Sublimation on socks Tutorial

Sublimation on socks tutorial! Get everything it takes to customize socks in the best way.

Sublimation on socks can be somewhat difficult. This is because most polyester socks are uncomfortable to wear, even though they work for sublimation. But here’s the solution for that! Right here is the sublimation process for three types of socks, all of them work perfectly for sublimation and most importantly, are comfortable socks.

First let’s look at the general supplies for the sublimation on socks tutorial.

Supplies needed

Long Sock form
Tapered sock form
Sublimation paper
Sublimation printer
Heat tape
Butcher paper
polyester socks

First of all, it it important to know that the sock forms stretch the sock, this is important so that no white areas are left when sublimating. With this we will be stretching the sock, simulating that we are wearing it, and the design will get into all the spaces of the fabric.

Keep in mind that there are different types of sock forms. It depends on the size of the sock and the type of sock. To clarify, these are completely reusable, making it a worthy purchase.

How to sublimate socks?

First of all, it is possible to sublimate faces, mascots, a full color image and anything you want to make fun socks. The very first step to sublimate is to get the design, measure the sock and size the design accordingly. Find some designs for this project HERE.

After that, insert the sock into the form. There are two ways to do this. One is to put the sock inside the form as it comes folded, side to side. The second option is to put the sock on the form by positioning the front and back of the sock on the form. The result is not the same, because the meeting lines will look different.

When applying the second option, we must solve a small problem. At the back is the heel of the sock, and it is not going to lay flat like the rest of the sock. We have to fold it and decide which part is going to be white. Because it’s a little tricky to completely sublimate the heel.

Well, once the sock is inside of the form make sure it is well aligned. Lint roll it and pre-press to remove any moisture. Set the heat press to 400 degrees for about 40 seconds, apply medium pressure and in this case peel it hot. Most importantly, let the sock cool down for about 30 seconds before removing it from the sock form.

Above all, don’t forget to use butcher paper on the bottom and top of the design, and also use heat-resistant tape to prevent the design from moving.

Recomendations

Double-sided sublimation

Here are some recommendations in case you are going to sublimate both sides of the sock. First sublimate one side only. Once it is ready and cold, turn it over. This step is very important, roll the sock a little bit on both sides until you can see a little bit of the design, this way both sides of the design will be joined.

If you sublimate directly on the back side without moving the sock, there will be a white line in the joining points of the designs. To clarify, depending on the design, and how you want the sock to look it will be better to sublimate them from the sides or from the front and back.

When it comes to sublimating the back of socks, keep in mind that sometimes heat tape can leave marks. This is because the back of the socks are somewhat cushioned and the heat tape gets marked, so keep that in mind, you can put larger designs so you don’t put tape on the bottom.

Polyester and cotton sock

This mixed sock is made of polyester and cotton. On the upper part is the polyester fabric which allows us to sublimate it, and on the lower part is almost 100% cotton so it is comfortable to wear. In this case it is possible to sublimate only one area of the sock.

While placing the design it could move to the cotton area of the sock if the design is too big. In that case, the mark will probably rub off with the first wash. But if you don’t want to take that risk, simply measure the polyester surface and cut the design to the exact size.

Fully polyester sock

In this case, the sock is made entirely of polyester. Here is an ankle sock and a streetwear sock of this type. So the barriers in terms of design are lower. It is possible to add a full pattern, funny faces or whatever you want. A tip: if the sock is too big and you have a small printer sheet, you can print the elements separately, cut them out and start placing them all over the sock. The elements do not need a specific order and they will look cool.