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Why Use a Hat Press?

I think I get more questions about heat presses than perhaps any other single topic on Silhouette School. Today Jamie from Craft Chameleon, formerly PunchPlacePlus, is here to share a quick tutorial on using a hat press...and why you may find it easier to work with on certain HTV projects.

hat press, heat press, heat transfer vinyl, htv

The basic concept of a hat press is the same as a heat press - but for certain items (and more than just hats) they make adding heat transfer vinyl easier and faster than working with a heat press.

Here's Jamie!

I enjoy my little hat press to no end. Not only can you add hats and caps to the items you make, this press is perfect for making headbands, doll tees, monogrammed placemats, personalized bags, and other small items.

A couple of other reasons to consider a hat press: it has a smaller footprint if you are limited on space, the investment can be lower, it does not throw off as much heat, and with certain items, like doll tees, you don't need a pressing pillow.  Here you can see the difference in size. The flat press is a standard 15 x 15.
 hat press, heat press, heat transfer vinyl, htv

Let's make a quick headband to determine the speed and effectiveness of this little press. Preheat your press.

Prior to pressing the headband, try pressing some samples to get the feel of this little press. You might find the hat press runs hotter than your flat heat press; this means the time/temp are shorter/lower respectively. This press' settings are 275 and 8 seconds for each press: pre-press, htv press, and reverse press.

hat press, heat press, heat transfer vinyl, htv

Once you have tested the press on some samples to find your time, temperature & pressure, swing the arm away, place the headband around the bottom fixture, and add the htv design covered by a teflon sheet. Swing the arm back to the front and lower, just like a typical press. Wait for the timer, release the top plate, and then swing away. Remove your headband and enjoy.

Shown here are a few of the colors of headbands we offer at Craft Small, fast, customizable, and fun!

hat press, heat press, heat transfer vinyl, htv, headbands
Whether it's the small size, quick processing, lower heat  or lower cost that appeals to your crafty self be sure to let me know (CraftChameleon FB Fanpage) if you take the plunge with a hat press!

Thanks Melissa for letting me pop in and share the hat press joy.

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  1. And the hat press works great for heat pressing vinyl onto small stuffed animals. Use those animals with short nap/fur and the vinyl sticks very well.
    If you reverse weed initials within a heart, the material of the animal sticks out a little through the vinyl and makes an 3D effect.

    1. What a great idea! then you don't have to attempt to flatten the whole animal in the flat press. Thanks John for sharing.

  2. Love my hat press for hats and feel stupid never thought to use it for anything else. THANK YOU.

  3. What is the brand/style of this heat press? Any recommendations?

  4. I have been making a LOT of hats lately. I have not gotten into putting vinyl on them yet. See
    Do you think people would be interested in an easy fabric cut pattern for a snap cap for Silhouette? I can make one.

    1. They are cute. Absolutely, we'd love a pattern.

    2. That is adorable! I vote Yea for a pattern!

  5. what brand is this hat press?


