How to Use Puff Vinyl | Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

Get my free puff vinyl T-shirt designs at www.jennifermaker.com/how-to-...!
Learn how to use Puff Vinyl to create an adorable T-shirt for Spring!
Have you seen the puff vinyl trend that's making a comeback? I just loved this look back in the 80s, and it's so fun to see it popping up again! Unlike other types of iron-on vinyl, puff vinyl raises up after pressing for a neat 3D effect. My new tutorial will teach you all about how to use puff vinyl to create super cute T-shirts for Spring using a cutting machine (like my Cricut Maker 3) and a heat press (I'll use my awesome Cricut EasyPress). Don't worry if you're brand new to puff vinyl - so was I! I'll walk you through how to test your heat, pressure, and time settings, and share tips to help you learn how to use puff vinyl right on the first try.
See how I cut and weeded the 3D Puff Vinyl for the T-shirts at • How To Cut 3D Puff Vin...
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MATERIALS LIST (Contains my affiliate links - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases):
* 3D Super Puff Vinyl in white - jennifermaker.com/VTS-puff-vinyl
* Cricut Everyday Iron-On Vinyl in yellow - amzn.to/3JAbkjv
* Women's T-Shirt, I used a 100% Cotton long length shirt by Bella + Canvas amzn.to/3yClrxX
* A method to cut your vinyl (I used the amazing Cricut Maker 3 -- see jennifermaker.com/which-cricu... )
* Cricut Green StandardGrip Mat, 12" x 12" - amzn.to/3mHhDVZ OR
* Cricut Blue LightGrip Mat, 12" x 12" - amzn.to/3MycSMN
* Brayer - amzn.to/3sVaHsv
* Scissors - amzn.to/3cHID3p
* Craft Spatula - amzn.to/3fDti81
* Weeding Tool - amzn.to/3wsbiny
* Heat Press large enough to cover the puff design, I used my Cricut EasyPress 2 - 12" x 10" - amzn.to/3ZLLL3J but a Cricut Autopress fits - amzn.to/3G0ALbI
* Wood Cutting Board - 17" x 11" X 1" - amzn.to/40r9do8
* Lint Roller - amzn.to/3SW7pA6
* Design # 484 (My free SVG/PDF/DXF cut files (available in my free resource library at jennifermaker.com/library )
Topics covered in this video on How to Use 3D Puffy Vinyl:
0:00 - How to Use Puff Vinyl
0:56 - Supplies & Tools
5:00 - Get My Free Puff Vinyl Designs
5:23 - Cut Your Puff Vinyl
6:03 - Weed Your Puff Vinyl
7:38 - Transfer Your Puff Vinyl Test & Design
11:43 - Option 1: Transfer the Bunny Design
12:39 - Option 2: Transfer the Porcupine Design
16:16 - Show it Off!
16:29 - Closing Notes and Link to More Information
#cricut #tshirt #vinyl
============
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Credits:
Introduction: PixelBytes (my daughter Alexa)
Music: Cute by Bensound (licensed, royalty and copyright free)
Videography: Jennifer and Greg on Panasonic Lumix FZ-1000 DSLR 4K cameras
Audio and Video Editing: Team JenniferMaker
Design: A Jennifer Maker original

[@nahnisjourney1406]

Everyone should know about the wooden chopping board technique! You’re the first person I’ve seen using this technique. Thanks!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@jessicadavidson3727]

Everytime I get stuck on a project I type your name into Google search, only because I know you have videos like this that will help me FINISH the project. Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@danielmooney]

Queen! The wooden chopping board tip saved me from my eternal wiggly frustration. Every press is perfection now ❤ thank you so much!

[@JenniferMaker]

Yay!! It's a super helpful tip!🥰

[@KraftyNana]

I've watch many of your videos and just love your teaching. Jennifer, I just purchased some siser puff vinyl and OMG I messed up so many times either forgetting to mirror my image or placing the vinyl on the wrong side or doing both. I finally got my birthday shirt finished using the puff vinyl with the number 64 and glitter on the outer edge and also used puff on a kissing lip. I had to come back and watch this video several times before I got it right. I'm a hard learner I guess but thank you for all that you do.

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm so happy you got it!! Have a wonderful birthday! 😊🌻

[@tiffanyparker4837]

I’ve actually been using puff vinyl for a long time now, but I learned some great tips from you on some of mistakes I’ve made. Love your videos. Your such a great, detailed teacher!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks so much!

[@dottiewiest1547]

Love this puffy vinyl! I can't wait to try this! Thanks Jennifer - You are amazing!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are very welcome, have fun!💗

[@rapunzel19611]

As always, your tutorials are so detailed. About a month ago I was looking for anything on puff vinyl. I am going to try this. Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! I hope you share your puff vinyl projects with me!🥰

[@carollewis1644]

Great video. I appreciate all that you do for all of us. I can’t wait to try some putt htv vinyl! Thanks for all the great tips and tricks!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you!🥰

[@lorraealexander5717]

Thank you, Jennifer, I can now have ago using my new sheet if Puff Vinyl. Brilliant as ever x

[@JenniferMaker]

It's so much fun, you'll love it! 💗

[@piglet4110]

Thank You Jennifer! I followed your guidelines....my puff vinyl turned out perfect the first time! When I need help, you are always my first resource! Thank You so Much!

[@JenniferMaker]

That's wonderful! Thank you!

[@Jodie.2024]

Same

[@sophiemsmply4you572]

This is great! I love this. Thanks Jennifer.

[@JenniferMaker]

My pleasure! Have fun creating! 💗

[@MakingwithMarilyn]

Such a great and thorough video! I have found the puff vinyl to be so fun so work with, after working out those finicky issues🙂

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! Have fun!💗

[@user-ns5iv8nl8j]

Thanks for this tutorial Jennifer

[@JenniferMaker]

My pleasure!

[@lisastoner6635]

I think sheep, clouds, rainbows, kittens, and a bouquet of flowers would each look great in puffy vinyl

[@JenniferMaker]

Absolutely! 💗

[@doloresbaraona1334]

Thank you so much going to have to try this.

[@JenniferMaker]

Yay! I hope you do!🥰

[@shawndelaney34470]

I just love your videos!!! so easy to understand and listen to. Your step by step instructions are great. I have learned so very much from you. I have purchased your Cricut Coach instruction book and I am going to purchase your "recipe" book. Again, Thank you for taking the time to do these videos. Someone called you the Queen.... I have to agree!

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm so happy to hear that 🥰

[@yaggieminka5657]

Great video. I only have a mini cricut iron and cricut joy and the mini press still be used for puff vinyl?

[@tamsisrblue9770]

Awesome stuff. I love puff

[@JenniferMaker]

It is cool. 😊

[@josielitzenbauer9906]

​@@JenniferMaker q

[@christinekastens150]

Can’t wait to try puff vinyl

[@JenniferMaker]

It is just so cool, you will love it!💗

[@Thebetterkeepsgettingbetter]

Great tips to try. Ty ❤

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@vanessacollins3997]

great video .

[@peggyl3496]

Looks like fun.

[@JenniferMaker]

It really is!💗

[@Fklv1988]

That lint roller tip and T-shirt measure gained you a sub.

[@JenniferMaker]

Yay!! I'm glad you're here!🥰

[@ehodge54]

Thanks so much Jennifer for this video. I bought puff vinyl last year & couldn't get the "puffy" look, only the "wrinkled" look. Was told by the seller of the puff vinyl that the Cricut Autopress wouldn't work with their puff vinyl. I'll use your wood cutting board suggestion.

[@JenniferMaker]

Oh good, I hope that works for you!💗

[@mistreananya]

Thank you

[@JenniferMaker]

You're so welcome💗

[@cs4895]

I loved puff paint when I was growing up!! Gotta find a sampler pack of puff vinyl!! Might be tricky in Northern Ontario 😅

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes! Puff paint was fun!

[@getitboont]

I just brought my Cricut Master 3 a couple of weeks ago and just tried to use it but there was a metal plate that wouldn’t allow my mat to pass through, so I had to send it back😢. I brought a lot of puff vinyl and can’t wait for my new machine to come.

[@JenniferMaker]

😃❤️❤️❤️

[@nakhumitsaproscovia8356]

Great 👌

[@JenniferMaker]

🥰

[@Wrightn221]

I have been using that for over a year now. I made shirts for a girl trip with Puff vinyl. Everyone stopped us in NY to ask about the shirts. I put quotes on every shirt.

[@JenniferMaker]

That's Awesome! 💗

[@joycebarker2288]

Wooden board the best tip..what’s the best fond for puff on child t shirt ?

[@JenniferMaker]

I love the puff vinyl we used, we listed it in the materials list on the blog post above. 😊🌻

[@keiko0859]

Thanks Jennifer! Do you have any pressing suggestions when the design is larger than my east press?

[@JenniferMaker]

You will have to press it in sections and do not overlap too much to get even results.

[@melodybabayy]

Great video! I will try again today with my puff vinyl. Good to know about covering previous vinyl that was first pressed I always have that problem. So never throw the protective covering. I tested my puff vinyl yesterday over a HTV Holographic vinyl it did not turn out right. I used the settings that came with it. Also seems Holographic vinyl also is not a good combo for it but I will use your settings and give it another try with Holographic HTV instead of everyday Iron-on. Jennifer by any chance do you have a HTV or Iron on Vinyl guide that I can purchase ? like what type of vinyl that is good to combine with heat press setting?

[@JenniferMaker]

You can find it free on Cricut's website. cricut.com/en-us/heatguide

[@melodybabayy]

Thank you!

[@hdngo8384]

3:05 Can the puff vinyl be used on other materials like plastic, glass or steel? I am new to this. Thanks Jennifer!

[@JenniferMaker]

We've only used puff vinyl on fabric, but you are welcome to test out some substrates and let us know it works. 😊🌻

[@shannonaily]

I was wondering about using a heat press that is not the auto press. Should i still use the wood under the design? Thanks for the tips!

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes, we found that a hard surface is key to getting the best puffy texture. 😊🌻

[@sylviabrown6617]

Great

[@JenniferMaker]

💗💗💗

[@jocelynborzick6231]

Hello!! I am wondering if you could use puff vinyl on the front and back of a tshirt? (I have a Ghostbusters logo I want to use the puff with on the front...and I have the backside of the ghost on the back I'd like to use, too!) Thanks in advance!❤

[@JenniferMaker]

You can do that. Make sure to put a pressing pad inside the shirt so it does not affect the puff vinyl on the other side.

[@lynetterussell4906]

Why did you use 305 F when testing with the manual press vs 280 with the autopress? do we use a higher temp with the manual press?

[@JenniferMaker]

That is what worked best. Maybe because the autopress does the pressure for you.

[@Magicalprincess7]

I’ve been using Siser brand for a few weeks now, I was hoping it would puff more. I tried your cutting board tonight. I used two of the same shirts and the one with the cutting board ended up wrinkled and not much puff while the one I did with the pressing pillow puffed about the same as my previous results with very few wrinkles. I used the same 280 with the easy press and basically kneeled on it with both and at least with Siser the pressing pillow with a Fruit of the Loom 100% shirt had better results. What brand was the vinyl you were using?

[@JenniferMaker]

I used the 3D Super Puff Vinyl in white - jennifermaker.com/VTS-puff-vinyl 🥰

[@gamsterd1663]

I love your videos! I'm searching for a good puff vinyl :) But I'm a little concerned about 12:32 the actual puff image looks like it has a blur effect over it? I'm not trying to call anyone out, but I found it a little odd, just trying to see what the actual texture is :)

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm not sure what you mean, I'm sorry. Maybe take a look at my more in depth blog post on this project for some better images, jennifermaker.com/how-to-use-puff-vinyl/ 💗

[@deanturner1865]

How long does it last for thank you

[@alexandra6188]

Hello! I’m new to this! Can we use the smaller Cricut handheld heat press? I don’t have a lot of money to get the bigger heat press, so idk if that’s an option for me atm.

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes, but consistent pressure is very important. 😊🌻

[@alexandra6188]

@@JenniferMaker Thank you so much for your help!!! Definitely made sure to sub! Got yourself a new fan here. God bless you for helping me. Have a beautiful day now and forever~ XOXO

[@carollewis1644]

Hi Jennifer: Yesterday, I did three shirts with Hobby Lobby puff htv. The first one using blue puff htv turned out great! The next two shirts using pink puff on one shirt and yellow puff on the other shirt turned out terrible. They wrinkled and one peeled up. The shirts were all the same and the exact same temperature and time were used on the second and third shirts. Unfortunately, the shirts are ruined because the color of the puff htv tranferred onto the shirts under the puff htv (I removed some of the puff htv off the shirts). I would appreciate your thoughts on why this might of happened. I am wondering if the pink and yellow puff htv are bad. BTW, I used a very good heat press to apply the puff htv. Thanks in advance!

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm not familiar with that brand of puff vinyl. Did you use heavy pressure?🥰

[@carollewis1644]

Yes and the manufacturer's instructions stated 284 degrees for 10 seconds. I did that for all three shirts. Thanks for your quick response.@@JenniferMaker

[@j.f.montalvo7874]

I am new at this and I bought one sheet of puff vinyl just to see how it works and after cutting it with my explorer air 2 and when weeding the machine only cut the plastic part and not the vinyl. What did I do wrong?

[@JenniferMaker]

Sounds like you put it on the mat upside down. The carrier sheet side goes down on the sticky mat and you mirror the image.

[@janetgroff9670]

I saw someone had done white on white snowflakes on a hoodie why puffy htv. My question is how do you do the second side without exposing the already adhered puffy htv?

[@JenniferMaker]

A second side? Put a Cricut pressing mat inside the shirt if you are putting it on both sides of the shirt.

[@m.santos1520]

You mention to hold the firmly press for 10 seconds but I can see the heat press was set to 37 seconds. Which setup is the correct one?

[@JenniferMaker]

The Cricut Everyday Iron-On is applied longer and with more heat than the puff vinyls. Here is the tutorial with more details. jennifermaker.com/how-to-use-puff-vinyl/

[@user-bt2wn3gu7j]

I pre-washed t-shirt, tested smaller version (perfect result), used VTS Super Puff, used Cricut Easy Press - heated at 305 for 10 minutes pressing with all my weight on a cutting board. My result had a melted drip look in the center of a smiley face and it didn’t puff as much as the smaller test. What did I do wrong?

[@JenniferMaker]

It sounds like you did everything right to me. Maybe you had too much strength on it! 😃 It is trial and error. Try a test cut. jennifermaker.com/how-to-use-puff-vinyl/

[@imanfarah7791]

Hi, can you use a iron and using high pressure for puff vinyl

[@JenniferMaker]

I have not used an iron on puff vinyl but a press is an iron with controlled heat. This tutorial, a regular iron was used. jennifermaker.com/make-t-shirt-cricut/

[@SundasM]

Can we use iron instead if we don't have heat press? Iron on full (linen) setting?

[@JenniferMaker]

You can use an iron for many of these crafts. jennifermaker.com/make-t-shirt-cricut/

[@shereadsmysteries]

How did I miss the release of the Autopress? Like I didn't know about it AT ALL

[@JenniferMaker]

When we focus on something it shows up in our lives.

[@CraftingwithDelonda]

Hello Everyone

[@JenniferMaker]

I heard you stopped by!🥰

[@lindabradford9591]

Hi, Jennifer and Delonda

[@user-ns5iv8nl8j]

Hi Delonda

[@angelwhitfield7719]

Aweeeeee 🎉

[@debraburke2130]

Jennifer, can I put puff final on top of HTV vinyl

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes, if it is regular HTV.

[@judyyoung8180]

What if you have a swing away press ? You wouldn't use a chopping board with that. ?

[@JenniferMaker]

No you wouldn't. jennifermaker.com/how-to-use-puff-vinyl/

[@candyghatisingh5728]

Mine crinkled… will have to try with the board but my girl loves it…

[@JenniferMaker]

Try more pressure!🥰

[@tracyschwab4648]

When adding puff to regular vinyl, is the regular vinyl cut as an offset?

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes, if you would like to layer it 💗

[@a.m.fitness]

any tips for large puff designs? can I do it in two parts?

[@JenniferMaker]

You could but I would not repress the puff so if you want to do it in two parts make sure you can do two seperate presses.🥰

[@FozzieAndMangoDoTheTango]

Can you do it with just a mini press that you have to move around?

[@JenniferMaker]

No, the heat and pressure need to be consistent. You could do small shapes or letters with the Mini Press perhaps. 😊🌻

[@FozzieAndMangoDoTheTango]

Dang. Thank you!

[@Soulmates_DIY]

Can I use a reg iron instead of the cricut easy press?

[@JenniferMaker]

It should work with an iron that can get hot enough.

[@princessredhead4265]

Puff vinyl actually does work on nylon. There are videos on youtube that show it works well.

[@user-ci6gb4un9s]

What side do you face down on the mat? Every time I do it, the design doesn't cut.

[@jessicakay2761]

I don’t get why the plastic shiny side would go face-up!?

[@debraengle2513]

I am using a 60% cotton, 40% pokyester. My puff is all wrinkled. Please help. Does shirt have to be 100% cotton

[@JenniferMaker]

No it doesn't have to be 100% cotton. Pressure is the key!🥰

[@jeanjanssen6222]

So do not press the back side like you do with everyday iron on?

[@JenniferMaker]

No, puff vinyl cannot be pressed multiple times or it will not turn out as expected.

[@sherrynicholson8196]

I'm really confused here!! I put the puff vinyl with the shiny side up on the mat. Now that I am ready to weed the vinyl. While watching your video, you are weeding from the non-shiny side of the vinyl. That is where I am confused. HELP!!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

This weeds the same way as other vinyl. 😊🌻

[@user-jx5ns6ol8o]

Can I please know the exact name of this puff vinyl and is it readily available? I am in Australia.

[@Kim_C3]

It’s in the description box 😊

[@JenniferMaker]

Hi Karen, the vinyl is listed in linked in my blog post, jennifermaker.com/how-to-use-puff-vinyl/ 💗

[@lmlapshan]

Can you sublimate on puff htv?

[@JenniferMaker]

I don't think PU-based puff HTV does not have the chemical characteristics to bond with sublimation ink. Here are the ones that were tested. jennifermaker.com/how-to-sublimate-on-cotton/

[@heatherjensen4003]

Is it 10 seconds with pressure and that's it? Or 10 seconds with pressure and then 30 without pressure? Your easy press had 30 seconds on it

[@JenniferMaker]

It was removed at 10 seconds. Go to 10:50 in the video and you will see that 29 seconds were left when the press was lifted.

[@angelikakopek]

Is it just puff vinyl that should be washed in cold water?? I’ve always been told that vinyl should be washed in warm water because cold could make it crack……Which is correct? Thanks in advance!

[@JenniferMaker]

The recommended washing temperature for vinyl, including heat-transfer or adhesive vinyl like puff vinyl, can depend on the specific type and brand of vinyl as well as the manufacturer's instructions. It's important to follow the guidelines provided by the vinyl manufacturer or supplier for the best results. In general, many vinyl products are designed to withstand washing in cold water. Cold water is often considered gentler on the material and helps to preserve the adhesive or heat-transfer properties. However, there are vinyl products that can tolerate warmer water as well. If you have been told to wash vinyl in warm water to avoid cracking, it's possible that the advice is specific to the type of vinyl you are using or based on the recommendations of the manufacturer. Always check the care instructions provided with the vinyl or on the manufacturer's website.

[@user-ts1ti8es6m]

Where to purchase puff vinyl from

[@JenniferMaker]

There are affiliate links you can use on the blog pot. jennifermaker.com/how-to-use-puff-vinyl/

[@arthurskye]

So its okay to have a textured effect? It doesnt mean you did it wrong?

[@JenniferMaker]

Puff vinyl is textured! 🥰

[@arthurskye]

@@JenniferMaker mine had that wrinkly look, its not as smooth as you had

[@zombiefanatic8511]

Do you not need butcher paper????? To press

[@JenniferMaker]

I like to use butcher paper but there is a carrier sheet so it is not required. jennifermaker.com/how-to-use-puff-vinyl/

[@m.santos1520]

It will be helpful if you add subtitles to your video.

[@JenniferMaker]

We do have subtitles. Click on the CC at the bottom of the video.

[@m.santos1520]

@@JenniferMaker Oh, sorry I must overlook the video🥴

[@irenegaccek9274]

I’m intimidated by my cricut.

[@JenniferMaker]

Start here! We have a free series of online classes that show you how to set up and begin creating with your machine as a new Cricut owner! Here's the link to sign up: makeracademy.com/cricutkickoff