Frequently Asked Questions
What are your business hours?
Business hours are typically 8am-4pm ET, Monday thru Friday with the exception of federal holidays and any previous out of office postings.
How can I best reach you?
For any questions about items or to inquire about your order, please email sales@handmadepiecesco.com. Please do not message my personal Facebook page or utilize any other social media outlet for official means of communication. Other forms of communication may not receive a response. All inquiries are responded to within 24-48 business hours.
What is your latest processing time?
Please refer here for the latest processing times and additional important information regarding proofs.
Do you have recommended Instructions for your sublimation transfers?
For polyester clothing, I use 385° for 50 seconds on my heat press but each press may differ. A home iron or easy press will not be sufficient for these transfers. Use a sheet of butcher paper inside the shirt and on top of the design. Use a fresh sheet of butcher paper for every press in the case that the colors bleed onto the butcher paper. Do not use Teflon paper. I suggest cutting the transfer as close as possible to the design to help reduce the chance of transfer sheet marks. I recommend using heat tape which is for keeping the transfer in place and prevents ghosting. Very light pressure is needed for sub transfers compared to vinyl work. For other substrates, I recommend following the seller's suggested time and temperature settings.
Do you have recommended Instructions for your HTV transfers?
Peel the back carrier sheet away and you’re ready to press. I also recommend using a heat press with these transfers to ensure the correct pressure is being used.
Before pressing your transfer, preheat your garment for 3-5 seconds at 315°F. Place your already masked transfer onto your garment and press for 315° for 15 seconds with medium pressure. Peel the carrier sheet while hot, but slowly.
After pressing, place the transfer tape back on the backing or use it on the next transfer as it is reusable. I’ve gotten as many as seven uses from one piece before it lost the tact.
Care Instructions: Wait 24 hours before washing. Wash inside out using mild detergent. Do not bleach. Do not dry clean. Tumble dry low or hang to dry.
What kind of software is needed for digital files?
For the SVG cut files, cricut design space or silhouette studio are the main two programs used to resize and then send design to the cutting machine.
For PNG files, if you wish to do print and cut files, cricut design space or silhouette studio will also work. For sublimation use, Adobe photoshop is a good program to use or there are free versions of software such as Inkscape that allows you to print and control colors.
Please know how to unzip the files downloaded and how to install and upload the images to the program you wish to use. Due to many different programs, I am unable to offer support for the software.
If you have any questions, please ask before purchasing!
Do you recommend Facebook Groups for Software?
Due to various editing programs and software, I am unable to assist in technical questions. However, below are very helpful Facebook groups that cover common questions and are helpful if you need to post.
Cricut for Beginners:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/397046684451465
Silhouette for Beginners:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/909100232603037
Photoshop for Beginners:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/412945412561533
Inkscape For Crafters:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/inkscapeforcricut
Sawgrass User Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SawgrassUsers
Sublimation with Epson Printers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/312277649582321
What is a ZIP file and how do I use it?
A ZIP file is a storage format that allows me to compress several images into one convenient file for download. You will need an extraction program. Most desktop and laptop computers are already equipped with a suitable program. If not, a quick Google search will pull up a multitude of free programs available for you to download.
Most Macs today will automatically unzip the ZIP file for you after download. If not, try double-clicking the ZIP file and it should unzip.
Most PCs already have an extraction program installed such as WinRAR or WinZip. Try right-clicking the ZIP file and then choose the “Extract” option.
If you are using a mobile phone or tablet, you may need to download a third-party app to open ZIP files.
Why is my shipping cost so high?
Your shipping cost may be high for two possible reasons. If you are ordering multiple garments, they are over one pound and must be sent the more expensive way thru USPS.
The second reason may be that you have both transfers, decals, stickers and garments in your cart. These items ship different and it’s combing the cost into one for you and based off weight showing you a higher price. I suggest placing two different orders for these items in order to have a lower/flat rate shipping cost for the transfer/decal/stickers. If you have any questions about this, please message me.
How can I view the wholesale collection?
My wholesale collection is a strict business to business sales. In order to view all items, please register for an account here: https://handmadepiecesco.com/products/wholesale-account-registration