Many come with templates you’re free to use to get you started.
Free Artwork
The heart of your T-shirt design is the image.
Here are a few tips and explanations to clarify the process of creating and applying iron-ons.
Steven Errico / Getty Images
Flip the Image
Don’t forget to flip or mirror the image.
This procedure is especially critical if you have text in your design.
The text should be backward on screen and on the printout.
Steven Errico / Getty Images
Another good reason to print a preview copy first!
Some programs can flip the image for you.
Most T-shirt transfer paper is for inkjet printers.
Transfer papers for white T-shirts is different from transfer paper for dark T-shirts.
For example, the Avery Personal Creations Light T-Shirt Transfers are for white and light-colored fabrics.
Avery Dark T-Shirt Transfers are specifically designed for dark-colored 100 percent cotton fabric.
Get the right kind of transfer paper for your printer and fabric.
Put the paper in your printer so that it prints on the clean white side.
Not sure how to properly load your printer for transfer paper?
Mark a plain sheet of paper then run it through to see which side comes out printed.
Remember, White Does Not Print
In designing your artwork remember thatwhite does not print.
The fabric shows through any parts of the design that are white.
For example, if you print a white ghost on plaid fabric, you get a plaid ghost.
Plan your design accordingly.
As with any desktop publishing project, consider the background color when selecting colors for your designs.
Use Lots of Heat
Use the hottest setting on your iron but no steam.
It takes a lot of heat to transfer the image evenly and completely to the fabric.
Peel off the paper while it is still hot unless you purchased cool-peel paper.
Ironing boards tend to disperse the heat and the transfer paper needs to be very hot to work properly.
Protect the hard surface with a pillowcase.
Do what the paper manufacturer says.
