Fun Ways To Print Your Own T-Shirt
Summer vacation for kids can be 2-3 months long, it is no wonder that parents struggle to find activities to do with the kids. In fact a survey of 2,000 parents found that it takes around 2 weeks before they begin to struggle. This is why it is important to plan creative and interesting ways to entertain them. Learning to print your own t-shirt is an inexpensive and enjoyable activity with custom wearable results! From sketching out initial designs and choosing colors, to hand printing, or using professional design software, there are so many ways you can inspire creativity in your kids and in yourself. And you just never know, you may even be encouraging a future clothing designer! Lets take a look a a few of the possibilities for printing your own t-shirts.
Hand printing techniques
Creating your own t-shirt is a fantastic way to get children to use their imagination. For younger kids, you can use simple cut-out sponge prints and plain fabric. For teens, using the traditional method of linocut is a great way to transfer a design onto the fabric, using speedball ink or fabric paints. A set of basic linocut tools online costs around $5, though do be aware the cutting tools are sharp and only for use by tweens and teens. Parents will likely want to join in the fun, soo it together, experimenting with symmetry and bold images. Don’t forget though that you will need to cut out a mirror image of your design, as it will be reversed when it is printed – this is particularly important if using lettering.
Using a heat press
If you want to create a professional looking t-shirt that will wash well, without the image coming off, then using a heat press will give you great results. It is particularly effective for colorful graphic designs that need to be printed as opposed to hand carved. A heat press works in exactly the same way that an iron-on design does, using heat to adhere your image to the fabric. You can place a press on your table-top though and use it in a safe and controlled environment. This is a great method to produce lots of t-shirts, perhaps to sell for charity, or at the school bazaar, or to use as party favors or gifts for a child’s team. How about t-shirts for the whole extended family at the next family reunion, or take-home t-shirts to remember any special occasion?
Print Design Software
Older children and teenagers will love the opportunity to use print design software to create their own custom graphic prints and t-shirt designs. There are several packages that are available. Rhino 6 is a good option for Windows, as you can easily layout your design, replicate it and edit it. Digital Fashion Pro is a great option for both Mac and PC – you can use it to create really professional fashion sketches. There are also plenty of customizable templates, with an easy drag-and-drop system. Your children can even use it to create their own line of designer t-shirts.
Printing t-shirts is both creative and practical, and very satisfying. It is a skill that children can always use in the future and a wonderful outlet for self expression. Now that is called keeping busy during summer vacation! (And maybe even think ahead to December gift giving needs?)
