Dollar Tree Sublimation Ideas: Dozens of Options!

Instructions

STEP 1: GET OR PREPARE A SUBLIMATION DESIGN

First, download my Dollar Tree Sublimation Ideas PNG/JPG files from my free resource library. It's Design #399. There are several options, or you can make your own design using one of the plain backgrounds.

Today, I’m going to make the twinkle PNG design on a fleece blanket and the love design on a canvas. Then, I’ll show you how to sublimate a photo onto a glass cutting board.

We'll print the PNG designs on a good-quality sublimation paper for the best results. I’m using A-SUB paper in my Epson EcoTank with Hiipoo ink. You can use another combination, of course. Just make sure you use compatible supplies.

You can find all my best tips on printers and materials in my Ultimate Guide to Getting Started with Sublimation.

It's important to print sublimation designs at the correct dimensions, so measure your items and record the dimensions that you want to decorate.

The fleece blanket is 27" x 31" and our design is 10" x 6.5" so that will fit nicely in a corner.

The canvas is 8" x 10" and I want to cover the whole thing (even the edges, I'll show you how to do it safely) so I’ll print the design as large as I can on my letter-size paper.

And the glass cutting board is just under 8" square, so I’ll print the part of my photo I want to use at that size.

These items are pretty easy to measure since they’re rectangles or very large. If you’re sublimating all over an irregular item, like a shaped plaque, you’ll need to make the design large enough to completely cover it. Measure the item as if it’s a rectangle so you can see the widest and tallest area you want to cover.

Once you have the measurements, follow the steps on my How to Print Sublimation Designs from FREE Software: Google Docs tutorial to size and print the designs.

You can also print your files through Design Space, but they won't be quite as high-quality and you will be limited to the available Print Then Cut working area.

If you'd prefer to use Design Space, start a new project and upload your chosen JPG file.

Under Image Type, select "Complex" and click "Continue."

On the Background Remover page, choose the "Select" tool under the Manual options.

Click the white background on the image to remove the white areas. Then click "Apply & Continue."

Select "Print Then Cut Image" and "Upload."

Now you can print the sublimation design like a Print Then Cut image using Cricut's printing process. Remember to set your printer correctly and follow the settings from my How to Print Sublimation Designs from FREE Software: Google Docs tutorial. Once it's printed, be sure to trim off the black registration box.

NOTE: if you’re adding a photo to a glass cutting board like me, put it on the back so it doesn’t come into contact with food and lasts much longer! That means we don’t need to mirror the photo during printing.

STEP 2: PREPARE YOUR BLANKS

Preparing items for sublimation depends on the surface and project you're making. I used the Autopress for these projects, and will note where you can use other heat press options.

Fleece Blanket

Use a lint roller to remove any extra fluff in the area you plan to press. Pick off any stubborn pieces, too. Since we’re dyeing the fibers, you want a clean, uniform surface. Run your hand over the area to make the fibers go in the same direction, too. This is more important on fabric with fur or individual fibers, but even fleece can have some pieces sticking in the wrong direction.

Preheat the design area at 350° F for five seconds to remove any moisture.

Trim the excess white paper away from the design. Then, gently rip around the edges so you won’t have a sharp indent on the fabric. This is an important step for any project where the paper's edge will be pressed into the item, like the cloths, socks, pillow, and garden spinner.



Canvas

Solid surfaces are easy to sublimate IF they’re made out of a material that can receive sublimation dye ink. If the surface won't work with sublimation ink, you can add a layer of lamination material and then decorate that.

Start with a laminating pouch large enough to cover your item. Use your scissors to carefully cut along the seam so you have two flat pieces.




Then cut the sheet to a bit larger than the size of your item. If you’re sublimating on an irregular shape, cut the laminating sheet large enough to cover its rectangular dimensions and trim it afterward.



I’ll use the Autopress to adhere my laminate to the canvas. Temperature, time, and pressure amounts vary a lot between materials and presses, so check the manufacturer’s settings. You can use my settings as a general guide. And since we’re heating up plastic and later working with sublimation dye, open a window and set up a fan to improve your ventilation. You don’t want to breathe in the fumes from either process!


Heat the press to 350° and set the timer for 30 seconds.

We need to protect the press from the laminating sheet. Place white cardstock on the pressing area and then add the canvas face up. Add a second piece of cardstock if the canvas is close to any edges. Put the laminate on top of the canvas with the shiny side up.


Cover the materials with white, uncoated butcher paper.

Once the press comes to the correct temperature, press it until the timer goes off. Let the canvas and laminate cool for a few seconds. Then remove the butcher paper.



The melted laminate might stick to the cardstock, that's why we added the protection. Just trim off any excess with a craft knife.



Glass Cutting Board

Laminating the glass cutting board is pretty similar. Adjust the heat to 400° and set the timer for 60 seconds.

We’re going to add the image to the back of the glass so the plastic and dye won’t come into contact with food. While the press heats up, pull the little rubber feet off of the cutting board and set them aside. The spatula helps if they're stuck. Then, clean both sides with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth.



Place new white cardstock on the pressing area and add the cutting board, face down. Add the laminate, keeping the shiny side up, then put new butcher paper over the top.

Once the machine comes to the correct temperature, press it until the timer goes off. Let the board and laminate cool for a few seconds. Then remove the butcher paper and check it out! Again, peel it off of the cardstock and trim off any excess laminate with a craft knife.

STEP 3: SUBLIMATE YOUR ITEMS

These are the settings that work best for me after a lot of research and experimentation, but always check your items for guidance.

Fleece Blanket

Preheat the Autopress to 350° and set the timer for 60 seconds.

Lay down fresh white cardstock to protect your press. Then place the corner of the blanket in the press and place the design face down where you want it to be. Use heat resistant tape to keep it in place.

Make sure the whole design will be under the heat source. Cover the whole thing with white butcher paper and close it once it heats up.

After the time is up, carefully remove the butcher paper but let the design and blanket cool for several seconds while the dye sets. Then peel off the tape and paper to reveal the design!

It might look a little squished right now, but the fibers will puff back up a bit after a gentle wash.

Canvas

Preheat the Autopress to 350° and set the timer for 60 seconds again. Replace the white cardstock and place the canvas face up on the pressing area. Gently center the design face down on top and secure it with heat resistant tape.



You might be able to reuse the pieces from the blanket if they aren’t too fuzzy. Then add the butcher paper and press!

Follow the same steps to carefully remove the cooled layers. It will look kind of like a painting!

Glass Cutting Board

Preheat the Autopress to 400° and set the timer for 60 seconds. Replace the white cardstock and place the board face down on the pressing area. Gently center the image face down on top and secure it with heat resistant tape.



Then add the butcher paper and press!

Once you’ve removed the cooled layers, you can stick the little rubber feet right back in place. Instant heirloom!

STEP 4: SHOW IT OFF

Blanket

Care: Machine wash: cold or warm, not hot. Gentle detergent. Dry: low heat or air-dry cycle.

Canvas

Cutting Board

Care: Wipe clean with warm soapy water and a gently cloth and towel dry. Do not microwave or put in the dishwasher.