Printing on t-shirts is a fun and affordable way to create t-shirts with your favorite group, your team's mascot or simply a design or pattern you like. To get started, buy some plain t-shirts, find a design and choose the method you want to use. In this article you will find three different ones: the stencil, the screen printing and the thermo-adhesive paper.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using a Stencil
Step 1. Get everything you need
To print a stencil shirt, you need simple materials, many of which will already be in your home. Otherwise, you can find them at a stationery or home improvement or fine art store. Here's what it takes:
- A T-shirt. It has to be simple - a cotton one is fine. Remember that some types of color go through cotton if it is very thin, so if that worries you you can get a shirt of a slightly thicker fabric. The color must be light enough (or dark enough) to make the design stand out.
- A stencil. You can buy a pre-made one at a home improvement store or make one out of cardstock.
- Paint or ink. Fabric acrylics are a great choice for printing T-shirts. You can also look for a dye or fabric ink. However, choose a color that doesn't go away in the washing machine.
- A paint roller (small) and a paint tray. You will need them to apply the paint evenly. If you don't have a roller, you can use a large brush.
- Scotch tape. It is used to attach the stencil to the shirt while applying the color.
Step 2. Wash the shirt
Cotton T-shirts shrink when washed, so it is important to wash and dry them before proceeding with printing. If you do this after you're done drawing, you may end up with a warped print. When the shirt is dry, iron it well.
Step 3. Prepare the work plan
Put protective paper on a hard, flat surface. Put the shirt on the work surface, and remove all the creases. Place the stencil where you want to print the design and secure the edges with adhesive tape so that the stencil remains firmly in place.
- If you are afraid that paint will run from the other side, place a piece of construction paper inside the shirt so that the color does not pass on the back.
- To avoid staining your clothes, cover them with an old shirt.
Step 4. Prepare the roller
Pour the color into the bowl. Pass the roller several times through the paint to distribute it evenly. Test it on a piece of paper.
Step 5. Color the shirt
With precise and safe passes, use the roller to cover the gaps in the stencil. Go well over the whole design, also covering the stencil for 3-5 cm. But be careful not to go outside the edges of the stencil.
Step 6. Lift the stencil
Lift the stencil out of the shirt very carefully and put it away. Now wait for the color to dry well before touching the shirt.
Step 7. Iron the shirt
When the paint is dry, place a clean cloth (e.g. a tea towel) over the print. Put the iron on maximum and iron the printed part. This helps secure the print so it doesn't come off easily.
Step 8. Put on and wash the shirt
You are now free to wear your new shirt. Wash it alone in cold water the first few times. Over time you should then be able to wash it normally along with the rest of the laundry.
Method 2 of 3: Screen printing
Step 1. Get everything you need
Screen printing is an art form that can be both very simple and very complex: you can do it however you want. The basic principle is to use a screen or frame to distribute color evenly across a mold. With this method it is possible to apply multiple colors and create even very complex designs. Here's what you need:
- A T-shirt. You can use this technique on almost any material, but if you're starting out, try cotton. Remember to wash, dry and iron the shirt before starting.
- A screen. You can find it in DIY stores. Get one that is the same width as the shirt.
- Ink for screen printing. Pick one or more colors - based on the design you have chosen.
- A spatula. You need to distribute the paint on the screen and apply it to the shirt.
- Stencil paper. Cut it to the same size as the screen.
- A utility knife. You need to cut out the design on the paper.
Step 2. Create the stencil
Use the utility knife to cut out the design from the paper. You can also trace the design on the paper before you start cutting it. Make the drawing more or less simple according to your preferences. If you want to use multiple colors, make a stencil for each color you are going to apply.
Step 3. Prepare the work plan
Cover the table with paper. Put the t-shirt on the floor and smooth out the folds well. Place the stencil where you want to create the print and cover it with the screen.
Step 4. Put ink on the screen
Put a spoonful of ink on the screen and use the spatula to distribute it well. Make a second pass with the spatula at the end.
- You may need some training to learn how to ink the screen (and the shirt) well. Try to make only two passes, one horizontally and one vertically: this will apply the necessary amount of ink evenly.
- Check that the ends of the stencil are larger than the ends of the screen, otherwise the ink will seep into the edges.
Step 5. Raise the screen and let it dry
Remove the screen carefully and check the finished work. Allow the shirt to dry thoroughly before wearing or washing it.
Step 6. Use the screen again
When you remove the screen, the stencil should stick to it. You can use them again on another shirt and add some ink to make a second print. You can continue to replicate the design on as many t-shirts as you want.
Step 7. Wash the screen
The water-based ink dries quickly and peels off easily when dry. Wash the screen well in lukewarm water when you're done.
Method 3 of 3: Use the iron-on paper
Step 1. Get everything you need
For this technique, you simply need a T-shirt, a packet of iron-on paper and a printer. Iron-on paper is found in nearly every home improvement and fine art store.
Step 2. Create your design
Use special software to create a graphic design to print on the shirt. You can choose a photo or drawing you find online or create your own. With this technique you don't have to worry about selecting a simple decoration with few colors, so the choice has no limits.
Step 3. Print the design on the iron-on paper
Put the paper in the printer so that the design appears on the side of the paper that will stick to the shirt.
Step 4. Put the shirt on a flat surface
Remove all creases. Place the iron-on paper in the position you prefer, with the transfer side in contact with the fabric. Put a thin piece, such as a tea towel, on the paper.
Step 5. Iron the paper
Place the hot iron on the cloth so that the heat reaches the paper. Hold it for a few seconds, following the instructions written on the paper packaging.
Step 6. Lift the paper backing
Remove the patch and peel off the film with your fingers, carefully. Removal should be simple and the print should remain on the shirt. If it gets difficult, put it back down and pass the iron again.
