Designing Custom T-Shirts: Edge-To-Edge Printing Guide

Designing an eye-catching custom t-shirt is a fun and creative way to express yourself, promote your business, or create a unified look for your team or event. With the right tools and a bit of guidance, you can design and print custom t-shirts with ease. Whether you're looking to print just one shirt or a thousand, there are several online platforms that offer custom t-shirt printing services. These platforms often provide a range of design templates, or you can upload your own artwork, logos, and photos to create a truly unique design. In this article, we'll explore the steps to designing a custom printed t-shirt, from choosing the right platform to finalizing your design and placing your order. We'll also discuss the different printing methods available, such as screen printing, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, and dye-sublimation, so you can choose the best option for your needs. So, get ready to unleash your creativity and bring your t-shirt designs to life!

Choosing the right fabric

When designing a custom printed T-shirt, the choice of fabric is crucial. It determines the comfort, durability, and overall look of the T-shirt. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right fabric for your custom T-shirt:

Fabric Type

The most common fabric options for T-shirts are cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two. Cotton is a natural, comfortable, and soft fabric that is ideal for everyday wear and hot weather. However, it may wrinkle and shrink if not properly cared for. Polyester, on the other hand, is a durable and quick-drying synthetic fabric often used in sportswear and athletic apparel. It can withstand stretching and creasing without compromising on quality. Additionally, consider other fabric options such as linen, silk, nylon, spandex, and bamboo. Linen is lightweight, breathable, and perfect for summer wear, while bamboo offers sustainability and a luxurious feel.

Fabric Blends

Fabric blends combine the advantages of different fibres to enhance durability, stretch, and comfort. For example, a cotton-polyester blend offers the breathability of cotton while reducing shrinkage and wrinkling. Cotton-spandex blends provide more elasticity and wrinkle resistance, and polyester-viscose blends add softness and resistance to shrinking. Tri-blends, which combine cotton, polyester, and rayon, offer exceptional softness and breathability, making them ideal for warmer climates.

Fabric Weight

The weight of the fabric, measured in GSM (grams per square metre), affects the drape, look, and feel of the T-shirt. Lighter fabrics, ranging from 130 to 150 GSM, are breathable and ideal for warm climates, while heavier fabrics, exceeding 180 to 260 GSM, provide durability and warmth for cooler conditions. Consider the purpose of the T-shirt and choose a weight that aligns with your desired drape and feel.

Comfort and Feel

The texture and composition of the fabric play a significant role in determining its comfort. Natural fibres like cotton are generally softer and more breathable than synthetic ones. Additionally, the yarn count, which defines the fineness of the thread, impacts the softness and smoothness of the fabric. A higher yarn count results in a finer yarn that feels softer and lighter.

Durability and Longevity

Consider the durability and lifespan of the fabric. High-quality fabrics like combed cotton or blended materials maintain their shape, colour, and integrity over time. Polyester, for instance, is known for its durability and resistance to shrinking and stretching.

Print Compatibility

If you plan to print designs on your T-shirt, choose a fabric that holds ink well and displays prints vividly. Cotton is typically the best option for vibrant and long-lasting prints, but polyester is also suitable for certain dye sublimation techniques that can achieve bright colours.

Environmental Impact

If sustainability is important to you, opt for eco-friendly fabrics with minimal environmental impact. Organic cotton, recycled polyester, and bamboo are excellent choices as they are grown or produced using sustainable methods that reduce harm to the environment.

Selecting a printing method

Screen Printing

Screen printing, also known as silkscreen printing, is a traditional method that uses mesh screen stencils to apply ink directly onto the t-shirt. This technique produces vibrant and durable designs and is compatible with most fabrics. It is ideal for large order quantities or custom designs with fewer colors. Screen printing is a cost-effective option for high-volume orders, but it may not be the best choice for smaller orders due to the setup cost involved. One of its main advantages is that the ink is deeply absorbed into the fabric fibers, resulting in long-lasting and vivid prints. However, screen printing has limited artwork placement options and can be messy due to ink spillage.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

DTG printing uses an inkjet printer to print the artwork directly onto the t-shirt, making it perfect for complex designs or photographic images. This method is best suited for small batches, as there are no setup costs, and it can print directly onto the fabric. DTG printing produces high-quality, full-color prints with no restrictions on colors. The ink seamlessly integrates into the fabric, leaving no texture, and is ideal for 100% cotton t-shirts or blends. However, DTG prints tend to wash out over time, and the machines can be expensive.

Heat Transfer Printing

Heat transfer printing uses a heat press machine and transfer paper to apply custom graphics or designs onto the t-shirt. This method is popular for all-over-print designs that cover the entire shirt. Different types of heat transfer printing include dye sublimation, direct-to-film (DTF) printing, plastisol transfers, and CAD heat transfer vinyl printing. Heat transfer printing is versatile, creates minimal mess, and requires less maintenance compared to other methods. However, the specific type of heat transfer printing chosen will determine the suitability of fabric type and color.

Embroidery

Embroidery is a unique printing method that uses a sewing machine to create designs on the t-shirt. It gives a sophisticated and timeless look to the final product. Embroidery is extremely durable and eco-friendly since it does not use any dyes. However, it has strict design requirements, limited color variations, and a smaller product range compared to other methods.

Discharge Printing

Discharge printing is a technique used primarily on dark-colored garments. It involves applying a discharge ink that deactivates the original dye in the fabric, resulting in a soft print that becomes part of the fabric. This method is ideal for achieving a stylish, washed-out look on dark clothing. Discharge printing is resistant to cracking, fading, or peeling, but it may result in slight color variations between shirts.

When selecting a printing method, consider factors such as the complexity of your design, the number of colors, the type and color of the fabric, the desired durability, and the cost for your specific order quantity. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, so choosing the right one will ensure you achieve the desired outcome for your custom t-shirt.

Design tips

• If you're not confident in your design skills, you can use a pre-existing template as a starting point. Many websites offer free templates that you can customise.
• If you're creating your own design, make sure your final design is at least 220 PPI to ensure it doesn't appear pixelated when printed.
• Use specific graphic design software to make your design.
• Enhance your design for CMYK printing to make your artwork look vibrant on fabric.
• If you're printing on a white t-shirt, avoid using white in your design as it won't be printed.
• If your design includes dark colours, choose a cut-and-sew-style t-shirt to avoid visible white streaks.
• Avoid using negative space in your designs. Apply a background colour and add designs to each side of the t-shirt.
• Cover the bleed area with your design, but don't place any important design elements there.
• Use high-resolution graphics to get the best prints possible.
• If you're targeting a specific area of the t-shirt with your design, an edge-to-edge print may not be the best choice as the manual cut-and-sew process can result in slight shifts in print placement.

Sizing and measuring

Measuring Your Body:

• Shoulder Width: Stand up straight and relax your shoulders. With the help of a partner, measure the length between the points where the shoulder meets the arm. The measuring tape should follow the curve of your shoulders and not be horizontally straight.
• Chest: Stand up straight with your arms relaxed by your sides. Measure around the fullest part of your chest, going under the armpits and over the shoulder blades. Ensure the tape is comfortably loose.
• Waist: Stand in a relaxed, natural posture. Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, which is usually just above your hips and below the rib cage. Do not suck in your stomach, and ensure the tape is not too tight.
• Torso Length: Measure from the base of the back of your neck to the point where you want the T-shirt hem to end. Alternatively, try on the T-shirt and determine if the length is comfortable, allowing for movement without being too short or long.

Measuring a T-Shirt:

• Neck to Shoulder: Measure from the middle of the neck (where the collar meets) to the tip of the shoulder.
• Sleeve Length: Measure from the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve opening.
• Shoulder: Measure from the point where the yoke (back of the neck) meets the sleeve, across to the same point on the other side.
• Chest: Measure from the bottom of one armpit of the T-shirt to the bottom of the other armpit.
• Waist: Measure the waistline from one side of the T-shirt to the other.
• Hem: Measure the width of the T-shirt's bottom hem from one side to the other.
• Shirt Length: Measure from the highest point of the shoulder (where the sleeve seam meets) to the very bottom of the T-shirt.
• Sleeve Cuff: Measure the length of the sleeve cuff.

Additional Tips:

• When measuring a T-shirt, ensure it is laid out flat on a clean surface without any wrinkles or stretches.
• Take measurements twice to ensure accuracy, recording them to the nearest 1/4 inch.
• Remember that flat measurements are usually doubled (e.g., a 13.5" flat waist measurement equates to a 27" waist).
• Sizing charts vary across brands, so refer to the manufacturer's measurements and size guides for the specific T-shirt you are customising.
• When in doubt, it is generally better to size up, as a slightly looser fit is more comfortable than a tight one.

By following these comprehensive measuring instructions, you can ensure your custom-printed T-shirt fits you perfectly and complements your unique design.

Washing and care

Custom-printed T-shirts require special care to keep them in good condition and make them last longer. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you properly wash and care for your custom-printed T-shirts:

Pre-washing Care:

Before washing your custom-printed T-shirts for the first time, there are a few important steps to follow:

• Allow the ink to cure: Wait at at least 24 hours after receiving your custom-printed T-shirts before washing them. This gives the ink time to fully cure and set, reducing the risk of cracking or peeling.
• Check the print quality: Stretch the printed area gently to ensure the print remains intact. Run your fingers along the border to check if the print has been perfectly transferred.
• Test colourfastness: Splash a small amount of water on the print and rub it gently with a white cloth. If the colour transfers to the cloth, it's an indication that the colours may run during washing.

Washing Instructions:

When it comes to washing your custom-printed T-shirts, follow these guidelines:

• Wash inside out: Always turn your T-shirts inside out before washing to protect the print from rubbing against other garments or the machine. This also helps prevent "pilling," the formation of fuzzy balls on the fabric.
• Separate items: Wash similar colours together and separate lights from darks to avoid colour bleeding. Also, separate items by texture and weight. Wash heavy and abrasive items like towels and jeans separately to prevent them from damaging the T-shirts.
• Use cold water: Wash custom-printed T-shirts in cold water to avoid ink fading and shrinkage. Warm or hot water can damage the print and the fabric.
• Choose mild detergents: Opt for mild, liquid detergents suitable for your washing machine. Avoid using strong detergents, fabric softeners, and chlorine bleach as they can degrade the ink and discolour the fabric.
• Pre-treat stains: If there are stains, pre-treat them with a commercial stain remover spray, such as OxyClean. Gently buff the stains with a clean washcloth. Avoid using brushes or anything abrasive.
• Avoid overloading: Don't overload the washing machine to prevent the T-shirts from rubbing against each other and potentially damaging the print.
• Hand washing: If you prefer hand washing, fill a tub or sink with cold water and add a mild detergent. Turn the T-shirts inside out, pre-treat stains, and gently buff or work the fabric against itself. Soak for at least 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and gently wring out the excess water.

Drying Instructions:

Drying your custom-printed T-shirts properly is crucial to maintaining their quality:

• Air drying: The best method for drying custom-printed T-shirts is air drying. Hang the T-shirts on rounded plastic hangers and dry them away from direct sunlight or in front of a fan. Avoid using wire hangers or clothespins as they can leave marks on the shoulders.
• Machine drying: If you must use a dryer, turn the T-shirts inside out and separate them by weight and texture. Use the lowest heat setting or permanent press to prevent shrinkage and damage to the print. Remove the T-shirts from the dryer early, before the cycle ends, to minimise heat exposure.

Ironing Instructions:

Ironing custom-printed T-shirts requires extra care to avoid damaging the print:

• Turn inside out: Always iron your T-shirts inside out to protect the print.
• Lowest temperature: Use the lowest temperature setting on your iron, with little to no steam.
• Use a cloth barrier: Place a towel or cloth between the iron and the T-shirt to provide an extra layer of protection.
• Reposition frequently: Keep moving the iron and towel/cloth as you work on different areas of the T-shirt.
• Avoid steaming: Do not apply moisture or steam directly to the print before ironing.

General Care Tips:

To further extend the lifespan of your custom-printed T-shirts:

• Ignore the care tag: The care instructions on the tag may not always be suitable for custom-printed T-shirts. Follow the specific care guidelines provided by the printing company.
• Avoid fabric softeners: Fabric softeners can affect the quality of the print. Instead, use white vinegar as a natural alternative.
• Store properly: Roll your T-shirts instead of folding them to prevent creasing and distortion of the print. Store them in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading.

Frequently asked questions