What if you could always find the best Vinyl for T-shirts that meets all your expectation, would you be willing to pay top dollar for it? An honest answer would be “Hell Yes, I would pay anything!” As you get more and more involved in producing heat transfers using vinyl and transfer paper, you will find yourself buying more of these items to do your creative projects. Your T-shirt printing business or heat transfer enterprise is growing and you are diving deeper into the world of Heat Transfer Vinyl.
For those who love to create transfers themselves, the choices are practically endless when it comes to the best vinyl for T-shirts. Whether you are already a pro or you are just starting to enjoy creating heat transfer designs as a hobby you will enjoy the Best Heat Transfer Vinyl available. You might even find suitable heat transfer vinyl packs that are quite within your budget. But, not all vinyl or transfer paper is created equal. You will encounter a huge variation in quality and features among vinyl and transfer paper on the market.
If you do not have any idea of what to look for in heat transfer vinyl, you run the risk of choosing the wrong product that will spoil your project and frustrate you. To save you the misery of a bad vinyl decision, we have taken a close look at some of the more popular heat transfer vinyl options to uncover the best heat transfer vinyl to recommend. Here are our ten picks for your consideration.
Top 10 Best Vinyl Transfer Paper Reviews:
1. Siser EasyWeed Transfer 12 Color Starter Bundle
Let’s start with the Siser EasyWeed Starter Kit which consists of a dozen 12″ by 15″ heat-transfer vinyl sheets. You can also get these best heat transfer vinyl for T-shirts in twelve popular colors. EasyWeed is a polyurethane sheet that is ready-to-cut and can be used for unique decorations for garments and other materials. Furthermore, with the EasyWeed, you can efficiently weed small letters and intricate designs. The Siser EasyWeed is thinner than other transfer materials and is quite durable even after multiple washes. Use this EasyWeed starter kit to apply numbers and names on the shirts of players on your team, or create personalized labels on clothes you wear to the office. Actually, what makes these vinyl sheets easy to cut, weed, and heat is that they are quite thin. So, whether you are creating a multiple layer product or applying a single color the EasyWeed is your solution. This transfer vinyl works best with 100% cotton and 100% polyester, as well as poly/cotton blends. The EasyWeed Transfer 12 Color Starter Bundle is definitely a great start for amateur crafters. Pros may also find these sheets to be just what they need to complete their projects.
Highlighted Features:
- Pack comes with a choice of 12 colors
- This is an easy to use starter bundle
- Most suitable for 100% cotton polyester and poly/cotton
- Thin vinyl that is easy to cut, heat and weed
- Quite sensitive to heat and pressure, great for quick and easy design transfers
- Won’t peel, lift or fade after multiple washes.
2. Fame Crafts Heat Transfer Vinyl Bundle 12″x10″- 20 Pack of Assorted Color DIY T-Shirt Vinyl Transfer Sheets
Perhaps, you may also want to try the Fame Crafts Heat Transfer Vinyl Bundle which comes as a pack of twenty sheets in various popular colors. If you are interested in a simple and hassle free way to transfer designs on ordinary T-shirts and express your creativity or get your brand out there then this vinyl for heat transfer is certainly for you. These best heat transfer vinyl for T-shirts are lightweight and thin and are quite sensitive to heat and pressure. They are very easy to use to transfer even the most minute of details onto T-shirts and other materials. Even if you are not avid in doing things yourself, you won’t have any difficulty using these durable vinyl sheets on your own. These sheets from Fame Crafts allow you to weed small letters and intricate details within your designs. Despite its thin profile and light weight the Fame Crafts Heat Transfer Vinyl Bundle is strong enough to stand up to repeated washing and drying without fading. No longer would you have to contend with peeling, cracking, or fading artwork, thanks to the superior durability of the Fame Crafts Heat Transfer Vinyl Bundle. So, have fun with these 12 inches by 10 inches vinyl sheets that make designing T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and other garments so rewarding.
Highlighted Features:
- Comes with an assortment of 20 vibrant colors
- Pack contains 12” by 10” sheets that are ready to use
- Very heat and pressure sensitive which makes transfers easier
- Weeding even tiny details is easy with this vinyl bundle
- These heat transfer vinyl are very durable and fade resistant.
3. QBC Craft 12×12 Permanent Adhesive Vinyl Sheets (36 Pack)
Do you prefer a bigger pack of vinyl that offers you a wider range of colors for your business or project? Your perfect solution is the QBC Crafts 12 by 12 Permanent Adhesive Vinyl Sheets. With these vinyl sheets, you will be able to produce banners, decals, signs, and stickers. These versatile vinyl sheets work equally well on glass, plastics, fabrics, metal, and paper. You will appreciate the high quality and versatility of these adhesive vinyl sheets which are also the best vinyl for shirts. Your transferred designs do not fade, peel, or crack even after repeated washing as the QBC Craft vinyl sheets are quite durable. With thirty-six colors to choose from, you will not be out of ideas to bring life to any garment or object you want to transfer your designs to. The QBC Craft vinyl can be used in these cutting machines – Explore Silhouette Cameo 3, Xyron, Pazzles, Cricut Explore Air, Quickutz, Cricut Expression, Inspirations, Brother ScanNCut, Craft ROBO, Graphtec, Xyron, or any other crafting cutters that accept Oracal 651 or similar vinyl sheets. The transfer tape that you get with this package is there to help you reposition your vinyl sheet to reduce the risk of tearing or stretching. Note, however, that this vinyl is not to be used on indoor painted walls. They also do not work with ordinary printers.
Highlighted Features:
- Pack offers a range of 36 bold and trendy colors
- Size 12” by 12” sheets
- Vinyl sheets are designed with permanent adhesive that is effective in transfers
- Versatile vinyl that can be used with many popular cutting machines
- Works well with a variety of materials including glass, metal, and plastics
- Will not fade or peel when washed repeatedly.
4. Permanent Adhesive-Backed Vinyl Sheets by EZ Craft USA – 12″ x 12″
Certainly, you won’t be disappointed with the range of colors you can have with this permanent adhesive vinyl sheets by EZ Craft. Your creativity will certainly be expanded and you won’t run dry of ideas to transform into incredible designs. This is also another heat transfer vinyl that will give you value for money. These 12 by 12 sheets come in an assortment of forty glossy, matte, and metallic colors. No color is a duplicate and you will have fun experimenting with this wide variety of colors in your creative projects. Each vinyl is 3mm thin, which is perfect for whatever crafting project you are doing. Despite being thin, these heat transfer vinyl are strong and long-lasting. Furthermore, you won’t have to contend with the inferior vinyl sheets in the market, but rely instead on EZ Craft as the best heat transfer vinyl to satisfy your crafting needs. EZ Craft provides vinyl sheets that are flat and ready to use. You, therefore, don’t need to fuss over corners that are bent and difficult to use to perfect your design effects. Another helpful feature is the protective liner that keeps the adhesive backing on each vinyl fresh and ready to use when you need to. So you need not tear your hair out because of inferior backing that separates from the vinyl before you are ready to use it! Weeding after cutting the vinyl is also painless as the protective liner is also easy to peel. If you are concerned about using these vinyl sheets on your Silhouette or other cutting machines, be assured that they are made for use in these machines. While these vinyl sheets are great for certain fabrics, they are not recommended for T-shirts.
Highlighted Features:
- Pack contains 40 sheets of vinyl in assorted colors and finishes
- Comes in 12” by 12” sheets that are ready for use
- Each vinyl is 3 mm which is thin compared with other vinyl, great for easy cutting and transfers
- Easy to weed after cutting
- Compatible with the Silhouette and other cutting machines
- Strong and durable vinyl.
5. SISER EasyWeed Heat Transfer Vinyl HTV for T-Shirts 12 x 15 Inches 3 Precut Sheets (Black)
Why not try this genuine Siser EasyWeed Heat Transfer Vinyl that is also great for use with vinyl cutters like Portrait, Cricut, Silhouette Cameo, Curio, and Brother ScanNCut? Siser EasyWeed is made from polyurethane and it is a ready-to-cut material that is most suitable for customized decorations for garments. At 12 inches by 15 inches, this heat transfer vinyl is bigger than other vinyl sheets. That is more material to work with and more space for your larger designs. In addition, with the EasyWeed Heat Transfer Vinyl, you can quickly weed tiny letters and fine designs. Although EasyWeed is much thinner than other films, it is quite durable and will withstand the rigors of repeated washings. So this heat transfer vinyl from Siser is perfect for applying numbers and names to sportswear and personalizing your corporate wear. Because it is so thin, you will find it quite easy to weed, cut, and apply heat to transfer your designs to surfaces. The best heat transfer vinyl for T-shirts is also great for applying single color or more than one layers to your project. This vinyl also works well with darker color fabrics and materials.
Highlighted Features:
- Pack contains three black precut sheets
- Works well with popular cutting machines like the Silhouette Cameo and Cricut
- Thin yet durable vinyl, made from polyurethane
- Size 12 by 15 inches
- Flexible and ready to cut material.
6. Best Crafts 12″ X 10′ Feet Roll Transfer Paper w/ Grid
BestCrafts 12 by 10 feet transfer paper is ideal for any project that you want to carry out. It is made from high-quality materials and comes on a roll at a reasonable price. You can always align this best vinyl transfer paper accurately, thanks to its red grid backing. No more wasted time trying to get the perfect fit for your designs. So versatile, the Best Crafts transfer paper is just as good for your indoor as well as outdoor projects. Use it with Provo Craft, Cricut Vinyl, Cameo, Silhouette, Pazzles, and oracal transfer tape. This transfer tape is also easy to apply on smooth surfaces such as windows, ceramics, sign stickers, walls, and glass. In addition, this transfer paper can also be reused up to three times during the same project. One great thing about this transfer tape is that it does not leave residue on the vinyl. Did we mention that this roll gives you four bonus feet? That is really great cost savings that you could use.
Highlighted Features:
- Comes in a 12” by 10 feet roll
- Easy to align with your projects
- Versatile for both indoor and outdoor use
- Compatible with popular cutting machines like the Silhouette and Cricut
- Reusable up to three times in any project
- Very easy to apply on smooth surfaces.
7. Rozzy Crafts 12 Color Iron-On Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) Starter Bundle.
Here is a starter heat transfer vinyl pack that is worth checking out. The Rozzy Crafts 12 color iron-on heat transfer vinyl is a recommended choice if you are just starting out using heat transfer vinyl or you are supplementing other vinyl. Either way, you will be satisfied with this simple, iron-on option that is the best vinyl for shirts. You can also use a heat press with this heat transfer vinyl. An added feature is the ease with which these vinyl sheets can be weeded and peeled. Each heat transfer sheet is made from polyurethane, so it is soft, which is perfect for intricate and fine-lined designs. Furthermore, weeding reveals an adhesive layer that keeps the design in place on the receiving garment. Unlike some vinyl after application, Rozzy Crafts’ heat transfer vinyl sheets actually allow your fabrics to stretch with natural movement. Furthermore, the final designs once transferred won’t fade after multiple washing – it’s that durable. Here then is an ideal solution for producing premium quality designs and graphics for sportswear, T-shirts, and other clothing that require durability. While most fabrics are suited to heat transfer vinyl, fabrics that are coated such as nylon are not suitable for this.
Highlighted Features:
- Comes in 12 popular colors
- Easy to use iron on starter pack
- Easy to weed and peel during transfers
- Made from polyurethane which is great for creating intricate designs
- Transferred vinyl actually allows fabric to stretch with natural movements
- Will not peel or fade after being transferred.
8. Permanent Adhesive Backed Vinyl 65 SHEETS
At a low price, you might not expect to get so many choices of colors in one pack. So you see why this next option should appeal to you. This premium quality package of sixty-five sheets – yes count them – is your ultimate money saving choice. These vinyl sheets do not scrimp on size either – each is a convenient 12 by 12 inches. With the Permanent Adhesive Backed Vinyl Sheets you have an impressive range of thirty-two matte and glossy colors to choose from. Each sheet of this vinyl is self-adhesive and comes with a protective liner to keep the adhesive fresh and ready to use. Using this vinyl is easy and weeding is quite simple. Expect durability and flexibility from these thin 3.0 mm vinyl sheets as well. These best heat transfer vinyl for T-shirts work well with popular desktop cutting machines such as the Silhouette Cameo, Brother ScanNCut, Craft ROBO, QuicKutz, and Craft Cutters. These PrimeCuts sheets are quite versatile and are perfect for a wide array of applications such as on tiles, tumblers, mugs, cutting boards, and even cars. So you are not short of ways to apply these PrimeCuts premium quality vinyl sheets in banners, home décor, letters, decals, signs, and striping. These sheets come flat and ready to use for any project you like. Say goodbye to bent corners, ineffective adhesives, and other hassles by using this premium quality brand of vinyl.
Highlighted Features:
- Pack contains 65 sheets in 32 glossy and matte colors
- Size 12” by 12”, flat ready to use sheets
- Each vinyl is 3.0 mm thin
- Works well with popular desktop cutters like the Silhouette Cameo and Brother ScanNCut
- Very versatile vinyl that can be applied to almost any surface.
9. Siser Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl for T-Shirts
If you are into glitter and bright colors, this next option from Siser is your best bet. Here is a heat transfer vinyl that is suitable for T-shirts and a few other materials. It is easy to weed with this vinyl sheet, which comes in convenient 10-inches by 12-inches sizes. Heat transfer vinyl products from Siser can be regarded as the best heat transfer vinyl for T-shirts. So whatever design you choose, your final result will only look great. This sparkly vinyl sheet works best with polyester that is uncoated, leather, cotton, poly/cotton blends among other materials. You have a choice of twelve vibrant colors so you won’t run out of options for fun projects like children’s clothes and accessories. If you own a Silhouette Cameo, Brother ScanNCut (numbers 1 and 2), Cricut, Curio, or Portrait cutting machine, this Siser Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl is the right product to use. This heat transfer vinyl is also a great value product that is worth the money. You will also appreciate how easy it is to apply pre-set designs to this vinyl with your cutting machine. Its pressure sensitive backing and adhesive qualities are great features of this heat transfer vinyl from Siser.
Highlighted Features:
- Pack offers 12 vibrant colors
- Size 10 inches by 12 inches
- Easy to weed and apply to T-shirts and other materials
- Can be used with popular cutting machines
- Very sensitive to heat and pressure to make design transfers easier.
10. Transfer Paper Tape Roll 12″x 25 FT CLEAR w/ Blue Alignment Grid
Perhaps 12 inches by 25 feet Transfer Paper Tape Roll is what you find suitable for your projects. With this best vinyl transfer paper option, you won’t have any problems transferring your designs and images to the products you want to. It is so easy and painless to use this transfer tape with your vinyl designs. Aligning your designs for transfer is simple thanks to the one-inch square grid patterns that are transparent. This transfer tape works well with both indoor and outdoor adhesive vinyl. So if your vinyl is Provo Craft Cricut, Portrait, Silhouette Cameo, or Craftopia sparkles holographic you can be sure that this tape will be the best thing to use. Compared with other brands, the Transfer Paper Roll is much longer and you actually get a bonus of six feet. That is unbeatable! Also, if you are a sign maker or a crafter you will love that any cut from this transfer roll can be used over and over again.
Highlighted Features:
- Comes as 12 inches by 25 feet roll
- Easy to align and apply to your vinyl transfers
- Offers six bonus feet of transfer paper
- Reusable transfer paper tape
- Compatible with most brands of vinyl cutters.
Picking The Right Heat Transfer Vinyl For T Shirt printing Heat Press Machine
Now that we have shown you a few of the recommended heat transfer vinyl options for your choice, you may want to know how to pick the right one for yourself. With so many options for choosing heat transfer vinyl, it is not unusual to run into problems deciding which one to accept. Of course, you might already have your selection criteria in mind when choosing your vinyl. Just in case there is doubt as to what to consider in your decision, here is a quick reminder of a few of the vital things to look out for in the best vinyl for shirts.
Quality:
When you are faced with such a wide disparity in quality among heat transfer vinyl on the market, the best way to deal with this is to be prepared. Preparation includes reading trusted reviews that give you the low down on the different quality indicators to look out for. Issues with peeling, melting or bubbling after a single wash are sure signs that you are about to purchase an inferior quality heat transfer vinyl. The best vinyl for shirts is easy to cut and transfer. Superior quality heat transfer vinyl is usually thinner than other vinyl on the market. Thinner vinyl is easier to cut using a cutting machine or by hand, and they are also easier to transfer.
Easy to transfer:
Quick and easy transfers from vinyl is what you need to achieve in your projects. Avoid vinyl that is so difficult to transfer you need to spend time ironing the same item over and over again. There are numerous high-quality vinyl options that allow you to quickly transfer your designs on multiple items such as special event and promotional bags, shirts, headgear, and anything you want.
Range of colors:
The ability to choose from a wide range of colors to suit your design ideas is an important consideration in choosing your heat transfer vinyl kit. As you get creative with your vinyl transfer designs, you would need to use bright, vibrant, diverse, and trendy colors. The last thing you need is to be stuck with only a limited choice of a few primary colors. Check out the recommended vinyl kits that offer sheets in various colors and finishes including glossy, matte, or standard.
Adhesiveness:
One of the most frustrating things about self-adhesive vinyl is the inability of some of them to actually stick to the task. While self-adhesive vinyl is convenient, look out for those that come individually with protective liners. Such protection keeps the adhesive coat fresh and usable. You also won’t have to endure the misery of cutting your pattern only for it to fail when you need it to stick to the surface you want to transfer to.
Compatibility:
With so many options to choose from, it is easy to overlook the compatibility of the vinyl you want to buy. Avoid the common mistake of buying a good looking vinyl only to find out that it is not compatible with the cutting machine brand you are using, or that it is not suitable for the surface you want to transfer it to. Read the labels and accompanying information carefully or research your vinyl options ahead of time so that you will be prepared to choose only the best heat transfer vinyl for your project.
Size:
While you might not think the size of your next heat transfer vinyl matters, this might be a deal breaker if you need to have sufficient space to work with all the time. Most heat transfer vinyl sheets are offered in 12 inches by 12 inches or 10 inches by 12 inches. Larger sheets may include 12 inches by 15 inches. Otherwise if you are working with transfer tapes you will find offers in large rolls extending around ten feet. Whatever the size, one consideration that will guide you is whether your project will require a large sheet of vinyl, or you can make it with smaller sheets. For multiple transfers, you may also need enough vinyl to go around so it is easier to cut large vinyl down to the right size than to try to piece small vinyl sheets together for one project.
Heat vs Cold Transfer:
In choosing your vinyl you would need to consider whether you are going to apply heat or not in making your transfers. The specifications of the transfer paper or vinyl will tell you whether it is suitable for heat transfer application or not.
Quantity:
The number of vinyl sheets that each pack carries may be an important consideration for your choice. Packs consisting of a larger number of vinyl sheets offer more savings than packs that have only a few sheets for your projects. Of course, the higher the number of sheets in the pack, the more colors you are actually getting. So, your choice of multiple sheet vinyl packs that are the best heat transfer vinyl for T-shirts is also related to your choice of colors. So, if you want to produce multiple transfers in various colors or to produce layered designs in various colors vinyl packs that contain many sheets would be your best solution. There are many other considerations when purchasing your heat transfer vinyl and it is a good idea to spend the time to go over your checklist before committing to any heat transfer vinyl.
Frequently Asked Questions About heat transfer vinyl
What is a Heat Transfer Vinyl?
Simply put, a heat transfer vinyl, or HTV for short, is a special type of vinyl that allows you to transfer any design to fabrics or other materials. Heat transfer vinyl comes either in flat sheets or rolls and there are brands that can be considered the best heat transfer vinyl for T-shirts. HTVs also come with one adhesive side to make it easier for you to apply it to various surfaces. It takes heat for you to transfer your designs from the HTV to your garments or materials including glass, metal, wood, etc. You will find heat transfer vinyl in single colors so you would need to buy multiple sheets or rolls of HTVs in a variety of colors depending on what your project needs. There are also options such as flocked, glitter and 3D puff to suit your projects.
What do I need to get started?
To get started all you need is vinyl and something to cut it with. There are many options to cut vinyl. These include scissors, electronic cutting tools, and rotary cutters. Popular brands of electronic cutters include Silhouette and Cricut. You can also find a wide range of vinyl options you can start with that are the best vinyl for T-shirts. You will also need T-shirts or other materials to transfer your designs to, a reliable knife set for weeding, Teflon sheets or towels, and of course, your creativity. If you need further help in choosing the right vinyl to start with, ask your supplier or do some research online.
How does vinyl work?
Vinyl that is self-adhesive is coated with an adhesive on one side. The adhesive side is covered by a liner sheet to protect it until you are ready to use it. With an electronic cutting tool like the Cricut or Silhouette Cameo, you need to cut through the vinyl and not cut the paper backing. Once you have made your cuts you may remove the extra vinyl to reveal the project on its paper backing. This process is referred to as “weeding”. You are then able to transfer the vinyl to the surface you want either manually or with transfer tape.
How do I use Heat Transfer Vinyl?
It is important for you to read all instructions carefully before you attempt to use the heat transfer vinyl. Once you understand how to use it, working with heat transfer vinyl will become quite easy. An important reminder is that in cutting your vinyl do not mirror your image. Also, make sure that the vinyl is cut with the print side up. If you are still not sure how to use an HTV watch a few YouTube videos to get the hang of it.
Does the vinyl come with adhesive?
Yes, vinyl is usually supplied with adhesive on one side. You can tell that vinyl has an adhesive by the protective paper backing on the self-adhesive craft vinyl or the dull surface of the heat transfer vinyl. The heat transfer or T-shirt vinyl does not have a protective paper backing on its exposed adhesive surface. The adhesive on a heat transfer vinyl must be activated by the heat during transfers.
What is transfer tape, and do I need it?
Transfer tape is used to assist in moving vinyl from the paper backing to where you want to transfer it. A transfer tape is used only with an adhesive craft vinyl. For heat transfer vinyl you don’t need transfer tapes as the clear carrier sheet that is attached to the vinyl can be used instead. Once you have cut the vinyl you need to remove, or weed, the excess vinyl leaving the project on the backing. You then apply the transfer tape to the project so that whenever you remove the backing the vinyl sticks to the transfer tape. Once set on the surface you are working with, the transfer tape is removed slowly. You don’t always need transfer tape as you can move vinyl from its backing to somewhere else manually. If, however, you are working with an intricate design you may need to use a transfer tape. Some of the best heat transfer vinyl paper brands are available in rolls of different sizes.
Is the Vinyl fade proof?
No, it is not fade proof. Vinyl is, however, resistant to fading. You can also buy a laminate to apply on top of printed vinyl for extra protection against fading.
Top heat transfer vinyl Brands Currently Available on the Market
There are so many brands of heat transfer vinyl out there, it’s easy to get confused about the best vinyl for T-shirts. Perhaps you are familiar with a few top brands. If not, here is a short list of the top heat transfer brands you may need to know. Siser Easyweed – one of the top names in the provision of heat transfer items and are known to provide quality products for a reasonable price. Thermoflex – also a well-known brand that can be regarded as a close rival to Siser. Vinyl products are similar yet carry subtle differences, for example, Thermoflex vinyl is a little thicker (just about by 10 Microns) than Siser’s. Chemica – a brand known for innovation in the creation of heat transfer products for textiles, founded in 1983 in France, but has operations in the United States. WALAKut – a new brand of heat transfer vinyl inspired by the radiant beauty of the Australian aboriginal sun goddess. Products are very thin, stretchable and can be layered. Stahl’s – a producer of premium quality heat transfer vinyl for textiles. Although best known for their heat press machines, this American company also produces CAD-CUT vinyl that is among the best heat transfer vinyl.
Final verdict
We have provided you with information that should point you in the right direction to get started in your heat transfer business or hobby. Our recommendations for the best heat transfer vinyl should assist you in making your final decision on what type of vinyl to buy. Even if you are a pro, you might be reminded of the best selling vinyl or those that you must consider for your arsenal. Success in your heat transfer vinyl business or project depends on your choosing the best there is on the market. So don’t delay any further by sitting on the fence – choose the best vinyl for T-shirts you want to design and go for it.
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