Introduction: D.I.Y. Screen Printing

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Once you start screen printing your original designs you won't want to stop.

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Step 1: Pick Out Your Design

First, pick out the design that you want to use and print it out. Make sure it's the right size.

Step 2: Hoops and Fabric

Now, get out your embroidery hoop and fabric of choice. Make sure a thinner woven mesh fabric is used.

Step 3: Stretch the Fabric.

Now, stretch the fabric over the inner hoop and place the outer hoop over the fabric and inner hoop. Make sure the fabric is pulled tight through both hoops.

Step 4: Placing the Image

Place the hoop over the image with the fabric facing down. You'll probably want to tape it to ensure it does not move around.

Step 5: Tracing the Image

Trace the outline of your image onto the fabric with a pencil.

Step 6: Mod Podge Time!

With a paintbrush, take some Mod Podge (water resistant glue) and paint all the negative spaces of the outline with the fabric facing up. Let it dry completely. This may take a while.

Step 7: Prepping the Shirt

After your screen is dry, get out your shirt and place a piece of cardboard in the middle. This will prevent the ink from bleeding through to the back.

Step 8: Placing the Screen

Now, place your screen on the part of the shirt you want to screenprint with the fabric facing down. Make sure you secure the screen with some weights so it doesn't move.

Step 9: Screen Printing!!!

Next, take your fabric ink and "glop" a little on the screen. Then use a piece of cardboard to spread it around, making sure that the image is completely covered. Once covered SLOWLY peel the screen off of the shirt.

Step 10: Iron the Shirt

Once the shirt has completely dried, get out your iron and set it to medium-high heat. Place a piece of paper over the print and iron for about two to three minutes. Be sure to rinse the ink from the screen before it dries.

Step 11: You've Just Screen Printed!

Congratulations! You've just finished your screen printed shirt.