine (Explore Air 2, Maker, or Explore 3)
- Standard or Light Grip cutting mat
- Cricut Design Space software
- Heat press (I used my Cricut AutoPress)
- Weeding tools & Brayer
- Teflon sheet or parchment paper
- Scissors
- Lint roller
- Pillow insert (I get mine from IKEA)
Step 1: Prepare Your Design in Cricut Design Space
- Open Cricut Design Space: Start by opening the Cricut Design Space software on your computer or mobile device. This is where you will design, size, and prepare your image for cutting.
- Upload Your Image:
- Click on the “Upload” button located in the left sidebar.
- Upload your chosen image or design. You can create your own graphic, use a design from Cricut’s library, or find a free or paid SVG file online. I used this Pacman inspired image from Creative Fabrica.
- Select Flat Graphic to use it as a print then cut image.
- Once the image is uploaded, you can use the design editing tools in Cricut Design Space to adjust it to your desired size and placement.
- Add an Offset to Your Image:
- Select your image on the canvas.
- In the toolbar at the top, click on “Offset.” This will add a border around your design, which is especially useful for giving the design more visibility against the black pillow cover.
- Adjust the size of the offset to your liking. A 0.1″ to 0.15″ offset typically works well for most projects.
- After adjusting the offset, click “Apply.”
- Change the color to match your pillow, I used black.
- Resize Your Design for the Pillow Cover: Ensure your design fits the dimensions of your pillow cover. If you’re working with a standard 18”x18” pillow cover, a design around 10-12” wide is ideal. I used 9.48 x 7.19 to maximize the space on the A4 paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Design for Print Then Cut
- Flatten the Image: If your image has multiple layers, make sure to flatten the design so it prints as a single layer. Select the design and click “Flatten” in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Set to Print Then Cut: Before proceeding, confirm that the design is set for “Print Then Cut.” You can do this by selecting the image and ensuring that the “Operation” menu is set to “Print Then Cut.”
- Send the Design to Print:
- Click “Make It” in the top-right corner of Cricut Design Space.
- Load the TeckWrap heat transfer paper into your inkjet printer, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on which side to print.
- In the Cricut print dialog, select “Send to Printer.”
- Adjust print settings for the highest quality output and select “Print.” Ensure that your printer settings are optimized for heat transfer paper, particularly for dark-colored materials.
I created a video to show the remaining steps, check it out below:
Step 3: Cut the Design with Cricut
- Prepare the Cutting Mat: Once the design is printed, place the printed TeckWrap heat transfer paper on your Standard or Light Grip cutting mat, with the printed side facing up.
- Select Material Type: Set the material to “Everyday Iron On” and select “more pressure” within Cricut’s material selection. This will ensure the correct cutting pressure and blade depth are used.
- Cut the Design:
- Load the mat into your Cricut machine.
- Press the “Go” button to begin cutting around your design.
- Once the machine is done cutting, unload the mat.
- Weed the Design: Use your weeding tool to remove any excess vinyl, ensuring that only your design remains. Be cautious with small details inside the design.
Step 4: Apply the Heat Transfer Mask
- Heat Transfer Mask: Get the heat transfer mask from the paper pack. Cut to size as need, make sure it’s slightly larger than your design. The transfer mask will help you move your cut design to the pillow cover without stretching or damaging it.
- Apply the Mask:
- Peel the backing off the heat transfer mask.
- Gently apply the mask over your design, starting from one side and smoothing it out as you go to avoid bubbles or creases.
- Once the mask is applied, use a squeegee or a brayer to press the mask firmly onto the design.
- Remove the Backing Paper: Slowly peel off the backing paper from the TeckWrap heat transfer paper. The design should remain on the mask, ready for transfer onto the pillow cover.
Step 5: Prepare the Pillow Cover for Heat Transfer
- Pre-Press the Pillow Cover:
- Place the black pillow cover on your heat press or Cricut EasyPress mat.
- Pre-press the pillow cover at 320°F for about 5-10 seconds. This will help remove wrinkles and moisture from the fabric, ensuring better adhesion of the vinyl.
- Use a lint roller on the pillow cover to remove any dust or debris before placing the design.
- Position the Design: Center the design on the pillow cover with the sticky side of the transfer mask facing down.
Step 6: Apply Heat with a Heat Press
- Set the Heat Press: Set your heat press or Cricut EasyPress to 320°F and a timer for 20 seconds. These settings work well for most heat transfer vinyl projects on cotton or polyester fabric.
- Press the Design:
- Place a Teflon sheet or parchment paper over the design to protect it from the direct heat of the press.
- Firmly press the design for 20 seconds. If using a Cricut EasyPress, make sure to apply firm pressure for the entire 20 seconds.
- Peel the Mask: Let the design cool slightly (about 15-30 seconds), then carefully peel away the heat transfer mask. If any part of the design appears to be lifting, reapply the mask and press again for a few more seconds.
Step 7: Final Touches
- Inspect the Design: Check the entire design to ensure it has adhered properly. If you see any spots lifting, apply more heat with a Teflon sheet for a few seconds to fix the issue.
- Insert the Pillow: Once you’re satisfied with the design, insert the pillow insert into the cover. Your customized glow-in-the-dark pillow cover is now complete!
Look how great it looks in the dark!
Step 8: Washing Instructions
- Wait at least 24 hours before laundering.
- Wash inside out in cold water
- Machine Wash using mild detergent
- Do not use bleach or other aggressive cleaning agents
- Do put in dryer, hang dry only
- Do not Dry Clean
- DO not iron directly over the transfer
I also tried the regular Heat Transfer Paper and also shared the results after washing per the instructions, check it out below!
Be sure to save on your TECKWRAP orders with my Coupon Code – MPP10!
Need more pillow ideas for Halloween?
DIY Mummy Pillow with Cricut
How to Make a Ghost Pillow with a Beanie
Dollar Tree Ghost Pillow
Happy Crafting!
PIN FOR LATER!
1 comment
pretty nice