What's the best way to print on cotton shirts?

Creative Arts
#1

I like our dye sublimation technique but it only works on synthetics which I cannot wear when welding.

#2

How many shirts are you doing? Lots and lots of ways to get images on shirts. Complexity of technique increases with quantity.
I’ve done simple freezer paper stencils for one offs. https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Stencil-a-T-shirt-with-Freezer-Paper/

And as a bonus you can cram that stuff in the vinyl cutter for a super easy go around.

#3

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I just cut this on the laser going to try to make a few by simply placing it under a screen I have from a prior class I took up there… As a test for small quantity one off shirts.

#4

@Print_Witch says that print ink lasts forever…

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#5

@Print_Witch & @RichardT say you can use a fabric spray paintn with a stencil. Tulip is one brand. Avail at Michaels and such.

Heat Transfer Vinyl is another way.

Then screen printing for bigger runs

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#6

Thanks talkers, I’ll explore both ways then pick one.

#7

Thank you all the people in this thread-- there are so many approaches!

I just want one-offs for my own shirts and gifts.

I will have some fun trying your various techniques. :slight_smile:

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#8

I’ve had luck doing 2-3 shirt pulls using vinyl on a “empty screen” easy way to make your temp mask for screen printing without doing exposure