Debunking Crafting Myths: What Works and What Doesn’t

When I first started crafting, I spent hours watching tutorials, reading blogs, and scrolling through forums. But here’s the thing: not everything you hear about crafting is actually true. Some advice sounds great but doesn’t work in practice, and other “hacks” can end up ruining your materials. 😅

So, let’s clear up the confusion! Here are some of the biggest crafting myths debunked and what actually works when it comes to sublimation, DTF, and HTV crafting.

Myth #1: An Iron Works Just as Well as a Heat Press for HTV

❌ Myth: An iron will do the job just fine for applying HTV.
✅ Truth: While an iron might seem like a convenient option, it doesn’t provide even heat or pressure, which are crucial for a lasting design.

Many crafters have learned this lesson the hard way—what looks good at first starts peeling or cracking after just a few washes. A heat press ensures consistent, even pressure so the vinyl fully adheres to the fabric.

If you want professional-quality results, a heat press from HTVRONT is a great investment! They heat up fast, press evenly, and take the guesswork out of HTV projects.

Myth #2: Sublimation Works on Any Fabric

❌ Myth: Sublimation transfers can be applied to any type of T-shirt or material.
✅ Truth: Sublimation only works on polyester or polyester-coated surfaces.

Sublimation ink bonds with polyester fibers, meaning that pressing onto cotton or other natural fabrics will result in faded, washed-out designs. The more polyester in the fabric, the brighter and longer-lasting the print will be! Friendly tip: Your material has to have at least 60% polyester to work with blended fabric.

For crafters who prefer cotton, DTF transfers or Sublimation sprays can be great alternatives. HTVRONT also has a selection of Sublimation HTVs, which allows you to apply vibrant sublimation designs onto your projects with ease.

Myth #3: All Vinyl is the Same

❌ Myth: HTV, adhesive vinyl, and printable vinyl can be used interchangeably.
✅ Truth: Each type of vinyl has a specific purpose—using the wrong one can lead to peeling, poor adhesion, or a completely failed project.

• HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl) – Designed for fabric projects like T-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags. Requires heat and pressure to adhere.
  
• Adhesive Vinyl – Best for hard surfaces like mugs, tumblers, and decals. No heat needed, but it does require transfer tape.
  
• Printable Vinyl – Can be used with an inkjet printer to create custom stickers or designs.

For the best results, high-quality vinyl like HTVRONT’s makes all the difference.

Myth #4: Pre-Pressing and Pre-Washing Blanks Is Unnecessary

❌ Myth: Skipping pre-pressing or pre-washing won’t affect the final result.
✅ Truth: Proper prep can make or break a project!

• For HTV & DTF: Pre-pressing removes moisture and wrinkles, helping the HTV vinyl adhere smoothly.
• For Sublimation: Any moisture in the fabric can cause faded or blurry prints.
• For All Fabrics: Some shirts shrink slightly after the first wash, which can shift the design placement.

Taking a few extra minutes to prep prevents costly mistakes and ensures long-lasting designs.

Myth #5: More Heat and Pressure = Better Results

❌ Myth: Increasing temperature and pressing time will improve adhesion.
✅ Truth: Too much heat or pressure can actually ruin a project!

Overheating HTV can make it brittle and prone to cracking, while excessive heat in sublimation can cause dull, burned prints. For DTF, too much pressure can flatten the ink, affecting the design’s vibrancy.

The best results come from following the correct temperature, time, and pressure settings. HTVRONT’s heat presses and materials are designed to work at the right settings for flawless transfers every time.

Crafting is all about trial and error, but falling for common myths can lead to wasted time, money, and frustration. By using the right tools and techniques, you’ll get better, long-lasting results every time! Happy crafting, everyone!

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