The Complete Siser HTV Terms Glossary

Carrier Sheet

It appears as a clear shiny sheet attached to the front of a sheet of heat transfer vinyl. This is the side of the htv that should be placed facing down while cutting. There are two different kinds of carrier sheets – pressure sensitive carrier sheets have a sticky backing and static carrier sheets have a smooth backing.

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Cavities

When weeding your design, cavities are the bits left behind. For example, the inside part of the letter P.

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Cold Peel

Cold peel refers to a htv that must cool down before being able to remove the carrier sheet.

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Cut File

This is a file that you can either create, purchase, or download for free to use with your cut machine. Depending on your type of cut machine, these files can be called .SVG files, Silhouette files (.SIL), .DXF files, or .FCM files.

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Cut Lines

Cut lines are the lines that outline the shape you are trying to cut. They are red (Silhouette) or gray lines (Cricut) that indicate where the machine will cut.

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Cut Machine (Plotter)

Any type of computer-operated machine that is used to cut specific shapes and text. These include brands such as Cricut, Silhouette, Brother’s Scan N Cut series, and more.

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Cutting Mat

Often times this is a 30x30cm or 30x60cm plastic mat with a sticky coating used to hold htc in place while being cut with your cut machine. Each brand has a specific type of cutting mat.

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Cut Settings

Each type of material that is used with your cut machine will be cut at a different thickness and speed. These variations will all fall into your cut settings.

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EasyPatterns™

EasyPatterns™ are edge-to-edge pre-printed designs. Since the patterns are not pre-masked, images should be cut in the positive (not mirrored) and masked afterwards. EasyPatterns® require the use of our TTD Easy. Discover our range

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Heat Press

A (manual or automatic) machine which allows you to apply heat and pressure/heat transfer vinyl to any fabric in a simple and reliable way. Accossories can also often be purchased in order to work with other items such as hats and shoes. Discover our range

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Heat Transfer Vinyl

Also referred to as HTV, this type of vinyl has an adhesive that is heat activated and is used in the decoration of fabrics. When applied properly heat transfer vinyl can be washed, dried, and worn for many years. It comes in roll or sheet form. Discover our range

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Hot Peel

This means that after your heat transfer vinyl is applied the carrier sheet is able to be removed while still hot.

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Heat Transfer Pillows

Heat Transfer Pillows have a core of soft foam covered by teflon. The thickness of the foam allows buttons, zippers, pockets and seams to sink into the pillow, giving you a smooth and even surface for heat application. Available in 25×30 cm – 15×20 cm – 12×45 cm.

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Inkscape

Free graphic design software that allows you to trace images, create vectors and SVG files. Click here

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JPG & PNG Files

Types of files. You can tell if a file is a JPEG if it ends in .jpg and an PNG will end in .png. You can use these files in Design Space or Silhouette Studio by tracing them and turning them into SVGs.

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Mirror

When working in your design software, mirroring is the act of flipping your design horizontally before cutting. This is necessary for cutting heat transfer vinyl correctly.

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Print & Cut Materials

Print and cut materials are the easiest way to achieve multi-color graphics on your garments! Siser print and cut materials are compatible with eco-solvent, solvent, latex and sublimation inks. Discover our range

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Silicon Paper

A reusable non-stick cover material that you place in between the fabrics you are applying heat transfer vinyl to and the source of the heat (your iron or heat press). Heat Transfer Cover Sheets protect several things: your garment from direct contact with your heating element, HTV that’s been applied and no longer has a carrier, as well as the heat plate of your heat press or home iron. Replace if the sheet becomes creased or wrinkled.

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Squeege

This plastic accessory helps remove unwanted air bubbles from your designs when masking and applying Siser Print and Cut materials.⠀

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SVG

A type of cut file that is compatible with CriCut cutters and some versions of Silhouette Studio.

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Teflon

A thin, non-stick material that can be used when applying HTV. A teflon sheet should always be placed between an iron / heat press and HTV to protect your iron or heat press.

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Trace

This is a command within your design software in which you take a saved image and turn it into a cut file.

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TTD

Heat transfer tape or TTD is a clear mask formulated for the correct application of digital printing materials. It is used when a carrier sheet isn’t already applied to HTV.

Available in four different grades of adhesion: ADVANCED, EASY, EVOLUTION and SPECIAL. Find out more

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Weeder

This durable stainless steel tool allows you to weed with speed and accuracy – even in small cavities. Recommended for all Siser materials.

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Weeding

The process of removing excess vinyl from your cut design. It is often done with the aid of a weeder.

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