A mixed technique combo I’d been dreaming about… and I’m completely in love with the result.
I mixed sublimatable HTV, traditional sublimation, and heat-transfer vinyl to create this pink Christmas tree, cute, bright, and full of personality.
The base of the tree is made with sublimatable HTV with a soft pink background filled with tiny trendy Christmas trees and colorful little dots. Then I added the final details with heat-transfer vinyl to give it that fun, playful touch I adore.
I love how these three techniques come together to create something different, creative, and uniquely mine. It’s the kind of project that reminds me why I love crafting so much, endless possibilities, endless magic.
Step by step
Prepare artwork and mirror HTV/text. Separate layers by technique.
Print sublimation background and sublimate onto the sublimatable HTV or directly onto the blank, depending on your workflow.
Weed HTV pieces (sublimatable + heat-transfer vinyl). Use transfer tape for alignment.
Press the sublimated HTV layer onto the garment/blank following manufacturer time/temp (test first).
Let cool (or follow recommended peel method), then position and press the heat-transfer vinyl details at the lower temp required for HTV.
Finish: remove carrier, press with protective sheet for a final seal.
Materials
Sublimatable HTV
Sublimation paper & inks
Heat-transfer vinyl (HTV) for final details
Cutting machine + weeding tools + transfer tape
Heat press
Butcher paper/Teflon sheet, lint roller, heat-resistant gloves
Pro tips
Sublimate first, HTV last.
Test time/temp on scraps, manufacturers vary.
Use protective paper when pressing to avoid shine/ghosting.
Align with transfer tape; press HTV at lower temp than sublimation to protect colors.
Work in a clean, lint-free space and let pieces cure before final shipping.
