Create spooky & fun Halloween Hand Towels using Sublimation! Sublimated Halloween Hand Towels will hold up wash after wash…or even if you wash your hands to the bone like these skeleton hands {wink!}
If you are new to Sublimation you can read about How I Converted an Epson Ecotank to a Sublimation Printer. You can also read everything you need to know in my Sublimation Basics post.
Pin Halloween Hand Towels
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I decided to decorate my downstairs restroom with a skull theme for Halloween. Instead of ordering some hand towels, I had the idea to use Dollar Tree Microfiber Car cloths and my sublimation printer in order to make some myself! These are super budget-friendly if you already have a sublimation setup.
No sublimation printer? No problem! You can also use black infusible ink sheets from Cricut or Amazon and cut these with your Cricut or Silhouette machines and apply. Find my tutorial for cutting sublimation sheets here.
Why use the sublimation method?
Iron-on is totally an option here and works great for decorative use. When you need them for function, the sublimation method is the way to go as it basically infuses the ink with the fabric instead of glueing on a layer of vinyl.
I used flocked iron-on for these fun Ho Cubed towels for Christmas and then I also used fabric paint for these spring towels. There are many options here to create this project! I even mod-podged leaves on fabric napkins for fall and those are surprisingly still kicking! Use what you have, however, sublimation is permanent!
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Notes on Hand Towels to Sublimate
Look for a high polyester count (more than 60%) when choosing hand towels to sublimate! Also, think outside of the box! I am using cloths intended to polish and clean your vehicle but these will work perfectly to sublimate my design and use as hand towels as they are 100% polyester AND have an amazing price point of $1.25. The Microfiber will be perfect for drying hands.
You can use a towel with cotton, the design will just not be as vibrant.
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Supplies for Halloween Hand Towels:
- Sublimation Printer
- Sublimation Paper
- Heat Press or EasyPress
- High-Polyester count hand towels – order online and pick up in-store!
- Heat Safe Gloves
- Heat Resistant Tape
- Lint Roller
- Butcher Paper
You can find all the supplies needed for this project on my shoppable image on my Amazon storefront!
You can find all the supplies for sublimation my Sublimation Amazon Storefront! You can find the Sublimation Ink & Paper also on Hiipoo’s website!
Where to find Designs for Halloween Hand Towels
Today I used this set of skeleton hands from Etsy. as well as one from this set at DesignBundles.net
How to Sublimate a Halloween Hand Towel
Time needed: 10 minutes
Create long-lasting and custom Halloween Hand Towels using sublimation and your favorite spooky designs!
- Preheat your press
I set my EasyPress 2 to 400 degrees F for 40 seconds. I also used the Cricut EasyPress Mat
- Print your design
Print the design using your Sublimation printer or cut the design using sublimation in sheets and a Cricut or Silhouette. I have linked to detailed tutorials on both above in the post if you need those.
- Prepare the design
Gently tear the sublimation paper around the perimeter of the design. This helps to not see a border once you press your design.
- Lint Roll the towel
Use a link roller to remove any small threads, fuzzies, or particles that can affect your design.
- Preheat area
Press for 5-10 sections to preheat your area. This removes any moisture in your hand towel. Allow to cool before placing the design otherwise you may experience some ghosting.
- Place Design
Place your design and use heat-safe tape to secure it in place.
- Place butcher Paper
Place a sheet of butcher paper underneath the towel as well as a sheet on top of your design.
- Press your design
Press at 400 degrees F for 40 sections applying medium pressure. Keep the press plate still, do not move around while pressing to prevent ghosting.
- Unveil Design
Remove the butcher paper sheets as well as the taped-down design to reveal your finished design! Enjoy!
Comments & Reviews
Nancy Kerner says
Hi! This is fantstic. I’m new to sublimation, so I’m wondering -I thought the only things that could be sublimated on was special products speciifically for sublimation. So we can do this on the DT towels? Obviously you can but I looking for clarification.
Thank you!
Cheryl Spangenberg says
You need polyester materials or blanks with polyester coatings. Since these dollar tree towels are 100% poly, they work perfectly. You can find out more on the blanks needed here: https://www.thatswhatchesaid.net/sublimation-101-sublimation-for-beginners/#h-supplies-needed-for-sublimation