HTV over HTV: Layering Design

What if you wanted to decorate your tote bag with different kinds of vinyl to make it more fashionable, or you plan to create a multi-color design outfit for a holiday party? Mixing up designs is a great idea, knowing that customizing with heat transfer vinyl is inexplicable.

Putting Heat Transfer Vinyl on top of each other to produce satisfying designs, this process is called “layering.” Sounds interesting, right? But is that possible? Today, in this article, we’re going to find the answers to your doubts. And together, we will explore the fantastic world of vinyl crafting. Let’s go!

Can you layer HTV on top of HTV?

It’s a YES! You can absolutely layer HTV on top of HTV. But keep in mind that not all vinyl is made to be layered. There is heat transfer vinyl that can only be used as the top layer.

All specialty heat transfer materials like flocked, holographic, metallic, etc. It can ONLY be layered on top of standard HTV. You can’t layer specialty HTV over each other like flocked over glitter or metallic over holographic.

Anything that has a smooth finish like Standard HTV, Siser EasyWeed, Metallic, or Craft Perfect can be used on either the top or bottom layer.

How many layers of HTV can you do?

If you perform layering correctly, it can enhance the look of your design. Smooth (sometimes called regular or basic ) HTV can be layered up to four layers. You don’t want too many layers stacked on top of each other because that seems too bulky that can really weigh down the garment. Thus, the bigger the design, the less layering is suggested as it can make your design too heavy.

What vinyl to avoid layering?

You are listening to a band where the drummer and the rest of the musicians are on a different rhythm. It’s what it goes when you mix different kinds of vinyl and apply them together in one substrate. To achieve a successful multi-color design, you must know what vinyl should go on the bottom, on top, and over each other. If not, your design will fail.

Avoid layering Specialty HTV over each other; it can only be the TOP layer. Most crafters ask, can I layer glitter iron-on? Glitter belongs to specialty HTV; therefore, it cannot be layered. The same with glow in the dark, holographic, and metallic, the material may seem to iron-on fine, but when washed, the material on top of these layers will begin to peel away.

How to layer Heat Transfer Vinyl?

Mix and match varieties of designs by layering heat transfer vinyl might be a difficult task, especially when you haven’t done it before. But it isn’t as hard as you think, and it is easier than it seems. So, how do you layer?

For today’s project, we will layer a Glitter vinyl over a standard HTV onto a shirt.

Materials to prepare:

• Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl
• Standard-White Heat Transfer Vinyl
• Standard-Red Heat Transfer Vinyl
• Cotton Shirt
• Cutting Machine and Mat
• Heat Press or Iron
• Weeding Tool
• Teflon Sheet
• Heat Tape

Step 1: Prepare your Design

You will need a particular file that is compatible with your cutting machine. Using your machine’s software program, choose a design from the Design Space and size it to fit your surface. Remember, sizing is essential for each design; vinyl can’t be too big or too small; otherwise, you will not achieve the planned design.

Step 2: Cut and Weed your HTV

Before sending your cut file to your cutter, be sure to choose the correct setting for the vinyl you are using. Select iron-on as the cutting material, and don’t forget to turn on the mirror setting. Next, load your vinyl cutter with the carrier side (shiny side) face-down and keep in mind that you are going to cut on the adhesive side. Then, line the mat up between the guides and press the load button. Continue loading and cutting until each layer has been cut out.

I recommend cutting the bottom layer first. And since you are using two different types of HTV, don’t ever forget to change the cutting material settings of your cutter from standard into glitter iron-on.

After cutting all your HTV, remove the excess vinyl that is not part of your design, inside and around it, using a weeding tool.

Step 3: Press your Design

It is now time to layer your heat transfer vinyl onto your shirt. Pre-heat your shirt to eliminate wrinkles and moisture content for about 3 to 5 seconds before you start pressing with your HTV. Set your heat press to 305° Fahrenheit, and if you are using an Iron, select the highest setting. Then, fold your shirt in half to make a line; it will serve as your guide to quickly locate the center of your surface.

Normal pressing requires 20 seconds, but you will repeatedly press in layering heat transfer vinyl, and you don’t want to burn your design. So, the key is only to tack each layer enough to remove the plastic carrier sheet.

For the first layer, get your standard-white vinyl, fold it in half, and line it up over the centerline of your shirt. Yes, you can fold your vinyl. It will not affect your design and will transfer as it is. When it’s properly placed, hit it with heat for at least 2 seconds but not more than 5 seconds. Ideally, 2 to 3 second tack press. Wait for it to cool down before carefully removing the carrier sheet.

Add the second layer, the standard-red, on top of your first layer. Check its final position, cover with Teflon sheet, and again tack the heat transfer down for 2 to 5 seconds. Then, peel off the carrier sheet.

At this point, the first layer is heated for around 4 to 10 seconds preventing it from overheating and shrinkage.

Now for the third and final layer, lay the glitter HTV into place. Use your heat tape to hold your vinyl and prevent it from moving. Cover with a Teflon sheet and give it a full 20 seconds of heat and temperature. Glitter is warm peel vinyl, so you have to remove the last carrier sheet quickly after the timer beeps and while it’s still hot.

There you have it! See that dimensions and the shining, shimmering look from the glitter iron-on?

You perfectly made a 3-layer HTV.

Tips for Layering Heat Transfer Vinyl

Applying heat transfer vinyl to a project is quick and easy. However, layering complex designs is a little bit tricky and challenging. If it’s your first time to layer HTV, here are some helpful tips to save your vinyl and layer them victoriously.

1. Use Standard HTV as your Base

The base is the bottom part of your design; it will serve as the foundation of your heat transfer vinyl, meaning you have to make sure that the material will provide a secure surface for vinyl placed upon it.2.Close Cut Carrier Sheets

2. Never overlap your carrier sheets! Cut closely to save materials for your next project.

It also reduces the risk of a carrier impression mark on the first layer of your HTV. In addition, trimming closely allows you to press multiple colors at one hit as it prevents even close vinyl decals from disrupting each other and ultimately saves your time.

3. Short Press

Pressing too short or too long can be a reason why your heat transfer vinyl is peeling off from your project. In layering HTV, the bottom vinyl, which is the base, will receive the additional heat of each press afterward. In this case, we use “two-second tack” to ONLY TACK the vinyl, enough to remove its carrier sheet. We do this tacking for the following layers except for the last that needs a full-time press.

4. Use Heat Transfer Cover Sheet

Cover your heat transfer vinyl as you press each successive layer. It will protect your vinyl from the hot platen and prevent your design from melting and shrinkage. Cover sheets keep everything clean and offer a layer of heat protection to prevent heat-sensitive items from scorching. If a heat transfer cover sheet is not available, you can use parchment paper instead. 

5. Glitter is for the TOP layer ONLY.

Don’t you dare bury your glitter HTV and other specialty heat transfer vinyl on your base as background. They’re meant to be proudly displayed as the top layer. The dimensions and the textured surfaces of the specialty vinyl are not applicable areas for the next layer of your HTV. Glitter on top of glitter is not a good idea, the same way with holographic over holographic. It will just peel off immediately right after washing your project.

6. Taking Care of your HTV

After transferring your HTV, let the adhesive sit and wait for at least 24 hours before washing your garment. Wash and dry it inside out with mild detergent and with cold or warm water. Dry in a low setting or hang for air dry. Do not iron your design directly.

With this knowledge about layering HTV, you can now make your multi-color and complex design ideas come true with an impressive and dazzling look. Set aside your doubts and fears. Boost your confidence and take the plunge! Start layering like a pro!

Do not forget to share these ideas with your family and friends. Also, share your crafting adventure with us on our pages.

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For your vinyl crafting needs, please check our website at xvinyl.com. We offer different Adhesive and Heat Transfer Vinyl, perfect for your next project.

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