Tutorial: Making your first basic HTV Cut

Tutorial: Making Your First Basic HTV Cut

What You’ll Learn

Cut and apply a custom name to a T-shirt using HTV and your Silhouette Cameo — from design setup to final press.

What You’ll Need

• Silhouette Cameo machine
• Silhouette Studio software
• HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl)
• Weeding tool
• Cutting mat (if needed)
• Iron or heat press
• Blank garment (e.g., T-shirt)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open Silhouette Studio Launch the software and create a new document.
2. Set Up Your Page
   • Page Setup Panel →
     • Machine: Silhouette Cameo
     • Cutting Mat: Auto (Cameo) or None
     • Media Size: Match your HTV sheet (e.g., A4 or 12″×12″)
3. Type the Name
   • Use the Text Tool (A)
   • Type your name (e.g., “Emma”)
   • Choose a font (e.g., Buttercup or Impact)
4. Resize the Name
   • Select and drag to resize
   • Tip: Keep under 30 cm wide for small shirts
5. Mirror the Design
   • Right-click → Flip Horizontally
   • HTV must be cut in reverse
6. Select Cut Settings
   • Go to Send tab
   • Ensure design is highlighted red
   • Material: Heat Transfer, Smooth
   • Blade: 2 | Speed: 5 | Force: 4 | Passes: 1
   • Run a test cut if unsure
7. Load the HTV into Your Cameo
   • Place HTV shiny side down (carrier sheet)
   • Load without mat (if supported) or use a cutting mat
   • Press Load on Cameo
8. Send to Cut
   • Click Send in Silhouette Studio
   • Choose “Send As Is” (design already mirrored)
   • Wait for cut to finish
   • Press Unload
9. Weed the Design
   • Use weeding tool to remove excess vinyl
   • Only the mirrored name should remain on the carrier sheet
10. Press the Design
    • Preheat iron or heat press
      • Temperature: 150–160°C
      • Time: 10–15 seconds
      • Pressure: Medium to firm
    • Position HTV on shirt (sticky side down)
    • Cover with Teflon sheet or baking paper (optional)
    • Press firmly
    • Peel carrier hot or cold (per HTV instructions)