Heat transfer vinyl, also known as, iron-on vinyl, t-shirt vinyl or HTV, is a special type of vinyl that can adhere to fabric. This is different than adhesive vinyl sheets and rolls, that are sticky from the onset. The adhesive on the vinyl is activated with heat. This vinyl comes in sheets, rolls and packs. When you receive your vinyl, there is a front and a back. The front side is the shiny side- that shiny layer is the carrier sheet which you can peel off after you've ironed your project. The back side is the matte side, and that is the side you will cut when you create your design. It is also the side that has the heat-activated adhesive.