There are many good reasons to print your own custom t-shirt. For example: Promote your new brand or want to design your T-shirt. In this step-by-step T-shirt printing guide, I will review the ins and outs of T-shirt printing, including determining your quantity & budget, selecting a printing method, and choosing the right fabric

t-shirt printing

Step 1: Get a design

It is difficult to start t-shirt printing without a great design. Make sure you’ve got a really cool design. Take your time creating a design that reflects your brand identity.  Also, remember that your design needs to be a suitable color.  A design with dark colors won’t show up well on a dark blue or black t-shirt. So, if you know you want to print on black t-shirts your design needs to use lighter colors and vice versa. Don’t have a design yet? Check out Premium Online Product Designer Extension for Magento 2 is the easiest way to get a stellar t-shirt design that is guaranteed to look amazing on the finished t-shirt printing. You should read How to create a online product designer on site by Magento 2 Online product designer extension? to know more

Step 2: Know your quantity and budget

Before focusing on the printing process, let's think about your estimated quality and budget. If you order a large quantity will likely reduce the cost per item. In addition to quality, identify which sizes you'll need and how many of each. Within these sets is also an essential step toward narrowing down your printing method. The number of shirts you need will also influence your printing method. Some methods are ideal for T-shirt printing in bulk. Others have a higher cost per shirt and are better for small orders.

Step 3: Choose your printing method

Let see three popular printing techniques:

Screen printing

This print method is the gold standard for T-shirt printing. It can be made by hand or by machine. The printer will make original screens of your T-shirt design, allowing you to print in bulk.

Pros: It is high-quality, reliable, and affordable. It is good ideal for large orders. 

Cons: It may be expensive. 

Best for bulk orders and printing bright colors on dark shirts

Vinyl graphics

T-shirts with vinyl graphics are created through transfer printing. What results is a different look and texture from screen printing—one that feels bolder and more dimensional. Vinyl is often considered to be more durable than ink.

Pros: it makes your t-shirt printing stand out

Cons: Each additional color adds to the cost

Best for simple graphics and short-run orders that include basic shapes and/or text-based designs

Direct-to-garment

t-shirt printing

Direct-to-garment (or DTG) printing like ịnkjet printing on paper but with fabric

Pros: It allows for a highly-customizable design and many colors

Cons: It fits for small batches. If you print more, it becomes less viable. And it doesn't use for dark colors. 

Best for small batches and require high details. 

Step 4: Find a printer

The right printer makes your design look its best. Once you choose the printing method, design, and budget, you need to find a printer. There are many options to choose from, we recommend taking the time to explore the possibilities. If you’re printing locally, let see the samples of actual, not just design images. If you decide to go with an online T-shirt printing company be sure to read all reviews of previous customers and see the right fit for your project and printing needs. For online orders, factor in the printing time as well as the shipping time, so if you’re under a time crunch, you can eliminate a step by placing the order locally and picking it up in person.

Step 5: Choose a fabric and shirt type

t-shirt printing

You should explore fabric options for your design to make sure your t-shirt is comfortable. The popular option is 100% cotton. It is easy to wear and wash. For a softer,  try the 50% polyester/50% cotton blend, a crowd favorite and often cheaper than pure cotton. Work with your printer to determine which fabrics will work with your quantity and budget. In addition to selecting a fabric, you’ll need to settle on a shirt type. There are many types and pick the one best for your audience. Think about your audience and what‘s the style and cut your target group. 

Step 6: Submit your files

When you are ready for the T-shirt printing process, you‘ll need to send your design files to your printer. Try to communicate directly and ask them about specific file types, colors, and sizes. Try not to miscommunicate.  Relay this information to your designer so they can supply you with your final files. You will need to submit your t-shirt design in vector format. This will likely be an AI, PDF, or EPS file. Any of these formats will work

Step 7: Check your proof

A printer should always send you a t-shirt to get printed. It seems like a test for your T-shirt printing or digital proof. This is your last chance to make any changes, so review it very carefully. Check the words, the numbers, the colors… everything. The review process will be helpful to show the proof and try to stop any potential errors. 

Step 8: Get your shirts!

Once your t-shirt printing process is done, pick them up and check everything. Make sure that you’re happy with your t-shirt and thank your printer for the hard work. You can leave a review about your experience and enjoy your amazing new shirts.

Conclusion

It is time for you to get start your t-shirt printing. Identify your goals, then print the perfect T-shirt. Don't forget to read How does Magento online design work the shop owner?