Custom T-Shirt Printing: Your Ultimate Guide

Designing and printing your own t-shirts can be a fun and rewarding experience, whether you're creating unique gifts, promotional products, or uniforms for your team or business. There are several ways to go about it, from using third-party companies with heavy-duty printers to investing in your own direct-to-garment or direct-to-fabric printer. If you're looking to print in bulk or need highly accurate, high-resolution images, a third-party company with screen-printing facilities might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you're a home or small business, a dedicated inkjet or laser printer compatible with transfer paper designed for heat transfer applications could be a more cost-effective option.

Custom T-shirt printing

When it comes to custom T-shirt printing, you have the option to choose from a variety of online platforms, each offering unique features and benefits. Some platforms, like Custom Ink, provide exclusive artwork and fonts, along with expert help throughout the week. VistaPrint, on the other hand, offers a range of sleeve and neck styles, allowing you to customise your T-shirts according to your preferences. They also provide options for promotional giveaways, embroidered T-shirts, and 100% cotton T-shirts for a consistent team look.

If you're environmentally conscious, Allmade® Organic Cotton Unisex T-shirts from VistaPrint might be the perfect choice. These premium and durable T-shirts offer a soft feel, making them ideal for uniforms and gifting. For those who prioritise comfort, the Bella + Canvas® Jersey Unisex T-shirt is a popular option, known for its super soft feel. Additionally, Fruit of the Loom® Unisex T-shirts are budget-friendly and support two printing options, making them perfect for giveaways.

When designing your custom T-shirts, you can either upload your own logo or artwork or choose from the platforms' galleries of free templates. VistaPrint, for example, offers over 1,500 free templates to choose from, making the design process hassle-free and fast. Platforms like Custom Ink also offer free customised T-shirt designs if you don't want to create your own.

In terms of printing techniques, you can explore screen printing, direct-to-garment digital printing, or custom embroidery. Direct-to-garment printing involves printing your design directly onto the fabric, resulting in vibrant and durable prints. Screen printing is another popular option, especially for bulk orders or high-resolution images. If you're looking for something more luxurious, consider adding embroidery designs to elevate your T-shirts from simple staples to luxury pieces.

Whether you're ordering one T-shirt or a thousand, these online platforms cater to your needs. Custom Ink, for instance, offers no minimum order quantity, allowing you to order a single custom T-shirt as a gift or outfit your entire company. VistaPrint also has no minimum order quantity for T-shirts printed with direct-to-garment or heat transfer printing, while screen-printed T-shirts have a minimum order quantity of 6.

With custom T-shirt printing, you can let your creativity shine and design T-shirts that perfectly match your style and taste. So, whether you're promoting a business, creating uniforms, or simply expressing yourself, custom T-shirt printing is a fun and exciting way to bring your ideas to life.

T-shirt printing costs

The cost of T-shirt printing varies depending on several factors. Firstly, the type of T-shirt you select is important. For example, a standard cotton T-shirt is typically cheaper than a tri-blend T-shirt, with custom cotton shirts usually starting from $7 to $10 per garment, and tri-blend tees averaging around $9 to $13. The brand of the T-shirt also influences the price, with well-known brands like Nike or American Apparel having a higher price point than less well-known brands such as Gildan or Tultex.

The number of ink colours used in your design and the printing method chosen will also impact the cost. Digital printing is generally more expensive, suitable for intricate designs or smaller orders, whereas screen printing is more cost-effective for larger, simpler designs. The more colours and the greater the surface area covered, the higher the cost per garment.

The quantity of T-shirts ordered is another key factor. In most cases, the price per shirt decreases as the number of shirts purchased increases. For example, an order of twenty Gildan 2000 T-shirts may cost around $18 per shirt, while an order of 100 shirts could bring the price down to $9 per shirt.

There may also be additional costs for customisation options such as tag printing, hem tags, foil printing, folding, and polybagging, which can range from $0.30 to $4 per shirt, depending on the service.

Some companies offer all-inclusive pricing, with no hidden setup charges or fees, and may include free shipping and guaranteed delivery dates. It is always recommended to request a quote or estimate to understand the total cost of your T-shirt printing order.

T-shirt printing for groups

There are several online companies that offer T-shirt printing services for groups, with a range of different styles, colours and printing options to choose from. Some popular companies include VistaPrint, Custom Ink, ooShirts and Printful. These companies offer a variety of T-shirt brands, including Bella + Canvas, Carhartt, Fruit of the Loom and Gildan.

When ordering T-shirts for a group, you'll first need to select the style, sleeve length and colour of your T-shirts. You can then upload your own design or choose from a range of templates provided by the company. Most companies will also allow you to personalise each T-shirt with names and/or numbers.

It's important to consider the printing method that will be used to create your T-shirts. Common methods include screen printing, direct-to-garment digital printing, heat transfer and embroidery. The printing method may affect the cost and minimum order quantity, so be sure to check the details before placing your order.

In terms of cost, the price per T-shirt will usually decrease if you order a larger quantity. The type of T-shirt, the number of ink colours and any additional personalisation will also impact the price. Some companies may offer discounts for bulk orders, so it's worth checking for any available deals.

Finally, don't forget to allow enough time for production and shipping. The turnaround time can vary depending on the company and the complexity of your order, so plan ahead to ensure that your T-shirts arrive on time for your event.

T-shirt printing for schools

T-shirt printing is a great way to create a unified look for your school. Whether you're a graduating senior, a teacher, or part of a sports team, custom T-shirts can be designed and ordered online with ease. There are many companies that offer T-shirt printing services, with a wide range of styles, colours, and sizes to choose from.

When it comes to T-shirt printing for schools, you have several options. You can start by choosing a company that offers custom T-shirt printing, such as Custom Ink, VistaPrint, ooShirts, or Spiritwear. These companies offer online design tools that make it easy to create your own T-shirt design. You can upload your own artwork or logo, or choose from a variety of templates, graphics, and fonts offered by the company.

Once you've selected a company and designed your T-shirt, you'll need to decide on the quantity and type of T-shirt. Most companies offer a range of T-shirt styles, including short-sleeve, long-sleeve, performance T-shirts, and more. You can also choose from various materials, such as cotton, blend, or polyester. Keep in mind that the price per shirt usually decreases when you order larger quantities.

It's important to plan ahead when ordering custom T-shirts, as production and shipping times can vary. Some companies offer standard shipping, which can take up to two weeks, while others provide rush delivery options for an additional cost. Be sure to review the company's shipping and delivery information before placing your order.

Finally, consider the care instructions for your custom T-shirts. To maintain the quality of the print, it's generally recommended to wash custom T-shirts inside out in cold water and avoid tumble drying or ironing the decoration area. By following these care instructions, you can ensure that your school's custom T-shirts look bold and vibrant for a long time.

T-shirt printing methods

Screen Printing

Screen printing is one of the most popular and widely used methods for t-shirt printing, especially for bulk orders. It involves using screens to apply ink to the t-shirts. This process can be done by hand or by machine. Each colour in the design is printed using a different screen, so it can be time-consuming for complex and colourful graphics. However, once the screens are prepared, they can be used multiple times, making it a cost-effective option for large orders with the same design.

Pros:

• Produces high-quality, vivid prints
• Bold, vibrant colours
• Fast and efficient for large orders
• Versatile – any colour can be mixed and special finishes can be created
• Long-lasting prints
• Compatible with most fabrics

Cons:

• Time-consuming and costly for small or complex designs with multiple colours
• Requires a lot of space
• Steep learning curve

Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing

DTG printing is a newer method that works like a paper printer, injecting ink directly onto the fabric. It is ideal for complex designs with multiple colours and can produce photo-realistic prints. It has low setup costs, so it's a good option for printing small batches or one-off customised t-shirts.

Pros:

• Unlimited colour options
• Can create photo-realistic prints and complex designs
• Soft and smooth finish
• Minimal setup required
• Environmentally friendly water-based inks available

Cons:

• Expensive printers
• Long production times
• Only suitable for cotton or cotton-blend t-shirts
• Prints may fade over time
• Limited design placement

Heat Transfer Printing

Heat transfer printing involves printing a design onto special transfer paper and then using heat and pressure to apply it to the t-shirt. Different types of heat transfer printing include dye-sublimation printing, printing plastisol transfers, and CAD-cut heat transfer vinyl printing.

Dye-Sublimation Printing

Dye-sublimation printing is a popular variation of heat transfer printing that works by turning ink into gas when heated, so it becomes part of the fabric rather than sitting on top of it. It creates vivid, long-lasting images but only works with polyester or poly-blend-based t-shirts.

Pros:

• Long-lasting prints that won't fade, crack, peel or deteriorate
• Soft and breathable

Cons:

• Folds and creases may remain undyed
• Only works with polyester-based t-shirts
• Expensive

Printing Plastisol Transfers

Plastisol transfer printing is similar to screen printing, but the design is first printed onto plastisol transfer paper and then applied to the t-shirt using a heat press. This method allows for high-quality prints and can be used to test different designs before moving to screen printing for larger orders.

Pros:

• High-quality prints
• Economical – several designs can be printed on a single sheet
• No mess
• Good for testing designs

Cons:

• Transfers may crack and wash out if not placed properly
• Large runs can be time-consuming
• Suppliers may require a minimum order

CAD-Cut Heat Transfer Vinyl Printing

CAD-cut heat transfer vinyl printing is commonly used for printing numbers, names and logos onto sports jerseys. A machine cuts designs and letters out of coloured vinyl, which are then applied to the t-shirt using a heat press.

Pros:

• Long-lasting results
• Great for small orders
• Vinyl can be applied anywhere on the t-shirt
• Compatible with all kinds of fabric

Cons:

• Time-consuming – it takes a long time to cut and weed the vinyl
• Limited to simple graphics and basic shapes
• Cannot match Pantone colours

Other Methods

Other t-shirt printing methods include:

• Dye Sublimation: Best for light-coloured, polyester t-shirts. Creates super soft and smooth designs but is relatively expensive.
• Heat Press Printing: Suitable for complex designs but slower than other methods and not suitable for heat-sensitive fabrics or dark garments.
• Inkjet/Laser Iron-on Transfer: Almost as popular as screen printing, especially for multicolour designs and digital photographs. However, it is not as durable, and only works with light-coloured t-shirts unless you buy special transfer paper for dark fabrics.
• Plastisol Transfers: Similar to screen printing but with a softer feel. A favourite option for t-shirt printing because it is cost-effective and produces good-quality results.
• Cut & Sew: A method where the fabric is printed before being made into a t-shirt, allowing for more creative control and unique designs. However, it is not suitable for small orders and is usually more expensive.
• Embroidery: A popular method that is durable and elegant but is labour-intensive and only suitable for small designs.
• Discharge Printing: A reverse printing method that uses discharge inks to remove the shirt's dye instead of adding colour. Creates a vintage look but can be costly.

Frequently asked questions