There are three ways to make a t-shirt in the lab
It is important that you understand the limitations of each method and what requirements are for supplies/ graphics, etc. Please allow plenty of time to learn the method you wish to use. You are responsible for understanding how to use the equipment available in the lab. We cannot guarantee the outcome of your project.
Cricut
Any type/color of shirt may be used. You will need to provide your own shirt.
You will need to bring your own Iron-On / HTV (heat transfer vinyl). Available at Walmart, Michaels, etc.
You must create your design on Cricut Design Space.
You are limited to the type of design you may use. It will need to be somewhat simple and only a few colors. Multiple color designs will require multiple colors of HTV.
Free designs are available online for personal use or you may purchase designs online at sites such as Etsy.
The iron-on design is applied to the shirt using the heat press or Cricut Easy Press. You will feel the design on top of the shirt.
There is no charge at the library to make a t-shirt using the Cricut machines.
It is recommended to watch an instructional video on YouTube prior to attempting your first shirt.
Sublimation
100% Polyester, light color shirts are recommended. You will need to provide your own shirt. Examples are available at the library of different types/colors. Shirts that are a color other than white and/or with a lower percentage of polyester will not be as vibrant as a 100% polyester shirt. You cannot use a black shirt or a 100% cotton shirt.
You may use any photo, graphic, etc for your design.
There is no white ink, so any part of your design that is white will be blank and will appear as the color of the shirt.
If you wish to create your own design, the design must be saved as a jpeg, png or PDF. You may bring in your own flash drive with the design or access it through your email.
Your design will be printed on our sublimation printer which uses special paper and ink. Prices for the prints range from $1 to $2 depending on the size of your design. We supply the paper and ink.
The design is applied to the shirt using the heat press. The pressure and heat will convert the ink to a gas and this will bond with the fabric. Through this process the design will become part of the shirt and you do not feel it.
We strongly suggest you watch an instructional video on sublimation, such as this video, prior to scheduling an appointment.
White Toner Printer
Any type/color of shirt may be used. You will need to provide your own shirt.
You may use any photo, graphic, etc for your design.
The file must be saved as a PNG with a transparent background. You may bring in your own flash drive with the design or access it through your email.
This is a multi-step process, please allow plenty of time to work on your project.
This printer requires 2 sheets of special paper to complete the process, Sheet A and Sheet B. Currently the cost is $2.00
You will print on Sheet A and then use the heat press to marry Sheet B to Sheet A which will add adhesive only to the printed area.
The design is then applied to the shirt using the heat press. You will need to follow directions carefully. It is easy to make mistakes that will impact the quality of your project.
We do suggest you watch a video, such as this youtube video, about using a white toner printer prior to your appointment.
DTF - not available at the library, but it is another option...
Even though we do not have a DTF printer, you are able to order DTF transfers from various online resources including Ace Screen Supply in Springfield.
If you order a DTF transfer, you can use the heat press available in the lab to apply it to your shirt.
Making a tshirt in the Imagine Lab