How to Orient the Image for Silk-Screening a T-Shirt

An image must be properly oriented on a T-shirt for a successful transfer of a design during the silk-screening process. The silk-screened image should be oriented so that it matches the orientation of the body while wearing the T-shirt.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Turn the silk-screen frame so that the screen itself will touch the T-shirt. The side of the screen that has the 1- to 2-inch border or wood is the side that should be facing you, and the side where the fabric is flush with the frame (like a drum head) should be placed against the T-shirt.

2. Place the T-shirt in the silk-screen frame so that the neck is across the top of the screen. The correct transference of a design begins with the correct orientation of the T-shirt.

3. Place the paper with the image on the other side of the screen--the side that will be touching the T-shirt during printing. This will allow the image to show through the fabric.

4. Move the image around so that it is oriented vertically and horizontally. The image should line up horizontally and vertically with the T-shirt to guarantee the best possible silk-screening results.

5. Paint the image onto the side of the screen that is facing you--the side with the 1 to 2 inches of wood all around.