Posted By Ahijoy On April 4, 2023

What Is Flocked Iron-On And How To Apply It?

Vinyl films have revolutionized the world of arts and crafts introducing superb innovative trends and features. A recent addition to this realm is an amazing vinyl that is both unique and highly exquisite. – the Flocked Iron-on.

There is a wide range of craft vinyl films available from matte and glossy to glitter, holographic, temperature change and glow in the dark. They exhibit an amazing variety in colors and textures that inspires both expert and novice crafters to create beautiful projects that win laurels from all. Flocked iron-on further enriches this experience. Let’s see what this vinyl is all about and how it works to create exquisite pieces of workmanship.

What Is Flocked Iron-on?

Flocked Iron-on is a form of vinyl that can be heat pressed onto any cotton, polyester or cotton/poly blend fabric to adorn shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, shoes and soft home decor. It is a thin film with a nap or flocking of polyester fibers on the surface that gives it a unique fuzzy or furry texture and a soft, luxurious feel. When touched, it feels the same as suede or velvet.

Flock Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy

Flock Heat Transfer Vinyl

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Compared to regular heat transfer vinyl, flocked iron-on is noticeably thicker and imparts a distinctive texture to your crafting projects, adding a sense of depth and dimension to them. It is compatible with all craft cutting machines and offers easy application on compatible materials. It comes with a heat activated adhesive that firmly bonds with the substrate offering durability and a long lasting experience.

The Superb Features Of Flocked Iron-On

Flocked Iron-on boasts some amazing features that aid in the process of application and pave the way for creating extremely captivating crafts. These are as follows:

Easy To Weed

Since it is differently textured, one might feel that weeding it can be difficult. This is not so. It is extremely easy to cut, weed and apply with the same settings as used for matte vinyl. Even the most intricate designs can be created without much effort. The negative vinyl comes off easily and can be picked up with a weeding pen. Once weeding is done, one might notice a little fuzz on the carrier sheet. This should not be a cause for concern as it will not transfer onto the project when ironed.

Flocked Iron-On In Layers

You can use flocked Iron-on vinyl to create beautiful layered designs. It can be used as a top or base layer, in borders or beside other specialty vinyl films. Customizing with a mix and match pattern with flocked, glitter or glossy iron-on vinyl can be a game changer.

When layering, three things are of utmost importance and have to be taken care of: time, temperature and pressure. Every layer has to be heated for one to five seconds to avoid shrinkage.

Heat Press Temperature Guide For Vinyl

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Adds Depth And Dimension

Since Flocked Iron-on has a slightly raised surface due to the fuzz and furry appearance, it adds depth and dimension to the design. Though it might seem thick because of it, this is not the case at all.. It is perfectly easy to carve on any of your favorite cutting machines. It gives an embroidered look that enhances its usage in a variety of projects.

Difference Between Regular And Flocked Iron-On

Following are some of the main differences between regular and flocked iron-on:

Regular Iron-on	Flocked Iron-on
Thin and flexible.	Slightly thick and flexible.
Smooth texture.	Fuzzy, slightly raised, soft texture.
Better suited for designs that require a smooth, uniform surface.	Gives designs a more tactile and dimensional quality, as the raised fibers create a textured surface that can add depth.
Requires normal temperature settings with regular application time as with all iron-on vinyl films.	Requires a slightly higher temperature and longer application time due to its thicker texture.
Keep the normal cut settings as with most of the iron-on vinyl films.	Due to thickness, the blade’s penetration level in a cutting machine has to be increased.

How To Use Flocked Iron-on?

At Ahijoy, premium quality flocked Iron-on is available in amazing colors. You can easily create many intricate designs from it. Here’s how to use the elegant vinyl film.

Applying Flocked Iron-On Vinyl With A Heat Press Machine

Finalize the design that you want to transfer on the fabric using the software of your choice and do not forget to mirror it.
Once it’s done, place the flocked Iron-on on a cutting mat with the shiny, vibrant side facing down. The dull side should be on top.
Cricut has a pre-programmed flocked vinyl cut setting that flawlessly cuts through the film. Alternatively, set the cut dial to ‘Iron-On+’. If you are using Silhouette Cameo, you will have to do test cuts to find the right settings. You will have to set the blade, speed and force and it depends on how sharp your blades are. Tweak your settings to get the perfect cut.
Once the design is cut, remove the negative vinyl from your design using a weeding tool such as the handy and effective weeding pen at Ahijoy.
Preheat your heat press to 320°F and set the timer for 20 seconds with medium pressure. These are recommended settings but if your vinyl manufacturer states different figures, adjust accordingly to get the best result.
Before applying flocked iron-on, preheat the clothing for a few seconds. This removes moisture and ensures that the vinyl adheres perfectly.
Put the design where you want it to be on the garment and cover it with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper. Press for 20 seconds with medium pressure.
Remove the Teflon sheet and wait for the design to cool down. Once done, remove the transparent carrier sheet and behold the beautifully transformed fabric.
If pressing multiple layers, take care of applying the right amount of heat so as not to damage the vinyl.

Applying Flocked Vinyl With A Household Iron

Follow the previously mentioned instructions until it is time to apply heat. Now do the following:

Use dry household iron, not the one with the steam function.
Do not carry out the process on an iron board. Work on a flat, hard, steady surface.
Set the iron dial between cotton and linen.
Place parchment paper or Teflon sheet over your design and press applying pressure firmly for 30 to 60 seconds.
Do not slide the iron from side to side. Be sure to apply heat and pressure evenly to the whole design.
Remove the parchment paper and peel off the carrier when the design has cooled down. If the design lifts with the carrier, press that area again for 10 seconds with a parchment paper on top to adhere it properly.

Project Ideas For Flocked Iron-on

Now that you know what flocked Iron-on vinyl is and how it can be applied, let’s see how many different kinds of amazing projects you can create with it.

T-shirts And Shirts

Young children enjoy wearing shirts with their favorite animal or cartoon character's face on them. It would be good if the decal was pleasant and soft to touch. Flocked Iron-on is perfect for creating this type of design. It also revamps shirts for elders making them look chic and classy.

Sportswear

Flocked Iron-on can be used for transferring numbers on sweatshirts; making team shirts with identical designs; and caps with the team logo or initials on them. Even if you are not a member of a team but support one that is your all-time favorite, you can paste its name on your t-shirt with flocked vinyl and wear it when you watch the game.

Logos

Flocked iron-on vinyl looks a bit like embroidery and can be used as an alternative to it. Uniforms, may they be corporate or those of schools, can use the vinyl to create their logos on the shirts at competitive rates. It can be used in dance costumes as well or on shirts for a chorus group.

Bags

You may customize your backpack or tote bag with flocked Iron-on. Transfer a unique design or your initials on the bag to give it a personal touch. Tote bags are excellent gifts for birthdays or Halloween. They may hold a variety of goodies. To make the design more fascinating, use flocked Iron-on along with metallic vinyl.

Socks

When you have too many identical socks at home, it is wise to label them. You can put your initials on them using flocked Iron-on vinyl so that you can easily match them after washing. For this, you can use either white or black vinyl. You may also customize Christmas socks by combining flocked and glitter iron-on vinyl.

Pillowcases

Pillows are cozy and squishy. Personalized pillowcases with a smooth, suede-like material that is comfortable to sleep on are ideal. When using flocked Iron-on for this sort of project, you can't go wrong.

Soft Home Decor

There is so much you can do to revamp your home décor using flocked Iron-on vinyl. You can transfer beautiful designs on lamp shades and bed throws. You can create wall hangings using compatible fabrics. You can also make creative patterns on table runners to make dinner time extra special.

Sublimation On Flocked Iron-On Vinyl

Flocked iron-on can be used for sublimation. The white colored one available at Ahijoy is perfect for it. The process is pretty simple.

Cut the vinyl in the design that you want to apply on the fabric and weed out the unwanted film. Transfer it on the fabric.
Print the same design in a slightly bigger size on sublimation paper using the special ink specifically made for it.
Flip your sublimation sheet on which the colored design is printed and place it on the vinyl, aligning it with the design on the shirt. Secure it with a thermal tape.
Put parchment paper on top and apply heat and medium pressure for 60 seconds. After the time is up, remove the sublimation paper and get ready to be amazed by the captivating colorful design transferred on white flocked iron-on.

Care Instructions

Below are the instructions to be followed to get the best out of the vinyl:

Before starting the process, check the specific cutting and ironing instructions for flocked Iron-on. It is imperative to do a test cut before cutting the actual design. If you detect any problems in the results, you may use this opportunity to make appropriate corrections.
Pre-press your clothing to eliminate any creases and moisture before transferring the vinyl.
Flocked iron-on should be applied for 15-20 seconds at 320°F (160°C) with medium pressure. However, follow the instructions of the manufacturer for best results.
Cold peel is recommended. Once you have transferred the design, let it cool down before removing the carrier sheet.
If you have applied flocked Iron-on to a fabric, it’s recommended to wait at least 24-48 hours before washing the item.
Use lukewarm water and a gentle detergent to wash the fabric with hands. If it is a shirt, flip it inside out.
Do not use bleach or any other harsh cleaning agents.
Let it dry naturally for longevity away from the sunlight.
Before wearing, iron the shirt inside out as well. Do not apply heat to the design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Flocked Iron-on is not your typical sort of vinyl. It has a unique texture and is useful for amazingly distinctive and beautiful crafts projects. It has a slightly furry surface that makes it look like suede or felt, and adds depth and richness to your design. Creating different projects using flocked iron-on is innovative and fun. At Ahijoy, we have amazing colors in flocked iron-on available in three roll sizes for your convenience. You can buy as much as you want without worrying about wastage. Grab a roll and give it a try on an apron or a t-shirt. You will instantly fall in love with this vinyl!