What can DTF transfers be put on?

DTF transfers can go on most fabrics that can handle heat-press temperatures, including cotton, polyester, blends, fleece, canvas and denim. That covers T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, tote bags, many hats and jackets. Standard DTF is made for fabric. For hard items like cups, glass or wood, people use UV DTF, which is a different product.

Which fabrics work best with DTF?

DTF bonds well to the fabrics most shirts are made of: 100% cotton, 100% polyester and cotton/polyester blends. It also works on fleece, which makes it a good choice for hoodies and sweatshirts. Our post on DTF on cotton, polyester and blends goes deeper on shirts. Beyond tees, DTF works on:

• Canvas tote bags and aprons
• Denim jackets and work jackets with a flat area to press
• Sweatpants and joggers
• Kids' clothes, including youth shirts
• Pillow covers and other fabric items that can lie flat under heat

Can DTF transfers go on hats?

Yes. DTF works on many caps, especially trucker hats with a foam or fabric front and unstructured "dad hats." The challenge is the curve. A flat heat press can't reach the whole front of a structured cap, so people use a hat press or a curved pressing pillow. Keep hat designs small and avoid pressing across the center seam when you can.

What about nylon, rain jackets and heat-sensitive fabrics?

Some fabrics need extra care. Nylon windbreakers and rain jackets can melt or shine at normal pressing temperatures, and water-resistant coatings can keep the adhesive from bonding. Some performance polyester also scorches easily. These items can work, but use lower heat and test on a hidden spot or a scrap of the same material first.

Another thing to watch is dye migration. On some dyed polyester garments, the dye can move into the white ink of the transfer and tint it. Pressing at the lowest temperature that still bonds, and testing first, helps you spot it before you do a whole batch.

Can DTF transfers go on cups, wood or glass?

Standard DTF transfers use a heat-activated adhesive made to grip fabric fibers. Some crafters press them onto wood or other surfaces, but results vary, and they aren't made for that. For cups, tumblers, glass, phone cases and other hard surfaces, the usual choice is UV DTF, a sticker-like transfer applied with pressure instead of heat.

Our gang sheets are standard DTF transfers made for garments, adult and kids' sizes, ready for your heat press.

What should you avoid pressing DTF onto?

• Very textured or ribbed fabrics, such as chunky knits, where the transfer can't sit flat
• Items that can't take heat or firm pressure
• Surfaces with silicone or waterproof coatings
• Thick seams, zippers and buttons running through the print area

How do you test DTF on a new item?

Add a few small test designs to the spare space on your gang sheet. Press one on a scrap, an inside hem, or a spare item made of the same material. Let it cool, peel it, then stretch it and check the edges. If the edges stay down and the colors look right, you're ready to press the rest.

Frequently asked questions

Can DTF go on 100% polyester?

Yes. DTF works on 100% polyester, including many athletic shirts. Use the time and temperature for your press and fabric, and test first, since some polyester scorches or has dyes that can tint the white ink.

Can DTF transfers go on cups or tumblers?

Standard DTF is made for fabric, not hard surfaces. For cups and tumblers, look for UV DTF transfers, which apply with pressure instead of a heat press.

Can I put DTF on a backpack?

Often, yes, if the area you want to decorate is fabric, can lie flat, and can take heat and pressure. Avoid coated or waterproof panels and press away from zippers and seams.

Can I use one gang sheet for shirts and hats?

Yes. You can mix design sizes on one 12-inch-wide sheet, such as large shirt prints and small hat or sleeve designs. Just leave about 1/4 inch between designs for cutting.

Planning shirts, hoodies, totes and hats? Put every design on one sheet with our 12" wide gang sheet builder. Sheets start at $9.99 for 12" × 12", and gang sheets are 15% off every Wednesday. See every size on our DTF gang sheets page.