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Introduction

Sweatshirts are popular clothing wear for both genders. Though, they are considered casual wears, they can also be dressed up with the right accessories to make them formal. Sweatshirts are comfortable, soft, and warm, and they come in different sizes, colors, and designs. However, not all sweatshirts come pre-treated with a heat-setting agent to prevent them from bleeding or fading after washing. Heat-setting is a process of applying heat to the fabric to make the paint pigment bond with the fibers permanently. In this article, we will look at how to heat set sweatshirts using the dryer method.

Why Heat Set Sweatshirts?

When you buy a new sweatshirt, it is important to check if it is pre-treated for heat-setting. If not, you need to heat-set it to prevent the colors from bleeding or fading after washing. Heat-setting is especially important for sweatshirts with vinyl, screen-print, or sublimation designs. Without heat-setting, the design may peel or crack after washing, which can ruin the shirt.

Materials Needed for Heat-Setting Sweatshirts with the Dryer Method

1. Sweatshirt(s)

2. Iron

3. Ironing board

4. Parchment paper or pressing sheet

5. Dryer

6. Dryer sheet

Steps for Heat-Setting Sweatshirts using the Dryer Method

Follow the steps below to heat-set your sweatshirts using the dryer method.

Step 1: Pre-heat your Iron

Before placing the sweatshirt in the dryer, you need to press it first with an iron. Set your iron to the temperature recommended on the paint or dye package. Place the sweatshirt on your ironing board and iron it for about 30 seconds to remove any wrinkles.

Step 2: Cover the Design with a Parchment Paper or Pressing Sheet

To avoid direct contact with the design, place a piece of parchment paper or a pressing sheet over it. This will prevent the design from sticking to the iron or melting off.

Step 3: Iron the Design

Iron over the parchment paper for 3-4 minutes using medium to high heat. Ironing will help the paint or dye penetrate the fibers of the shirt, making them bond together.

Step 4: Re-Iron the Sweatshirt

Remove the parchment paper or pressing sheet, and iron the sweatshirt again for about 30 seconds. This will ensure that the heat is evenly distributed across the shirt.

Step 5: Place the Sweatshirt in the Dryer

Place the sweatshirt in the dryer with a dryer sheet to help reduce static cling. Dry it on high heat for about 30-45 minutes to set the design.

Step 6: Remove the Sweatshirt from the Dryer

Take the sweatshirt out of the dryer, and check if the design is still intact. If it's still there, then you have successfully heat-set the sweatshirt using the dryer method.

Conclusion

Heat-setting sweatshirts is an important process that should not be overlooked. By heat-setting your sweatshirt, you protect the colors and design from fading or bleeding. It also helps to make the design permanent, ensuring that it does not crack or peel off after washing. The dryer method is an easy and convenient way to heat-set your sweatshirts at home. Remember to pre-heat your iron, use a parchment paper or pressing sheet, and dry the sweatshirt on high heat for about 30-45 minutes. Follow these simple steps, and your sweatshirt will be ready to wear without worrying about the colors fading or bleeding.