I'm so excited for today's tutorial - it's one of those ones that will have you saying "Why didn't I think of that?" At least that's what I said when I saw this genius heat press hack in the background of a photo Silhouette School contributors Becky and Glenna of My Paper Craze sent me awhile back.
This little Heat Press Teflon trick is so good I asked the lovely ladies to do a whole blog post on it to share with all of you! Plus I know how you all feel about heat presses...you have burning questions (all answers on which one I have, where to get it and how to use it can be found here). So here's a quick answer to one more...from Becky and Glenna.
We're always looking for short cuts on crafting. One of the headaches during heating is that darn teflon sheet for the heat press, putting it on top of your shirt each and every time you press - half the time we don't know where it is. Or you're halfway through the press, you realize you forgot the teflon sheet altogether. Well not anymore, because we have a quick and easy cheat for you to save you the hassle!
Basically, the concept is to attach your teflon sheet to your heat press using heavy duty magnets. The key here is to make sure you have strong magnets, otherwise they will slide off the side of your heat press. The benefit of having it attached to the top plate is that you don't have to go through the extra step of sliding it on top of your shirt (or other item) AND you don't run the risk of forgetting it altogether. Let me show you how I attached my teflon sheet and hopefully it will help you along the way!
First and foremost, MAKE SURE YOUR HEAT PRESS IS TURNED OFF AND COOL TO THE TOUCH. Please remember this. I have scorched a few fingers trying to adjust the magnets while my heat press is on and they conduct heat just fine! Heat press is hot, the magnets are hot.
Simply align the teflon sheet with the back of your heat press plates. †You don't really need the teflon sheet sticking out, I didn't put any magnets on the back side of mine in lue of having more sheet on the front to wrap around and attach the sheet on top (you'll see what I mean further on). Try to make sure you have an equal amount on each side, too.
Now close your heat press and lock it into place.
With magnets in hand, wrap the front of the teflon sheet around the front of the machine, then secure with magnets. I used four and spaced evenly.
Proceed to do the same thing with each side. You'll have to wrap the corners around a little like wrapping a present.
Once you do each side, you can open your lid and the teflon sheet should stay in place! After time you might notice the magnets slide a little (remember to wait for it to cool down before you touch them to move them back!), but it's still way easier than placing and removing the teflon sheet each time you press a shirt!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine!
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BRILLIANT! I can't wait to do this to mine. Thank you all.
ReplyDeletePerfect timing! I just ordered a heat press over the week-end!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!!! No more forgetting the Teflon sheet
ReplyDeleteIs keeping the sheet heated a good idea? Since it's pretty much attached now to the lid, doesn't it always stay heated (when on)? Long term would there be any issues to the sheet?
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea! I'm looking to buy a heat press and hope you can help with a question about size. I sometimes make mats and need to heat the whole 14 x 18 area of the mat. A 16 x 20 press would be ideal, but I'm really budget constrained. Do you think I could get by using a 15 x 15 and press each end of the mat seperately? Any downside/risk by doing this?
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get your teflon sheet from?
ReplyDeleteThanks
Now that is a great hack.
ReplyDeleteI have the same question as Dana
ReplyDeleteIs keeping the sheet heated a good idea? Since it's pretty much attached now to the lid, doesn't it always stay heated (when on)? Long term would there be any issues to the sheet?
Same question, Where did you get your Teflon sheet and would that make you have to replace your sheet more often?
ReplyDeleteWhere did you purchase your magnets from? Any recommendations?
ReplyDeleteYou can purchase rare earth magnets from eBay. I would recommend 1/4" to a hal inch size. These are super strong magnets.
DeleteWondering the same, about the magnets? any links???
ReplyDeletewhere do you get your Teflon sheets?
ReplyDeleteJust don't use rare earth magnets. If heated above 172F,they lose their magnetic properties permanently. You'll want to use the old school black, weaker magnets for this.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if it is same for everyone but I am unable to view any if the images in this blog. Will see if any of the other articles work for me. Really wanted to see the Teflon attached.
ReplyDelete