Materials:

• Scrap HTV in your desired color(s)
• Hair straightener (preferably one you don’t use for your hair anymore)
• Craft weeding tool (or a safety pin)
• Scissors
• Squeegee (or credit card)
• Tweezers (optional)
• Shoes with a clean, flat surface (avoid areas with heavy stitching or texture)
• Baking paper / Butcher paper
• Design (optional, if you’re not adding a name) – You can find free designs online or create your own using design software.

Instructions:

1. Prepare your design:
   • If you’re adding a name, use a computer program to create a mirrored image of the text. You can mirror the text using the “flip horizontal” function in most programs. Print the design on regular printer paper.
   • If you’re using a pre-made design, make sure it’s mirrored for iron-on application.
2. Cut your HTV:
   • Place your HTV(text mirrored) on your cutting mat. ( shiny side down)
   • Cut out the design with your cutting machine accordingly
3. Weed the excess vinyl:
   • Carefully peel off the excess vinyl around your design using the weeding tool or safety pin. Be sure to remove all the unnecessary vinyl pieces, leaving only the design itself.
4. Heat up the hair straightener:
   • Set the hair straightener on to warm up

Applying the HTV:

1. Place the HTV on your shoes:
   • Position the weeded HTV design on the desired area of your shoe. Make sure the shiny side (plastic carrier) is facing up. Cut our butcher paper at the right size
2. Apply heat and pressure:
   • Apply firm pressure and slowly iron the hair straightener over the HTV design for the recommended dwell time (usually around 5-10 seconds).
3. Peel off the carrier sheet:
   • Let the HTV cool down for a few seconds, then carefully peel off the plastic carrier sheet at a 45-degree angle. If the vinyl starts to lift, reapply heat and press again.
   • Use tweezers (optional) to remove any tiny pieces of vinyl that didn’t adhere properly.

Tips:

• Practice on a scrap piece of fabric before applying the HTV to your shoes.
• If you’re unsure about the heat tolerance of your shoes, start with a lower temperature and gradually increase it as needed.
• Be careful not to overheat the HTV, as it can scorch or shrink.
• You can layer multiple colors of HTV to create more complex designs.
• Let your shoes cool completely before wearing them.

Additional things to keep in mind:

• The durability of the HTV on your shoes will depend on the quality of the vinyl, the heat application, and how often you wear the shoes.
• Shoes are constantly flexed, so there’s a chance the HTV may crack or peel over time. You can try applying a fabric sealer spray after the HTV has cooled to add an extra layer of protection.
• Always test the sealer on a small inconspicuous area of the shoe first to make sure it doesn’t cause any discoloration.

By following these steps, you can use scrap HTV and a hair straightener to pimp up your sneakers or gym shoes with a personal touch!

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