The 5 Best Heat Transfer Vinyls

So you've got a ton of great design ideas for custom t-shirts and clothes, but are wondering how to make them a reality. The solution is easier than you might think: heat transfer vinyl. Often abbreviated as HTV, this is a special vinyl that can be cut, weeded, and imprinted upon various fabrics and materials under high temperatures. The process requires little more than a basic iron or press, a pair of scissors or utility knife, and a bit of imagination, making it hugely popular among home hobbyists and other DIY fashion enthusiasts. Our list of best HTVs includes models perfect for all occasions and purposes.

1. Siser EasyWeed HTV 11.8″ x 5ft Roll

A Basic, Easy To Use HTV

The Siser EasyWeed HTV comes in a large five-foot roll with plenty of different colors to choose from.

Best Overall

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Few brand names are as synonymous with heat transfer vinyl as Siser, so it makes sense that they would come in as #1 here on our list of best options. Their EasyWeed line of HTV is flexible, applies at a lower temperature than other models, and adheres reliably to a wide range of materials, from cotton to polyester. It’s also great for serious craft makers looking to take on larger projects, since it comes in a general 5-foot roll and in a range of vibrant colors.

Pros:

Works with all craft cutters
Pressure-sensitive backing
Little cool down required

Cons:

May require flattening before use
Large roll can be inconvenient

2. ImPressed Vinyl HTV 20 Pack

More Colors And Convenience

The sheets in this ImPressed Vinyl HTV 20 Pack are similar in quality to our #1 pick, but come pre-cut and in a range of colors.

Best Runner-Up

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If you prefer your HTV in pre-cut sheets, rather than a long roll, the ImPressed Vinyl HTV 20 Pack is worth checking out. It’s a good alternative to our #1 pick, since it’s just as easy to weed and transfers just as smoothly, but it can also feel more convenient to beginner crafters who may not need to buy HTV in bulk. Each pack includes 20 different sheets in a wide array of colors combinations, from blacks and whites to pinks and greens, plus a plastic folio to store it all in. Other color bundles are available, too.

Pros:

Also includes bonus Teflon sheet
Certified eco-friendly
Durable enough to last many washes

Cons:

Must wait for vinyl to cool before peeling
A little expensive

3. Kassa HTV 30 Sheet Bundle

More Bang For Your Buck

The Kassa HTV Bundle includes 30 different sheets at price comparative to much smaller packs.

Best Assortment

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At 30 sheets, the Kassa HTV Bundle is one of the largest, most affordable packs on the market, making it a good choice for hobbyists with lots of projects or simply for anyone who wants to extend the value of their purchase. The vinyl itself is premium quality, constructed from professional-grade polyurethane that is soft enough to cut and weed with relative ease. And the bundle even includes a free weeding tool and Teflon heat cover sheet to get beginner crafters started.

Pros:

Works on variety of fabrics and materials
Compatible with cutting machines
Waterproof and machine-washable

Cons:

Could be easier to weed
Colors could be brighter

4. Pumpkin Brother HTV Glitter Bundle

For That Extra Pizzazz

Make your designs pop with the Pumpkin Brother Glitter Bundle.

Best Glitter HTV

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If you’re looking to add that extra sparkle to your creations, you should get the Pumpkin Brother Glitter Bundle. Each pack comes with seven assorted sheets of shiny, glittery HTV, all with a 1:128 refractive index, so you know it will stand out. The application process is just the same as it is with standard HTV sheets, except that they require a slightly higher temperature and can be peeled warm. They’re also just as durable, and will retain their brightness even after repeated washing.

Pros:

Matte texture
0.16 mm thickness
Each sheet is 10″ by 12″

Cons:

Sheets are smaller than normal
Can be difficult to weed

5. Primology HTV 20 Pack

DIY Designing For Beginners

The Primology HTV 20 Pack includes sheets and even a few handy tools for getting started with crafting.

Best Starter Pack

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The Primology HTV 20 Pack doesn’t come with everything you need to bring your design creations to life, but it does include a few key tools to get you started. The 12 by 10-inch vinyl sheets are compatible with any die-cutting machine, including name-brands like Silhouette and Cricut, and feature a semi-matte finish that will look great on t-shirts. But the kit also comes with a high-quality weeding tool for removing excess vinyl and a durable Teflon sheet for protecting your designs from damage.

Pros:

Thin, non-bulky feel
Colors are bright and vivid
Peel hot and cold

Cons:

Color variation is limited
May not work on some materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is heat transfer vinyl?

Heat transfer vinyl is a type of specialty vinyl, made of polyurethane, that can be made to adhere to various fabrics and materials when put under pressure and high temperatures. HTV, as it’s often abbreviated, comes in either a roll or in sheets, with an adhesive backing that allows it to be cut, weeded, and heated until it sticks to the given material. HTV is popular among hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy designing their own t-shirts, mugs, and other products.

How do I use heat transfer vinyl?

The HTV application process begins with a design, which can be traced or mapped onto the vinyl sheet using a printer. The design can then be cut from the excess vinyl manually, or automatically using a cutting machine like those made by brands like Silhouettes or Cricut. Once cut, the vinyl can be transferred to a given fabric or material using a household iron or even vinyl press.