How to Design and Print Your Own T-Shirts
If you want to design and print your own t-shirts, a heat press is all you need. In just four seconds, you can apply screen printed transfers that have a retail-ready look, feel, and washability of a traditional print. Transfer Express is the world’s leading supplier of custom screen printed and digital heat transfers, and they have helped over 300,000 people start and run their own profitable t-shirt businesses from home.
Step 1: Design Your T-Shirt Graphics
You can design your custom t-shirt graphics online using Transfer Express’s free, easy-to-use online designer. Even if you have no graphic design experience, you can use over 10,000 customizable layouts and clip art for free. You can easily swap out text or clip art and change pre-loaded artwork templates to fit your specific needs with just a few clicks. If you are a designer, you can also upload your own files in almost any format to create one-of-a-kind t-shirts.
Step 2: Use Gang Sheets for Maximum Profit
Transfer Express sells all of their screen printed transfers by the 11.5 x 14 inch sheet, so the more artwork you can fit on there, the more cost-effective it is. You can fit front or back prints, left chest prints, and even sleeve prints on one sheet, making each print incredibly affordable. Minimum quantities start at just six pieces, so limited runs are super accessible and affordable. Transfer Express even allows you to mock up the artwork on a t-shirt so you can see exactly how your project will turn out.
Step 3: Order Your Transfers
Ordering transfers from Transfer Express is easy and convenient. One color screen printed transfers ship as quickly as one business day, so you won’t have to wait long. And, since the transfers come ready to apply, there’s no need to weed vinyl or buy expensive substrates. Plus, you can stock up on blank t-shirts and only print your designs when needed, eliminating the risk of unsold inventory and the expensive upfront cost of direct-to-garment printers and inks.
Step 4: Heat Press Your T-Shirts
To heat press your t-shirts, you’ll need to set the time and temperature on your press according to the instructions for your transfers. For Transfer Express’s goof proof screen printed transfers, the recommended time and temperature is 365 degrees for four to six seconds, with medium to firm pressure. Simply pre-press your blank t-shirt to remove any moisture and wrinkles, lay the transfer on the t-shirt, and press for four seconds. The carrier paper will peel away immediately, revealing a high-quality screen printed t-shirt.
If you want to learn more about designing and printing your own t-shirts, head over to transferexpress.com to get started. You’ll be amazed at how easy and cost-effective it is to create professional-looking t-shirts from the comfort of your own home.
FAQs:
What is a heat press and why is it necessary for printing t-shirts?
A heat press is a machine that uses heat and pressure to transfer designs onto various materials, including t-shirts. It is necessary for printing t-shirts because it allows you to apply screen printed transfers with a professional finish, without the need for expensive printers or ink.
Can I design my own t-shirt graphics online with Transfer Express?
Yes, Transfer Express offers a free, easy-to-use online designer where you can design your own t-shirt graphics. Even if you have no graphic design experience, you can use over 10,000 customizable layouts and clip art for free. You can also upload your own files in almost any format to create unique designs.
What are gang sheets and how do they benefit my t-shirt business?
Gang sheets are sheets of transfers that contain multiple designs, allowing you to print more t-shirts at once and save money. Transfer Express sells all of their screen printed transfers by the 11.5 x 14 inch sheet, so the more designs you can fit on one sheet, the more cost-effective it is. Gang sheets make it easy to print small quantities of t-shirts at an affordable price, making them ideal for limited runs or testing out new designs.
How long does it take to receive my transfers from Transfer Express?
Transfer Express ships one color screen printed transfers as quickly as one business day, so you won't have to wait long to receive your order.
Can I use Transfer Express's transfers on any type of t-shirt?
Transfer Express's transfers are compatible with a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blends. It is important to follow the recommended time, temperature, and pressure settings for your specific transfers to ensure a successful transfer.
