Introduction: Customized T-Shirts!
You have probably seen one of those methods to create your own patterns etc. on a T-Shirt. But the problem being, that it is time consuming and that you probably don't have all the materials and tools needed.
This method is easy and cheap, yet results a very pleasent result.
Step 1: The Transfers
First of all you'll need your t-shirt to print on.
Also you will have to buy some 'T-Shirt Transfers' sheets sold in many stores, including your local printer shop. Often the 'T-Shirt Transfers' sheets will only allow you to use them on white T-Shirts, but it is possible to buy them for darker colors.
I found these at 3-4$ per sheet, but I live in a country where everything is expensive, so you might be ble to find them at a much lower cost.
Step 2: Customize!
Think about what you want to be on your T-Shirt, this can be anyehere from kinky text to photos from your vacation. Be creative!
All you need to do at this point is to flip the text or image horizontal in an image editing software. If you don't hve such, the instructions on the T-Shirts Transfers will often guide you to a website where you will be able to download their free software.
In able to save on the number of sheets used per image, you can insert all your desired images/text into a word document or the like.
After this is done, go ahead and print it! Make sure to print on the blank side of the sheet. Of course, if you want colored images, you will need a color printer ;-)
Step 3: Cutting Out
Cut around the image, with a distance to the edge of at least 1 mm. Be sure to round the sharp edges off, so they won't lift during cleaning the T-Shirt.
Step 4: Attaching the Image
Now for ironing the image to the T-Shirt. For this, a regular ironing board is too soft to get the image transferred optimal. Instead, use a hard surface, such as a table and lay a piece of thick pasteboard under the T-Shirt, so you won't damage the T-Shirt. Go ahead and iron the T-Shirt to get rid of any wrinkles. Place the image faceside-down where you want it to be. Set your iron to 'max' and iron it. ý minutes for images smaller than 10x15 cm, 1-ý minutes for sizes around a half A4 and 3 minutes for a whole A4 sheet. Remember to iron every corner!
After this, let it cool and peel off the paper.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Now you're finished, take a look at your result! Wasn't that easy?
39 Comments
12 years ago on Step 4
Great tutorial! But on step four the amount of time you have to iron for each size didn't show up. It looked like this:
"...�½ minutes for images smaller than 10x15 cm, 1-�½ minutes for sizes around a half A4..."
13 years ago on Introduction
This is a very good instructables, i bought 10 sheets for 6€, and 2 tshirts for 7,50€, very cheap Here's the first tshirt I made! Thanks for this instructable
13 years ago on Introduction
That's really cool I would like to do that, but aren't their laws on copyright?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
As long as you don't make money off somebody else's work, you'll be fine.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Oh okay, I c... How do the shirts hold up in the washer. Does the design fade away quickly?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I made these t-shirts back in November 2007, and the designs are still colorful. Some cracks appear after a few washes which doesn't happen as easily with screenprinting, however compared to screenprinting this method is quicker and allows you to use a wide variety of colors easily. Just flip the t-shirt inside-out and wash at lower temperatures.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Okay, that's super. Thanks <=D
13 years ago on Introduction
I make one for my Valentine and one for me with this picture.
They look like real tee !
My girlfriend is very enjoyed ! ;)
13 years ago on Introduction
Did the same, but my t-shirt started to get rid of the design :(
14 years ago on Introduction
Hey i have recently seen this video of how to fold your T-shirts fast, just in seconds. I thought that you all would like to watch it.
[http://unlfreeculture.org/?p=160 Fold T-shirts Fast]
14 years ago on Introduction
I think the colour rubs off from beneath. Can you prevent it?
14 years ago on Introduction
You can take a picture of yourself, and put it on a shirt.
14 years ago on Introduction
You basically read the directions which came with the paper...
14 years ago on Introduction
I saw the metacafe thing backwards and thought it was cyrilic, my bad lol
14 years ago on Introduction
what happens if you put one of those t-shirt sheets that only work on white shirts on a black one? like does it explode? exaporate? Not stick?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Normally when you print on white paper, you don't need white ink, because the paper itself is white. The transfer paper is transparent, so white colors can't be seen, and the image will appear darker on black t-shirts. If you do want to make a black t-shirt, the transfer papers are white.
14 years ago on Step 1
are they permanent?
14 years ago on Introduction
can you transfer to any color tshirt
14 years ago on Step 5
cool!
14 years ago on Introduction
awsome instructable!! i use it alot