Why Use a Hat Press?

I think I get more questions about heat presses than perhaps any other single topic on Silhouette School. Today Jamie from Craft Chameleon, formerly PunchPlacePlus, is here to share a quick tutorial on using a hat press...and why you may find it easier to work with on certain HTV projects.

The basic concept of a hat press is the same as a heat press - but for certain items (and more than just hats) they make adding heat transfer vinyl easier and faster than working with a heat press.

Here's Jamie!

I enjoy my little hat press to no end. Not only can you add hats and caps to the items you make, this press is perfect for making headbands, doll tees, monogrammed placemats, personalized bags, and other small items.

A couple of other reasons to consider a hat press: it has a smaller footprint if you are limited on space, the investment can be lower, it does not throw off as much heat, and with certain items, like doll tees, you don't need a pressing pillow.  Here you can see the difference in size. The flat press is a standard 15 x 15.
 

Let's make a quick headband to determine the speed and effectiveness of this little press. Preheat your press.

Prior to pressing the headband, try pressing some samples to get the feel of this little press. You might find the hat press runs hotter than your flat heat press; this means the time/temp are shorter/lower respectively. This press' settings are 275 and 8 seconds for each press: pre-press, htv press, and reverse press.

Once you have tested the press on some samples to find your time, temperature & pressure, swing the arm away, place the headband around the bottom fixture, and add the htv design covered by a teflon sheet. Swing the arm back to the front and lower, just like a typical press. Wait for the timer, release the top plate, and then swing away. Remove your headband and enjoy.

Shown here are a few of the colors of headbands we offer at Craft Chameleon.com Small, fast, customizable, and fun!


Whether it's the small size, quick processing, lower heat  or lower cost that appeals to your crafty self be sure to let me know (CraftChameleon FB Fanpage) if you take the plunge with a hat press!

Thanks Melissa for letting me pop in and share the hat press joy.

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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