How do you use iron on transfer sheets?

Iron-on transfer sheets are used to apply designs to fabric using heat and pressure from an iron. Here's how:

Preparing for Iron-On Transfers

Before you start, gather your materials and prepare the design:

Choose Your Design: Select an image or text you want to transfer.
Print the Design: Print your design onto the iron-on transfer sheet using an inkjet or laser printer. Remember to print a mirror image of your design, so it appears correctly after ironing.
Cut Out the Design: Trim any excess transfer paper around your design.
Prepare Your Fabric: Iron your fabric to remove any wrinkles. Place the fabric on a hard, flat, and heat-resistant surface.

The core of the process is applying heat and pressure correctly:

Position the Transfer: Place the transfer sheet face down onto your fabric. The printed side should be against the fabric.
Heat the Iron: Set your iron to the appropriate temperature recommended for the transfer paper you are using (usually cotton setting, no steam). Allow the iron to reach the correct temperature.
Apply Heat and Pressure:
- Using firm pressure, press the iron onto the transfer paper.
- Move the Iron: According to the video, move the iron around to ensure even coverage. Don't keep the iron in one spot.
- Time: Apply pressure for the amount of time recommended by the transfer paper instructions.
Cool Down: Let the transfer cool completely.
Remove the Backing: Slowly peel away the backing paper. For dark transfers, place the backing on top before ironing to protect the film. Otherwise, the transfer can stick to the iron.

Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

Even Pressure: Apply consistent pressure over the entire design.
Heat Settings: Different types of transfer papers require specific iron settings.
Surface: Use a firm, flat surface. An ironing board is not ideal as it is too soft.
Test Piece: It's a good practice to do a test run on a piece of scrap fabric.
Care Instructions: After the transfer is complete, follow the care instructions (often gentle washing inside out) for optimal results and to ensure longevity of the transferred design.

By following these steps and taking the advice in the reference material, you can successfully apply iron-on transfers.