Will Sublimation Ink Reactivate? Oven Mitt Blank Heat Test

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE SUBLIMATION OVEN MITT DESIGNS

First, download my Sublimation Oven Mitt files from my free library – look for Design #721. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

In the PNG folder, you’ll find right- (“rt”) and left- (“lft”) handed versions of four vintage-style cooking-themed designs with fun phrases. I made these designs with the help of AI art generation and adjusted them with image editing software. You’ll also find a printable pattern for an oven mitt insert to help the blank stay flat so your sublimation ink transfers better.

The PDF folder contains an alternate version of the insert that you can print and cut by hand. The SVG and DXF folders contain versions of the insert that you can use on cutting machines.

I’ll show you how to use these files to create the insert and press the sublimation image onto an oven mitt.

TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip and upload files.

STEP 2: PRINT AND CUT THE OVEN MITT INSERT

NOTE: SVG and DXF files are provided and can be used if you choose to cut cardboard on a cutting machine. See my How to Cut Cardboard with a Cricut tutorial for more information.

1. If your oven mitt blank is different from the one in my list, use a tape measure to measure its width at the base and at the widest part (thumb area).
   NOTE: The oven mitt I’m using measures 5.5” at the base and 7” at the widest part.
   TIP: Even if you use the blanks in my supplies list, it’s always a good idea to verify that the size matches.
   
   
   
2. Then measure the height from the base to the point where the thumb and hand meet, as well as the total height of the oven mitt.
   NOTE: The oven mitt I’m using is 6.5” from the base to the thumb and 10.25” from the base to the top.
   
   
   
3. Open Google Docs in the Google Chrome web browser on your computer.
   NOTE: You will need a free Google account to use the free Google Docs software.
   TIP: You can also download and open the Google Docs app, but you won’t be able to install or access any printer profiles from a mobile device, and you’ll also have limited access to features, so I do not recommend it on a mobile device.
4. Click “Blank document” at the top left to open a new document.
   
   
5. Go to the “File” menu and select “Page setup.”
6. Make sure the bubble next to “Portrait” is selected to better fit the mitt’s orientation.
7. Change your “Paper Size” to match your copy paper size. I’m using 8.5” x 11” or letter-size paper.
8. Change your margins to “0” to use more of the page.
   
   
9. Click “OK” to apply the settings.
10. Click the area that says “Untitled document” at the top and type a name for the file.
11. Go to the “Insert” menu, select “Image,” and select “Upload from Computer.”
12. Select the “oven-mitts-insert” PNG file.
    TIP: You’ll most likely find it in your Downloads folder.
13. To make sure the image prints at the correct size for the insert, select it and click “Image Options” at the top of the canvas.
    
    
14. Select “Size & Rotation.”
15. Keep the “Lock aspect ratio” box checked to maintain the design’s proportions.
16. Change the “Width” field to 6.59”. The “Height” field will automatically adjust proportionately to 10.14”.
    NOTE: If your blank’s measurements are different from mine, you may need to adjust the sizing of your insert here. I recommend starting with a larger size than you think you’ll need – you can trim away any excess if necessary.
    
    
17. Click the image and select the “Wrap text” icon from the menu that appears below it.
    NOTE: This setting lets you move the design anywhere on the page.
    
    
18. Click and drag the image to the center of your page to ensure it doesn’t get cut off at the edges.
    
    
19. Go to the “File” menu and choose “Print.”
20. Select your inkjet printer under “Destination.”
21. Click the arrow beside “More Settings,” and then click “Print Using System Dialog.”
    
    
22. Your print menu may look different - just make sure the inkjet printer is selected, and that your paper size and orientation match your copy paper.
    
    NOTE: If your printer has a “Draft” quality, I recommend switching to that to save ink.
23. Load the copy paper correctly into your inkjet printer.
    NOTE: Check the packaging for information on how to load the paper.
24. Click “Print.”
25. Use scissors to cut out the printed template.
26. Use a marker to trace the template on a sheet of cardboard.
    
    
27. Use scissors to cut the cardboard to the right shape.
28. Your insert is ready for use in right-handed and left-handed mitts!
    

STEP 3: PRINT YOUR SUBLIMATION OVEN MITT DESIGN

1. Follow Steps 3-10 from the “STEP 2” section of this tutorial. Be sure to change your paper size to match your sublimation paper. I’m using 8.5” x 14” or legal-size paper.
2. Go to the “Insert” menu, select “Image,” and select “Upload from Computer.”
   NOTE: If you’re using a Windows computer, see my tutorial on printing sublimation designs from Google Docs for specific steps.
3. Select the sublimation design you want to use. I’ll demonstrate with the “special-rt” PNG to sublimate the “I Am The Special Ingredient” design on a right-handed mitt.
   
   
4. Click “Open.”
5. With the image selected and the “Image Options” menu open, change the “Width” field to 8” so it takes up most of the paper while leaving space for a white border around the image. The “Height” field will automatically adjust proportionately.
   NOTE: If your oven mitt is a different size, you may need to adjust your print size so the image’s text fits on the blank. Make sure the print is at least ¼” larger than the oven mitt on all sides for best results.
   
   
6. Click the image and select the “Wrap text” icon from the menu that appears below it.
7. Click and drag the image to the center of your page to ensure it doesn’t get cut off at the edges.
8. Go to the “File” menu and choose “Print.”
9. Select your sublimation printer under “Destination.”
10. Click the arrow beside “More Settings,” and then click “Print Using System Dialog.”
    
11. Your print menu may look different - just make sure the sublimation printer is selected, that you “mirror” the print if you haven’t already, that your paper size and orientation match your sublimation paper, and that you select the highest quality matte paper setting.
    NOTE: The “Mirror” option is sometimes labeled as “Flip Horizontally.” If you’re having trouble finding these options, they are sometimes found under a “Layout” section or tab.
    
    
12. Load sublimation paper correctly into your sublimation printer.
    NOTE: Check the packaging for information on how to load the paper.
13. Click “Print.”
14. Allow the print to dry before handling it, as the ink can smear.
    
    NOTE: The printed design will appear lighter before pressing.
15. Your print is ready to press!

STEP 4: SUBLIMATE YOUR OVEN MITT

PREPARE THE OVEN MITT AND INSERT

1. Creases can interfere with your transfer, so I’m going to use an EasyPress Mini to remove them before sublimating. First set the temperature of your EasyPress Mini to High.
   
   NOTE: I recommend preparing your blank using the EasyPress Mini for safety and maneuverability, but a small household iron can also work if you’re very careful with it!
   TIP: High-quality oven mitts have fewer stubborn creases and poorly sewn seams, so I recommend purchasing a good blank, like the one in my list. They still might have creases, so always check.
2. Place your pressing pad on your work surface.
3. Put on heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.
4. Roll up a lint-free cloth and place it against the joint where the thumb meets the hand on the non-sublimation side of the oven mitt.
5. Stretch the mitt around the cloth to flatten the creases as much as you can, and use heat-resistant tape to hold it in place.
   
   
6. Very carefully use the Mini press to flatten the creases in that area, about 10-15 seconds per press.
   NOTE: Always place your Mini press back on the base after using.
   
   
7. Unwrap the mitt and lay it with the white sublimation side face up.
8. Set aside the cloth and remove your gloves.
9. Press the mitt’s bottom seam with the Mini press to remove any wrinkles.
10. Adjust the edges so the white side of the mitt doesn’t hang over the seam, or you might still have white areas after sublimation. Use the Mini press to crease the edges if needed.
    NOTE: For the best press, you want as much of the white sublimation side to be face up and flat as possible.
11. Slightly bend the larger half of the oven mitt insert lengthwise, and then slide the insert into the oven mitt.
    NOTE: Because the top of the mitt is wider than the base of the mitt, you won’t be able to insert the cardboard without bending slightly. DO NOT fold at the thumb joint or the cardboard won’t lie flat and you’ll end up with un-sublimated spots or wrinkles in your final press.
    
    
12. Unfold the insert as you slide it into the mitt, pushing it against the seam and pulling the fabric as flat as possible.
    
    
13. Take three pieces of heat-resistant tape about 3" long and attach them to the inner lining at the mitt’s opening, evenly spaced, between the mitt and the insert. Leave half of each piece of tape sticking out, sticky sides facing up. DO NOT place the tape against the sublimation side, or ink will not transfer to those areas.
    
    
14. Stretch the mitt flat against the insert, then tuck each piece of tape down the other side of the insert, so the sticky side faces down. Press the other side of the mitt against the sticky tape to secure it in place.
    
    
15. Use the Mini press to flatten any remaining wrinkles or creases along the seams.
    
    
16. Turn off your EasyPress Mini and set it aside.

SUBLIMATE THE DESIGN ONTO YOUR OVEN MITT

IMPORTANT: As with all sublimation projects, turn on a fan and open a window to improve your ventilation before beginning.

1. Set the temperature of your EasyPress to 385°F (196°C) and the timer to 15 seconds.
   
   TIP: I’ll use the settings that I’ve found work the best for this type of project, but if you’re not sure where to start, check out my Sublimation Cookbook to get time and temperature settings for tons of sublimation projects!
2. Use a lint roller to remove any dust or debris from your oven mitt blank.
3. Place the oven mitt sublimation-side up on your pressing pad, then cover it with a sheet of white, uncoated butcher paper.
4. Cover the entire area of your oven mitt with the EasyPress and preheat the blank for 15 seconds to remove moisture.
   NOTE: If your EasyPress doesn’t cover the whole mitt, press one end at a time for 15 seconds, overlapping in the middle to make sure you’ve pressed the entire surface of the blank.
5. Lift the EasyPress straight up.
   NOTE: Always place your press back on the base after using.
6. Carefully lift away the butcher paper and set aside the preheated oven mitt to cool.
7. Place your print face-up on your work surface.
8. Hold your oven mitt blank-side down and position it on top of your print so it covers the area you want to transfer, leaving a border of ink around the oven mitt to ensure full coverage.
   
   NOTE: Make sure the words are fully covered and positioned correctly.
9. Place heat-resistant tape around the sides of the oven mitt to secure it to the print. DO NOT tuck the tape under the mitt or ink will not transfer in those areas.
   
   
10. Place a sheet of white cardstock onto your pressing pad to protect it from any ink that may escape during the sublimation process.
    TIP: The cardstock should be clean and free of any ink or other marks that could transfer to your blank during sublimation.
    
    
11. Flip your oven mitt so the print is on top and place it on top of the cardstock. Make sure the cardstock is under the entire design.
    
    
12. Place a fresh piece of white, uncoated butcher paper on your oven mitt to completely cover it.
13. Make sure the EasyPress has come up to temperature, and set the timer for 45 seconds.
14. If your EasyPress is larger than your blank, cover the entire area of the oven mitt with the EasyPress and heat it with heavy pressure for 45 seconds to sublimate the print.
    TIP: Keep even pressure on both sides of the press for best results.
    
    
15. If your EasyPress is smaller than your blank, press one end with heavy pressure for 45 seconds, then lift your EasyPress straight up and move it to the other end and heavily press for another 45 seconds.
    TIP: While pressing the first end, use a non-sublimation ink pen or marker to draw a guide mark next to the press to show which area has been covered. Use the guide mark to make sure you slightly overlap the covered area when pressing the other end.
16. Lift the EasyPress straight up to avoid ghosting or blurring.
17. Allow the mitt to cool slightly, then remove the protective paper.
18. Allow your oven mitt to cool completely.
19. Once the mitt is cool, peel the tape from the mitt to release and remove the sublimation paper.
    
    
20. Your image is sublimated onto the oven mitt and ready to be used!

STEP 5: SHOW IT OFF

You now have a fun design sublimated on an oven mitt! You can use it as decoration, or to protect your hands from burns.

I’ve tested the sublimated oven mitts on hot dishes up to 450°F (232°C) with no ink reactivation.

So you can safely use your mitt to handle items straight from the oven without worrying about fading!