Start making custom DIY patches using CAD-CUT® Soft Foam or CAD-CUT® Soft Flock HTV and UltraColor® MAX DTF transfers. Learn the step-by-step process with STAHLS’ Ambassador Skip Davis below!

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As an apparel decorator, you’re always on the lookout for ways to offer your customers unique and high-quality products. Custom patches are a popular choice, but they can be expensive to produce and difficult to offer for smaller orders. Luckily, there’s a cost-effective solution that can help you create high-quality custom patches in smaller quantities: creating custom DIY patches with HTV and DTF transfers.

Step 1: Order Your DTF Transfers

• Order your UltraColor® MAX DTF transfers for the artwork that will be layered on top of the HTV.
• The no order minimum and next-business-day shipping with UltraColor® MAX allow you to offer a high-end look to any client quickly!

Step 2: Cut Your HTV

• Cut your CAD-CUT® Soft Foam or CAD-CUT® Soft Flock HTV into the desired shape and size using your vinyl cutter.
• CAD-CUT® Soft Foam is a dimensional HTV that also comes in a textured option for the desired effect.
• CAD-CUT® Soft Flock is a suede-like textured HTV with a variety of vibrant color options.

🔥 Pro Tip from Skip: Try using a 60° blade when cutting thicker materials like CAD-CUT® Soft Foam or CAD-CUT® Soft Flock. For cutting instructions, please see the user guide on the product page.

Step 3: Weed Your HTV and Remove From Carrier

• Weed the excess HTV off the carrier using a weeding tool or tweezers.
• Remove your cut HTV shape from the carrier.
• Place adhesive side down on the lower platen of your heat press.

🔥 Pro Tip from Skip: Preheat the lower platen of your heat press and lay the cut HTV across to easily remove the cut HTV from the carrier.

Step 4: Layer your DTF transfer

• Layer your UltraColor® MAX transfer on top of the HTV, making sure that the design lines up correctly.
• Secure the transfer in place using Thermo-Tape™ over the corners of the UltraColor­­­­­® MAX carrier, avoiding overlap of the tape onto the HTV.
• Tack down the UltraColor® MAX transfer for 2-3 seconds.

Step 5: Heat Apply Your Patch

• After layering your UltraColor® MAX transfer on top of your HTV, you know have a custom, DIY patch that’s ready to heat apply to hats, apparel, bags, and more!
• Please see the user guide on the product page of your HTV to see what fabrics are compatible.

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Increase your decoration capabilities and start creating high-value, custom patches in smaller quantities. This process is cost-effective, versatile, and allows you to offer your customers a unique product that they’ll love. With a little bit of practice and experimentation, you can create patches in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs.

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