DIY Custom Hoodie With LOKLiK IPrinter

In this love-expressing month, I wanted to create a hoodie that serves as a reminder—to myself and to anyone who sees it—that you deserve the love that makes you grow and empowers you. This project is a heartfelt way to celebrate self-love and positivity through creativity. In this instructable, I'll walk you through how I designed and printed my hoodie using a combination of digital tools and DTF (Direct to Film) printing. Let’s make something special together!

• Computer or tablet with internet access

• Rawpixel.com for design elements

• Canva for design editing

• LOKLiK iPrinter DTF printer

• DTF transfer film and powder

• HTVRONT Auto Heat Press

• Plain hoodie (cotton or cotton-blend works best)

1. Gather images: I sourced graphics from Rawpixel.com. For this project, I choose a heart, hug hand gestures, roots, and a flowering plant to illustrate self-love and growth.
2. Edit & customize in Canva: Using Canva (Pro feature), I arranged the images, adjusted the colors, and added text to finalize my hoodie design.
3. Export the final design: Save the design as a high-resolution PNG file with a transparent background to prepare it for DTF printing.

1. Load the DTF printer: Insert the DTF film into the LOKLiK iPrinter DTF printer.
2. Print the design: Use the DTF printer to print the design onto the film.
3. Apply DTF powder: Sprinkle DTF powder evenly over the printed design while it is still wet.
4. Cure the powder: Use a heat press or oven to cure the DTF powder, ensuring it bonds properly.

1. Heat press settings: Set the HTVRONT Auto Heat Press to:
2. Temperature: 155℃ (311℉)
3. Time: 15 seconds
4. Position the design: It is advisable to briefly preheat the garment, iron out any wrinkles, and eliminate any moisture within the fabric. Place the DTF film (printed side down) onto the hoodie.
5. Press the design: Close the heat press and apply pressure for 15 seconds.
6. Peel the film: Once cooled, carefully peel off the DTF film to reveal the design of the hoodie.

Cure the design: Press the hoodie one more time with a protective sheet on top for 5 seconds to ensure durability.

Wash & care: To maintain the design, wash inside out in cold water and air dry or tumble dry on low heat.

And that’s it! Now you have a unique, custom-designed hoodie made with DTF printing, and I absolutely love how the design turned out with such high quality. As a craft enthusiast, I enjoy exploring tools that make DIY projects easier and more professional-looking. The LOKLiK iPrinter has truly been a game-changer, especially for those looking to turn their passion into a small business. Whether you're making custom T-shirts, hoodies, or tote bags, this printer allows you to create high-quality, personalized products with ease. Happy crafting!

Quinzy Varira | Instagram | TikTok | Blog