Table of Contents
Watch the video: “Sublimation Tote Bags: Tips and Tricks for Perfect Prints” by Angie Holden Makes
If you’ve ever pulled a tote from your press only to find press marks or a slightly blurry design, you’re not alone. In this guide, we walk through the exact tips demonstrated in the video to help you get crisp, vibrant results on polyester tote bags—every time.
What you’ll learn
- How to choose tote bags that actually sublimate well (and how to test unknown blanks safely).
- A prep routine that prevents blur and press marks: preheat, lint roll, and insert foam.
- Placement and taping tips that stop shifting and ghosting.
- Heat settings and pressure technique used in the demo.
- How to finish cleanly and smooth out any puckering.
Choosing the Right Sublimation Tote Bags Polyester Content Matters The video starts with a crucial truth: not all totes are equal for sublimation. Look for polyester—100% is best, but 65% or more can work. Bags that specifically say they’re for sublimation are the safest bet. The presenter sublimates two different blanks; both are labeled for sublimation. If you’re exploring other polyester options, use caution—some inexpensive reusable grocery-style bags can melt at sublimation temperatures.
Watch out
- Unknown polyester blends can melt at high heat. Protect your press with a full sheet of protective paper during any test pre-press.
- If you see melting during the test, stop before wasting a print.
Testing Unknown Bags Working with a tote that doesn’t list sublimation instructions? The video recommends a long pre-press at high temperature with protective paper covering the entire bag. This pre-check reveals whether the material can handle the heat and protects your press if it cannot. If there’s any sign of melting, discard the bag for sublimation use.
Pro tip Stick with bags sold as sublimation blanks when possible. The video shows how dramatically this reduces risk and inconsistent results. magnetic embroidery hoop
Recommended Blanks The host demonstrates two tote styles: one from Artiste and another sourced from Amazon; both are made for sublimation. One standout example has a black bottom and handles yet a sublimatable canvas-feel body, producing a sharp book design in the demo.
Essential Supplies for Sublimation Tote Bags Heat Press & Protection Gather protective paper, heat-resistant tape, heat-resistant gloves, scissors, and a lint roller before you begin. You’ll also need a heat source capable of reaching sublimation temps—an EasyPress is used in the demo, but any heat press that reaches the required temperature will do. Keep fresh protective paper on hand for both the test pre-press and the final press.
Quick check
- Does your heat source reliably reach at least 400°F?
- Do you have enough protective paper for each press?
Sublimation Prints & Paper Print your designs using sublimation ink on sublimation paper. The host uses two free designs (a baby fox and a stack of books). Make sure your prints are ready to go before you heat up the press. The video does not specify mirroring, so follow your printer/software requirements as usual.
Pressing Aids To prevent press marks and elevate the print area above seams and stitching, the video uses a heat-resistant foam insert cut slightly smaller than the print. The edges of the sublimation paper are torn by hand to create a soft, jagged border; this helps avoid sharp paper edge imprints on fabric. Slip the foam inside the bag, and cover the foam with protective paper so it stays clean of ink and reusable.
Watch out Don’t skip the protective paper over the foam—ink transfer can stain it and shorten its usable life.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sublimating Tote Bags Prepping Your Tote Bag
- Preheat: Lay the tote flat on a pressing mat. For the specific tote in the video, the instruction is 400°F for 45 seconds. If your blank doesn’t include instructions, the host suggests 385°F for 55 seconds as a general guideline that works well in her setup.
- Purpose: This preheat drives out moisture, relaxes wrinkles, and allows any initial shrink to happen before the print goes on—key to avoiding blurred results.
- Cool and lint roll: After preheating, let the tote cool, then lint roll the entire print area thoroughly to remove fibers and dust.
Inserting Pressing Foam & Protective Layers
- Cut the foam: Size it just smaller than your print area.
- Tear your print edges: Soft, torn edges help prevent harsh paper lines on fabric.
- Insert and protect: Place the foam inside the tote under the future print location and cover it with protective paper to keep the foam clean. Make sure everything lies flat.
From the comments One viewer asked where to buy the interior foam. The creator replied that Heat Press Nation carries a suitable heat-resistant foam. embroidery machine for beginners
Securing Your Design
- Placement: Center your design face down, ensuring the foam sits directly underneath and the torn edges of the paper extend slightly beyond the foam’s footprint.
- Tape: Use heat-resistant tape at the very edges so the tape hangs off the foam and won’t emboss the tote.
- Protect: Cover with a fresh sheet of protective paper before pressing.
Pro tip Taping only at the outermost edges, beyond the foam insert, helps keep the main print area flawless by avoiding tape impressions. magnetic hoops for embroidery
The Perfect Press: Settings and Technique Recommended Heat Settings The video shows 400°F for 45 seconds for a specific labeled tote bag. If your tote doesn’t come with sublimation instructions, the host suggests 385°F for 55 seconds as a good general starting point. Consistency matters—make sure your press actually reaches and holds the target temperature.
Applying Even Pressure Add your press on top of the protective paper and apply medium pressure, compressing the foam approximately halfway. This raised, cushioned surface helps even out the pressure across the design and reduce potential press marks.
Watch out Don’t over-press to the point of distorting fabric. The goal is consistent, medium pressure—just enough to compress the foam and fully contact the print.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dull or patchy color: Check time/temperature; many totes need the 385/55 or 400/45 range shown. Ensure full print coverage under the press.
- Ghosting: Usually from print shifting. Tape thoroughly at edges and avoid moving the paper until the tote cools slightly after pressing.
- Press lines: Tear your paper edges and keep tape off the foam area as demonstrated.
From the comments An HTVR brand heat press should work, according to the creator’s reply in the comments. Another viewer asked about all-over prints; the creator noted seams often create unavoidable shadows when pressing over them. magnetic embroidery frames
Sublimate the Design and Reveal With the design taped and protected, press at the appropriate settings with medium pressure. After the timer, lift the press and carefully remove the protective paper and transfer sheet. Avoid shifting the paper while the tote is still very hot.
Achieving Flawless Results Removing Materials Safely Remove the foam and inner protective paper from the tote. If the center area looks slightly puckered from compression (common when using foam), that’s okay—handle finishing next.
Addressing Press Marks and Puckering If you see light marks at the edges or minor buckling, lightly press around the outside edges—not directly over the design—using a sheet of paper as a buffer. The video shows you can use a larger press, a small iron, or an EasyPress Mini to smooth the surrounding area without re-pressing the design itself.
Why Preheating is Crucial (and what happens if you skip it) The video provides a stark example: a fox design that looks blurry due to insufficient preheating. Polyester can shrink under heat, and if it shrinks while the transfer is happening, edges may soften and fine details can mush. Thorough preheating offloads that shrinkage in advance and drives out moisture to keep details crisp.
From the comments
- Printing on both sides: Yes—do one side first, then the other.
- Crisper prints from an Epson setup: The creator advised that ICC profiles don’t make images sharper; try a print head alignment. Another commenter added that upsizing images can blur them; use artwork at or above final size for best fidelity. hoop master
Finishing Options and Variations The host shows two finished totes that feel like canvas but are polyester for sublimation: one with a clean fox design, and another with a stack-of-books design on a tote with a black bottom and handles. It’s a good reminder that you can get a classic canvas look and still gain the color pop of sublimation—provided the fabric content is right.
Beyond Personal Use: Gift Bag Ideas Custom Gift Packaging Totes make reusable gift bags. The host suggests using them as a wrap-and-give option—the recipient gets a useful bag as part of the present. Designs like the fox or the book stack are perfect for themed gifting.
Reusable and Eco-Friendly Gifts Because the tote itself gets reused, it’s a practical, lower-waste alternative to paper wrapping or single-use gift bags. Keep a small stash of sublimation-ready totes on hand for birthdays, holidays, and teacher gifts. mighty hoop
FAQ
- What material works best? Polyester—100% is best, 65%+ can work. Look for blanks labeled for sublimation.
- What settings should I use? The demo shows 400°F for 45 seconds for a specific tote; if yours provides no instructions, 385°F for 55 seconds is the host’s general go-to.
- How do I avoid press marks? Use pressing foam or a pillow slightly smaller than your design, tear the paper edges, and tape at the far edges so tape hangs off the foam.
- Can I press with an EasyPress? Yes. The video uses an EasyPress and shows how to apply medium pressure and compress the foam by about half.
- Can I press over seams? It’s tricky; seams may cause shadows or uneven transfer. Consider designing within a seam-free zone.
Safety and Prep Reminders
- Always protect your press and foam with clean protective paper.
- Test unknown totes with a long pre-press to check for melting.
- Wear heat-resistant gloves when handling hot materials.
From the comments: size, paper, and sourcing
- Print size: Keep designs within your paper size, or tile larger designs in sections. The creator kept to regular paper in the demo.
- Protective paper reuse: You can reuse it as long as no ink transfers to it.
- Where to buy foam and blanks: The creator points to Heat Press Nation for foam; the specific tote links are in the video description.
If you also embellish totes with embroidery Many makers combine sublimation for color with embroidery for texture (think monograms over prints). If that’s you, plan your design so stitching avoids heavy seam stacks. You might also explore tools that speed hooping and reduce fabric distortion when you do add stitches later. dime magnetic hoop
Pro tip When pairing embroidery with sublimation, stitch after sublimation to avoid flattening stitches with heat, and test on a scrap to check for any color shift near needle penetrations. magnetic hoops for brother
Wrap-up With the right polyester tote, thorough preheating, a smart foam insert, and disciplined taping and protection, you can achieve crisp, vibrant prints that look professional. Practice the routine from the video—preheat, lint roll, foam + protective paper, accurate placement, medium pressure—and you’ll see the difference. Then finish cleanly by smoothing the surrounding area only, and enjoy your new favorite custom tote or reusable gift bag.
Final watch-out If your tote looks slightly yellowed or “burned,” your temperature/time may be too high for that fabric; try reducing heat and be sure to cover the entire item with protective paper, as noted in the comments by the creator. brother embroidery machine