Based on the provided short snippet, the process of loading HTV vinyl involves making adjustments within the design software before cutting. The information available is extremely limited, but we can infer that it is referring to using a cutting machine such as a Cricut or Silhouette to cut the HTV. Therefore, here's a broader (though still somewhat generalized) overview of loading HTV vinyl, covering the design and cutting process.
1. Design Preparation:
- Import or Create your Design: Use your cutting machine's software (e.g., Cricut Design Space, Silhouette Studio) to create or import your design.
- Measure Your Design: Measure the width and height of the design you intend to cut with HTV.
- Adjust Design Size: In the software, accurately input the precise width to match your intended project size. This avoids wasting HTV.
- Mirror Your Image: This is crucial! Before sending the design to your cutting machine, mirror the image (flip it horizontally). HTV is cut from the back, so the design needs to be reversed to appear correctly when ironed onto the fabric. The video snippet specifically emphasizes turning mirroring on.
2. Cutting Settings:
- Material Selection: Within your cutting machine's software, select the appropriate material setting. Choose "Heat Transfer Vinyl" or "HTV" from the list. This optimizes blade pressure and cutting depth.
- Test Cut: Perform a test cut on a small piece of HTV to ensure your settings are correct. The blade should cut through the vinyl layer but not the clear carrier sheet.
3. Loading the HTV onto the Cutting Mat:
- Positioning: Place the HTV vinyl shiny side down (carrier sheet side down) onto the cutting mat. The carrier sheet is the clear, sticky side of the HTV. The dull, adhesive side should be facing up.
- Adhesion: Press the HTV firmly onto the mat to ensure it's securely adhered. Use a brayer or squeegee to remove any air bubbles.
4. Loading the Cutting Mat into the Machine:
- Alignment: Align the edge of the cutting mat with the guides on your cutting machine.
- Load Button: Press the "Load" button on your machine to feed the mat into the machine.
5. Cutting:
- Start Cut: In your cutting machine's software, initiate the cutting process.
- Weeding: After cutting, carefully remove the excess vinyl around your design, leaving only the desired image on the clear carrier sheet. This is called "weeding."
In summary, loading HTV vinyl involves preparing your design (including mirroring it), selecting the appropriate cutting settings, placing the HTV shiny side down on the cutting mat, loading the mat into your cutting machine, and initiating the cutting process. The snippet alludes to the critical step of mirroring the image before cutting.
