See LINDSAY

Subscribe to the party

Join

Transform your Clothing

This post and the photos within it may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

This post does contain affiliate links which I may or may not be compensated for.

[line]

I love using my Silhouette Cameo. I've been looking into the new Cricut Explore and I've been really tempted. I've seen it in action and the smoothness, quietness, all the bells and whistles can't compare, but for now I really do love my Cameo and until I can save my money, I'll be using that. When I do get my Cricut, you'll be the first to know! Don't forget that you can get a free weekly shape in their Design Space too.

EX Party Collage 2

I have used Vinyl Heat Transfer before and let me tell you, I have not been impressed. I have always used the Silhouette America brand. When I was at SNAP! I had the opportunity to meet up with Expressions Vinyl. I asked Megan a lot of questions. I had seen their brand before but never used it because I thought that all VHT was treated the same. Boy was I wrong!

Expressions Vinyl was so kind to send me some of their Vegas Gold VHT to transform Leila's outfit and my niece Penny's outfit for our Poodle Party. I really wish I got better pictures of Leila's bum but a. it's a little creepy and b. they couldn't keep still. They just love each other. Don't they look just alike? lol!

I started with designing my cut files in my program and then I mirror imaged them so that when I ironed them on they will show the correct way. I just used a font called Katie Rose that I purchased for my website and business for $16 and the shape I got in the Silhouette store for $.99 and I just searched for poodle. I do have a subscription and it's $8 a month and I get $25 worth of shapes a month. Totally worth it!

Screen shot 2014-05-28 at 10.37.45 AM

Once it was mirrored, it was time to load it into my machine. I don't use the craft mat when I do vinyl of any kind. That is my preference. You'll want to adjust your bar as well so that it'll be 12 inches rather than 13 inches for the mat. I've attached some pictures below on what that should look like.
EX Party Collage
Once you've done that it'll be time to load, so press the load media button. When you load it, there will be a shiny side of the VHT and a matte side. Load it in with the shiny side on the bottom. You'll want your ratchet blade to be on setting 3 though they recommend setting 2. When it got down to the details it was hard to remove the VHT. If your design isn't super detailed like the poodle, you can get away with a 2 but for my letters I had to use a 3. Adjust the settings on the computer to make sure it matches the machine and press start. I'm still getting used to the new system but so far I think I like it.
EX Party Frenchie 4
Once it is cut, you'll want to cut away the excess. I use my paper trimmer and cut straight across so that I'll have a straight line to use the rest at a later time and not a wonky piece. Use your weeding tool and remove the portion that you do not want ironed on. Be very careful because it will come up and it doesn't just go back down. It's not like regular vinyl and it does stretch. Once it's weeded, you'll want to lay your design where you want it and preheat your iron. Do not have the steam setting on and have it between your cotton and poly setting. You'll want to place the iron on top of the design and keep the iron moving but be careful to not actually move the plastic because the design may actually move. If it's hot enough you can peel the design up but it will leave a bit of residue on the clothes. This is a hot/cool peel VHT so you can take it off right away or wait a while to do so.
EX Party Fancy
EX Party Poodle
I really have to say that my mind has been changed about VHT. Expressions Vinyl did this for me. They are a fabulous company with so many options to take care of you. If you are looking for a craft cutting machine, they've got you covered too. This Vegas Gold was perfect for our party too. It's not overly gold and just the right amount of sheen. They shipped this so fast and you get free shipping for orders over $75! If you're looking to do a wall treatment or even fabric treatment, you can't beat their prices for their quality. You'll save yourself a lot of headache. Believe me, I have learned. I can't tell you how many times I've been frustrated over thinking why something isn't working for me when knowing there was a better company out there and I didn't try it due to my own ignorance. You have to give Expressions Vinyl a try! Stay tuned as well, I just may have a giveaway too!
XOXO, Lindsay

Expressions Vinyl did provide me with the materials to recreate this clothing. All opinions are 100% my own.
Lindsay
Find Me

Reader Interactions

    Hey, Let's Chat!

    Don't worry, we won't publish your email. Required fields are marked with *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    • Frenchie says

      So great to hear! I was the same way when I got my Silhouette. No clue how to use it. Now I’m a pro! I don’t have to use You Tube anymore! Good luck, xoxo!

  1. Brenda Foreman says

    I have been trying to set up Print and CUT. Have not had any luck with it. HELP, Could you please explain the set up on how it’s done .Please explain in simple form. I’ve had two stokes so kind of slow understanding. If you could give me written instruction,I could refer back to them. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. LOVE your site. Great ideas easy to understand.GOD Bless waiting to hear from [email protected]

Shop the store for the latest SVG files