Finding The Right Printer For Your T-Shirt Designs

how to get my t shirt designs printed

If you're looking to get your T-shirt designs printed, there are a few options available to you. You can either use an online service, such as VistaPrint, Printful, or T-Shirt Studio, or you can find a local print shop that offers T-shirt printing services. Most of these services offer a variety of printing techniques, including direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, screen printing, and embroidery, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. When it comes to the design itself, the sky's the limit! You can use anything from your company logo to your own photos, as long as you have the necessary permissions and the design meets the requirements of the specific T-shirt and customisation technique.

Characteristics Values
T-shirt Style Varies, including crewneck, long sleeve, short sleeve, tank tops, etc.
T-shirt Size Varies, including XXS–5XL for adults and kids' sizes
T-shirt Colour Varies, including white, light grey, dark grey, and other vibrant colours
T-shirt Material Cotton, blend, or polyester
Printing Techniques Direct-to-garment, screen printing, embroidery, Versacamm, heat transfer, etc.
Minimum Order Quantity No minimum order quantity for direct-to-garment or heat transfer printing; minimum of 6 for screen printing
Design Custom designs, text, images, logos, photographs, etc.
Price Varies depending on the shirt model and customisation technique; prices start at £5.50
Shipping Cost Depends on the number of products, delivery destination, and shipping method
Shipping Time 2-day domestic shipping

shunvogue

Choosing a printing service

Design Features:

It is essential to ensure that the printing service offers a wide range of design features to help you create your desired t-shirt. Look for services that allow you to use pictures from clip art or disk, print on both the front and back of the t-shirt, include multiple images, and customise text with various sizes, colours, fonts, and alignments. The ability to manipulate images and text with size, rotation, and orientation can also enhance your design process.

Apparel Options:

A good printing service should offer a variety of apparel options to cater to different needs. Consider options such as long sleeve, short sleeve, women's shirts, youth tees, tanks, and a range of sizes to fit all body types. This ensures that you can create custom t-shirts for any event, be it for friends, family, company branding, or personal use.

Printing Type Options:

Different printing services may offer various printing type options, so it's essential to consider which method best suits your needs. Common options include heat transfer, sublimation, screen printing, and embroidery. Embroidery, for example, can be an excellent choice for corporate-level t-shirt designs, giving them a fine and professional finish.

Importing Options:

When sending your preferred images to the printing service, ensure you know the supported file formats. The most commonly accepted formats are JPEG, GIF, and PNG. It is advisable to inquire about the required format before working with a particular printing service.

Help and Support:

It is crucial to have experts guide you through the design and printing process. Choose a printing service that provides assistance through various communication channels, such as email, telephone, social media, or live chat. This way, you can get timely answers to your queries and address any issues that may arise.

Delivery Options:

Consider the delivery options offered by the printing service. If you have a specific deadline or need expedited delivery, ensure that the service can accommodate your request. Additionally, compare shipping costs and duration, as these can significantly impact the overall cost of your order.

Cost and Quality:

When comparing prices, look for transparent pricing structures. Avoid websites that do not clearly state their prices and require you to inquire through email. Instead, opt for services that provide a detailed list of prices or a cost calculation tool on their website. Remember that higher prices do not always guarantee higher quality, so look for competitive prices without compromising on quality.

Payment Options:

Finally, consider the payment options offered by the printing service. It is advisable to find a service that only requires partial payment upfront and allows you to pay the remaining amount once you have received and approved the printed t-shirts. This safeguards you from potential issues with inferior products or late deliveries.

shunvogue

Selecting a t-shirt style

Fabric and Material

The fabric and material of the t-shirt are important considerations. The most common t-shirt fabrics include cotton, polyester, and blends of these two materials. Cotton is a versatile and comfortable option, while polyester is known for its durability and moisture-wicking properties. If you're looking for a balance between comfort and durability, a 50/50 blend may be a good choice. Keep in mind that the fabric and material will impact the printing method you can use, as well as the durability and feel of the final product.

Colour

The colour of the t-shirt is another important factor to consider. If you have a specific design in mind, you'll need to choose a t-shirt colour that complements it. Keep in mind that dark colours may not work well with certain printing methods, and the colour of the t-shirt can also affect the vibrancy and visibility of your design. Lighter colours are generally more versatile and can be used with a wider range of printing methods.

Style and Cut

Consider the style and cut of the t-shirt. Do you want a classic crew neck, a V-neck, or something more fashionable? The style and cut should align with your target audience and the intended use of the t-shirt. For example, if you're creating t-shirts for a sports team, you might want a style that is comfortable and allows for a wide range of movement.

Size and Fit

Size and fit are also important considerations. You'll need to determine the range of sizes you'll need and the number of each size. Keep in mind that certain sizes may be more popular than others, but it's important to offer an inclusive range. The fit of the t-shirt should also align with your target audience and the intended use. For example, a fitted style may be more suitable for a fashion-forward audience, while a looser fit might be preferred for activewear.

Quantity and Budget

Finally, consider the quantity of t-shirts you need and your budget. This will impact the printing method you choose and the overall cost of the project. Ordering in bulk can often reduce the cost per item, but you'll also need to factor in the cost of the t-shirts themselves and any additional setup costs for the printing method you choose.

shunvogue

Uploading your design

Most t-shirt printing companies offer an online design maker or template where you can upload your artwork. You can get creative with text, images, logos, and photos. You can also adjust the positioning of your design, choosing to place it on the front, back, or left chest of the t-shirt. Some companies also offer a range of colours and styles to choose from, so you can select the perfect base for your design.

Before uploading your design, ensure you have all the necessary permissions to use it and that it matches the requirements of the specific t-shirt and customisation technique. For example, there may be specific guidelines for embroidered shirts.

Once you've finalised your design, you can preview it and even share it with others before completing your purchase. This way, you can make sure your t-shirt looks exactly how you want it to.

shunvogue

Printing techniques

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

The Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing method uses water-based ink to print the design directly onto the fabric. This method produces less waste and is more efficient, requiring only a digital design file. DTG printing allows for high-fidelity and an unlimited range of colours, though the prints are more susceptible to fading with washing. It is suitable for one-offs, small orders, or test prints.

Screen Printing

The screen printing or silkscreen method uses a squeegee to press inks through a mesh stencil onto the t-shirt. Each colour requires a separate stencil, making complex patterns or detailed designs difficult to produce. Screen printing is ideal for designs with minimal colours and is cost-effective and fast. It is best suited for bulk orders.

Heat Transfer Printing

The heat transfer method involves printing an ink onto transfer paper, which is then applied to the garment with a heat press. Heat transfer printing typically produces raised, plastic-like, durable designs. There are several types of heat transfer printing:

  • Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing: This method combines water-based inks with a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film transfer sheet. The design is printed onto the PET film and then applied to the garment using adhesive powders and a heat press. DTF printing works with almost any fabric type and allows for unlimited colours. However, it creates a less natural feel and a slower printing process.
  • Dye Sublimation or All-Over Printing (AOP): Dye sublimation is a heat transfer method that uses dye-based inks. When the transfer paper is heated, the ink turns into a gas and merges with the fabric fibres, creating a durable print. This method is ideal for synthetic fibres and all-over prints but is incompatible with natural fabrics and white base shirts.
  • Vinyl Printing: Vinyl printing involves cutting a design from a vinyl sheet and using a heat press to apply it to the garment. This type of printing is typically used for lettering and is common on sports team jerseys. It is compatible with most fabrics and produces a sleek, raised design. However, it is limited to number or letter-based designs and solid colour applications.
  • Plastisol Transfer Printing: Plastisol transfer printing combines screen printing and heat transfer methods. Inks are applied onto a transfer sheet using a silkscreen stencil, and the sheet is applied to the shirt using a heat press. This method can achieve special finishes like glosses and textures but is not suitable for bulk orders as each shirt requires its own printed transfer sheet.

Embroidery

Embroidery is another option for custom t-shirts. It creates a sophisticated and timeless look that is more durable than other printing methods. However, embroidery has strict design requirements, limited colour variations, and a smaller product range. It is also more expensive than other printing methods.

shunvogue

Bulk order discounts

When it comes to bulk order discounts, the more you buy, the more you save. Many companies offer quantity-based discounts, meaning that the higher the number of bulk t-shirts purchased, the greater the discount per shirt. For instance, Clothes2Order offers quantity discounts, with no minimum order required. Printful also offers bulk order savings, with discounts of up to 48% on product and shipping prices. Similarly, Broken Arrow offers wholesale prices to all customers for shirts in bulk, with quantity-based pricing. They combine customer orders to get the best bulk pricing from distributors, which is then passed on to the customer.

Some companies, like Printify, offer discounted shipping prices when ordering a certain number of products. For example, when ordering 60 or more select products from the same provider, you can get a shipping discount.

Additionally, some companies offer free shipping for bulk orders over a certain amount. For instance, Clothes2Order offers free economy UK delivery for orders over £75, while Printful provides free shipping for orders over $500.

It's important to note that the availability and specifics of bulk order discounts may vary depending on the company and your location. Be sure to check the details with your chosen provider.

Frequently asked questions

Some common T-shirt printing techniques include direct-to-garment (DTG), screen printing, embroidery, Versacamm T-Shirt Printing, and heat transfer.

The cost of a custom T-shirt depends on the shirt model and the customisation technique. T-shirt prices can start at £5.50.

Yes, you can choose to print on the front, back, or left chest of the T-shirt.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment