I know it is the month for all things scary but there is nothing scary about buying a shirt, sweatshirt, etc. with a monogram done with heat transfer vinyl (HTV).  Heat transfer vinyl has recently gotten a bad reputation for not lasting on your favorite shirt.  I believe the increasing popularity of home vinyl cutters is the biggest reason for this opinion.  Most people with hobby type vinyl cutters do not have a heat press to properly apply HTV.  All heat transfer vinyl no matter what kind, has specific instructions on temperature, amount of pressure and time the vinyl should be pressed for the correct outcome.   Most irons do not have a setting where you know the exact temperature and it is just about impossible to guarantee the same amount of “correct” pressure to a design.  Temperatures for HTV can vary anywhere from 305 degrees to  330 degrees.  The pressure could vary from light to firm.  (this is a specified range on a heat press) not on an iron.  It is also recommended for most HTV that you do not use fabric softner on your shirts where HTV has been applied.  Fabric softner can cause your lettering to come off your garment.

I personally have tee-shirts and sweatshirts that are over three years old with heat transfer vinyl monograms that look just as good as the day they were done.  Don’t be afraid to get monograms done with heat transfer vinyl, just know the person you are trusting to complete your order has the knowledge and expertise to do the job correctly.  If you love monograms, HTV is a nice way to add to your collection and is usually a little less in price than embroidery.  Just be aware not all fabrics/items can be pressed with heat transfer vinyl.  If a fabric will melt with exposure to higher temperatures, or can not be pressed firmly on a heat press, it would not be a good candidate for HTV.  I hope you decide to expand your monogram collection with heat transfer vinyl.