DTF Transfers Ready to Press Jean Jacket!

This post may contain affiliate links, sponsored content and products received at no cost.

6:00 AM

DTF Transfers Ready to Press Jean Jacket!

Let me show you how to make the cutest upcycled jean jacket using DTF (Direct to Film) Transfers that are ready to press.

I love how this cute jacket turned out--and you can customize yours any way you want!

Direct to Film (DTF) Transfers are the way to go because they print out in all colors, including white--so they show up on any colored surface!

What is a DTF Transfer?

DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers are a modern and versatile printing method for textiles. Unlike traditional heat transfers, DTF involves printing designs directly onto a special film using vibrant and durable UV-curable inks--including white.

The printed film is then heat-pressed onto fabrics, creating a seamless and vibrant transfer. This technique allows for detailed and full-color designs on various textiles, including cotton, polyester, and blends.

Ninja Transfers

Ninja Transfers is a printing company specialized in Direct To Film Printing that I am working with for this post.

Ninja Transfers has a simple process for uploading images and placing them on the gang sheet for perfect printing.

I received a 10 foot gang sheet (by 22 inches) with all the pictures, images and photos I wanted (up to 50 designs) and sized them exactly how I wanted them.

There is no set up fees.

I used images that I love, but I would not use these images if I was going to sell shirts, jackets or any other merchandise.

But for my own fun 80's themed jean jacket, I thought this would be fun.

Ninja Transfers is a printing company specialized in Direct To Film Printing. They have a simple process for uploading images and placing them on the gang sheet for perfect printing. I received a 10 foot gang sheet (by 22 inches) with all the pictures, images and photos I wanted (up to 50 designs) and sized them exactly how I wanted them. There is no set up fees. I used images that I love, but I would not use these images if I was going to sell shirts, jackets or any other merchandise. But for my own fun 80's themed jean jacket, I thought this would be fun.

It's easy to use and way cheaper to buy bigger gang sheets, so it's worth it for company shirts, small businesses, promotional items, family reunion shirts, and much more!

After submitting my order it took just a few days to get the gang sheet in my hand.

The print quality is top notch, super vivid and high quality printing--and NO WEEDING NECESSARY!

I ordered a bunch of my favorite cartoon images, some original art, and some other things I'll show you in upcoming posts.

Size the images down to fit on your blanks, since these are not for full shirts, but more like "patches" they are between 1-5 inches in size.

Can you print DTF Transfers on a regular printer?

No.

No, DTF transfers require specialized printers designed for the process. DTF printing involves using UV-curable inks and a specially coated film.

Standard home printers are not equipped with the necessary components, such as UV-curable ink systems and the ability to handle the specific film used in DTF transfers.

DTF printers are designed to handle the unique characteristics of the DTF process, ensuring proper ink adhesion, color vibrancy, and durability.

These printers often come with features tailored for textile printing, including the capability to handle roll-to-roll film and maintain precise control over ink application.

It's easy to use and way cheaper to buy bigger gang sheets, so it's worth it for company shirts, small businesses, promotional items, family reunion shirts, and much more! After submitting my order it took just a few days to get the gang sheet in my hand. The print quality is top notch, super vivid and high quality printing. I ordered a bunch of my favorite cartoon images, some original art, and some other things I'll show you in upcoming posts. Size the images down to fit on your blanks, since these are not for full shirts, but more like "patches" they are between 1-5 inches in size.

Supplies Needed for Upcycled Jean Jacket with DTF Transfers:

DTF Transfers Ready to Press (Ninja Transfers)
Jean Jacket ready to upcycle (mine is thrifted)
Cricut EasyPress (looks like they don't sell the 6x7 anymore)
Cricut EasyPress Mat
HTVRont Mini Heat Press
Felt Edged Squeegee

You don't need both heat presses, but it was nice to have the variety--or use a household iron.

Supplies Needed for Upcycled Jean Jacket: DTF Transfers Ready to Press (Ninja Transfers) Jean Jacket ready to upcycle (mine is thrifted) Cricut EasyPress (looks like they don't sell the 6x7 anymore) Cricut EasyPress Mat HTVRont Mini Heat Press Felt Edged Squeegee You don't need both heat presses, but it was nice to have the variety!

Step 1: Heat Press or Iron

Set the heat press to 315* and the timer to 15 seconds.

It does not take long at all to press a DTF transfer.

Can I press DTF Transfers with a Household Iron?

Using a household iron for DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers is generally not recommended. DTF transfers require precise control over temperature, pressure, and timing to achieve optimal results, and household irons may not provide the necessary consistency.

However, the temperature does not need to be super hot for this heat press project, so give it a try!

Just heat up the iron without steam.

After pressing the DTF with the iron, rub with a felt edged squeegee to help it adhere and peel off the transfer sheet at the corner, making sure it's adhered as you pull.

Step 1: Heat Press Set the heat press to 315* and the timer to 15 seconds. It does not take long at all to press a DTF transfer.

Step 2: Ready to Press!

Place the DTF Transfer on the item you are pressing on, exactly where you want it.

The print is under the plastic carrier sheet, you can press directly on the carrier sheet or use parchment paper.

Simply place the heat press right on the DTF and press for 15 seconds. If it is a larger DTF Transfer, do the heating in segments, making sure to press the entire image.

Then use the felt squeegee to rub the print while it is warm.

This ensures the image adheres to the blank and the carrier sheet is easy to peel off after it's cooled a bit.

Do DTF Transfers feel like Vinyl?

Yes, they do. DTF Transfers have a similar feel to iron-on or heat transfer vinyl.

They have some stretch to them and they are slightly raised off the surface of the fabric.

However they do feel very secure on the fabric, not like it would be easy to peel it off.

Then use the felt squeegee to rub the print while it is warm. This ensures the image adheres to the blank and the carrier sheet is easy to peel off after it's cooled a bit.

When heating the jacket in places that may overlap other images, use the parchment to protect the heat press from directly touching the print.

Step 3: Repeat!

For this upcycled jean jacket, I wanted it covered in different images like a decked out patch jacket from the 80's.

I put images on the sleeves, back, front, sides and lapels.

The plastic carrier sheet works great peeled off when it's barely warm still.

Peel slowly and watch to make sure the image is staying on the blank, if not cover with the carrier sheet again and press again.

It's not a big deal to press again, too much time (within reason) won't damage the DTF transfers.

The plastic carrier sheet works great peeled off when it's barely warm still. Peel slowly and watch to make sure the image is staying on the blank, if not cover with the carrier sheet again and press again. It's not a big deal to press again, too much time (within reason) won't damage the DTF transfers.

For places like the sleeve it was really nice to have the HTVRont Mini Heat Press.

I really like the size of it and it made the smaller areas really easy to press.

Does DTF Last Longer than Vinyl?

Yes, DTF Transfers last longer than heat transfer vinyl or iron-on vinyl.

Sublimation inks turn to gas and adhere directly to the fibers of the polyester fabric, so they last a very long time, but DTF works on various fabric blends.

For places like the sleeve it was really nice to have the HTVRont Mini Heat Press. I really like the size of it and it made the smaller areas really easy to press.

I finished off the jacket with some buttons and pins to complete the look.

I love the variety to the DTF Transfers and will probably add some fabric patches in the future.

It's the perfect jacket to build on, like a work in progress.

I finished off the jacket with some buttons and pins to complete the look. I love the variety to the DTF Transfers and will probably add some fabric patches in the future. It's the perfect jacket to build on, like a work in progress.

A few random pins are easy to add...and I love to make my own, see this post here.

I tried a few of the DTF Transfers pressed over seams on the jacket.

I used the felt squeegee to push the image down on the seams, and it seemed to work just great!

The images stay together and beautiful even if they are stretched, no tears or stretch marks.

I tried a few of the DTF Transfers pressed over seams on the jacket. I used the felt squeegee to push the image down on the seams, and it seemed to work just great! The images stay together and beautiful even if they are stretched, no tears or stretch marks.

I love how bright and vivid it turned out!

This is such a fun upcycled project, I love taking something that was mediocre and generic and transforming it into a work of art--my own custom jean jacket!

DTF transfers ready to press are so fun and easy to use!

I'm super stoked about this jacket and can't wait for slightly warmer weather to wear it--perfect high end upcycled craft for Springtime!

Perfect for this girl, made in the 80's.

DTF transfers ready to press are so fun and easy to use! I'm super stoked about this jacket and can't wait for slightly warmer weather to wear it! Perfect for this girl, made in the 80's.

That's it!

I loved using these DTF Transfers ready to press from Ninja Transfers!

A jean jacket adorned with DTF transfers is a fantastic craft, combining the enduring style of denim with vibrant, durable, and customizable full-color designs, adding a unique and personalized touch.

They work awesome for a fun upcycled jacket, they are easy to apply and last!