How to Create Sublimation Shirts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sublimation shirts are a great way to showcase your creativity and personality. They allow you to create unique designs, photos, and graphics that are not possible using traditional printing methods. With sublimation, the ink is actually infused into the fabric, which results in a design that is long-lasting and vibrant. If you are interested in making your own sublimation shirts, there are a few things you need to know.

First and foremost, you will need a sublimation printer and sublimation paper. The printer uses special ink that turns into gas when exposed to high heat, which then bonds to the fabric. The paper used in sublimation printing is different from regular paper, as it has a coating that attracts the ink and helps it to transfer onto the fabric. Once you have your materials, you can get started creating your design and transferring it onto the shirt using a heat press. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make sublimation shirts that are sure to impress.

How to Make Sublimation Shirts: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Sublimation shirts are popular among youth and adults alike due to their vibrant colors, sharp images, and quality prints. These shirts are perfect for customizing with a variety of designs, including logos, slogans, and images. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making sublimation shirts, from selecting the right fabric to printing, heat pressing, and finishing.

Section 1: Choosing the Right Fabric

1.1 Understanding Fabric Types

When it comes to sublimation printing, the quality and type of fabric that you use are crucial to the final result. Polyester is the most commonly used fabric for sublimation printing due to its heat-resistant properties. However, not all polyester fabrics are suitable for sublimation printing. Look for fabric that is 100% polyester, as blends may not provide the same level of color vibrancy or print quality.

1.2 Preparing the Fabric

Once you have selected your fabric, it is essential to prepare it for sublimation printing. Keep in mind that sublimation printing requires a white, light-colored fabric to transfer the images with the highest quality. Before printing, wash the fabric with a mild detergent and do not use fabric softeners. This will help remove any debris or oils and ensure that the fabric is clean and prepped for sublimation.

Section 2: Printing the Design

2.1 Creating the Design

Before you can print your design, you need to create it. While some people opt to create designs using graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator, others use digital design marketplaces like Designious or Creative Market. Whichever method you choose, ensure that you have a high-quality, high-resolution design.

2.2 Printing the Design onto Transfer Paper

Once you have the design, it’s time to print it on transfer paper. With sublimation printing, the design is first printed onto transfer paper using a specialized sublimation inkjet printer. There are many transfer paper options available, so make sure to select the right one for your printer. When printing, use a high-quality print mode and set the printer to mirror the image to ensure that it transfers correctly.

Section 3: Heat Pressing

3.1 Finding the Right Heat Press

Heat pressing is the most crucial step in sublimation printing, as it is what transfers the image from the transfer paper to the fabric. When selecting a heat press, keep in mind the size of the design and the type of fabric you are using. Look for heat presses with adjustable pressure and temperature settings to ensure that you can fine-tune the process for each individual design and fabric.

3.2 Heat Pressing the Design

After printing the design on the transfer paper, it’s time to heat-press it onto the fabric. Place the transfer paper, design side down, onto the fabric where you want the design to appear. Use the heat press to apply even pressure and heat to the transfer paper and fabric. The amount of time, temperature, and pressure will depend on the heat press and transfer paper, but most heat presses need around 60-90 seconds at 390°F.

Section 4: Finishing

4.1 Removing the Transfer Paper

Once the heat-pressing is complete, it’s time to remove the transfer paper. Carefully peel back the transfer paper from the fabric while it’s still hot, making sure not to tug or tear the design. If the paper does not come off cleanly, repeat the heat pressing process and try again.

4.2 Post-Heat Pressing

After the transfer paper is removed, it’s essential to post-heat press the fabric. This step involves placing the heat-pressed fabric onto the heat press for another 30-45 seconds at 350°F. This process will ensure that the design is fully set into the fabric fibers, providing a long-lasting, vibrant print.

Conclusion

Making sublimation shirts is a fun and easy process that any beginner can do. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create high-quality, vibrant, custom designs on polyester fabrics. Whether you’re making shirts for an event, a sports team, or just for fun, sublimation printing is an excellent option to consider. Get started today and create your own unique and eye-catching sublimation shirts!

Types of Sublimation Shirts

Sublimation shirts are not limited to a single type. Instead, they come in many different styles, designs and sizes. If you’re just starting on your sublimation shirt journey, here are some popular options to choose from:

Cotton Shirts

Cotton shirts are some of the most popular sublimation shirts out there. Because they are made of a natural material, the colors of the dye transfer over more seamlessly. They are also comfortable to wear and are perfect for everyday use.

Performance Polyester Shirts

Performance polyester shirts are commonly worn by athletes and fitness enthusiasts because of their moisture-wicking properties. Their breathable fabric helps to wick sweat from the skin, keeping the wearer cool and dry. These shirts are excellent for sublimation, and they come in a variety of styles and colors.

Dry-Fit Shirts

Similar to performance polyester shirts, dry-fit shirts are also made from polyester. They are perfect for sublimation printing because the fabric is lightweight, stretchy and comfortable. Dry-fit shirts are also breathable and moisture-wicking, making it suitable for outdoor activities.

Raglan Shirts

Raglan shirts feature a unique style with sleeves that extend to the neckline. They are available in a variety of colors and designs, making them an excellent option for sublimation printing. Raglan shirts come in different materials, including cotton and polyester blends.

Tank Tops

Tank tops are a summer staple. They are sleeveless shirts that come in different styles, including racerback and crop top. These shirts are perfect for sublimation printing because they come in a range of colors and designs. Tank tops are also made from lightweight and airy materials, making them excellent for summer weather.

V-Neck Shirts

V-neck shirts are a popular choice for women. They feature a unique cut that forms a “V” shape on the neck, providing a flattering silhouette. V-neck shirts are available in both cotton and polyester materials, making them suitable for sublimation printing.

Hoodies

Hoodies are a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn all year-round. They are perfect for sublimation printing because they offer a large surface area for designs. Hoodies are available in different materials, including cotton and polyester blends.

Long Sleeve Shirts

Long sleeve shirts are perfect for cooler weather or for layering under jackets. They come in different materials, including cotton and polyester blends. Long sleeve shirts are excellent for sublimation printing because they offer a significant space for designs.

Polo Shirts

Polo shirts are a timeless classic. They are available in different materials, including cotton and polyester blends. Polo shirts are an excellent option for sublimation printing because they offer a large surface area for designs.

Baby Onesies

Baby onesies are perfect for parents looking to create custom-made shirts for their little ones. They are available in different materials, including cotton and polyester blends. Baby onesies are an excellent option for sublimation printing because they offer a large surface area for designs.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of sublimation shirts available can help guide you in choosing the right one for your project. Each type of shirt offers specific benefits and is suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re using cotton, polyester or a blend of fabrics, ensure that the shirt chosen is of good quality and suitable for sublimation printing. With the right sublimation ink, printer, transfer paper and press, you can create stunning custom-made sublimation shirts that stand out.

What materials do I need?

Sublimated shirts require special materials for the printing process, and besides those, you will need some regular household items. Here is a list of the necessary materials to make sublimation shirts:

Preparing the design

Once you have gathered all the necessary materials and created or downloaded your design, you need to prepare the design for printing. You can either use graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, or you can use one of the numerous online design tools.

Make sure that the design is properly sized and adjusted to fit the shirt, and then print it in reverse onto sublimation paper – this is necessary to ensure that the design appears correctly on the shirt.

Printing the design

Before printing the design, ensure that your printer is loaded with sublimation ink and paper. Some printers have automatic calibration settings to ensure the colors appear accurately, so check this first.

Once the calibration process is finished, print the image in reverse onto the sublimation paper. When the print is completed, it’s typical to allow it to dry completely before transferring it to the shirt.

Pressing the shirt

To transfer the design onto the shirt, you will also need a heat press. A heat press looks like a giant ironing board with a flat surface and can reach temperatures up to 400°F. Make sure the heat press is compatible with sublimation material and adjust the time and temperature settings accordingly.

After preheating the heat press to the recommended temperature, place the polyester shirt onto the lower platen and stick the printed sublimation paper onto the shirt with heat-resistant tape. Make sure the design is facing down and press the upper platen down onto the shirt and hold it for the recommended time according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the time has elapsed, lift the heat press, remove the shirt, and peel the paper slowly. The design should be imprinted onto the shirt.

Washing instructions for sublimation shirts

Sublimation shirts require a little bit of extra care when washing them to ensure that the design will last. First, wash the shirt by hand or on a gentle cycle in cold water and avoid using bleach or fabric softeners. Hang dry or dry on a low heat setting. If the shirt needs ironing, make sure to iron it inside out. By taking good care of the shirt, the design will look great for a long time.

Thanks for Reading!

I hope this article has given you some insight into how to make sublimation shirts. It may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and materials, it is a fun and creative way to customize your own shirts. Don’t hesitate to keep coming back for more DIY tips and tricks from our website. Happy crafting!