 No Sew CREAT-A-TEE
Love those t-shirts with neat nicknames and sassy slogans? It’s a breeze to print your own on the computer using a graphics program, inkjet printer and photo transfer paper.
Gather your stuff together:
- T-shirt - Stick with all cotton or 50/50 cotton/polyester. White works best but light colors work too.
- Photo transfer paper - It’s available in packs at big stationery stores and craft suppliers. There are several different brands.
- Scissors
- Iron
- Non-porous ironing surface – Photo transfer instructions usually call for Formica – the same as your kitchen counter top. This might damage your Mom’s counter and she’d really freak. Look in your garage for an old scrap of plywood or particle board to use instead.
- Old pillow case – Use this to cover your plywood board. It’ll help keep your t-shirt clean.
 NOW . . . Think up a catchy slogan or name to print. Remember nicknames you like, inside jokes, your hometown team, whatever!
Getting started:
1. Set up your graphics program to print horizontally (“landscape”). Now comes the fun part – designing your slogan. Experiment with fonts and sizes. If your printer can handle it, play with color. If you aren’t that techno-oriented, ask your computer teacher or a geeky friend for some help.
2. When you’re done, print the design on regular paper. Hold it to your t-shirt to check for size. (Diagram 1). Adjust if necessary. Reprint and check until it’s right.
3. Any words applied with photo transfer paper will come out in a mirror image. You’ll have to “flip” or “reverse” the image. Now print. Trim  the paper away to about ½” from your slogan design. (Diagram 2).
 4. Fold your pillow case in half and set on ironing surface. Lay the t-shirt flat on top of the pillow case. Iron  if necessary.
5. Now read the instructions of your photo transfer paper thoroughly. Your brand of paper may be different than mine. Follow what your brand says.
6. Once the paper is pulled off you have a totally unique tee! Put it on, wear it out and listen to all your friends beg for one, too!
Washing tip: Turn your t-shirt inside out and wash in cold water.
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