How to Layer HTV Using Slice and Set

Have an HTV project with a lot of layers? Use Cricut Design Space to “slice and set” your image and give it a layered look without actually layering vinyl. Plus get this free Outer Space SVG to make a cute project of your own!

There are quite a few ways to layer iron on materials when using your Cricut or other cutting machine. In today’s post, I’m going to be sharing how to use the “slice and set” method for layering HTV. While it takes a bit to set up in Cricut Design Space, it’s worth it because your HTV project will wash better and last longer.

I’m also using a cute Outer Space SVG—you can grab that for free below! My boys just got done with a local “space camp” where they did all sorts of space-themed activities and learned about outer space. They loved it so I know they’ll love this project!

Why Use Slice to Layer Iron On?

The slice and set method can be used with any type of HTV (or even adhesive vinyl), but it’s particularly good when using specialty products that shouldn’t be stacked, like glitter HTV or holographic HTV. This allows you to get that layered look without actually layering vinyl.

It’s also good for projects with a lot of layers. The more layers of HTV your project has, the more chance it will have to peel or crack in the wash. Using the slice and set method, all of your vinyl is attached to your blank (t-shirt, tote bag, etc.) versus stacking the iron on.

Download the Free Out of this World SVG under SVGs C472

This file can be found in my Free Craft Resource Library. The file number is: C472.

Want access to this free file? Join my FREE resource library! All you need is the password to get in, which you can get by filling out the form below!

How to Use the Slice Tool in Cricut Design Space

I’ve decided to use holographic heat transfer vinyl for the dome of the UFO, which means I’ll want to use the slice tool to avoid layering it on top of the black vinyl and running the risk of poor wear and tear later.

Get everything you need to make this project at my Amazon shopping list!

First, upload the SVG into Cricut Design Space. You’ll notice the dome layer, the UFO body, the lights, and the text are each a different color. If you select the whole design, you’ll notice the slice tool is grayed out at the bottom of the Layers Panel on the right. You cannot select it because you can only slice two layers at a time.

Now, I’ve changed the colors in Design Space to match more closely to what I’m using in real life.

To begin your slice, select just the dome layer and the UFO body layer. You can now use the slice tool!

Click Slice. You’ll get four resulting layers: the original black UFO body layer which is now in two pieces, and then two silver dome layers. The dome was split into two because of the way this design was created. We want to keep the dome as a single layer, which we will fix shortly. Select and delete the overlapping part of the design. In this case, it’s the black middle piece of the dome.

Now, we’ll combine the two halves of the dome back to one layer. Select both pieces and select Weld under the Combine tool.

It is one layer again. You’ll notice the lights moved underneath the black body layer. That’s okay!

Let’s repeat the slice process for the remaining lights layer. Select the body layer and lights layer.

Click Slice. You’ll now see three more Slice Results: the black body layer with the lights cut out, the yellow lights, and a black lights layer.

Delete the black lights layer. Once that layer is deleted, you’ll see the original image with sliced layers. This will allow you to place the design together like a puzzle instead of layering layer on top of layer.

If you have additional layers, continue to select the base layer and one more top layer until all layers are sliced.

To make it easy on myself, I am also going to weld the dome layer and the words, since I’ll be cutting both out of the holographic vinyl.

Finally, resize the image to fit your shirt! For this kid’s medium fleece, I’m using an 8″ width for my image.

Cutting Your File on Your Cricut

Click Make It in the upper right. You’ll see a pop-up that asks how you want to load your material into your machine. For this project, I’m using “On Mat.”

Then in the Prepare Screen, make sure to mirror all of your layers, so they will adhere the correct direction once cut.

Finally, in the Make Screen, choose your material. I chose holographic iron on for my first layer and regular Everyday Iron On for my other two layers.

Cut each of your layers using your Cricut!

How to Use the Set Method to Layer Iron-On Vinyl

Now that you have all three UFO layers sliced and ready to go, let’s talk about how we’re going to layer them.

To start, I typically layer all of my layers just to make sure everything fits the way I expect it to. In this case, we have four layers total (one for the text).

When I’m happy with placement, I’ll peel back everything except for the bottom layer. In this case, I’m starting with the black UFO layer. This helps me determine exactly where the rest of my design will go.

I adhere using my EasyPress (see my post for adhering iron-on vinyl here—it includes information for using your iron, EasyPress, or heat press). I like to use a piece of butcher paper or a teflon sheet when pressing multiple layers. This ensure my EasyPress doesn’t touch any vinyl I may already have on the shirt.

Using the EasyPress or other heating method, adhere this bottom layer using the recommended temperature for regular iron on, which is 315°. I do a shorter press here—usually 15 seconds.

Then carefully peel off the carrier sheet (remember to check whether your iron on is warm or cool peel). It won’t be as “set” as it would if you used a longer press. But this is okay—you will press three more times and it’ll be perfectly set at the end. If it doesn’t peel, however, give it another 10-15 seconds under the press.

Be sure you place a pressing cloth or teflon sheet over your design to protect the vinyl from your EasyPress heat plate. You don’t want the pressed vinyl to bubble or warp without the carrier sheet. Peel off the carrier sheet.

Place your second color where it fits within the design.

For the yellow lights layer, I place it into the black dome image and press. I make sure to cover the design with a protective sheet so my press doesn’t stick to the previously pressed HTV.

Now, it’s time for the final color. In this case, I am using my silver holographic vinyl. This specialty vinyl is the main reason I wanted to slice this particular design. Layering isn’t recommended with specialty HTV products. The holographic vinyl would bubble. So, I’ve chosen to add my words and the dome last.

For this layer, we’re going to do a longer press–I like to do the full 30 seconds recommended.

Flip the project over and press from the back for another 15 seconds to get the iron on vinyl to really adhere to the shirt.

Viola! You’re done! I hope this helps you feel more confident when slicing and layering vinyl!