Designing T-Shirts: Adding Graphics To Your Shirt

Putting a graphic on a T-shirt is a fun and creative way to express yourself. Whether you're an artist looking to bring your designs to life or someone who wants to create a unique gift, there are several methods you can use to transfer an image onto a T-shirt. The most common approach is using transfer paper, which involves printing your design on special paper and then ironing it onto the shirt. This method requires transfer paper, an inkjet printer, a pillowcase, an iron, and, of course, a T-shirt. Another option is to use a service like Sticker Mule, which allows you to design and order custom T-shirts online. For those feeling more adventurous, you can even try the parchment paper transfer method, which uses plastic wrap and regular printer paper to transfer your design. Whichever method you choose, designing and creating your own custom T-shirts is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Choosing the right transfer paper

When it comes to choosing the right transfer paper for your T-shirt design, several factors come into play. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you make the right choice:

Type of Printer:

Firstly, identify the type of printer you have or plan to purchase. The two main options are inkjet and laser printers. Inkjet printers are generally more affordable and are ideal for printing photographs as they can reproduce a full range of colours. Laser printers, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive but excel at printing vector-based art and can also produce good-quality photos, especially with the right software.

Type of Fabric:

The type of fabric you're printing on is crucial. The most common fabric for T-shirts is cotton, which is generally easy to work with and takes transfer designs well. Polyester, on the other hand, is more durable and moisture-wicking but can be trickier to print on due to its synthetic nature. Blends offer a combination of comfort and durability but require transfer paper that adheres well to both cotton and polyester fibres. For fabrics like spandex, rayon, or nylon, you'll need specialised transfer papers to ensure the print doesn't crack or peel.

Inkjet Transfer Paper:

Inkjet transfer paper is perfect for home use as it's compatible with standard inkjet printers. It works well with cotton and cotton-blend fabrics but may not be as durable on synthetic materials. This type of paper is affordable and easy to use but may not offer the same level of durability as other options.

Laser Transfer Paper:

Laser transfer paper is designed for use with laser printers and is known for its high durability. It's ideal for polyester blends but tends to be more expensive and requires a laser printer. Laser transfer papers often perform well on blended fabrics and can provide a flexible and durable finish.

Sublimation Paper:

If you're working with polyester fabrics, sublimation paper is the way to go. The dye-sublimation process allows the ink to become part of the fabric, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting prints. Keep in mind that sublimation doesn't work well on dark fabrics, and you'll need a specialised sublimation printer with sublimation inks.

Light vs Dark Garments:

The colour of your garment also plays a role in choosing the right transfer paper. Light-coloured garments, including white, light grey, and pastel shades, require light transfer paper. Dark-coloured garments, such as black, navy, or red, need dark transfer paper to ensure the image isn't washed out by the colour of the shirt.

Tips for Best Results:

• Pre-wash your shirts to remove any sizing that might interfere with the transfer.
• Use high-quality images for the best transfer results.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for heat and pressure settings to avoid damaging the fabric or transferring the image improperly.
• Always test the transfer paper on a scrap piece of fabric first to ensure it adheres well.
• When working with blended fabrics, adjust the heat and pressure settings as they can be sensitive to heat.
• For specialty fabrics, follow the instructions closely, and use protective sheets during the transfer process.

Printing your design

There are several ways to print your design onto a T-shirt. The most suitable method for you will depend on factors such as the complexity of your design, the number of T-shirts you want to print, the fabric and colour of the T-shirt, and your budget.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

This method uses a DTG printer to spray ink onto the fabric. It works in the same way as a regular paper printer, and is suitable for multiple designs. However, it requires a high initial investment and the designs are less durable.

Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing

This method uses a film and powder, along with a heat-press mechanism, to transfer the design onto the T-shirt. It is suitable for any type of fabric and results in vibrant, durable prints. However, it is a time-consuming process.

Heat Press Printing

The design is printed onto transfer paper, which is then placed on the fabric and pressed using a heat press machine. This method is effective for complex and intricate designs, but it is not suitable for dark clothing and the high heat can damage the cloth.

Screen Printing

This is a stencil-based printing technique, where ink is applied to the fabric through a mesh screen. It promises high-quality results and is suitable for large quantities, but it is not ideal for complex and intricate designs.

Sublimation/All-Over Printing

This method uses a special heat transfer paper to transfer designs onto fabric. It is suitable for printing on 100% polyester or fabric blends that contain a high percentage of polyester, and it is ideal for activewear, sports jerseys, and custom patterns.

Transfer Paper

This is a popular DIY method that requires an inkjet printer, transfer paper, and an iron. You will need to print your design onto the transfer paper, cut out the image, and then iron it onto the T-shirt. This method is suitable for light and dark-coloured T-shirts, but you will need to use a mirror image for light-coloured fabrics so that the text is readable.

Parchment Paper Transfer with Plastic Wrap

This method does not require a printer or heat press. Simply cover your chosen image in plastic wrap, place it on the T-shirt, and then cover it with parchment paper. Iron over the image, let it cool, and then remove the parchment paper.

Cricut™ Machine Transfers

This method requires purchasing or borrowing a Cricut™ cutting machine, as well as a Cricut EasyPress® or regular iron. You will need to create and adjust your image file in Cricut Design Space, cut out the image using the machine, and then iron it onto the T-shirt.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a printing method, consider the quality, design limitations, durability, and cost. Additionally, always follow the care instructions provided to ensure the longevity of your custom T-shirt.

Cutting out the image

Firstly, print your design onto transfer paper, ensuring that you have mirrored the image if you are using light-coloured transfer paper. This is an important step, as it will ensure that any text in your design will be readable on the T-shirt. If you are using transfer paper for dark fabrics, you do not need to mirror the image.

After printing your design, use a ruler and an Exacto knife to cut around the edges of the image. Be precise and cut as close to the edges as possible to ensure there is no excess transfer paper left. This will help create a clean image on the T-shirt.

If you are using the parchment paper transfer method, you can cut out your image from regular printer paper or a magazine and cover it with plastic wrap. Cut as close to the edges as possible and fold the excess wrap to the back of the image.

Now, place the image on the T-shirt, making sure it is straight and in the correct position. If you are using light transfer paper, place the image face down, and for dark transfer paper, place the image face up.

Once you are happy with the placement, it is time to iron on the design. Set your iron to the highest temperature suitable for the fabric and make sure it is dry ironing without steam. Follow the ironing instructions included with the transfer paper, or if there are none, apply pressure evenly for a couple of minutes.

Finally, let the T-shirt cool down for a few minutes before carefully peeling off the paper. And there you have it—your very own custom T-shirt!

Ironing on the design

Choose the design

Select any design, logo, or image that you would like to use. Ensure that you only use designs and images of your own creation, especially if you intend to sell the T-shirts. Oddly shaped or intricate designs might require more precise cutting, so be prepared for this. Your chosen design should be uploaded to a computer so that you can edit and print it. If you are working with a physical photo, scan it or take a picture of it and upload it to your computer.

Purchase the transfer paper

You will need to buy iron-on transfer paper, which can be found at most stationery, craft, and office supply stores. There are two types of transfer paper: one for light-coloured fabrics (white, yellow, and light grey) and one for dark-coloured fabrics (black, dark grey, and dark blue). Transfer paper usually comes in the standard size of printer paper, but if you require a different size, ensure your printer can handle it.

Mirror images for light-coloured T-shirts

If you are using transfer paper for light-coloured fabrics, you will need to reverse or mirror the image before printing. This is because the transfer paper creates a mirror image of your design. Your printer may have this option, or you may need to edit the photo in a photo editor. Test the mirror image by printing it onto regular paper first. If you are using transfer paper for dark-coloured fabrics, you can skip this step.

Print your design

Crop the photo if you only want to iron on a portion of the image. Check that your image will fit on the transfer paper by clicking 'preview'. If it is too big, select 'fit to scale' or reduce the size of the image. Choose 'landscape' in your printing options if your photo is wider than it is tall. Ensure that you are printing on the correct side of the transfer paper—read the directions if you are unsure.

Cut out the image

Cut around the image as precisely as possible to ensure no blank transfer paper is left. If there is excess paper when you iron on the image, it will leave a shadow on the T-shirt. You can use a ruler and an Exacto knife to achieve a clean cut.

Choose and cover the surface

Select a smooth surface that can withstand heat, such as a table, countertop, or ironing board. Cover the surface with a cotton pillowcase to protect the T-shirt and the surface.

Iron the T-shirt

Follow the ironing instructions on the transfer paper. If there are none, set your iron to the highest temperature, ensuring it is dry with no steam. If your iron has water in it, pour it out. Allow the iron to heat up. Place the T-shirt on top of the pillowcase and iron it until it is completely flat. This step ensures that no wrinkles are printed into your design.

Place the transfer paper

Place the light transfer paper face down and the dark transfer paper face up. Ensure the image is straight and in the correct position.

Iron on the design

Press the iron firmly onto the T-shirt, applying pressure with your whole hand. Follow the instructions on the transfer paper for how long to iron—it could be anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes. Try not to move the iron around too much to maintain even, constant heat over the entire image.

Let it cool

Remove the iron and let the image and T-shirt cool for a few minutes until it reaches room temperature.

Peel off the paper

Gently peel off the transfer paper, starting from one of the corners. Congratulations, you have now successfully applied your design!

Peeling off the paper

After ironing the transfer paper onto your t-shirt, you need to let the shirt cool down for a few minutes. The paper should be at room temperature before you attempt to peel it off. If you try to remove the paper while it's still hot, you risk tearing the paper and ruining your design.

Once the shirt has cooled, gently peel off the paper to reveal your image underneath. If you're using transfer paper for light-coloured shirts, the image will be face down, so be careful not to smudge or smear the ink as you peel. If you're using transfer paper for dark fabrics, the image will be face up, so you can simply peel off the paper to reveal the design.

In some cases, you may find that the transfer paper doesn't come off cleanly and leaves behind some residue. If this happens, don't panic! There are a few things you can try to remove the remaining paper. First, try re-heating the area with your iron and then quickly peeling off the paper while it's still hot. You may need to do this a few times to get all the paper off.

Another method is to use an X-Acto knife or similar tool to carefully scrape away the excess paper. Again, be sure to work quickly while the paper is still hot, as it will be easier to remove.

If you're having trouble removing the transfer paper, it could be due to a few factors. Ensure that you're using the correct type of transfer paper for your fabric (light or dark) and that your iron is hot enough. You may need to increase the temperature or press the iron down more firmly. Additionally, some papers require a "hot peel", meaning you need to peel the paper off immediately after ironing, so be sure to check the instructions for your particular transfer paper.

With a little practice, you'll be able to master the art of peeling off the transfer paper and creating custom t-shirts with ease!

Frequently asked questions