What To Do
Take what you've been doing and turn it upside down -- literally. Instead of laying your shirt on the press with the collar away from you, simply flip it around to have the collar closer to you. This may seem unnatural at first, since the transfer will be facing away from you, but once you switch to this technique, you'll never go back to the old way.
Pressing your shirt with the collar laying at the back of your press can cause more than a few issues, including:
• Misalignment of the Transfer: With the collar further away, it's harder to accurately align the transfer, increasing the chances of crooked or off-center designs.
• Longer Production Times: The extra time needed to ensure correct placement from a distance slows down your overall pressing process, reducing efficiency.
• More Frequent Mistakes: The awkward positioning makes it easier to make mistakes, such as placing the design upside down or in the wrong spot.
• Strain on Your Back: Constantly bending over to reach the collar can strain your lower back, leading to discomfort or even injury over time.
Now, let's look at why making the simple switch of laying your shirt with the collar closer to you will benefit your DTF Transfer business.
Benefits of Laying the Collar Closer to You
Makes Alignment Easier, Increases Accuracy
This technique allows you to position the transfer directly in front of you, making it easier to look straight down on the design rather than having to peer further down into the press. This closer, more natural line of sight eliminates much of the guesswork involved in aligning the transfer, ensuring that your placements are spot-on every time.
Additionally, using our Alignment Ruler Set in conjunction with this method enhances precision even further, giving you consistent, professional results with every press. By minimizing the chances of misalignment, this approach guarantees a perfect finish, reducing the need for rework and improving overall efficiency.
If you're worried that the transfer may shift or get displaced while you're pressing, use our Thermal Heat Tape to secure the transfer onto the garment. This is a great tool when pressing on hats, bags, or other accessories. You can read more about how thermal tape works here.
Speed Up Your Pressing Workflow
Loading the collar closer to you speeds up the pressing process by minimizing unnecessary movements. When the collar is within easy reach, you can quickly place the transfer in the correct position without having to stretch or bend, which streamlines the workflow.
For example, instead of reaching further down the press to adjust the garment, you can simply place it in front of you, align the transfer, and press -- all in one fluid motion. This eliminates the extra time spent on repositioning or correcting mistakes, which adds up significantly over the course of a large order.
Employing this method will cut the time it takes to position each shirt on the press by up to 50%. This extra time opens up the opportunity to increase your production during the workday, enabling you to press more garments and ultimately generate more revenue. By optimizing your workflow with this technique, you’re not just working faster -- you’re setting the stage for greater profitability and business growth.
Relieve the Stress on Your Back
By loading the collar closer to you, you’re not only minimizing immediate strain on your back but also combating the long-term effects of repetitive bending, which can lead to chronic fatigue and discomfort. Constantly bending over throughout a workday puts undue stress on your lower back, leading to muscle fatigue, stiffness, and even potential injury over time.
In the long run, reducing this strain can help you avoid downtime caused by pain or injury, allowing you to maintain a more consistent and productive workflow. A healthier work environment means fewer missed days, which translates to a more efficient and profitable business. By optimizing your loading technique now, you're investing in the long-term well-being of both yourself and your business.
