Making T-Shirts - Need help with transfer

[jksgrammy]

My DD and I are making T-shirts to surprise my grandkids this Christmas for their surprise trip to Disney in Feb.

Neither of us have ever done this before. DD has created a picture on her computer (very cool) to print onto the t-shirts (we have different designs for front and back of each t-shirt), but I have no idea what type of transfer paper to buy to print out the designs to iron onto the t-shirts. (I have an HP ink jet printer).

We have medium colored purple shirts for the "girls" and medium colored shirts (not navy, but more of a dark blue than light blue) shirts for the "boys".

I know most of you are VERY talented when it comes to doing something like this, but I have no clue really on what to do. For those of you who have done this before, what transfer paper do you recommend?

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I'm confused on what to get.

 

[kg66]

I've done this once before they turned out really great. 2 things to remember, 1) there are different transfers for dark shirts and light shirts, 2) there's something to do with mirror image. If there's writing, it must look backwards to you, so that it will turn out right when it transfers. Does that make sense? Good luck, it really is easy. As for which paper, I bought whatever they carry at Wal-Mart, cheaper than Michael's.

 

[jksgrammy]

kg66: Thanks! DD has already reversed the transfer picture so words should transfer correctly (we hope!). Appreciate your suggestions. Sending some pixie dust your way!!

 

[3princes1princess]

If you are transferring to a dark t shirt, then you DON'T reverse the image...you do ith the right way and peel the backing off the paper...just my 2 cents!!!

 

[cryssi]

I was just going to say the same thing!

good luck!

 

[jksgrammy]

Thanks for the update on NOT reversing the wording. Will have DD change back to original wording facing correct direction. Will let you know how everything turns out.

 

[ejacoby1]

If you are transferring to a dark t shirt, then you DON'T reverse the image...you do ith the right way and peel the backing off the paper...just my 2 cents!!!

I apologize in advance for my being a lunkhead, but I am confused. How can the image be correct if you don't reverse it when printing? I can't understand how the color of the tee makes a difference with regard to the image being reversed. Also, how would I iron on the transfer if I peeled off the backing.

Thank you for your help with this. And I apologize again for being so thickheaded.

Ed

 

[Faerie]

The dark shirt transfers work differently than the light/white ones. The dark you pull off the back and put it down regular (so you're seeing the image correctly.

the light are opposite, you take the cover off the front and put it down that way.

I did a bunch of tote bags for a friend's child's birthday party with dark transfers and they came out wonderful!

 

[3princes1princess]

Yes...the darker ones tend to come out better in my opinion....thank you for answering the post, I would have said the same thing!!

 

[MazdaUK]

The other thing to remember is that with a light transfer you don't get white showing up - so if you print Minnie onto a pink T-shirt and lace, white spots etc. will be the same colour as the T-shirt. I found the dark transfers worked better, lasted longer (less crinkling and peeling) and had brighter colours. (Not an issue for white or very pale fabrics.)

If you go to the creative DISigns forum there's lots of tips there about getting the best results from your T-shirts. (Should be on a sticky)