Creating A Retro 70S T-Shirt: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating a 70s-style T-shirt is a fun project that can be done in a variety of ways. Whether you're screen printing, using iron-on transfer paper, or purchasing a ready-made shirt, there are many options to achieve an authentic retro look. In this guide, we will explore the steps to designing and creating your own 70s T-shirt, as well as some of the trends and characteristics of 70s fashion that you can incorporate into your design. So, get ready to groove and let's hit it!

Choosing a 70s design

The 1970s were a time of disco, bell-bottoms, and peace signs, so a 70s-style T-shirt design should capture the essence of this era. Here are some tips and ideas for choosing a 70s design for your T-shirt:

Retro Typography and Slogans:

• Opt for retro-inspired fonts and typography that were popular in the 70s. This could include funky, groovy, and distressed typefaces.
• Include slogans or phrases that embody the 70s vibe. For example, "Stay Groovy," "Disco Queen," or "Peace and Love."

Disco and Music Themes:

• The 70s were all about disco, so incorporate disco-themed elements such as disco balls, glitter, and dancefloor motifs.
• Reference popular music genres and artists of the time, such as funk, soul, and rock bands.

Colourful and Vibrant Designs:

• The 70s were known for their bold and vibrant colour palettes, so don't be afraid to experiment with bright colours like yellow, orange, pink, and purple.
• You can also explore colour combinations that were popular in the 70s, such as earthy tones, rainbow colour schemes, and tie-dye effects.

Iconic Symbols and Motifs:

• The peace sign was an iconic symbol of the 70s, often associated with the hippie movement. Include peace signs, or similar symbols like the V-sign, to evoke a sense of 70s counterculture.
• Other popular motifs include flowers, especially in a retro floral pattern.

Fashion and Style References:

• Bell-bottoms and flared pants were a huge trend in the 70s, so you could incorporate these into your design, perhaps with a fun twist.
• If you want a more subtle nod to 70s fashion, include illustrations or silhouettes of people wearing 70s outfits, like disco outfits or bell-bottom jeans.

Nostalgia and Pop Culture References:

Evoke a sense of nostalgia by referencing popular 70s TV shows, movies, or toys. For example, you could include illustrations or quotes from classic 70s shows like "All in the Family" or "The Brady Bunch."

Customisation and Individuality:

• Customisation and personalisation were big in the 70s, so consider adding a unique twist to your design, such as a personalised name or message.
• You can also offer customisable options to your customers, allowing them to add their own text or design elements to the T-shirt.

Remember to have fun with your design and don't be afraid to mix and match different elements to create a truly unique 70s-inspired T-shirt!

Printing the design

Now that you have your design ready, it's time to print it onto a T-shirt. There are a few different methods you can use, depending on the equipment you have available and the number of T-shirts you need to make.

If you only need to make a small number of T-shirts, the best method is to print your design onto special iron-on transfer paper and then apply it to the T-shirt. This is a simple process that can be done at home with an iron. First, make sure that you have set your design to the maximum resolution in the print dialogue window and selected the "Transfer Paper" or "Mirror Image" option. Then, print out your design and carefully cut around the edges, leaving a small border of about 5 mm. Finally, follow the instructions on your transfer paper to iron the design onto your T-shirt.

If you need to make a larger number of T-shirts, screen printing is a more efficient method. This process involves creating a stencil of your design, placing the stencil over the T-shirt, and then using a squeegee to push ink through the mesh onto the T-shirt. Screen printing can be a bit more complicated and messy than iron-on transfers, but it is a good option for producing multiple copies of the same design.

Another option for printing your design is to use a direct-to-garment (DTG) printer. This method involves printing your design directly onto the T-shirt using a special printer. DTG printing is a good option if you want to create more complex designs with multiple colours, but it can be more expensive than other methods.

Whichever method you choose, always make sure to follow the instructions carefully and take your time to ensure that your design is printed correctly and looks great on your T-shirt.

Using iron-on transfer paper

Step 1: Choose the Right Transfer Paper

There are two types of heat transfer paper: clear heat transfer paper and white heat transfer paper. Clear heat transfer paper is used for white or light-coloured fabrics, while white heat transfer paper is meant for black or dark fabrics. The type of transfer paper you choose will depend on the colour of your t-shirt.

Step 2: Prepare Your Design

Use a computer to create your desired design, which can include images, drawings, paintings, or text. When you're ready to print, make sure to set your print output to "mirror image" or "mirror pages". This will ensure that your design is reversed and will appear correctly on your t-shirt.

Step 3: Load and Print Your Transfer Paper

Load your transfer paper into your printer, making sure that the white side is facing up. The white side is where your designs will be printed. After loading, print your designs onto the transfer paper.

Step 4: Prepare Your T-Shirt

Choose a plain white or light-coloured cotton t-shirt. Pre-wash the t-shirt to prevent shrinkage after applying the design. Iron the t-shirt to remove any creases or wrinkles.

Step 5: Cut Your Design

Using scissors or a cutting machine, carefully cut out your design from the transfer paper. If using light heat transfer paper, cut as close to the design as possible to avoid any white space showing after pressing.

Step 6: Apply the Design to the T-Shirt

Place your cut-out design onto the t-shirt, either face down for light heat transfer paper or face up for dark heat transfer paper. Cover the design with parchment paper, then use an iron or heat press to apply heat and pressure. Follow the temperature and timing instructions provided with your transfer paper.

Step 7: Remove the Backing and Silicone Sheet

After cooling, carefully peel off the backing paper from the transfer. Add a silicone sheet on top of the design and iron again for a few seconds. Finally, remove the silicone sheet while it's still hot.

Now you have your very own custom 70s-style t-shirt! Be sure to follow any care instructions provided with your transfer paper to ensure the longevity of your design.

Selecting the right t-shirt fabric

When creating a 70s-style T-shirt, selecting the right fabric is key to achieving an authentic look and feel. The 1970s offered a variety of trends, from the disco glam of shiny, stretchy fabrics to the laid-back, natural aesthetic of the hippie movement. So, your fabric choice will depend on the specific 70s vibe you're aiming for. Here's a guide to help you choose the perfect fabric for your 70s T-shirt creation.

For a disco-inspired look, go for stretchy, form-fitting fabrics that will move with your body under the glowing disco ball. Spandex or Lycra blends are perfect for this, as they hug the body and have a shiny, sleek appearance. Look for nylon-spandex blends, as these were commonly used in the 70s disco era and will give your T-shirt that signature stretchy, slippery feel. These fabrics are often easy to care for, with many being machine washable, and they come in a wide range of colors and patterns.

If you're channeling the hippie or boho style of the 70s, natural fabrics are the way to go. Cotton and linen are excellent choices, as they have a relaxed, breathable feel that's perfect for the era's laid-back vibe. Look for soft, slightly worn-in fabrics that drape nicely, such as a lightweight cotton jersey. This will give your T-shirt an authentic, vintage feel. You could also go for a slub cotton or linen blend, which has a textured look that was popular in the 70s.

The right fabric print or pattern is also essential to capturing the 70s aesthetic. Bold, colorful patterns were a staple of the era, so don't be afraid to go for something bright and eye-catching. Look for large, graphic prints, especially in geometric shapes, which were popular in the early 70s. Floral patterns, especially small, ditsy prints, also capture the hippie movement's nature-inspired style. And, of course, you can't go wrong with tie-dye, which is a signature look of the 70s and offers a fun, DIY feel.

Finally, consider the weight and drape of the fabric. A lighter weight fabric will give your T-shirt a more relaxed, flowing silhouette, which is perfect for the era's casual styles. A heavier fabric with a nice drape can also work, especially if you're going for a more structured, fitted look, as seen in some disco styles. Ultimately, choosing the right fabric for your 70s T-shirt depends on capturing the unique style and spirit of the era that you want to reflect.

Applying the design to the t-shirt

There are several ways to apply a 70s-inspired design to a t-shirt. One option is to use screen printing, which was the primary method of t-shirt printing in the 70s. However, this can be expensive, especially for small quantities. An alternative method is to use iron-on transfer paper, which is ideal if you only need a few shirts.

When creating your design, keep in mind that 70s t-shirt designs often featured the main design on the back and a smaller logo or graphic on the front pocket area. If you're going for an authentic 70s look, research the typical design elements, colours, and fonts of that era.

Once you have your design ready, print it onto the iron-on transfer paper, making sure to select the "mirror image" option so that your design transfers correctly. Carefully cut out the design, leaving a small border, and follow the instructions provided with your transfer paper for ironing it onto the t-shirt.

If you're using screen printing, the process will be a bit different. You'll need to create a screen with your design burned onto it, and then use ink to transfer the design onto the t-shirt. This method can be more complex and may require specialised equipment.

Another option for applying your design is to use a service like Etsy, Zazzle, or Amazon, which offer custom printing services. You can upload your design and they will print it onto a t-shirt for you. This can be a convenient option if you don't want to deal with the printing process yourself.

Remember to consider the type of t-shirt you're using as well. For an authentic 70s look, choose a plain white or light-coloured cotton t-shirt.

Frequently asked questions