Have you ever gone on vacation and noticed custom t-shirts offered all around in various shops you visit? Chances are you can just select the one you like best and then have it printed on a t-shirt that is just your size, and in most situations in less than 10 minutes. This is the perfect example of a custom shirt that is created with a heated iron-on transfer.
The fact is that while you can go to these t-shirt shops and pay for one of these designs, there is another option: making your own unique t-shirt using the exact same process used at these stores. Additionally, you don’t have to stop with just a t-shirt. You can also personalize any type of fabric item, including jackets or backpacks.
In many cases, you may be able to find a complete kit that includes everything necessary, besides the actual design. However, it is also just as simple to purchase the shirt and paper to create the transfer. Besides those items, you will also need to have access to a printer, computer, iron and fabric to complete the actual pressing.
Here are some tips that will help you along with this process.
Once you have read all of the instructions that are included with the paper you have purchased for the transfer, you will be able to begin. One item to note is that the iron you use needs to be extremely hot.
Preview
You will notice that the transfer paper is not cheap, which means that you need to be sure that the image you are designing is what you really want to make. Print a preview of the design on plain paper to begin with. This will allow you to make sure that the colors and the image are what you want and will fit.
The Type of Paper
There is a specific type of paper that is designed for use on laser or ink jet printers. This is different, which means that you need to ensure that you purchase the proper stock. You can also find transfer paper that is used for colored shirts and a different paper for white shirts.
Use the Right Side
When you look at the transfer paper, you will notice that one side has a grid on it and the other side is plain. Be sure that you print on the plain side, not the gridded side.
Use a Hard Surface
You should not use your ironing board, since this surface will be too soft. Instead use the counter top in your kitchen or other hard surface. Use the pillowcase and then iron.
When you follow these tips, you can create a custom iron-on transfer and shirt that you will be able to proudly wear for a number of months down the road.
