Flipping Words For T-Shirt Printing: A Step-By-Step Guide To Success

Printing words on a T-shirt can be a fun and creative way to express yourself, but it can also be a frustrating process if you don't know how to prepare your design for printing. One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to reverse or mirror your text so that it appears the correct way around on the fabric. This is especially important when using transfer paper for white or light-coloured T-shirts. There are several ways to flip your text, depending on the software you are using. For example, in Microsoft Word, you can use WordArt to create your text and then drag the left side all the way to the right until the text switches sides. Alternatively, you can use image editing software such as MS Paint or Adobe Illustrator to flip your image horizontally. It is always a good idea to print your design on normal paper first to check that it looks the way you expect before printing on transfer paper.

Using transfer paper for light and dark fabrics

Transfer paper is a versatile product that allows anyone with a working inkjet printer and normal ink to create their own t-shirt designs. There are different types of transfer paper for light and dark fabrics, and it's important to use the right one for your project.

Light transfer paper is used for white, cream, beige, or light-coloured fabrics. It has a thin layer of polymer, which will appear transparent when heat-pressed onto a shirt. When using light transfer paper, you must remember to flip or mirror the image before printing so that your design does not transfer backward. This is especially important if your design includes numbers or letters.

Dark transfer paper is intended for dark-coloured fabrics. It has an opaque backing, which makes it compatible with most dark-coloured fabrics. When using dark transfer paper, you should print on the blank side of the transfer, and your image does not need to be mirrored.

• Always read the instructions on the specific usage of a transfer paper.
• Preheat your fabric to remove creases and make the transfer more effective.
• Trim blank areas before pressing, as the coating will adhere to the fabric even if there is no design.
• Use parchment paper or any protective paper when transferring designs to your fabric.
• For the best transfer of images, do not wash your newly printed shirt for at least 24 hours.

Reversing text in Microsoft Word

When printing designs on white or light-coloured fabrics using transfer paper, it is important to reverse the text or image so that the artwork is readable from the front. This is not necessary when printing on dark fabrics.

To reverse text in Microsoft Word, you must first enter the text in a text box. You can insert a text box by clicking Insert > Text Box, and then type and format your text.

Method 1: Using WordArt

Once you have inserted the text box and entered your text, you can drag the left side of the box all the way to the right until the text switches sides.

Method 2: Format Shape Pane

Right-click on the text box and select "Format Shape". In the Format Shape pane, select "Effects". Under 3-D Rotation, enter 180° in the X Rotation box. This will rotate the text box and mirror your text.

Method 3: Reflection Effect

Select the text, then go to Home | Font and pull down the Text Effects menu to choose Reflection. You can adjust the transparency, size, blur, and distance of the mirrored text to your liking.

Method 4: Flip Horizontal

This method is suitable for images with text on them. Click on the image to select it, then click the Format tab at the top of the window under Picture Tools. Click the Rotate option, then click the Flip Horizontal option.

After reversing the text, you can remove the outline of the text box by right-clicking on it, selecting "No Outline", and the fill colour by selecting "No fill".

Using image editing software to flip text

Transfer paper is a versatile product that allows anyone with a working inkjet printer and normal ink to create their own T-shirt designs. However, one of the most common mistakes when using transfer paper for white and light-coloured fabrics is forgetting to reverse the text or image so that the artwork is readable from the front.

There are several methods to achieve a mirrored print using your printer's settings or the available options in printing software.

Using Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is a popular choice for those who tend to print text as the choice of fonts and font sizes makes it a prize tool. To reverse the image in MS Word, simply create the words using WordArt, and once the box with the text comes up, drag the left side all the way to the right until the text switches sides.

Using Microsoft PowerPoint

If you use Microsoft Word or another program that doesn't automatically format light fabric transfers, when you click Print, look in the Properties or Preferences dialog for Mirror Image or Reverse Printing. This option varies by printer, so check your printer manufacturer's website for details.

To use PowerPoint as a workaround, add your image to a blank slide, and under Format, go to Rotate and select Flip Horizontal. Select File and Save As and save the file as a PNG.

Using MS Paint

Paint is a popular choice for image manipulation in its basic form as it comes with Windows-based machines. To create the desired effect, head to the Image tab and choose Flip/Rotate, then use Flip Horizontal.

Using PhotoDirector

PhotoDirector is an all-in-one photo editor and organiser with a mix of tools and unique features. There are hundreds of filters, stickers, frames, and overlays to add to your pictures. In addition, it includes templates, photo effects, powerful AI tools, advanced colour controls, and layer editing, making it an excellent choice for users of any skill level.

To flip an image in PhotoDirector, open the software and upload an image. Navigate to the Edit tab and use the Flip button to flip your image vertically or horizontally.

Using Online Tools

There are several online tools that can be used to flip images, such as MyEdit and Img2Go. These tools are often easy to use and allow you to rotate, flip, and scale your photos.

Printing methods: transfer printing, screen printing, and Inkodye

Transfer printing is a versatile method that allows you to design your own T-shirts with a working Inkjet printer and normal ink. It is a simple process that involves creating a desired design on a computer, printing it using an inkjet printer, and transferring it onto a suitable substrate. Transfer printing is the best choice for a one-time project.

When printing onto light-coloured fabrics, remember to reverse the text or image so that the artwork is readable from the front. Transfer paper for light-coloured fabrics creates a mirror image on your shirt. Look for a "reverse" or "mirror" setting in the print options window, or flip your image horizontally in Microsoft Paint or PowerPoint. If you are using Microsoft Word, create the words using WordArt, then drag the left side all the way to the right until the text switches sides.

Screen printing requires more specialised supplies but allows you to print many shirts from a single image. It is a more involved process that may feel tricky at first but gets easier with practice.

Inkodye is another option for quick one-time printing that is more substantial than iron-on prints. It is a photosensitive dye that allows you to print an image onto fabric using only a photo negative. When exposed to sunlight, the ink develops and binds permanently with the fibres of the fabric. You will need transparency film for copiers, a foam brush or sponge, two large sheets of cardboard, masking tape, and a bowl to pour the ink into.

First, create your design and print two copies of your image on transparency film. Insert a sheet of cardboard into your shirt to prevent the ink from soaking through, then spread the Inkodye onto your shirt using a thin and even layer. Cover your T-shirt with the second sheet of cardboard and take it outside. Expose your print to direct sunlight for 10-15 minutes, then remove the cardboard and wash your shirt.

Choosing the right font

Marketing and Target Audience

The font you choose should align with your brand identity and target market. For example, if you're designing quirky t-shirts for kids, opt for a playful font, whereas if you're conveying an inspirational message for adults, a timeless and clean font might be more suitable.

Reinforce the Theme

Ensure your font choice reinforces the themes of your custom t-shirt designs. Consider both the artwork and the textual message that will accompany your font. The font should complement the overall composition and tone of your design.

Legibility

A good font should be legible, both up close and from a distance. This is especially important if your t-shirt design includes a long string of words, such as a quote. Avoid thin, stick-like fonts, as they tend to lose impact and become hard to read when applied to t-shirts.

Serif or Sans-Serif

Whether you choose a serif or sans-serif font depends on the style or vibe you want to achieve. Serif fonts, characterised by "feet" or "hooks" at the ends of a letter's stalks, are often used in newspapers and books and convey a trustworthy and confident feel. On the other hand, sans-serif fonts are simpler, more modern, and give a crisp, stylish look to your designs.

Font Style and Weight

Consider how your chosen font looks when you change the weight and style. Thick, chunky fonts work well for short, impactful logos, but they can look crowded when used for longer slogans. Similarly, oblique fonts with a slant can add interest, but be mindful that some fonts may become harder to read with this feature.

Kerning and Consistency

Pay attention to the space between the letters of your font (kerning) and maintain consistency with your use of uppercase and lowercase letters.

Licensing

Finally, check the licensing of your chosen font. US copyright law protects the software programs used to create fonts, so you may need a license to use certain fonts for commercial purposes.

Frequently asked questions