Getting Started with DTF Printing — CraftyJet™ Edition

If you’re new to direct-to-film (DTF) printing and want an easy entry into custom apparel and merchandise — especially for crafts, small batches or personal business ventures — the CraftyJet™ is a fantastic choice.

What is DTF printing?

Direct-to-Film printing involves:

1. Printing your design onto special DTF film.

2. Applying adhesive powder.

3. Curing (if required).

4. Heat-pressing the transfer onto a garment or other fabric.

DTF delivers full-colour prints that work equally well on light or dark fabrics — perfect for personalised gifts, home décor and small-batch production.

Why CraftyJet™ is ideal for crafters and small-scale printing

• Compact & easy to use — The CraftyJet™ is intentionally built for home studios, small workshops or craft rooms. Its modest footprint means you don’t need a dedicated production space.

• Affordable and inclusive — Price includes VAT, a 12-month warranty, a full set of consumables, and software to get started.

• Perfect for personalisation and low-volume runs — With a print width of 29 cm and linear print speed of ~ 3 m/hour, you can easily produce custom T-shirts, tote bags, cushions and more without large-scale investments.

What you need to get started (Consumables & supplies)

To get the best results with CraftyJet™, you should use original CraftyJet™ consumables.

That includes:

• CraftyJet™ CMYKW DTF inks — high-quality inks designed for vibrant, long-lasting transfers.

• CraftyJet™ DTF adhesive powder (500 g) — essential for proper bonding during transfer.

• CraftyJet™ DTF film (hot-peel, 33 cm width) — the special media your design prints on before pressing to the garment.

• Cleaning supplies — e.g. IPA cleaning wipes, foam swabs or cleaning solutions to maintain print heads and ensure consistent output.

• Heat press or curing/finishing unit — for pressing the transfer onto your fabric and curing adhesive for durability.

Simple Workflow to Launch Your Craft Business

1. Design your artwork (high-resolution digital file).

2. Load the DTF film into CraftyJet™ and print your design using the CMYKW inks.

3. Apply adhesive powder; shake off excess.

4. If needed, cure the film (depending on media and adhesive).

5. Use a heat press to transfer the design onto your fabric (T-shirt, bag, cushion, etc.).

6. Peel the film (hot or cold as required) and press again if needed for durability.

7. Check quality (wash-test, check adhesion) before packaging or selling.

This workflow lets you produce anything from single, personalised pieces to small-batch orders, ideal for gifts, craft markets, e-commerce stores, or building a micro-brand.

Best Use Cases for CraftyJet™

• Hobbyists starting from home who want to experiment with DTF printing.

• Small businesses or artisans offering custom goods (e.g. personalised tees, tote bags, cushions, home décor).

• Entrepreneurs testing what designs and products sell before scaling up.

• Makers focusing on short runs, limited-edition items, or bespoke orders.

Why Go for Original CraftyJet™ Consumables

Using inks, films, powders and cleaning supplies specifically made for CraftyJet™ ensures:

• Optimal print quality — crisp, vibrant colours and solid white ink underbase.

• Reliable adhesion, durability and wash-fastness.

• Consistent performance and lower risk of head clogs or print failures.

Final Thoughts

For anyone looking to start with DTF printing at home or run a small-scale custom merchandise business, the CraftyJet™ makes high-quality DTF printing accessible, affordable and easy to manage. With the right consumables and a simple workflow, you can quickly turn creative ideas into finished products, from personalised gifts to small-batch store items.

Ready to get started? Our team is here to help with setup, support or equipment and consumables recommendations.