Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
30 minutes
Intermediate
Suggested Retail Price: $15.95
Turn a plain tote bag into a festive and personalized masterpiece with this easy DTF transfer project featuring a Santa hat and the word Grandma! This step-by-step guide is perfect for creating a unique holiday accessory for yourself, a heartfelt gift, or even to sell. Whether you're new to crafting or an experienced maker, you'll love how simple it is to achieve professional-quality results.
From choosing the right tote bag to using a heat press or iron to securely apply the vibrant, long-lasting design, this project offers a fun and creative way to celebrate the season. Follow our detailed instructions to craft a customized tote bag that’s as durable as it is festive!
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Tote Bag - Natural Canvas
DTF Heat Transfer - Santa Hat 12”
Heat Transfer Vinyl Glitter HTV - Black
Transfer Tape - Red Grid
Weeding & Vinyl Crafting Tool Set
Heat Press or Iron
Cricut Machine (for Grandma Name)
Heat Glove (optional)
Design Your Personalization: Using a Circut Design Space and computer, make a design for the personalization. We used one of their stock designs for “Grandma”.
Cut & Weed Design: Using the Cricut Dye Cutting Machine (or similar vinyl cutter) and Black Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl, cut the design. Using the weeding tool, weed the design and apply to the ornament.
Transfer Tape: Position design on Transfer Tape.
Prepare the Tote Bag: Lay the tote bag on a clean surface. Use a lint roller to remove any dust or fibers from the application area.
Set Up the Iron or Heat Press: Preheat to the temperature recommended for DTF transfers (typically 300–325°F). Adjust the pressure to medium to firm, ensuring even contact during pressing.
Pre-Press the Tote Bag: Place the tote on the heat press. Press it for 5–10 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
Position the DTF Transfer: Lay the DTF transfer on the bag with the design facing down (adhesive side touching the fabric). Place in desired position.
Apply the Transfer: Place a piece of parchment paper or a Teflon sheet over the transfer to protect it during pressing. Lower the heat press handle and press firmly for 10–15 seconds (follow the instructions provided with your specific transfer).
Cool and Peel: Allow the tote to cool completely before peeling the carrier sheet. This is called a cold peel and ensures the design adheres properly.
Final DTF Press: For extra durability, place parchment paper or a Teflon sheet over the design and press again for 5–10 seconds. This step helps to lock in the transfer.
Position the HTV Personalization: Lay the HTV Grandma Transfer on the bag. Place in desired position. We like it to the left of the Santa Hat Ball.
Apply the HTV: Place a piece of parchment paper or a Teflon sheet over the HTV to protect it during pressing. Lower the heat press handle and press firmly for 10–15 seconds (follow the instructions provided with your specific transfer).
Cool and Peel: Peel the transfer backing while warm.
Some people use heat-resistant tape to secure the transfer if needed to prevent shifting.
Caare Instructions: Wait 24 hours before washing a soiled tote bag. Turn inside out and wash in cold water, tumble dry on low or air dry. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, or ironing directly on the design.
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