Behind the Scenes: Running an Etsy Shop

Behind the Scenes: Running an Etsy Shop

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Setting Up the Workspace
3. Printing and Organizing Orders
4. Getting the Heat Transfer Vinyl
5. Preparing the Vinyl for Designs
6. Using Heat and Bond for Fabric
7. Turning on the Embroidery Machines
8. Editing and Setting Up Designs
9. Hooping and Embroidering the Shirts
10. Cutting and Applying the Vinyl Designs
11. Finishing Touches and Cleaning Up

Introduction

Welcome back to my channel! In today's video, I'll be taking you through my daily routine as an embroidery and heat transfer vinyl artist. From printing and organizing orders to hooping and embroidering shirts, I'll show you step-by-step how I create custom designs for my Etsy shop. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive into my creative process!

Setting Up the Workspace

To start off my day, I head over to my dedicated workspace where I have all my embroidery machines and my trusty Cricut. This is where the magic happens! I'll give you a tour of my workspace and show you the tools and equipment I use to bring my designs to life.

Printing and Organizing Orders

One of the first things I do is print out the packing slips for my orders. This helps me stay organized and ensures that I have everything I need for each customer. I use a simple printer that I purchased from Walmart, along with an HP Insta Ink plan to keep my monthly printing costs in check.

Getting the Heat Transfer Vinyl

Once I've printed the packing slips, it's time to gather the heat transfer vinyl (HTV) I need for my designs. I'll show you the different colors and types of HTV I use, including glitter flake vinyl from Stahls. This high-quality vinyl adds a touch of sparkle to my designs and is perfect for creating eye-catching shirts.

Preparing the Vinyl for Designs

Before I start designing the shirts, I like to cut the vinyl pieces in advance. This saves me time and allows me to work more efficiently. I'll demonstrate how I cut the vinyl pieces to the right size using my experience and estimation skills. From unicorn numbers to flower designs, I ensure that I have all the vinyl pieces ready to go for each shirt.

Using Heat and Bond for Fabric

To prevent the fabric from fraying and ensure a clean finish, I use Heat and Bond light. This adhesive backing is applied to the back of cotton fabric using heat. It acts as a bonding agent, keeping the fabric intact and preventing it from unraveling. I'll show you how I apply it to the shirts, making the designs look crisp and professional.

Turning on the Embroidery Machines

With all the preparations done, it's time to plug in my embroidery machines and get them up and running. I'll demonstrate how I turn on the machines, including my favorite Melco EMT16x, which has 16 needles. These machines are the workhorses that bring my designs to life, and I'll share a few tips and tricks for efficient embroidery.

Editing and Setting Up Designs

Now that the machines are ready, I'll sit down at my computer to edit and set up the designs for embroidery. I use the In Brilliance Essential software, which is compatible with MacBooks and Windows computers. I'll customize the designs, change colors, and even add names to make each shirt unique.

Hooping and Embroidering the Shirts

With the designs set up, it's time to hoop the shirts and start the embroidery process. I'll demonstrate how I use Mighty Hoops and backing holders to make hooping easier and more precise. Whether it's puff sleeve girls' shirts or blank shirts for heat transfer vinyl, I'll show you the techniques I use to get the shirts ready for embroidery.

Cutting and Applying the Vinyl Designs

As the embroidery machines work their magic, I switch gears to cutting and applying the vinyl designs. I'll show you how I cut out the applique using specialized scissors and meticulously place the vinyl on the embroidered designs. From gold glitter flake vinyl for unicorn numbers to lavender glitter flake vinyl for mermaid designs, I'll guide you through the process of creating stunning vinyl designs.

Finishing Touches and Cleaning Up

As I continue to embroider and apply vinyl designs, I'll share a few finishing touches that make the designs stand out. I'll also give you a glimpse of the shirts I've completed during the day. Finally, we'll go through the process of cleaning up and packing the orders, ensuring that everything is perfect before sending them out to happy customers.

And that's a wrap! I hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look into my embroidery and heat transfer vinyl process. If you're interested in learning more or want to see more videos like this, don't forget to subscribe to my channel. Stay tuned for future videos, and thank you for watching!

Highlights

• Learn the step-by-step process of embroidery and heat transfer vinyl work.
• Discover how to print and organize orders to stay organized.
• Get insider tips on selecting the right heat transfer vinyl colors and types.
• Learn the importance of using Heat and Bond for fabric applications.
• Explore the world of embroidery machines and how to set them up.
• Get creative with editing and customizing designs for embroidery.
• Master the art of hooping and embroidering shirts with precision.
• Learn cutting techniques for vinyl designs and their application.
• Discover finishing touches that make your designs stand out.
• Get a glimpse of the final products and the process of cleaning up and packing orders.

FAQ

Q: Can I use an iron instead of a heat press for applying the heat transfer vinyl?

A: Yes, you can definitely use an iron as an alternative to a heat press. Just make sure to follow the instructions for temperature and pressure to ensure a successful application.

Q: How often do you need to oil the embroidery machines?

A: It is recommended to oil the machines every day, especially the Melco EMT16x and the Milk Hose. Regular oiling helps extend the lifespan of the machines and ensures smooth operation.

Q: Can I use Heat and Bond on any fabric?

A: Heat and Bond is specifically designed for use on cotton fabric. It helps prevent fraying and adds stability to the fabric. However, it is not suitable for heat transfer vinyl or embroidery vinyl.