I have a free Rad Dad SVG that's perfect for any of the Father's Day gifts you want to make this year. You can use this design to make shirts, mugs, cards, totes, cake toppers, and more.
Depending on what you're making, you can use HTV, regular vinyl, or even change the colors and use sublimation.
If you want to add this design to a shirt using HTV, my how-to-use Iron-on tutorial is a great starting place.
How to Make a Rad Dad T-shirt with HTV
To make a Rad Dad t-shirt, begin by gathering the supplies.
I am using HTV and a t-shirt for this project, but you can make signs, shirts, flags, ornaments, etc, with this design. You could also easily use this free SVG to create sublimation projects.
Supplies Used
- Free Rad Dad SVG
- Cricut Machine
- Cutting Mat
- Weeding Tool
- HTV
- Brayer
- EasyPress
- EasyPress Mat
- T-shirt (or other blank)
Step 1 – Download the Free Rad Dad SVG File
To download the file, click here and enter your first name and preferred email address. If you already receive my emails, you will not be signed up for anything extra, and the file will be sent directly to your inbox.
Download the file to your computer. If you're using Design Space, use the SVG file. I've also included JPG and PNG files that you can use for sublimation or printed projects.
Step 2 – Upload the Free SVG into Design Space
To make your project with a Cricut machine, upload the file into Design Space. If you've never done that, my How to Use an SVG with Design Space tutorial can help.
Step 3- Measure Your Shirt
To make sure you size your design correctly, measure the shirt in the location you want it. I am placing mine on the chest, and because the design is essentially a square, I want it to be right in the center of the chest.
If you're using a different design, make sure you measure both the height and width available on your blank so you don't end up wasting materials.
Step 4 – Adjust Free SVG in Design Space
With the design on the canvas, you can resize the SVG to fit your blank. Remember, if you separate the layers or change colors, you need to select all the layers when resizing so you don't end up with a distorted image.
Remember – the colors on the canvas do not dictate the color of your project. The color of HTV you add to the cutting mat will be the color of your project.
Step 5 – Cut Out the Iron-on
With the design resized, we're ready to cut out the HTV.
Load the iron-on material onto the cutting mat, shiny side down. I typically use the LightGrip mat for regular iron-on materials. I also like to use a brayer to make sure the HTV is stuck to the mat without any bubbles under it.
Next, load the mat into the machine.
Cricut Iron-on calls for the Fine Point Blade. You can use any Cricut machine to cut HTV. If you have a smaller machine like the Joy or Joy 2, you may need to separate your layers to get the design as big as you want.
Click Make and then choose the material you're using. Load the mat and press Go.
If you're using a new machine or material, don't forget to do a test cut. Test cuts help ensure your cuts are deep enough without cutting all the way through the backing.
Step 6 – Weed Away Excess Vinyl
When the machine has finished cutting, unload the mat and use a weeding tool to remove any excess Iron-on. Make sure you get the inside pieces, including the insides of the letters.
Step 7 – Locate the Design on the T-shirt
Preheat your shirt to remove wrinkles and moisture before adding the HTV. Having moisture in the blank can prevent the adhesive from sticking.
When locating the design, if possible, avoid seams. If you're pressing over a seam, use the EasyPress mat or another heat-resistant mat to raise the pressing area.
This allows the seam to press down into the mat so you have an even surface when pressing.
The back of iron-on material is not sticky until heat is applied. Relocate the design as needed until it's exactly where you want it, and then press it down.
If your carrier sheet isn't very sticky, use heat-resistant tape to hold it in place.
Step 8 – Apply Heat
I am using my EasyPress and EasyPress Mat for this project.
My design fits under the heat plate so I can press the whole thing at one time.
When the time is up, remove the heat and follow the instructions for your iron-on material. If it is a cold peel, allow it to cool completely before trying to remove the carrier sheet.
Even if it says hot or warm peel, I allow it to cool for at least a few seconds so the adhesive can bond to the fabric.
Step 9 – Remove the Carrier Sheet
Slowly remove the carrier sheet, making sure the HTV is stuck down really well.
Step 10 – Enjoy Your Finished Rad Dad Shirt
After pressing, your shirt is ready to wear or give as a gift. I do recommend waiting at least 24 hours before washing.
I really like how this t-shirt turned out, and I love how versatile this free Rad Dad SVG is. You can add it to a mug, keychain, hat, or shirt as I did.
I had fun making this design; don't forget to grab the free SVG today so you can make your own projects in time for Father's Day.
If you have any questions about making a t-shirt with HTV, leave them in the comments, and I'll be happy to answer them for you.
