Create Your Design For Custom T-Shirt Printing

So, you’ve got a design idea for a t-shirt - it might be a one off design or a new logo for your business.  Either way, you’re not sure how to get it from concept to finished product. Custom t-shirt printing is a lot easier than you think. You can pretty much do it all from the comfort of your home or office. However, there are some tips and tricks you should follow to ensure you get the best possible result. 

Some of the things you’ll need to know include: 

• What file types your printer will accept? 
• Which ink works best on which fabric?
• Should you choose screen printing or digital printing? 

Of course, choosing a good printing company is the best place to start as they’ll help you make all the right decisions and avoid any rookie mistakes. To begin, let’s start with the first step… design.

What design works best when custom t-shirt printing?

If you think about some of the most iconic t-shirt designs, they are all quite simplistic – I love NY, peace symbol, smiley face (original and Nirvana’s version). Most well known company logos are also quite simplistic. Brilliant, but simple. Of course, no one wants to stem your creative juices but it’s worth taking note of what designs get noticed and what will stand the test of time. 

Once you’ve got an idea, it’s time to create your masterpiece. If you’re not sure about file types, the most common that printers can work with include .pdf, .ai, .eps and .cdr. Some printers, like The Fabric Printer, love vector art. This is any type of artwork that is created using software like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Flash, Corel Draw or Macromedia Freehand. Vector art allows each object in your design to be individually moved or adjusted without affecting the rest of the image.    

It’s worth chatting to your printer about preferred file types and image resolutions before you start creating. One of the easiest mistakes you can avoid is sending screen grabs from your webpage. Even though the images may look good on your site, they often print out pixelated when enlarged. Use the guides below and if you’re still unsure, contact your printer.

 

Screen Printing and Plastisol Transfers - Ideal Specifications

Preferred file types	Vector PDF, .EPS, .AI or .CDR
Acceptable file types	Raster (300dpi preferably).BMP, .TIF, .JPG, & .PNG
Cannot use (without art department editing)	Web based graphics or any images less than 100dpi.
Print colours	Maximum of 8 print colours for white garments. 7 prints colours for dark garments. Colours are matched to the Pantone Coated Colours (PMSc).
Maximum Print Size	Whites or Light shirts 400mm x 500mm, Darks shirts 400mm x 460mm.
Transfer sheet size	280mm H x 420mm W

 

DTG Digital Printing - Ideal Specifications

Preferred file type	PNG format with transparent background
Acceptable file types	Raster (300dpi preferably).BMP, .TIF, .JPG, & .PNG
Cannot use (without art department editing)	Web based graphics or any images less than 100dpi.
Print colours	RGB plus white (for use on dark backgrounds)
Maximum Print Size	350mm W x 450mm H
Fabric	Only applied to 100% cotton garments

 

Should I choose Screen t-shirt printing or DTG digital printing?

We’ve already discussed why simple designs work best on t-shirts, however, if you have an extremely detailed design you wish to get printed on a t-shirt, there are options. Direct to Garment (DTG) digital printing can recreate the most elaborate designs – it operates similar to a household inkjet printer. If you’re doing a one-off print or a small run of t-shirts, DTG is the perfect choice. Keep in mind that when digital printing, you must use 100% cotton fabric t-shirts.

For larger orders, screen printing is the best and most cost-effective printing method. Screen printing can still recreate fine details – the main difference is the vibrant, bold colours it creates. Remember though, screen printing can only use a maximum of eight colours on white garments and seven colours on darker garments. 

Who creates the design for your custom t-shirt?

You might not be a designer or have access to the right software, but don’t let that stop you from creating a masterpiece. You can source an artist or graphic designer to bring your idea to life or talk to your printer. The Fabric Printer have inhouse graphic designers who can work with you and design your image from scratch. If you’re confident that your design is the right quality for printing, make sure you check off the following before you hit the go button:

Image sizing - how big or small do you want your image? Certain shapes, like circles and squares, tend to look better when they are smaller.

Placement - Where will your image sit on your t-shirt? Too high or too low can look weird. Look at some examples to find the right placement.

Font - If your t-shirt design includes text, make sure you can read it easily. Consider the spacing and size of the text. 

Contrast – Think about the colours you’re using and the colour of the t-shirt you want to print on. Will your design stand out or blend into the background?

Now that you’re clued up on all the technical aspects, it’s time to get busy designing. If you’ve got your artwork ready to go, you can get an online quote right now or if you need more assistance contact The Fabric Printer. We’re more than happy to answer any questions and help you get your project off the ground.