How to Hot to Make Custom T-Shirts

If you have a printer and a computer, then you can create unique t-shirts to either keep, or give as gifts, with very little effort. Making a one-of-a-kind custom t-shirt has never been easier. Not only are custom t-shirts fun and easy to make, but they also make great, inexpensive gifts. In a few steps and in less than 30 minutes, you can create an original custom t-shirt made by you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 100% cotton t-shirt
• Iron-on transfer paper
• Iron
• Computer graphics program

How to Make Custom T-Shirts

1. Design your t-shirt with a computer graphics program. It doesn't really matter which one. Use a program that you have used before. This way it will be easier to add text, move objects, or general editing of your creation. You can either design your own, find clipart, or use a ready-made design.

2. Test print your design: Once you have created your design, you are ready to test print. It is always best to test print on plain paper to see exactly what the design will look like. Plus you don't want to waste that expensive iron transfer paper. Set printer options to highest quality. Check to make sure that your design prints on a single page and within the margins. If not, then you may have to move your design to get it to print properly.

3. Working out the kinks: Now that you have all the problems worked out with printing your design, load your printer with the iron-on transfer paper. If you are printing a light colored transfer, you will need to either flip or mirror the design or select the paper source as iron on transfer on your printer. This way the printer will flip the image or mirror it. If your printer doesn't have the iron on transfer option, then you will need to flip or mirror the image before printing.

4. Cut out your design if so desired. You may want to trim away the extra transfer paper from your design.

5. Iron your creation onto your t-shirt. Lay the t-shirt flat onto a hard surface like a table. Heat up your iron to a hot setting. Next place the iron-on onto your t-shirt face down. Place the hot iron on top of the design. Move the iron around so that you cover the whole transfer. Do this for two minutes. Then wait until the shirt has cooled to peel off the transfer. Take your time and gently remove it to prevent it from tearing. If the design isn't sticking to the t-shirt, then stop and try ironing again for a longer period.

Tips & Warnings

• Free fonts might give you more selection when it comes to using fonts but sometimes they do not print as sharply as those that come with your computer or that are bought.
• Since the t-shirt is 100 percent cotton, buy a larger size than you need because it will shrink when washed. Washing the t-shirt in cold water will help prevent shrinkage.
• Never leave your iron unattended. Turn off and unplug iron after using then after it cools put away both the iron and the ironing board.
• Be very careful when peeling off the iron on transfer after ironing. Allow ample time for the shirt to cool.
• When designing your t-shirt, remember that white doesn't print on light colored transfers. On dark iron-on transfers, white does print.
• For darker colored t-shirts, be sure to have the iron on transfer paper meant for darker colored material. Printing and ironing instructions are different for iron-on transfers for darker colors.