FAQ

Why can't I purchase letters directly from your website?

Our website does not take orders directly from customers. You can find all of our products at Hobby Lobby locations nationwide and at HobbyLobby.com.  If you require larger quantities, you can place special orders through Hobby Lobby.  Please inquire with one of their sales associates.    

What do you mean by fine cloth or pressing cloth? What is that?

A pressing cloth is a piece of thin fabric that you put over your letters when ironing to protect them from scorching. If you don't have an actual pressing cloth (usually sold with sewing supplies), you can use a handkerchief, a bandana, 1 layer of a t-shirt, or 1 layer of a pillowcase. Do not use a towel or washcloth — these are too thick and will prevent your letters from adhering properly.

If some of my letters aren't ironing on even though I've followed the instructions on the package, what should I do?

The key to a permanent bond is a combination of heat, pressure, and time. Use the highest heat setting on your iron that your fabric will allow. First, remove the paper liner from the back of the letters.  Arrange the letters to your liking, cover them with a pressing cloth, then iron the front with firm pressure for 30 seconds. Turn your garment inside out and iron the back for 30 seconds again with firm, even pressure. If applying a name or word with multiple letters, iron one section at a time to ensure all letters are receiving the proper amount of heat, pressure and time. 

Do all of your letters have a paper liner on the back?

All of the individually packaged letters have a paper liner that needs to be removed before ironing.  These are sticky-back letters and the paper liner protects the adhesive until the letters are applied. Peel away the paper liner and place the letter in position. This lets you check alignment before committing. If the position isn't right, simply peel the letter off and reapply until you're satisfied.  The Joy letters sold on sheets do not have a paper liner. 

What materials and/or fabrics should I avoid when ironing on my letters?

Always check the fabric care label. Leather, plastic, and waterproof materials cannot be ironed. In these cases, use fabric glue or sew on your Joy letters and numbers.

How do I dye the letters?

You can use fabric markers, fabric dye (liquid or powder), or fabric paint. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow the dyed letters to dry fully before ironing.

How do I wash my embellished garment?

Wash inside out in cold water and air dry. Joy letters may also be dry-cleaned.

If the care label doesn't indicate heat tolerance, how do I know how much heat to use?

Check the fabric content. Natural fibers like cotton or wool can handle more heat. Man-made fibers like polyester require lower heat — compensate by adding more time and pressure.

I purchased a full sheet of letters and I'm having trouble removing some of them. What should I do?

Occasionally, after laser cutting, the heat seal re-migrates and a letter "sticks" to the base fabric. Using a small sewing scissor or X-Acto knife, carefully cut around the outline of the letter, avoiding the threads.

How do I remove ironed-on letters?

Reheat your iron to the same settings used when the letters were first applied. Cover the letter with a pressing cloth and iron with firm pressure for 30 seconds. Immediately remove the pressing cloth, grab an edge of the letter with tweezers, and peel it off. Caution: the letter will be hot. In most cases there will be enough adhesive to reuse the letter. Any leftover residue on the garment can be removed while still hot using blotting paper or a small piece of cloth.