Creating Custom T-Shirts: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are several ways to have a T-shirt made. You can make one yourself by sewing, or you can use an online service to design and print your own T-shirt. If you want to make your own T-shirt, you will need a sewing machine, fabric, and a pattern. You can use an existing T-shirt as a pattern, or you can draft your own pattern using tracing paper and a cardboard cutting board. Cut out the fabric pieces, sew them together, and you have a T-shirt. If you want to design and print your own T-shirt, there are many online services that allow you to do so. These services offer a wide range of apparel styles and colours, and you can usually upload your own design or logo. You can also choose from various printing methods, such as screen printing, direct-to-garment digital printing, or embroidery.

Choose a t-shirt style and colour

Choosing the right style and colour of t-shirt is crucial to looking good in it. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect t-shirt style and colour:

V-neck or crew neck?

The two primary styles of t-shirts are V-neck and crew neck. V-necks are more suitable for fitter men as they emphasise a built-up chest and create the illusion of height, balancing out a short neck or narrow face. On the other hand, crew necks are better for men with thinner frames as they draw less attention to the upper torso. Remember to avoid exposing your chest too much, regardless of the style you choose, and stay away from scoop necks, extra-wide boat necks, and plunging V-neck designs.

Opt for solid & neutral colours

When it comes to colour, it is generally recommended to stick to dark, neutral colours such as grey, white, navy, and black. These colours complement a wide range of complexions and can be easily paired with other clothing items. Grey, especially heather grey, goes well with various clothing combinations and can be dressed up or down. White t-shirts are a classic and versatile option, but be careful not to confuse them with undershirts, which usually come in plain white or light grey. Navy blue is preferable to black during the daytime and can be paired with dark jeans for a monochrome look. Black t-shirts can be a versatile option for darker outfits, but be aware that they may fade over time.

Know your body type

It is important to consider your body type when choosing a t-shirt style and colour. If you have a stout or relatively large build, a tight-fitting t-shirt may not be the best option as it will not hide your midsection well. On the other hand, if you are on the skinnier side, a t-shirt may accentuate the leanness of your arms and upper torso. To flatter your body type, pay attention to the fit of the t-shirt and choose colours that complement your complexion.

Nail the fit

A good t-shirt fit is crucial and requires two things: it must conform to your body shape, and it must not cause discomfort or restrict your freedom of movement. When trying on t-shirts, check that the shoulders seams line up with the ends of your shoulders, the sleeves cover about one-third of your biceps without being too tight or too long, and the t-shirt goes a couple of inches below your belt line without riding up when you raise your arms.

Pick a printing method

There are several printing methods to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing: This method uses a special printer to spray water-based inks directly onto the t-shirt fabric. It is ideal for printing complex designs with multiple colours onto cotton t-shirts. DTG is perfect for small orders as it requires very little prep work. However, it is not suitable for 100% polyester shirts and can be quite expensive, with printers ranging from $5,000 to $500,000.
• Screen printing: This traditional method uses a mesh screen with a stencil to apply ink to the t-shirt. It works best for simple designs with a limited number of colours and is ideal for large orders. While it can be costly and time-consuming for complex designs, it produces vivid and long-lasting prints.
• Dye sublimation printing: This method uses a special printer to print the design on transfer paper, which is then heat-pressed onto the t-shirt. It works best with synthetic fabrics like polyester and can print all over the shirt, but it doesn't work well with cotton or dark-coloured shirts.
• Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) printing: HTV uses vinyl plastic-based sheets that are cut into the desired design and then heat-pressed onto the t-shirt. It is perfect for simple, bold designs but doesn't work well on dark backgrounds and is limited to fabrics that can withstand the heating process.
• Plastisol transfer printing: This is an indirect screen printing technique that uses a plastic-based transfer sheet to apply ink to the t-shirt. It is perfect for creating special effects like textures and glosses, but it is not suitable for photographic images or large orders.
• Airbrushing: This manual method uses a small spray painting tool to apply paint to the t-shirt. It allows for artistic freedom and custom designs but doesn't produce intricate details and is not suitable for large orders.

When choosing a printing method, consider the complexity of your design, the type of fabric you'll be using, the number of shirts you need, and your budget. Each method has its pros and cons, so select the one that best aligns with your specific needs.

Design your t-shirt

There are several ways to design your own t-shirt. You can either design it from scratch or use a template from an online service.

Using a Template

Several online services offer t-shirt design and printing services. These services provide access to thousands of artist-made graphics and templates that are fully customisable. You can also upload your own images and logos. Some services also offer free design templates that can be customised with a few clicks.

Designing from Scratch

To design a t-shirt from scratch, you'll first need to install specific graphic design software. Ensure that your final design is at least 220 PPI to avoid pixelation when printed. Enhance your design for CMYK printing so that your artwork will look vibrant on fabric.

Printing

There are several printing methods available, including screen printing, direct-to-garment digital printing, and custom embroidery. Screen printing is more cost-effective for large orders or designs with fewer colours, while digital printing is better for orders with multiple colours or small quantities.

Order your t-shirt

Ordering a custom t-shirt is easy. You can choose to design your own t-shirt or select from a range of pre-made templates.

Design your own t-shirt

If you want to design your own t-shirt, you can do so using specific graphic design software. Make sure your final design is at least 220 PPI to ensure it doesn't appear pixelated when printed. You can also use a platform with a drag-and-drop design screen, where you can start with a template or simply add your photos and text to a graphic.

Select a pre-made template

If you don't want to design your own t-shirt, you can select from thousands of free templates. You can then customize your design with graphics, text, or your own uploaded images.

Choose your t-shirt style and colour

There are many t-shirt styles to choose from, including:

• Standard tees
• Super-soft t-shirts
• Tank tops
• Long sleeve t-shirts
• Polo shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Hoodies
• Hats

You can also choose from a range of colours, including:

• White
• Black
• Navy
• Grey
• Royal blue
• Red
• Charcoal

Upload your design

Once you have designed your t-shirt, you can upload your design to a printing platform. Some platforms also offer free design services, where you can choose from a range of artist-made graphics and templates.

Place your order

After uploading your design, simply place your order by selecting your preferred t-shirt size, style, and quantity. Most platforms offer worldwide shipping and have no order minimums, so you can order as many or as few t-shirts as you need.

Receive your t-shirt

Your custom t-shirt will then be printed and shipped directly to your door.

Wash and care for your t-shirt

To ensure your custom-made t-shirt lasts as long as possible, it's important to take proper care of it. Here are some detailed instructions on how to wash and care for your t-shirt:

• Sorting your laundry: Before washing your t-shirt, ensure you are washing it with similar types of clothing. Sort your laundry according to texture, weight, fabric, and colour. Wash whites with whites, darks with darks, and colours with similar colours.
• Turning the t-shirt inside out: Before placing your t-shirt in the washing machine or washing it by hand, turn it inside out. This helps protect the outer surface, as well as any printed designs or patterns, from abrasion and pilling.
• Using the right detergent: Use a mild, environmentally-friendly liquid detergent, and avoid using too much. Detergents work better in higher temperatures, so when washing with cold water, be sure to use the recommended amount or less.
• Pre-treating stains: If your t-shirt has stains, pre-treat them with a commercial stain remover spray, such as OxyClean. Gently buff the stains with a clean washcloth, and avoid using brushes or anything abrasive.
• Washing machine settings: When using a washing machine, adjust the settings to delicate or gentle and always wash with cold water. Hot water can shrink the fabric.
• Hand washing: If your t-shirt is delicate, important, or expensive, you may want to hand wash it instead. Fill a basin with cool to lukewarm water (no hotter than 30°C), add a mild detergent, and turn the t-shirt inside out. Submerge the t-shirt and let it soak for 3-5 minutes, then agitate it with your hands for another 2-4 minutes. Rinse under cold water until all the soap is removed, then squeeze out the excess water or use an absorbent towel.
• Drying your t-shirt: Air drying is the best method to avoid shrinkage and damage. Hang your t-shirt on a rounded plastic hanger (to avoid pointy shapes in the shoulders) and let it air dry. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting or tumble dry low to prevent damage and shrinkage.
• Ironing your t-shirt: When ironing, always use the lowest heat setting to avoid burning, shrinking, or damaging your t-shirt. Turn the t-shirt inside out and lay it flat on an ironing board. Use a spray bottle to add moisture to the fabric before ironing, or cover the wrinkled area with a press cloth to protect the fabric. Gently and smoothly slide the iron over the surface of the t-shirt until it is wrinkle-free.
• Storing your t-shirt: For optimal storage, fold your t-shirts and lay them flat on a surface. If you prefer to hang your t-shirts, use wide hangers to distribute the weight evenly and insert the hanger from the bottom to avoid over-stretching the neckline.
• Treating stains: If you get a stain on your t-shirt, treat it immediately. Rinse the stain with warm water, then apply a mild detergent or soap. For persistent stains, use a commercial stain remover, but avoid using bleach on coloured cotton garments as it may remove the colour.

Frequently asked questions