- 1). Scan in whatever image you wish to transfer onto a T-shirt into Photoshop (or similar) application. Once you have the image there, you can resize it or alter it according to the features available on your software application. You can also add in text or additional images. What you put on your transfer will be up to you and is limited only by your own creativity.
Be sure you do not size your image larger than the transfer. Standard T-shirt transfers are 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches -- the size of a sheet of notebook paper. Note: You do not have to use the entire sheet for your design. - 2). Invert the image -- flip it over so it will be backward (as if looking in a mirror) on your screen -- if you are making a white T-shirt transfer.
For a dark T-shirt transfer, the image is not flipped. - 3). Load the transfer in your color printer and print the image. If your printer does not automatically choose the correct setting for the type of "paper" being printed, you may have to select heavyweight matte paper or photo paper -- depending on what choices you have available. If you are unsure, you can always print a test image first.
Be sure your design's printable area is not larger than the blank transfer. - 4). Set up the ironing board and heat the iron to the cotton setting.
- 5). Cut out the actual area of the transfer, trimming off the excess. Cut carefully, making a smooth line. Jagged lines and corners are more likely to peel after transfer. So it is recommended that you round off any corners.
- 6). Peel off the paper backing on the transfer and lay the transfer on the T-shirt.
For a white T-shirt transfer, the image is placed with the printed side down. As you can see through the white T-shirt transfer, the image and writing should now appear normal -- i.e. not backward.
For a dark T-shirt transfer, the image is placed face up and appears as it will on the shirt. - 7). Cover the transfer with the provided protective paper sheet that comes with your blank transfers. Now iron on the transfer, according to the manufacturer's instructions. In general, do not press too hard and do not leave the iron in one place for too long. Holding the iron for a slow count to 10 is usually sufficient. If you hold the iron down for too long, the transfer may scorch or melt. Pay attention to pressing down any corners as they are the likeliest places to peel up.
After you finish ironing, leave the protective paper in place while the transfer cools. Then, after the transfer is cool to the touch, carefully peel back the paper. - 8). (Optional) Use a colored (or even decorative -- as in glittered) fabric glue around the edges -- glue, not paint. The glue is to add a little more security to your transfer's edges.
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