Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I am just getting started doing heat transfers on infant onesies using an iron. However, I've been procrastinating about purchasing a heat press because since the onesies are small and have the issue of the raised neckline area, I'm afraid I won't get an even transfer using a heat press, whereas the iron can be maneuvered into any area. And I don't want to heat press a design too low to avoid the raised neck border.
If any of you use heat transfers on onesies close to the neck area using a heat press, how are your results if the garment is not evenly flat on the platten? Ellen
I've read on here before, I believe it was the all-knowing, all-seeing Badalou that suggested stuffing something like a mousepad inside the onesie to build-up the middle part so it's not effected by the seams.
I use my heat press & have used an iron on the onesies. For the heat press just move the neckline off the press so just the area I am pressing is on the bottom platen. Lou's mouse pad idea is good too.
I use my heat press & have used an iron on the onesies. For the heat press just move the neckline off the press so just the area I am pressing is on the bottom platen. Lou's mouse pad idea is good too.
Thanks Bill and Cortney. Cortney, since you have experience working with onesies, can you recommend any brands that are NOT ribbed fabric. I tried some heat transfers on the Gerber brand and, because the fabric is ribbed, it showed the white lines when the fabric was stretched. What onesie manufacturers use the soft cotton so that you don't see the white lines?
I only use Monag onesies. They are not ribbed, I also place cardboard in the onesie before I press to strech it a little bit. I have not had any problems with them. You can also check out American Apparel, Rabbit Skins, Apples & Oranges or Bella Baby.
Depending on the size of the design, you might be able to use a cap press. This will allow you to hang the rest of the material off the platten and still press the design (as long as it fits under the heating element). Usually, you can find used cap presses online pretty cheap at eBay. The problem is that does not help you much with doing larger items (adult shirts). Something to consider.
Depending on the size of the design, you might be able to use a cap press. This will allow you to hang the rest of the material off the platten and still press the design (as long as it fits under the heating element). Usually, you can find used cap presses online pretty cheap at eBay. The problem is that does not help you much with doing larger items (adult shirts). Something to consider.
Mark,
Interesting that you suggested the cap press because when I saw them online I was wondering if that would work. My designs would be about 4 1/4 by 4 1/4. Would that fit within the cap press area? Thanks... Ellen
I only use Monag onesies. They are not ribbed, I also place cardboard in the onesie before I press to strech it a little bit. I have not had any problems with them. You can also check out American Apparel, Rabbit Skins, Apples & Oranges or Bella Baby.
I just got a few "Bella Baby" onesies from SSActivewear.com to try out...I haven't done anything with them yet, but they've got a very soft feel, nice smooth front and were reasonably priced.
I only use Monag onesies. They are not ribbed, I also place cardboard in the onesie before I press to strech it a little bit. I have not had any problems with them. You can also check out American Apparel, Rabbit Skins, Apples & Oranges or Bella Baby.
Corrugated cardboard doesn't give you an even surface, so I'd recommend using smooth matboard...you can visit your local picture framer & they usually have plenty of scraps they were going to throw away & give them to you for free.
I just got a few "Bella Baby" onesies from SSActivewear.com to try out...I haven't done anything with them yet, but they've got a very soft feel, nice smooth front and were reasonably priced.
Thanks Bill. I went on the SSActivewear site, but they don't list prices without contacting them. I guess my impatience is showing, but would you mind telling me the price per white onesie?
Corrugated cardboard doesn't give you an even surface, so I'd recommend using smooth matboard...you can visit your local picture framer & they usually have plenty of scraps they were going to throw away & give them to you for free.
I did not suggest corrugated cardboard! where does it say that in my post?
Thanks Bill. I went on the SSActivewear site, but they don't list prices without contacting them. I guess my impatience is showing, but would you mind telling me the price per white onesie?
I believe they were in the neighborhood of $3.29/ea...
It depends on the size of the heating element. Some of the cap presses allow for you to change out or upgrade the platten as well. I believe Geo Knight or Hix has a Euro-Cap Platten which is their largest. Again, you are not going to be able to use the cap press for as many items as you can use a larger flat press with, but if you are focusing on the baby market...it just might work. I also use the cap press to put small transfers on the back of the shirt below the collar or on the inside of the shirt under the tag that has my company and website. Let's people know where they can get more shirts like this in the future.
Using a heat press on infant onesies... 
