Creating t-shirts is a fun and easy way to start making your closet unique, and express yourself through clothing. Crafty quotes, unknown bands, political statements, and your own art are all good ideas for creating custom t-shirts. Homemade shirts also allow you to make original gifts for relatives and friends. Also, if you can mass produce them, you will have the opportunity to round up your income.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Decorate T-Shirt
Step 1. Get the t-shirts
Sports shops and department stores are ideal outlets for buying good quality T-shirts wholesale. Cotton is the easiest fabric to work with, but try polyester and blends as well.
Step 2. Before you start, wash and dry your shirts
Cotton t-shirts shrink with washing, so when they shrink, your design may get damaged. Therefore, wash them before you go to work to make sure you get the desired result.
Step 3. Slip a card between the layers of the shirt
This prevents ink, paint or dye from bleeding on the back of the garment.
Step 4. Use iron-on transfer paper to transfer images from your computer to a T-shirt
Iron-on transfer paper is available for both light and dark shirts. You can also buy it at an art supplies store to create custom sheets. You simply have to print the image on this special paper using a normal printer and fix it to the t-shirt with the iron.
Put on the shirt and gently mark where you want to print the image. Afterward, lay the t-shirt on an ironing board or solid surface so that the image recreates exactly where you want it
Step 5. Use markers, paints and fabric glitter to make the design more original and decorate the garment
If you want to draw or write on the t-shirt, permanent markers are fine too. Hobby stores sell fabric paints and markers, but you can also buy t-shirt dyes, decorative patches, studs, and sequins to customize your shirt.
If you are using a permanent marker, wash the shirt separately the first time to prevent ink from staining other clothes
Step 6. Let the shirt dry overnight
Whatever material you used to decorate it, resist the temptation to put it on immediately. If you will be using fabric glue and glitter, do not shake the shirt until they have dried. Leaving it to dry outdoors on a sunny day or hanging it carefully could speed up the process.
Not all glitter is created equal - use those specifically designed for fabrics
Step 7. Try other design techniques
There are many other ways to make a t-shirt unique. Try new ways to customize it, including:
- Dye it in knots.
- Give it a worn look.
- Personalize it with printing.
Step 8. Customize the t-shirt online for a professional look
There are many websites that accept an image or photo and then print it on a t-shirt. Obviously the service is paid. Search the internet by typing "print custom t-shirts", see prices and options, including the ability to design your own t-shirt through the page.
- The more t-shirts you order, the lower the cost for each t-shirt.
- Usually you will have to pay for each colored ink used.
- Most of these sites have design options - they allow you to add simple colors, words or patterns to your shirt.
Method 2 of 3: Create a Stencil
Step 1. Use stencils to create more accurate designs
Stencils are stencils that allow you to apply spray, paint, ink or marker to specific parts of the shirt. The stencil is a guide that tells you where to draw, so it prevents mistakes when creating complex shapes. To make one, you will need:
- Thin cardboard.
- Pencil.
- X-Acto or precision pocket knife.
- Spray paint.
Step 2. Create your design on the cardstock
You have to cut out the parts you want to color, revealing the shirt underneath.
- It would be best to gently color inside the stencil. All the parts you will color will form the design that you will eventually end up with on the shirt.
- Imagine creating the stencil is like carving a pumpkin - all the parts you cut will create the shape of the pumpkin.
Step 3. Cut out the created motif
Precision pocket knives, such as the X-Acto ones, can make precise cuts with ease, allowing you to cut out detailed shapes. Remove any parts you don't want to cover with ink and throw them away. But make sure you leave 10-12cm of stencil on each side of the design.
Advanced tip. If the shapes are surrounded, remember to leave them attached. For example, if you want to cut out an uppercase A, but want to save the triangle at the top, you need to keep a thin line of cardstock attached to the triangle so it doesn't get deleted.
Step 4. Slip a sheet of construction paper between the layers of the t-shirt
This prevents ink, paint or dye from bleeding on the back of the shirt.
Step 5. Secure the stencil to the t-shirt securely with tape
Make sure the duct tape doesn't cover the parts of the shirt you want to color.
Step 6. Spray the paint on the t-shirt
The stencil will prevent paint from dripping onto parts of the shirt that you don't want to color. Follow the instructions on the package and spray the product carefully on the shirt.
For a vintage look, spray away to create small, paint-free patches
Step 7. Let the t-shirt dry for 2-3 hours
Do not touch it, otherwise the paint may drip and ruin the design.
Step 8. Carefully remove the stencil once the t-shirt is dry
If you want, you can also use it on another shirt.
Step 9. Wash the t-shirt separately to prevent paint from staining other clothes
For the first 2-3 washes, the shirt will lose excess spray paint. Make sure you wash it yourself with cold water, so you will avoid ruining your other clothes.
Method 3 of 3: Create Multiple T-Shirts with a Screen Printing Matrix
Step 1. Screen printing stencils are the best tool for making identical t-shirts quickly
The matrix uses a ready-made design to quickly apply ink to the shirt. Then, you can remove the shirt, insert another one under the stencil and create the same pattern on it.
Step 2. Get the supplies
For this method, you will need a few tools, most of which should be available at an art supplies store or on the internet:
- Ink suitable for the silk screen (make sure it matches the fabric of the t-shirt).
- Photoemulsion.
- Screen printing matrix and frame.
- Squeegee.
- Strong lighting (at least 150 watts).
- Large flat, black surface (chalkboard, poster, etc.).
- Cardboard.
- X-Acto scissors or small knife.
- A fantasy.
- A t-shirt of any fabric.
Step 3. Make a stencil with the design you have in mind
Screen stencils can only apply one color at a time, so create a simple shape or outline to start learning. The design will be what is eventually colored on the t-shirt. Draw it on a piece of construction paper and then cut it out.
- When you place the stencil, think about the final result on the t-shirt. Place it on the shirt after finishing it: any part covered by the stencil will subsequently be colored with ink.
- Note: this type of stencil is the exact opposite of what we talked about earlier. In this case, what you cut away makes the design.
Step 4. Coat the silk screen with the photoemulsion
It is a particular substance that reacts to light. When it does, it hardens. You have to create a shape in the emulsion to make the design - anything that is not covered by the substance will match the final motif. Pour a string along one side of the matrix and use the squeegee to spread a thin layer over the entire surface.
- Apply the emulsion along a part of the edge that is not surrounded by the frame.
- Do this in a room that is as dark as possible.
Step 5. Let the emulsion dry in a dark place
Try to expose it as little as possible to light - a closet or bathroom will do, if you can close the blinds or curtains.
Step 6. Prepare the imaging area while the emulsion dries
Here you will expose the matrix to the light. Follow the instructions on the photoemulsion package and prepare a lamp above the flat black surface. Each emulsion has different times, watts and distances required for proper exposure, so read the instructions carefully.
For example, if the emulsion requires a 30 minute exposure at 200 watts, set up a lamp with a 200 watt bulb about 30-60 cm above a table. You will put the matrix under the light
Step 7. Move the dry master to the imaging area
Cover it with a towel so it won't react to light as you transfer it to the area.
Step 8. Place the stencil in the center of the stencil
The matrix must be positioned with the front facing upwards during the emulsion, so as to rest on the frame and rise a few centimeters on the table. Arrange the stencil in the center.
- Place the stencil on the surface in reverse to properly imprint the image. Determine how you want to arrange the stencil on the t-shirt, then turn it over before actually putting it on it.
- If there are gusts of wind or the stencil is very light, place a piece of clear glass over it to prevent it from moving.
- Do not push, shake or move the stencil, light or stencil.
Step 9. Turn on the light
Double-check the emulsion packaging so you know how long you need the light. If you smell burning, be sure to turn it off right away. At the end of the work, remove the stencil.
If you've prepared the emulsion correctly, you should see the faint outline of the stencil inside it
Step 10. Remove the emulsion with cold water
Take a high pressure water source (shower head, faucet, garden pump) and wash the matrix, aiming the jet at the image. You should see the outline of the stencil appear. Keep wetting it until you end up with a clear image.
Don't forget to let the stencil dry before continuing
Step 11. Arrange the card stock between the layers of the t-shirt
This prevents the ink from dripping to stain the other side of the shirt.
Step 12. Align the matrix with the t-shirt
Place it on the shirt with the front of the frame facing up, centering the design where you want it.
Step 13. Apply the ink to the design with a squeegee
Pour a thin layer of ink over the pattern. Firmly drag the squeegee onto the design so that the ink covers the entire stencil.
Higher pressure will result in a darker image
Step 14. Slowly remove the silk screen
Remove the stencil from the t-shirt by applying even pressure, then hang it up to dry. The stencil should be the only colored part.
Step 15. Repeat with as many t-shirts as you want
You can re-use screen printing on a shirt if you want, adding more ink according to your needs.
