Positioning iron on transfers

[NIK]

Ok here's the problem.

I've got my transfer all ready to go but I'm nervous about getting it positioned right on the T shirt. Can anyone suggest any tips for a nervous first timer.

I don't think I'd be quite so anxious if I were tacking a child's top but mine won't fit fully onto the ironing board so of course I'm concerned about it shifting as soon as I start to iron.

Any suggestions gratefully received

 

[Cinderella1001]

Don't use the ironing board. I just did some shorts and used the tile floor in my bathroom. Worked like a charm. Some say use a coffee table but the heat can damage the varnish. Whatever you use, make sure it is flat and you can hoover over it and apply lots of pressure. No steam also. I am nervous about the shirts I have but not the ironing on part. I'm still trying t decide designs. I am sure others will also post more info. Hope this helps.

 

[MineMail]

I've used my stone countertop with/without an ironing pad; the stone works best because of the amount of pressure you can apply. (As Cinderella101 pointed out.)


My biggest problem is getting them in the right place on the t-shirt. I'm cockeyed, so they always end up a bit crooked or too high/low/off center. Any tips on laying it out before applying the transfer?

One last tip: always, always prewash the shirts before decorating them. It takes out the sizing that will interfere with the bonding.

Shrinkage is also an issue. Washing the shirt first ensures that, if the shirt is going to shrink, the transfer will be applied to the shrunken size. Prevents puckering and peeling a bit.

 

[Sand]

I have put a thick bath towel down on a wooden table, bed spread and my stone surface kitchen counters then ironed large shirts. I have never damaged anything. I too have a skinny ironing board. I guess that is why I dry clean everything now. I am getting ready to print my transfers, so thank you for asking. I wondered about the position of the transfer myself. The previous post all sound like great advise but I would put a towel down first. Fold the towel in half if you are concerned about steam. What if you put the shirt on and put a sticky note or a piece of tape at the top of where you want the graphic? Just a thought.

 

[NIK]

Thanks for those suggestions, I'll give them a try.

 

[NIK]

I just thought I would let you know that I made my first attempt last night and I'm very pleased with the outcome. Thanks for your advice and suggestions it made the job a lot easier.

Thanks again all