Things You'll Need
Heat transfer paper
Iron or heat press
Heat transfer sheets are typically made for use on 100 percent cotton, or for a 50/50 mix of cotton and polyester. This means that these sheets can be used on fabrics that are made of 50 to 100 percent cotton and 0 to 50 percent polyester. Some transfers sheets can also be used on 50 to 100 percent polyester, spandex, rayon and other fabrics. Because polyester cannot withstand as much heat as cotton, attention must be paid to how much heat you apply to the fabric while doing your transfer.
Step 1
Select a heat transfer that specifically states it can be used on cotton and 50/50 blends.
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Step 2
Print your heat transfer sheet on your ink jet printer, according to the transfer paper's recommended settings. This is usually the same setting used for regular paper, except that in the case of printing onto a heat transfer sheet, you should select the high quality or photographic quality printing option.
Step 3
Allow the ink to dry on your heat transfer sheet for at least five minutes.
Step 4
Set your iron on the hottest setting the cotton and polyester blend will take. If using a heat press, you can safely press the blend at 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5
Cut the image from the transfer sheet and center it face down on the fabric. Apply heat, and press the sheet with firm pressure for at least 20 seconds. If your iron does not cover the entire design heat it for an additional 10 seconds, continuously moving the iron.
Step 6
Peel the backing from the transferred image immediately if a matte finish is desired. Be careful, as the sheet will be hot. Allow the fabric and heat transfer sheet to cool, then peel away the backing if a semi-gloss finish is desired.
Warning
Aways use caution when working with a heat press or hot iron, as both items reach extremely high temperatures and can burn skin.
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