How to Make DTF Transfers: Step-by-Step for Print-Ready Files for Any DTF Printer

One of the most common questions I get is how to make DTF transfers that actually come out soft so they don't crack, peel, or feel stiff as a piece of cardboard. 

Most of the time, the problem started way before you ever hit print. It started with the file itself. That means the key to figuring out how to make DTF transfers that don't crack or peel happens at the design level.  

Almost everyone assumes it's about the printer or the press settings. But the truth is, the DTF file prep is the biggest factor in whether your transfer feels soft or stiff and plasticky - and whether it lasts wash after wash or starts cracking after a few wears.

In this tutorial I'm going to show you exactly how to make a clean, soft, print-ready DTF file - the kind that works on ANY DTF printer and any color garment. I'm going to show the secret to the part most people get wrong, which is the file prep itself.

Patriotic Popsicle Hello Summer Freebie Friday Silhouette Cut File

It's everyone's favorite time of the week here at Silhouette School - Freebie Friday!

And we are getting ready for the 4th of July around here! This week I have the cutest patriotic Hello Summer ice pop design for you.

Is Silhouette Studio Business Edition Worth It If You Don't Have a Business?

If you've been using Silhouette Studio for a while, you've probably seen the Business Edition upgrade mentioned and wondered whether it's actually worth the $50 especially if you don't have a business. 

The question I get from crafters is often: Do I really need Business Edition if I'm not selling at all? 

The honest answer is...I've never heard anyone regret unlocking the full suite of tools and features in Silhouette Studio Business Edition. 

My Best Amazon Prime Day Hack for the Craft Supplies You Buy on Repeat

It's Amazon Prime Day again, and if you're a crafter or you run a small handmade business, I'm going to show you exactly how I shop it (watch the video here!) - including the ONE hack I use every single Prime Day that saves me a ton of money on the stuff I'm buying anyway.

So...here's the thing. Prime Day deals move fast and they sell out, so I'm going to keep this quick and get you straight to the good stuff. 

Eufymake E1 UV Printer: Daily Maintenance Routine

If your eufyMake E1 UV printer has been sitting for a few days and the machine is now in maintenance mode - you should take a few steps before printing. 

And I don't mean just injecting the ink. 

Follow this printing day maintenance to save time, ink and materials and make sure you get the best possible prints. 

Laminated Vinyl Stickers Without Registration Marks

If you're looking to make laminated vinyl stickers without registration marks - there is an entry-level print and cut sticker machine that is often overlooked. 

The iColor 250 is usually dubbed as a label printer, but this MAC and PC compatible printer and cutter can easily be used as a vinyl sticker printer. When it is, it comes in as the lowest priced sticker printer on the market. 

Text to Embroidery: How to Embroider a Custom Name

One of the most common reasons to get an embroidery name is to embroider custom names. 

That means knowing how to convert text for embroidery is a beginner skill - and one you should master early on.  I use (and recommend) Embrilliance Essentials which has a built-in text tool that handles digitizing text so you can easily embroider a name.

Enter at Your Own Risk Freebie Friday Silhouette Cut File

Freebie Fridays roll around quick here at Silhouette School! But I know you guys don't mind!

This week I have a design for all of the parents and grandparents out there living with some wild ones!

Sticker Printer Comparison: Roland BN2-20A vs iColor 250

If you're considering getting a sticker printer you maybe deciding between two of my favorite printers: the iColor 250 and the Roland BN2-20A. 

I have a lot of printers...but I can honestly say these are both incredible print and cut machines and it's a tough choice.  While there is some overlap there are different some differences as well. One thing that is the same about each of these is I love them both equally - so this is going to come down to YOUR needs and budget!

How to Hoop for Embroidery - Including the Floating Technique for Towels and Shirts

One of the most common questions beginners have when they get their first embroidery machine is how to actually get their project into the hoop correctly. There are actually two ways to hoop, and knowing which one to use makes a huge difference in your results.

Today I'm going to walk you through both the traditional hooping method and the floating technique - which is what you'll use for items like dish towels, shirts, and anything else that's too thick, too large, or too awkward to hoop the traditional way.

How to Halftone an Image for DTF Without Photoshop | Video Tutorial

If you're tired of stiff, heavy DTF transfers that feel like plastic, it’s time to start halftoning. 

You don't need expensive or complicated software like Photoshop to achieve this.