How to Iron a Transfer on a T-Shirt

You can do just about anything with a computer and a printer, including making your own iron-on t-shirt transfers. You can use your own photos, designs, and text to create your iron-on transfers, or you can find free images online to grace the front of your new shirt.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Printer
• T-shirt transfer paper
• Cotton t-shirt
• Iron
• Ironing board

Instructions

1. Gather all of the materials you'll need and head to the computer to choose your design. Be sure that it's a high resolution image, and that it'll show up well on the color of t-shirt you've chosen.

2. Edit the image. Resize the image depending on how small or large you'd like it to be. Now, print a practice page using regular paper. Be sure to set the printer to print in "mirror," "reverse" or "transfer."

3. Print your image on transfer paper and allow it to dry thoroughly before you iron it on. Cut away any excess paper.

4. Use an ironing board or other flat, heat-safe surface, and turn the iron the proper setting. Too high and it will yellow the transfer, too low and it won't work. A cotton setting will typically suffice.

5. Iron the t-shirt first and then stretch out the area that you'll be working with. Make sure there are absolutely no wrinkles and the cloth is pulled taut before you place the transfer on the shirt.

6. Place the transfer on the shirt carefully and then iron the transfer on. Use plenty of pressure but be sure to press straight down on the transfer or you might rip it or wrinkle the fabric underneath. Iron according to the transfer paper instructions and then carefully remove the backing. If it starts to stick, lay the paper back down, adjust the heat setting on the iron, and try again.

Resources

• Instructions and tips
• Free images