How to make shirts at home easily [2024]
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Creating shirts at home is now much easier than ever. Thanks to modern DIY printing technologies and high-quality materials, anyone can create custom t-shirts.
This post simplifies the shirt-making process, breaking it down into easy-to-follow steps.
So, whether you're an experienced creator, an artist, or a beginner, we are here to help you bring your custom designs to life. Plus, we'll show you how Gelato's on-demand printing services can elevate your home projects.
Main takeaways from this article:
Making shirts at home is simplified with modern DIY technologies and print on demand services like Gelato, making it accessible for everyone from beginners to experienced creators.
The quality of your design elements and the color and fabric of your t-shirt will influence the finished product.
The key to making a custom shirt at home is finding the right print on demand provider with the appropriate product selection and printing technique.
The top eight methods for creating custom T-shirts at home are print on demand, direct-to-garment printing, embroidery, screen printing, heat press printing, iron-on designs, dye sublimation, and fabric paint.
To create a custom shirt with print on demand, brainstorm design ideas. Then, select a reliable print on demand service based on quality, pricing, and product variety. Next, create a high-quality design using graphic software and choose a t-shirt that complements your design in terms of color, fabric, and fit.
Gelato's print on demand services simplify the shirt-making process with features like a Personalization Studio and a global production network, making it easy to send custom t-shirts worldwide.
Top eight methods for creating your own t-shirts at home
Ever wanted to create a unique t-shirt at home but didn't know how to go about it? Let's look at eight different methods to create custom t-shirts at home that truly reflect your style.
1. Print on demand
When it comes to custom products, like t-shirts and other apparel, print on demand (POD) is a top choice. With print on demand functionality, a creator can design custom products and coordinate with a POD supplier to sell them on a per-order basis.
Suppose you want to design your own shirts at home for an upcoming concert or family event. In that case, you might prefer POD because you can forfeit costly expenses, like printing supplies, because your supplier takes care of the printing for you. And if you’re looking to start your own custom t-shirt business, a POD supplier also handles every aspect of order fulfillment, from printing to shipping.
Even better, print on demand functionality means you never have to order, manage, or store inventory. Your print on demand supplier will house their own inventory of products — from t-shirts and tote bags to phone cases and wall art — for you to select from. Once you’re ready, your supplier will retrieve the desired item from their inventory, print your design, and ship it.
With print on demand, you can start your own t-shirt business with little more than a computer and internet access - no heavy-duty printing equipment or high start-up costs involved. Third-party companies handle all the duties of printing and shipping.
Difficulty level: Easy
POD services offer user-friendly interfaces to upload your design and customize the product.
Pros
Low startup costs
Access to the international market
Focus more on designing and less on logistics
Great for beginners
Cons
Lower profit margins
Less control over shipping and customer service
Lack of branding on packaging
2. Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing
DTG is the industry standard for print on demand. DTG works just like an inkjet printer, except the supplier loads t-shirts rather than paper. It’s favored for its efficiency and precision, offering a soft finish that feels great to the touch. DTG is eco-friendly, using water-based inks, and it provides incredible versatility in design possibilities, enabling designers to experiment with various styles and complex imagery without the need for extensive setups or high costs.
DTG printing requires a specialized DTG printer, which can cost from a couple thousand to several tens of thousands. You'll need a computer with design software to create your t-shirt designs. After printing, a heat press is used to secure the ink onto the shirt.
The best shirts for DTG are high-quality blank ones, ideally 100% cotton or at least a cotton blend. Before printing, a pre-treatment solution prepares the fabric for ink adhesion, increasing the quality of the completed print. Finally, you'll need cleaning supplies and tools to maintain your DTG printer.
Difficulty level: High
DTG printing requires time and practice to learn proper handling of the equipment, pre-treatment techniques, and heat press settings to achieve optimal results.
Pros
High-quality prints with exceptional detail and vibrant colors
Freedom to print anything from photos to intricate designs
Ideal for creating personalized shirts or small runs with no minimum order quantities
Complete control over the printing process and materials
Cons
High upfront costs
Slight learning curve
DTG printers require regular cleaning and maintenance
DTG setups can be bulky and require a dedicated workspace
3. Embroidery
Embroidery isn't technically printing, but it creates stunning designs by stitching threads directly onto fabric. It offers a timeless, textured look that's perfect for adding a personal touch to not just t-shirts but also hats, bags, and other items. While embroidery machines exist for mass production, creating your own embroidered t-shirts at home is a rewarding experience.
Embroidery involves stitching a design onto cotton, silk, linen, denim, and knit fabrics using a needle and various threads. Patterns are typically digitized and loaded onto an embroidery machine, which guides the needle to create the design. For home embroidery, you can use a basic embroidery hoop to hold the fabric taut while you stitch by hand, following a pre-printed pattern or freehanding your design.
To work with this method, you will need tools such as an embroidery hoop, needles, high-quality floss, fabric scissors, and optional items like a floss organizer, patterns, a transfer pen, and an embroidery machine for more intricate designs.
Difficulty level: Intermediate
While embroidery can be learned, mastering different stitches and techniques takes time and practice.
Pros
Embroidered designs can withstand washing and wear and tear better than some printed methods
Adds a beautiful, textured layer to your garment
Used on various fabrics, from clothing to hats and bags
Unique designs can be created, or existing items can be personalized
Cons
A bit of a learning curve is involved
Embroidering complex designs can be time-consuming.
Embroidery machines can be expensive, especially computerized models.
Restrictive color options
Mistakes can be difficult to undo
4. Screen printing
It is one of the oldest printing methods. Screen printing requires a nylon mesh screen to hold a stencil in place, but each stencil must be custom-made. This technique allows for vibrant, durable designs, which are ideal for bulk printing.
The ink application in screen printing is thicker than other methods, resulting in graphics that stand out and last long, even after multiple washes. It’s an excellent way to express creativity and produce professional-looking apparel with a personal touch.
The screen printing method requires specific equipment and materials, including screen frames, mesh screens, photo emulsion, a squeegee, a design stencil, screen printing ink, film positives, and a blank shirt.
Additionally, you may consider using a darkroom, which is ideal for working with photo emulsion. If you don't have a darkroom, a makeshift dark space can also serve the purpose.
A washout booth can also be useful, providing a designated area with a strong water source to efficiently remove excess emulsion after the stencil is created. Finally, using a heat press can enhance the durability of your prints by curing plastisol ink.
Difficulty level: Advanced
Screen printing involves multiple steps with specific techniques. Mastering the process takes practice and troubleshooting skills.
Pros
High-quality, vibrant, and durable prints
Economical for large orders
Print on various fabrics with appropriate inks and techniques
Cons
More complex
Equipment can be expensive
Requires setup time and a dedicated workspace
Working with photo emulsion and ink can be messy, thus requiring proper ventilation
5. Heat press printing
It is a more expensive printing method. This method requires a heat press machine and transfer paper or heat transfer vinyl, which can increase production costs.
Despite the initial investment, this method offers quick customization, vibrant color retention, and durability, making it perfect for detailed designs on both light and dark shirts.
Precise temperature control ensures consistent product quality, which is ideal for small-scale businesses or personal projects where you must maintain quality.
To get started with this method, you'll need a few essential tools and equipment, such as a heat press machine (select one that fits the size of the t-shirts you typically use), either heat transfer vinyl (HTV) or transfer paper (based on your design and fabric), a cutting machine (if your designs are complex to ensure precise cutting), a computer with design software to create your HTV cuts, a Teflon sheet (to protect your heat press plate from any unintended material melting), and a high-quality blank t-shirt that is fully compatible with your chosen transfer material.
Difficulty level: Beginner
Heat press printing is a user-friendly method. Following the recommended heat and pressure settings for your transfer material ensures successful results.
Pros
Quick and easy customization
Great for small batches or one-off projects
Vibrant prints with good durability and professional-looking results
Works well on light and dark fabrics
Minimal mess compared to screen printing or dyeing.
Cons
Upfront costs involve a significant investment.
HTV and transfer paper increase the cost per t-shirt.
Better suited for simpler graphics or text.
Not ideal for bulk printing
6. Iron-on designs
Iron-on designs are quick and require iron-on transfer paper or wax paper, but the transferred image often peels or flakes over time. This method is excellent for hobbyists or those looking to personalize shirts for one-time events. It allows for complete creative control and can be a fun activity for all ages. However, additional measures like proper heat setting and careful washing are necessary for long-lasting wear. It’s an affordable way to experiment with custom designs at home.
For this method, you'll need iron-on transfer paper, which you can easily find in craft stores. Regular printer paper won't do here. An inkjet printer works best for printing your design on this unique paper.
A pair of iron scissors to cut your design and a hard surface like a table or an ironing board are necessary to apply the design with pressure. A Teflon sheet can be handy to keep your ironing board ink-free, but it is optional.
Also, make sure your blank t-shirts match the type of transfer paper you have; typically, these are cotton or cotton blend shirts.
Difficulty level: Beginner
Iron-on transfers are very user-friendly. For optimal results, follow the instructions on your transfer paper.
Pros
It's simple, requires minimal investment, and is perfect for small projects
Complete creative control
A great way to get crafty with kids or create personalized gifts
Iron-on transfer paper is readily available at most craft stores
Cons
Iron-on designs can crack, peel, or fade over time, especially with frequent washing
Detailed designs may not transfer well.
Incorrect heat settings or pressure can lead to failed transfers.
Not ideal for large projects
7. Dye sublimation
Dye sublimation is a sophisticated printing process where special dyes are applied to polyester fabrics, permanently bonding vibrant, full-color images to the material. This technique yields high-quality prints that resist cracking, fading, or peeling, making it perfect for complex designs or photographic prints.
Difficulty Level: Advanced
It requires specialized equipment and knowledge of fabric compatibility.
Pros
Produces premium, long-lasting prints with a professional finish.
Ideal for complex designs, offering sharp detail and rich colors.
Prints are durable and resistant to peeling, fading, or cracking.
Cons
Relatively expensive compared to other printing methods.
Limited to polyester materials, restricting fabric choices.
Requires specialized equipment and dyes, increasing initial investment costs.
8. Fabric paint
Fabric paint transforms a plain t-shirt into a vibrant work of art. It offers incredible creative freedom and allows you to paint directly onto the fabric, creating unique, one-of-a-kind designs. From freehand creations to stenciled patterns, fabric painting is a fun and expressive way to personalize your t-shirts.
Fabric paints come in various forms, such as acrylics, dyes, and special effects paints. They adhere to the fabric fibers, creating a permanent design after proper heat setting. You can apply the paint using brushes, stencils, stamps, or even unconventional tools like sponges or spray bottles.
When working with fabric paint, you'll need different types of fabric paint and brushes suitable for your design and fabric. Optionally, you can incorporate a fabric medium to enhance the paint's flexibility and use stencils, stamps, or painter's tape to create diverse patterns or designs. Protection for your workspace with drop cloths or plastic sheeting is recommended. A good quality blank t-shirt made of natural fibers and an iron to set the paint round up your essential toolkit.
Difficulty level: Beginner to Advanced
Fabric painting can be as simple as freestyle brushstrokes or as intricate as detailed stencil work.
Pros
Endless possibilities for design and artistic expression
Basic supplies are affordable, allowing for experimentation
A fun and relaxing way to personalize your clothing
Every hand-painted design is unique
Cons
Requires some practice to master brushwork and paint consistency
Creating detailed designs or using stencils requires more experience
Fabric painting can get messy, requiring proper preparation and cleanup
Designs need proper heat settings to ensure permanence.
How to make a custom shirt at home with print on demand
With access to print on demand providers around the globe, it’s never been easier or faster to make your own shirts. Whether you want to create a memorable fashion statement or design a product line for an online business, here are five simple steps for making a custom shirt at home.
1. Brainstorm design ideas
The first step in custom printing t-shirts is custom design. So, finding design inspiration to fuel your custom t-shirt ideas may be helpful. To get a sense of what kind of designs are best for your custom t-shirt, consider the type of person who will wear it. If you’re the end consumer of your product, it’s probably safe to stick with your personal style preferences.
On the other hand, if you’re creating a t-shirt as a personalized gift for a friend or loved one, consider what design style they would gravitate toward. Similarly, consider the niche or specific market segment you want to cater to if you’re starting an online t-shirt business. With a better idea of who will wear your t-shirt, you can let your imagination run wild!
Find design inspiration
Not all of us are natural-born artists, let alone professional fashion designers. So, it may be helpful to find design inspiration to fuel your ideas for custom print t-shirts. Fashion and culture magazines are great starting points for your unique designs. You can also browse social media networks like Instagram and Pinterest to find trending design styles, such as popular patterns or in-demand colorways.
While you’re sourcing inspiration for your designs, look beyond basic shapes. You may want to seek out funny sayings, famous quotes, or niche-related references to incorporate into your shirt design. Remember who will wear your finished product to guide your chosen design elements.
As you gather ideas for your t-shirt, don’t be afraid to experiment with multiple design components. Consider the potential color combinations for your finished shirt and how different color palettes can influence your design. Eye-catching graphics and images will make your design pop and help coordinate your color palette. Play around with various design components until they feel right!
2. Choose a print on demand service
Now that you have a better idea of the t-shirt design you want to print, it’s time to choose a print on demand service. Your POD supplier will essentially be your partner throughout the printing shirts process, so choosing your print on demand provider wisely is essential. Printing quality should be at the top of your list, of course, but what else should you look for in a print on demand service?
Assess pricing and shipping rates
Since the average custom t-shirt costs less than $20 to produce, you do not want to overpay when selecting your print on demand supplier. First, consider the pricing on apparel items to gauge how much custom print t-shirts may be, then take a look at the available shipping rates and locations.
As a print on demand provider with a global shipping network of 40+ logistics partners and local production in 32 countries around the world, Gelato can ensure cost-friendly and fast delivery. If you want to save money, subscribe to a Gelato plan and unlock shipping discounts on every order!
Review the available t-shirt selection
Beyond product pricing, you’ll also want to review the selection of available apparel from a print on demand supplier. Remember, ‘print on demand’ means you will never purchase your own inventory and will rely on your supplier for inventory instead. Consider what each POD supplier offers in terms of fabrics, styles, sizes, colors, and their assortment of print shirts and other apparel.
When printing custom shirts from home, look for a print on demand supplier that offers a range of:
3. Create your design
Here comes the fun part: designing your custom print t-shirts! With your design inspiration from earlier, combine your desired elements in an image editing program like Adobe Illustrator or Canva. Remember to stick with two or three fonts and color combinations at maximum. Anything more than that can make your design look less cohesive and appear cluttered and distracting.
Likewise, be sure to use high-quality vector images and graphics so your design doesn’t look pixelated and low-quality once printed on a shirt. If you choose Gelato as your print on demand provider, our Design Editor is home to thousands of professional vector images and premium fonts. We even have hundreds of digital mock-ups to preview how your design will look on a shirt!
4. Select your shirt
With your designs in hand, it’s time to select a t-shirt to print on. The beauty of printing your own custom t-shirts is that you can select the garment that best suits your design, style preferences, and price point. Here are four main factors to consider when choosing a shirt.
Shirt color
Shirt color is crucial to the effectiveness of your t-shirt design. Dark-colored shirts are best for light-colored designs to help the details stand out, whereas light-colored shirts are ideal for darker designs. For ultimate visibility, there must be a contrast between your shirt and the design color.
Shirt fabric
The primary fabrics for t-shirts and similar apparel are cotton, polyester, and a blend of the two:
Cotton t-shirts offer premier comfortability that’s gentle on the skin. The only drawbacks of cotton shirts are that they are more prone to wrinkling and shrinking over time and are slower to dry.
Polyester t-shirts offer maximum durability, supreme moisture-wicking properties, and are less prone to wrinkling and shrinking. However, they are less breathable and can feel synthetic and clingy on the skin.
Cotton/polyester blended t-shirts are more lightweight than cotton alone and have less of a chance of wrinkling or shrinking. However, they can irritate the skin and do not dry as fast as polyester fabric alone.
Shirt weight
Even if you settle on fabric, you may still need to decide on the weight of the finished shirt. For instance, at Gelato, many of our cotton t-shirts are available in either a classic style or a heavyweight material. Classic t-shirts are thinner and lighter, which makes them ideal for warmer weather and activewear. Heavyweight t-shirts are thicker and are better suited for colder weather and casual wear.
Shirt fit
Shirt fit refers to how a t-shirt is cut and will lay on the body. The main types of t-shirt fits are relaxed, regular, and slim:
Relaxed t-shirts have a wider cut across the chest with larger arm holes and sleeves for a more comfortable (and often baggier) fit.
Regular t-shirts have a straight cut through the chest and waist but a broader cut across the shoulders and sleeves for comfort and style.
Slim t-shirts have a narrow cut across the chest and taper down from the chest to the waist for a more stylish fit that accentuates the body.
5. Design and print your shirt
With a final design and a chosen shirt, you can begin placing the design on your garment. There are a few design placements with print on demand, from basic placements like the front and back of a t-shirt to the left sleeve and right sleeve of a t-shirt. You can also place a design as an outer label on the high-upper back of print t-shirts or as an inner label to replace the shirt’s tag.
Once your own designs are placed where you want them on a t-shirt, your print on demand provider can work their magic! Your POD supplier will be responsible for t-shirt printing, packaging, shipping, and delivery — you just need to insert a mailing address! Your finished shirt will reach you (or the end recipient) in a few days. It’s as simple as that to print a custom shirt at home!
Start designing your own t-shirt with Gelato
Say goodbye to messy fabric paint and clumsy iron-on designs. With print on demand, it’s never been easier to print custom shirts at home. To recap, all you need to do is brainstorm design ideas, choose a print on demand provider, create your design, and select a shirt to place your creation on. Your print on demand provider will handle the rest; you don’t have to lift a finger!
If you want to begin printing custom shirts from home, partner with a print on demand provider known for high-quality products, fair pricing, and exceptional shipping and delivery. At Gelato, our print on demand services extend across numerous apparel options — from t-shirts to tote bags and everything in between — and can even include complementary stationery and home décor.
Plus, Gelato's Personalization Studio further simplifies the process. This feature, designed for both beginners and seasoned creators, helps streamline the design process. Whether you are creating simple text-based designs or complex graphics, you'll find the Personalization Studio user-friendly and incredibly useful.
With an unrivaled production network of 32 countries and a global shipping network, send your custom t-shirts anywhere in the world via Gelato print on demand. We offer local production for custom-printed items to support local economies, streamline deliveries, and reduce carbon emissions on each order. If you’re ready to get printing, learn how Gelato print on demand can help!
FAQs
What is the best way to make custom t-shirts?
Making t-shirts at home is easy with a heat press machine and heat transfer materials. It’s cheap and straightforward, and you get great, lasting designs on any t-shirt. It’s perfect for people just starting or who love crafting, letting you try out many designs and colors and where to put them on the shirt to make your designs unique. If you are not ready to bear the upfront cost, you can consider using Gelato’s print on demand service, which guarantees excellent quality and hassle-free shipping across the world.
What is the cheapest method of printing shirts?
The cheapest way to make printed shirts is using iron-on transfer paper - it’s simple for DIY crafts. Print your design using a standard printer, then iron it onto your shirt. This method is excellent for printing a few shirts since it’s low-cost. It’s ideal for creating unique shirts to wear occasionally. However, these designs may not last as long as those made with professional methods, like DTG or screen printing.
Can you make money by making t-shirts at home?
Yes, you can earn money by making t-shirts at home. If you’re creative and know what people want, you can design shirts they’ll love to buy. Selling them online lets you reach many customers. Affordable methods like heat transfer or screen printing help you earn favorable profits through your passion for design.
What do I need to start a shirt printing business at home?
To start making shirts at home, you need certain essential elements: a good printer, quality transfer materials, plain t-shirts, and software to design your ideas. Also, set up a spot where all your equipment and materials can fit. On the contrary, with Gelato’s print on demand service, all you need is a laptop, an Internet connection, and a knack for design. Gelato will take care of everything else, right from printing your custom t-shirt to shipping.
What is the best t-shirt printing method?
Screen printing is good for big orders, producing long-lasting, bright colors. Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is excellent for detailed, colorful patterns, resulting in sharp images and a smooth texture on the shirt. Heat transfer vinyl is also a good option for home-based setups, allowing versatility and low startup costs. Each method has strengths, so consider your budget, design complexity, and production scale to choose the most suitable one.
How much does it cost to make one custom shirt?
The cost to produce just one custom shirt will vary considerably depending on your print supplier. If you plan to be your own supplier, you can expect to spend a few hundred extra dollars on professional printing supplies, high-quality fabric paint, and plain t-shirts. However, if you partner with a print on demand supplier, you will only pay for the actual cost of the t-shirt and shipping. Generally speaking, it will cost less than $20 per custom shirt with a print on demand supplier.
How do you make a shirt design from scratch?
Gelato’s Design Maker makes it easy to bring your creative vision for custom shirts to life. This easy-to-use tool helps you design your own shirts using a simple pattern or more complex artwork. You can play around with different fonts, colors, and sizes. What's amazing is that you can see a real-time preview of your design on a shirt template before you finalize it.