digital textile, DIY Tutorials, Marketing, promotional products, tshirt transfer -

How to print your own t-shits

It the summer and I am making more frequent visits to the Gym. My modest Gym attire always involves a comfy over-sized t-shirt. My Gym is next Joann fabrics and I popped in last week after my workout to pick up a few white Ts. The were on sale for $2.00. I got 4. Since I am in a marketing and promo mood these day. I decided to spruce up my Ts with my blog's Logo. You will need:
  • Iron on T-shirt transfer paper (available at your local office supply store or Joann fabrics)
  • White T-shirt
  • Image editing software
  • Household iron
  • Hard surface
The process:
  • Prepare your art work to the desired size.
  • Reverse the image before printing - This is especially critical if you have text in your design. The text should be backwards on screen or on the print out. [caption id="attachment_854" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Flip it!"][/caption]
  • Trim the image close to the edge
  • Follow the manufacturers instructions to transfer the image
  • Admire your shirt.
Tip:Use Lots of Heat - Use hottest setting on your iron but no steam. It takes a lot of heat to transfer the image evenly and completely to the fabric. Peel off the paper while it is still hot unless you have purchased cool-peel paper. These newer transfer papers allow you to wait up to two minutes before peeling off the backing (check the manufacturer's guidelines) so the paper is cooler to the touch. Use a Hard Surface. The reason transfer instructions specify a hard surface (such as Formica) is because it holds the heat. Ironing boards tend to disperse the heat and the transfer paper needs to be very hot to work properly. I made a bit of a snafu on my first shirt - I was on the phone gossiping with my friend, lost focus and here is the result of shirt #1 [caption id="attachment_856" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Snafu"][/caption] Take a close look at the image. It's perfect from my point of view, but to the rest of the world, its upside down. I figured - it's a conversation piece, so I am  still going to wear it. (Unfortunately, people keep staring at my chest with a confused look, so maybe I only wear this masterpiece around the house.) The shirt below is my favorite. [caption id="attachment_858" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="I love bright colors"][/caption] And for the days when I feel like toning down the bright colors - this shirt will fit the bill. [caption id="attachment_861" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Less colorful"][/caption] Thanks for stopping by xoxo Al  

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