PepperMint Pathway: Heat Transfer Tutorial

This tutorial includes instructions to add the vinyl numbers 

to the pathway "tiles" of this Christmas countdown quilt.

Numbers can be added using other methods.

If you are adding them as heat transfer vinyl numbers,

you will be using the pre-cut numbers that were included in the purchased kit

available through hearthsewnpatterns.com .

 The heat transfer numbers in the kit will need to be peeledto separate the excess waste from the numbers on theirthick plastic carrier.

Use a sharp tool like this weeder, or a toothpick or tweezers

to "weed" away the smaller interior excess pieces

such as the ovals within the number 6 & 0.

With the weeding completed, cut the number units apart by dividing

the carrier sheet into strips and then into rectangles that contain the numbers.

Keep all double digits such as 10, 11, 12, etc., together in their pairings.

 The sheet will include extra star shapes so you can conduct a test. Cut a star into a separate square. Cut or trace a test tile onto a scrap of the tile fabric you have selected for your project.

Step A. Place the fabric face side up on the ironing board or pad. Turn the plastic carrier sheet over so that the cut vinyl shape will be next to the fabric. You will be seeing the shape through the plastic in its non-reversed form. Position test shape for final placement.

 Step B. Remove any water in the iron and turn the steam settings off. Heat iron to the cotton/poly setting (255-315 degrees F). Cover the star/plastic with a cotton press cloth or teflon pressing sheet if available. Apply hot iron to the transfer area for 7-12 second and use medium pressure. 








Step C. Remove press cloth. Peel plastic from transfer shape.

If the transfer shape adhered properly, you are ready to transfer numbers following the same process.

If the number did not attach properly, adjust the iron to slightly hotter, then repeat the covering and pressing process, applying more pressure and pressing a second or two longer.

Step D. Position the plastic with number vinyl next to the pre-cut tile (should already have the fusing margin at edges on the backside, with paper liner STILL in place.).

For this sample, I used a circle traced with temporary marker as a "target" to help align the numbers. Refer to the pattern for tile shapes and placement of each number, since the numbers should remain more or less vertical even as the tiles begin to shift to follow the curve of the pathway.






Step E.  When pressing is completed, peel away the plastic carrier piece and discard.

Tiles are now ready to position and begin attaching to the pathway arch.

TAKE CARE WHEN USING IRON NEAR VINYL NUMBERS!

DO NOT TOUCH VINYL WITH HOT IRON!