From the studio
A closer look at heat-transfer vinyl
10 November 2026 · Maffy
How a flat sheet of vinyl becomes the lettering on a sweatshirt — and how to keep it looking right.
The script on our sample sweatshirt starts as a cut vinyl design. The excess material is peeled away by hand before the lettering is positioned on the fabric.
Weeding is the slow part
The cutting takes seconds. Removing the vinyl you do not want — weeding — takes considerably longer, especially inside the loops of a script font. It is also the part that decides whether the finished letter looks crisp or slightly furry.
Heat and pressure
Heat and pressure bond the lettering to the garment. Too little and it lifts at the corners within a few washes; too much and the fabric glazes. Each material has its own window, which is why a cotton tee and a plush sack never go through the press on the same setting.
Making it last
Always follow the care instructions supplied with your finished piece. Washing inside out at 30°C and skipping the tumble dryer will keep a vinyl print looking new for years rather than months.
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