Make Your
Own T-shirts

Wear your own drawing or painting on a T-shirt. Follow the easy instructions below.

Materials needed to create a personalized T-shirt

T-shirt Transfer Paper
Ink Jet or Laser Printer
Scanner
Graphics Software
Artwork
White Cotton T-shirt
Pillow Case
Iron - No Steam

How to Buy T-shirt Transfer Paper

There are different types of T-shirt transfer paper so it's important to choose the right one for your specific needs.

The main information you will need is on the box. Check if the paper is for white, light colored or dark colored T-shirts and which type of fabric. Also, check if the paper is for your type of printer - inkjet or laser.

Printing Your Artwork

Scan your artwork into a graphics software program. Adobe Photoshop Elements, free Microsoft Paint or GIMP to name a few.

Keep the background of your artwork in mind. For instance, white will not print on a white T-shirt.

Test print on regular paper before using the transfer paper. Reverse the image especially if there is lettering. Choose between 72-150 dpi for your print settings.

When you load your printer with the T-shirt Transfer Paper, check that it will be printed on the correct side.

Cut any extra paper from around your drawing.

Transfer Your Drawing

Do not use any steam with the iron. Remove all water to be safe. Do not use an ironing board or any other porous surface. Use a hard surface like formica.

The iron must be on the hottest setting for cotton since plenty of heat is needed.

Iron the pillow case and then the T-shirt removing all wrinkles. Place the pillow case in-between the T-shirt. 

Make sure the T-shirt is flat, firm and without any wrinkles before placing the transfer paper face down on it.

Use a circular motion pressing very hard for a few minutes. Be sure to iron the edges.

Part of the paper may bubble up when the paint has transferred. Wait until it cools and then peel away the transfer paper carefully.

More art ideas
Recreate your drawings on mousepads, hats, bags, jackets, or aprons. Wear them yourself or give them away as the perfect gift to family and friends