Sublimation Blankets: Blanks, Steps and Large Prints
How to sublimate a blanket: fleece, minky and sherpa backed blanks, a step by step press, large blankets on small presses, press lines, ghosting and care.
Blanket blanks table, numbered press steps, sectioned pressing on small presses, avoiding press lines and ghosting, and care.
A sublimation blanket is a polyester fleece, minky or plush blanket, sometimes with a sherpa back, that has a white or light, smooth polyester face to take a sublimated print; large blankets need a wide format press or careful sectioned pressing, with tape and protective paper on every press.
Rule: polyester face, flat fabric, fixed paper. The face must be white or light and high polyester, the blanket must lie flat and unstretched, and every sheet must be taped so it cannot move.
Part of the sublimation guides in the DAX Learning Hub. New to the process? See Sublimation Printing for Beginners. For smaller soft goods, see Sublimation Pillow Covers. For thread on blankets, see Embroidery on Blankets.
Sublimation Blanket Blanks
Sublimation blankets are sold as polyester fleece, minky or plush faces, some with a sherpa back for warmth. Common throw sizes in blank listings run around 50 by 60 inches, with larger sizes also offered; check the exact size on the supplier listing. Only the polyester face takes the print, and it needs to be white or light. Polyester content and press settings vary by blank, so treat any published figures as typical and follow the blank and transfer maker's guidance.
| Blank | Face | Back | Press fit notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester fleece throw | Smooth or lightly brushed polyester | Same fleece | Light, easy to lay flat |
| Minky or plush face | Short plush polyester | Plain or sherpa | Follow the blank maker pressure guidance |
| Sherpa backed blanket | Polyester minky or fleece face | Sherpa back | Thicker; check pressure per maker |
| Grid or panel blanket | Printed grid of panels on polyester | Varies | Each panel fits a common press |
| Cotton or acrylic blanket | Natural or heat sensitive fiber | Varies | Not a sublimation fit; test any heat method first |
How to Sublimate a Blanket Step by Step
- Check the blank. Confirm a white or light, high polyester face and read the blank maker press guidance.
- Lay it flat. Spread the blanket face up with no wrinkles or stretch, and put protective paper or cardstock under the print area.
- Lint roll and pre press. Lint roll the area, cover it and pre press briefly to remove moisture and wrinkles.
- Tape the print. Place the mirrored print face down and tape it with heat resistant tape.
- Cover and press. Cover with protective paper and press at the time, temperature and pressure from your paper, ink and blank makers.
- Remove and cool. Remove the protective sheet and transfer as the paper maker directs, let the area cool on a clean surface, then move to the next area if the design has more.
Covers, pillows and protective sheets are covered in Heat Press Accessories.
Pressing Large Blankets on Small Presses
A full throw is far larger than a common flat press. Crafters handle this by splitting the design into press sized prints and pressing each section in turn, or by using repeated panel designs that each fit the press. Section joins are the hard part, so plan where they fall and test the layout on a spare blank. A wide format press removes most of these problems if large blankets are a regular product.
| Approach | Fits | Watch outs |
|---|---|---|
| Design that fits one press area | Center or corner logo, name | Simplest; no seams in the art |
| Repeated panels | Photo grids, multiple images | Plan panel spacing before the first press |
| One large design in sections | Edge to edge art on a small press | Overlap lines possible; align carefully |
| Wide format press | Regular full blanket orders | Larger investment and footprint |
Avoiding Press Lines and Ghosting
Two problems show up most on blankets: visible lines or marks where sections meet or where the platen edge sat, and ghosting from paper that moved. Test the section layout and pressure on a spare blank before a customer order.
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix to try |
|---|---|---|
| Line where sections meet | Section layout or platen edge | Replan the layout; test on a spare blank |
| Press marks on plush | Pressure not matched to the face | Use the pressure the blank maker suggests |
| Ghosting | Paper moved | Tape the print; do not slide paper while removing |
| Uneven color | Uneven contact or a wrinkle | Lay flat; pre press; check pressure |
Care Notes
Sublimation dye bonds into the polyester fibers, rather than sitting on top as a layer. Care still depends on the blank: follow the blanket maker care label and pass it on with the order.
Quoting and Ordering Blanket Jobs
A mistake on a blanket costs a large blank, so quote with that in mind. Confirm the blank, the face fabric, the print area and whether the design needs sections before you price the job.
Order a spare blank for layout tests, send a proof that shows where any section joins will fall, and confirm names and photos in writing for gift orders. Ask the blank supplier for care guidance to include with each blanket, and keep a photo of the approved layout for reorders.
For a group or event order, collect every name and photo in one approved list before the first press. A clear list cuts reprints, and it gives you a simple record to check each finished blanket against before it is folded and packed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sublimation Blankets (FAQ)
How do you sublimate a blanket?
Use a white or light, high polyester face, lay it flat, lint roll and pre press, tape the print, cover and press at maker settings, then remove the paper as the paper maker directs.
Can you sublimate a blanket with a 15x15 press?
Yes, if the design fits the press area or you press it in sections. Section joins can show, so plan the layout and test on a spare blank.
What blankets can be sublimated?
Blankets with a white or light, high polyester face, such as polyester fleece, minky or plush, including sherpa backed styles. Cotton and acrylic are not a fit.
How do you avoid press lines?
Lay the blanket flat, use the pressure the blank maker suggests, plan section joins and test the layout on a spare blank.
Do sublimated blankets fade?
The dye bonds into the polyester, so prints generally hold up. Follow the blanket maker care label for washing and drying.
Supplier note: figures here are hedged starting points that vary by garment, film, ink, blank, machine and method; confirm every setting against the supplier or manufacturer spec sheet, the garment care label and your own tests.
Browse more guides in the DAX Learning Hub, and check cities and dates on the DAX show schedule when you are ready to see sublimation blankets and wide format presses in person.