cracked shirt question

[pjstevens]

I made shirts for our family last summer before we went to wd. Everyone cracked, beyond use after the first use (some before they were even washed). I had prewashed the shirts. I don't use fabric softener, but I may have used the dryer sheet (would this count as softener)? The only shirts that got more than one use are the tie-dye ones that I love. I had sooo many shirts made. I am reading some on here about dark transfer paper, is that the trick?? We are planning another trip, just dh and I for our 23rd anniversary and I would like to make some more, but only if they'll hold up.

 

[FairyAuntMother]

There are definitely others here who are more experts but I do know that they say not to use ANY fabric softener, including a dryer sheet.

I'm about to make a bunch of t-shirts for my nieces and I'm hoping that I don't have a problem with the images cracking and peeling. That would just be awful!

 

[Steamboat Marti]

yes, a dryer sheet counts as fabric softener...

But I do also think that the kind of transfer paper that you use to start with makes a big difference. The kind I bought from Michael's weren't nearly as good as the dark transfer sheets from Ebay. I'll search around for the link for you - this is the best paper by far.

 

[itdjbw]

Marti,
I noticed the dark paper from ebay the sheets were smaller than the light paper I ordered, was yours also??

 

[challada]

Frankly, the dark paper ain't the answer either! Yes, it doesn't crack, but all the ink washes off of it in the washing machine (since the ink is on the outside of the iron-on on the dark paper)....
Truthfully, IMHO these are all one time use shirts, then sleepshirts after that!

I would agree that if you want something to wear multiple times, use the tie-dye technique or the flour/water and spraypaint designs.

 

[Steamboat Marti]

Marti,
I noticed the dark paper from ebay the sheets were smaller than the light paper I ordered, was yours also??

there were different sizes and you had to look carefully - that being said, it is very possible that the 8x10 sheet was different from each place. Its been so long since I did a shirt that I don't remember!!

 

[itdjbw]

there were different sizes and you had to look carefully - that being said, it is very possible that the 8x10 sheet was different from each place. Its been so long since I did a shirt that I don't remember!!

Guess I'm stuck with the 100 sheets I ordered!!!

 

[Steamboat Marti]

Guess I'm stuck with the 100 sheets I ordered!!!

What size did you order???