How to Print T-Shirts With a Computer

If you want to learn how to design your own t-shirts for your family or friends, you can easily learn to make t-shirts that will make every member of your family happy by choosing designs and characters that they will like. All you need is a few simple materials and a little time, and you will be on your way to making your own t-shirts in no time.

1. Purchase the t-shirt that you would like to design. Be sure that you purchase the t-shirt slightly larger than you need it to be. T-shirts are known to shrink after the first wash.


2. Wash and dry the t-shirts that you plan to design before applying your design so that it does not mess up the design during the shrinking process.


3. Select the design that you would like on your t-shirt. You can use a picture or a digital image. If the image is on a picture, you need to scan it so that it is in digital format.


4. Purchase heat transfer paper from your local craft or hobby store. The average size heat transfer paper is 8" x 11" and comes in different varieties depending on the color of the t-shirt that you are transferring your image to.


5. Use your choice of photo editing software to open up the image that you wish to transfer to your t-shirt. Be sure to mirror the image before printing if you are going to be applying the design to a dark colored t-shirt.


6. Print your selected image onto the heat transfer paper that you purchased, and allow it to dry thoroughly before you move onto step seven.


7. Preheat your iron to the setting that is suitable for cotton. This is usually the highest setting on your iron.


8. Follow the directions that are provided with your transfer paper for application of the design. The application will vary depending on the style of heat transfer paper that you have.