
There are several ways to make a number t-shirt, whether you're creating a team uniform or simply expressing your creativity. One option is to use a heat press with die-cut or pre-cut numbers, which is a quick, easy, and inexpensive method. You can also design and print your own t-shirt with unique numbers using online platforms that offer customisation tools and templates. For a more hands-on approach, you can download and print number templates, cut them out, and use fabric paint to create your desired design.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number Format | Four different sizes, from 2 inches to 8 inches in height |
Number Placement | Front and back of the T-shirt, sleeves, and hoods |
Number Printing Method | Heat press, die-cut, pre-cut, or screen printing |
Number Material | Thermo-FILM |
T-shirt Material | Cotton, cotton blends, or tri-blends |
T-shirt Style | Crew-neck, short sleeves, long sleeves, tank tops, etc. |
T-shirt Colors | White, Black, Navy, Gray, Royal Blue, Red, Charcoal, etc. |
Customization | Graphics, text, uploaded images |
Order Quantity | No minimum quantity required |
What You'll Learn
Using a heat press and die-cut numbers
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials and Equipment
Before you begin, gather your supplies. You will need a heat press machine, die-cut numbers made from heat transfer vinyl (HTV), and a blank t-shirt. Choose a t-shirt made from a suitable fabric, such as cotton, and ensure it is pre-washed and dried.
Step 2: Set Up Your Heat Press
Plug in and turn on your heat press. Adjust the settings according to the instructions provided with your HTV. Set the temperature, pressure, and timer to the recommended levels. The temperature is typically around 350-375°F, and the pressure is usually medium to high. The timer will depend on the type of HTV you are using.
Step 3: Prepare Your T-shirt
Place your t-shirt on the lower platen of the heat press, ensuring it is as flat and smooth as possible. Remove any wrinkles and position the shirt so that the printing area is free from obstructions like zippers or seams. If necessary, use a firm pad to raise the printing area above any obstructions.
Step 4: Pre-Press Your T-shirt
Close the heat press for 3-5 seconds to pre-press your t-shirt. This step helps remove moisture and wrinkles from the fabric, ensuring better adhesion for your numbers. If you notice a lot of steam, you may need to pre-press for a few extra seconds.
Step 5: Position Your Die-Cut Numbers
Open the heat press and place your die-cut numbers face down on the desired location of the t-shirt. Ensure the numbers are aligned correctly and are positioned exactly where you want them.
Step 6: Close the Heat Press and Apply Heat
Close the heat press and lock it in place. The timer should start counting down. Wait for the timer to reach the recommended time for your HTV.
Step 7: Peel the Transfer Paper or Carrier
Once the time is up, open the heat press and carefully peel away the transfer paper or carrier from the numbers. Be cautious as the t-shirt and paper will be hot. Follow the instructions provided with your HTV for peeling, as some require a hot peel, while others need to cool down first.
Step 8: Repeat for the Other Side (Optional)
If you want to add numbers to the back of the t-shirt, repeat the process. Insert a piece of cardboard inside the shirt first to avoid reheating the design on the front. Adjust the pressure to a lower setting and proceed with the same steps.
Using a heat press with die-cut numbers is a straightforward way to create custom number t-shirts. Remember to follow the specific instructions provided with your heat press and HTV for the best results.
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Printable number templates
If you're looking for printable number templates to make a statement T-shirt, there are plenty of options available. Canva, for instance, offers a wide range of customisable designs, from simple typography to fun and colourful graphics. You can browse their gallery of cool T-shirt templates and customise them to your liking. They offer an easy drag-and-drop design platform that allows you to change colours, edit text, and add photos. You can then save and download your design in a high-resolution format and send it to a local printer, or use Canva Print for high-quality prints.
Adobe Express is another great option for creating custom T-shirts with number templates. They offer thousands of standout templates that you can personalise with your own logos, fonts, and colours. You can also create a design from scratch if you prefer. Once you're happy with your design, you can download it as a PDF, JPG, or PNG file and share it or print it. Adobe Express also offers T-shirt printing services and ships your printed T-shirts in special packaging designed in collaboration with artists.
Both Canva and Adobe Express provide free access to their design tools and templates, making it easy and affordable to create custom T-shirts with number templates.
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Tracing numbers and using stencils
Planning Your Design
Start by choosing a design that you want to stencil onto your T-shirt. Consider the size, placement, and complexity of your design. If you're new to stencilling, it's best to start with a simple design that has solid, dark lines. You can find inspiration online or create your own design by hand.
Tracing Your Design
Once you have your design idea, it's time to trace it onto your stencil material. Tape your design to a flat surface, such as a table, to keep it in place. Place your stencil material over the design, and use a permanent marker to trace the outline. If you're using clear contact paper, you may need to tape the design over a bright window to see the lines clearly.
Cutting Out Your Stencil
After tracing your design, carefully cut out the stencil using a sharp craft blade or small scissors. If you're using contact paper, remove the paper backing before cutting. Place the stencil on a cutting mat to protect your work surface. Cut out the design as precisely as possible, and save any inner pieces that may be part of your design.
Preparing Your T-shirt
Before applying the stencil to your T-shirt, make sure the shirt is freshly laundered. Decide on the placement of your design and insert a piece of cardboard inside the shirt, just behind the area where you'll be applying the paint. This will prevent the paint from seeping through to the back of the shirt.
Applying the Stencil
Now, it's time to apply your stencil to the T-shirt. If you're using contact paper, simply peel off the backing and stick the stencil onto the shirt, smoothing out any wrinkles or ripples. For freezer paper, iron the paper onto the shirt, shiny-side down, using a hot, dry iron. If you're using a plastic sheet, tape down the stencil by smoothing out the surface and securing all four edges with tape.
Painting Your Design
With your stencil in place, it's time to start painting! Squeeze your fabric paint onto a palette, and use a foam brush or a pouncer to gently tap the paint onto the stencil. Be careful not to use too much paint, as it can leak under the stencil. Work from the outside of the stencil towards the middle to avoid smudging.
Drying and Finishing
Once you've finished painting, remove the stencil and allow the paint to dry completely. This may take a few hours or even overnight. Some types of fabric paint may require heat-setting, so be sure to read the instructions on your paint carefully. After the paint is dry, you can remove the cardboard and admire your handiwork!
Washing Your T-shirt
When it comes time to wash your custom T-shirt, it's best to wash it in cold water for the first few times. Avoid using bleach, and turn the shirt inside out before washing to make your design last longer.
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Using a design lab
When using a design lab, you will typically have access to a wide range of fonts, clipart, colours, and templates to choose from. For example, ooShirts' design lab offers hundreds of fonts, thousands of pieces of clipart, and a variety of colours to create your t-shirt design. Similarly, Custom Ink's design lab provides tons of clipart and fonts, and you can easily upload your logo or image to your t-shirt design.
Some design labs, such as Canva, offer drag-and-drop design tools that make it easy to create any design quickly. Canva also provides millions of free images, icons, and graphics to choose from, as well as real-time collaboration features, allowing you to work with others on your t-shirt design.
In addition to the design features, design labs often provide printing services, allowing you to order prints of your custom t-shirt directly from the platform. For example, Custom Ink offers screen printing, direct-to-garment digital printing, and custom embroidery to customise your t-shirt order. Similarly, Canva uses Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing with certified safe-for-children inks for all custom shirt orders.
Overall, using a design lab is a convenient and creative way to make a number t-shirt, offering a range of tools and features to bring your design to life.
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Ordering in bulk
When ordering in bulk, the price per T-shirt decreases. For example, Custom Ink offers quantity-based pricing, so the more you buy, the cheaper each T-shirt will be. RushOrderTees also offers competitive pricing for bulk orders, with the price per T-shirt decreasing as the quantity increases.
Some companies, like Custom Ink, offer all-inclusive pricing, so the price of your order will be determined by three factors: the product you choose, the number of ink colours used in your design, and the total quantity of items in your order. You can use their Quick Quote tool to see the price of your order.
When ordering in bulk, it's important to consider the colours of the T-shirts. Custom Ink, for example, offers flexible ordering options for their most popular colours, so you can order as many as you want without worrying about minimum requirements. However, for smaller orders, you may need to choose from their most popular colours.
When it comes to designing your T-shirts, Custom Ink offers a Design Lab where you can add your own images and logos or browse their library of graphics and fonts. RushOrderTees also has a Design Studio where you can upload your design or create it directly within the studio using their Clipart and text options. Canva also offers a similar service, with free design templates that you can customise in just a few clicks.
If you're looking for a fast turnaround, RushOrderTees specialises in rush deliveries, with the option to receive your bulk order in as little as 2 business days. Custom Ink also offers rush delivery options, including 1-week and 3-business-day super rush options.
Finally, when ordering in bulk, be sure to check the company's shipping policies and any applicable discounts. For example, RushOrderTees offers free shipping, while Custom Ink offers free shipping to the continental US and Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
The fastest way to add numbers to a t-shirt is by using a heat press and some die-cut or pre-cut numbers. Thermo-FILM is the most popular material for die-cut or pre-cut numbers as it is durable and easy to work with.
You can design your own number t-shirt by using a graphic design software. Ensure that your final design is at least 220 PPI to avoid pixelation when printed. You can also use a platform like Canva, which has free drag-and-drop design tools that make it easy to create any design.
Cotton is the ideal material for t-shirts as it is comfortable, soft, and breathable. Cotton blends and tri-blends are also good options as they are just as comfortable but tend to shrink less, making them more lightweight.