Making Your Own T-shirts

We thought you might like to create your own Gatherings T-shirt! You can use our logo maker or any of the clip art from this site. Just print it on your inkjet printer, then apply to any cotton garment. This will require the special iron-on transfer paper, which is available at most computer, office supply, and stationery stores.

All you need to do is bring the image up on your screen, save it to your computer, open the file and print it out on the special paper. You will notice it's backwards. Not to worry. It will come out just fine. Cut out the image you are going to use and iron it on, following the directions on the package of paper or these:

Printing:

1. Print the image onto the smooth side of paper. Please note that for all printers, ink levels should be reduced on the printer drive set-up/options and resolution of image may be reduced. For best results, paper settings should be set to "Plain Paper" or "Transfer Paper." Some experimentation may be required.
2. CANON
   Set the "Media Options" setting to "Normal Paper Quality" and print the image in reverse (mirror image for right reading) onto the Transfer Paper.
3. EPSON
   Set to "360dpi or 720dpi" (if image is not too dark). Use "Special Coated Paper" and "Micro Weave" mode for settings. Brightness should be set approx. +10% in order to reduce ink saturation. Set color on CMYK. Print in mirror image mode for right reading.
4. HEWLETT PACKARD
   Set paper settings on "Plain Paper, Special Paper or T-Shirt Transfer" mode if available, and print quality on "Normal". Click "Flip Horizontal" in paper mode to mirror the image. Reduce ink on "Manual/Option" setting.
   

NOTE: Allow print to dry about 30 minutes before you proceed to next step.

Preparation:

5. Preheat iron to highest setting. Do not use steam. Cut out image leaving 1/8" border. Place transfer paper image side down onto fabric.
6. Be sure that garment is completely flat and wrinkle free. Iron on flat, hard surface. Do not use ironing board.
7. Iron transfer image for at least 2 minutes, using maximum, even pressure. Be sure to overlap on all corners and edges. Allow printed area to cool. Before peeling, stretch/pull fabric on one corner and with firm, steady pressure remove transfer sheet.

   NOTE: For Heat Press, use normal pressure at 325-350º and press for 20 seconds using maximum pressure.

8. Allow one day before washing "imaged" item. Wash in warm water turning garment inside out and removing as soon as cycle is complete. Do not use bleach. For best results and enhanced longevity of image, dry garment in normal tumble-dry cycle.

Iron on opposite side of image if garment needs pressing.

Trouble Shooting: If color/text bleeds - reduce the amount of ink 10-20% by increasing brightness setting. If corners of image lift - reposition backing sheet over full image and re-iron.

*Un-used sheets should be stored in original packaging and be kept away from excessive humidity.