What is cut-only film?

Cut-only film is a type of heat transfer vinyl (HTV) that’s cut into shapes or text and then heat pressed onto garments. It’s ideal for simple, single-colour designs like names, numbers, or bold logos.

What kind of designs work best with cut-only film?

Simple designs! Think:

• Block lettering
• Bold logos
• Individual names or numbers

Because the film is cut, not printed, it’s not suitable for:

• Fine detail
• Gradients
• Shading
• Photographic elements

What fabric types are suitable for cut-only film?

Cut-only film works well on most standard fabrics like:

• Cotton
• Polyester
• Polycotton blends

It’s not recommended for:

• Stretchy garments
• Waterproof jackets
• Textured or heat-sensitive fabrics (like nylon or technical synthetics)

If you’re unsure, our team can check the garments before you order.

Can I use multiple colours in a cut-only film design?

Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. Each colour has to be cut and applied separately, which:

• Increases cost
• Increases risk of misalignment

For multi-colour artwork, DTF or Supacolour is usually a better and more efficient option.

How durable is cut-only film?

Very durable when applied correctly. It holds up well to regular washing and wear.

For best results:

• Wash inside out
• Use cold or warm water
• Avoid high heat in the dryer
• Don’t iron directly over the design

How is cut-only film applied?

Here’s the process:

• We cut your design from coloured vinyl
• Excess vinyl is “weeded” (manually removed)
• The film is heat-pressed onto your garment

The result is a clean, solid finish that sits on top of the fabric.

Is cut-only film cost-effective?

Yes—for simple applications like:

• Personalised names
• Jersey numbers
• Small one-colour logos

For complex or large designs, other methods (like DTF) may offer better value.

Is there a minimum order for cut-only film?

No minimum! You can order one item if you like.

Just note: very small runs with complex weeding may be less economical due to the manual labour involved.

What is weeding in cut-only film?

Weeding is the process of carefully removing the unwanted vinyl around and inside the design after cutting.

The more intricate your design, the more time it takes to weed—so pricing may vary.

What are the limitations of cut-only film?

Limitations include:

• No gradients or fine detail
• Not ideal for stretchy or textured fabrics
• Thin lines or small cut-outs may not apply cleanly
• Not suitable for high-movement or friction-heavy garment areas

Can I use cut-only film for personalised items like names or numbers?

Absolutely—this is one of its best uses.

Perfect for:

• Team jerseys
• Work uniforms
• Event shirts
• Kids’ names on hoodies or bags