For this example of how to cut HTV with your Cameo we will be adding a name to a t-shirt.

What You’ll Need

• Silhouette Cameo machine
• Silhouette Studio (software)
• HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl)
• Weeding tool
• Cutting mat (if needed)
• Iron or heat press
• Blank garment (like a T-shirt)

Step-by-Step: Cutting a Name with HTV on Silhouette Cameo

1. Open Silhouette Studio

• Launch Silhouette Studio on your computer.
• Create a new document.

2. Set Up Your Page

• Go to the Page Setup Panel (top right icon – looks like a white page).
• • Machine: Silhouette Cameo
  • Cutting Mat: Auto (Cameo) or None (if using HTV without a mat)
  • Media Size: Match your HTV sheet (e.g., A4 or 12"x12")

3. Type the Name

• Click the Text Tool (A) on the left toolbar.
• Click on your canvas and type the name (e.g., “Emma”).
• Choose a font from the Text Style panel (script fonts like "Buttercup" or bold ones like "Impact" work well for HTV).

4. Resize the Name

• Click the name to select it.
• Drag the corner handles to resize it.
• • Tip: Keep it under 30 cm wide for small shirts.

5. Mirror the Design (IMPORTANT!)

• Select the name.
• Right-click and choose Flip Horizontally.
• • HTV cuts in reverse because it’s applied face down.

6. Select Cut Settings

• Go to Send (top right).
• Make sure the name is highlighted red (cut lines enabled).
• Material: Choose Heat Transfer, Smooth (or appropriate HTV type).
• Blade Settings (default for Smooth HTV):
• • Blade: 2
  • Speed: 5
  • Force: 4
  • Passes: 1
• Load test cut if unsure.

7. Load the HTV into Your Cameo

• Place HTV shiny side down (this is the carrier sheet).
• You can:
• • Load without a mat (if your machine supports it) OR
  • Use a cutting mat with the HTV placed shiny side down.
• Load into Silhouette by pressing Load.

8. Send to Cut

• Click Send in Silhouette Studio.
• You will be prompted to send Mirrored or Send As Is - Click Send As Is as we have flipped the design.
• Wait for the cut to finish.
• Press Unload on your Cameo.

9. Weed the Design

• Use your weeding tool to peel away the excess vinyl.
• Only the mirrored name should remain on the clear carrier sheet.

10. Press the Design

• Preheat your iron or heat press:
• • Temperature: ~150–160°C (HTV dependent)
  • Time: ~10–15 seconds
  • Pressure: Medium to firm
• Place your shirt on a flat surface or heat press.
• Position the HTV (carrier sheet on top, sticky side down).
• Cover with Teflon sheet or baking paper (optional).
• Press firmly with iron or heat press.
• Peel carrier hot or cold as per HTV instructions.

Here is a video showing how it's done:

Updated on: 08/06/2025