T-shirt designs

	is for	T-shirts
		Textile Design
		Text

	Task
	Create a portrait design in the style of Andy Warhol for a T-shirt. The portrait could be of yourself, a relative, a friend, or a celebrity. Collect images from the Web, scan prints or take digital photos. Add a slogan for maximum impact.
	Successful design is about communication: brainstorm some ideas in your sketchbook to get started. What's the message you want to get across? What kind of slogan is appropriate? What's the best font for this?

	Visit the Andy Warhol website for inspiration. You can make a virtual silk screen-print online and email it to yourself. Here's one I made earlier ... http://www.warhol.org
	You can design a t-shirt online with your own artwork. But don't purchase accidentally! Visit: www.tshirtstudio.com http://www.tshirtstudio.com/personalised/youdesign.asp
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	Process
	There are 4 basic steps to creating a wearable work of art using heat transfer paper: design, print in mirror image, transfer, embellish.

Step 1	Make your design
	Start *Photoshop* and open the digital photo that you have saved or scan one in [File > Import > Twain_32] and save it before you manipulate it. To link to a detailed step-by-step tutorial on how to do this in Photoshop or in Paint Shop Pro click on the program name.

	Change the colour photo or scan into greyscale: - Image > Mode > Greyscale - Discard Colour information? > OK

	Adjust the contrast to make the graphic black and white: - Image > Adjust > Brightness/ Contrast > click OK.


	Add colour following tutorial directions (see 1). Examples below.



	Flip the image horizontally for printing and save it.

	For maximum flexibility when positioning the slogan on the t-shirt, type and save the text separately. Do this on a new file in your picture editing program and reverse the image as before. Although the text could be composed in word editing software, it would be more difficult to flip. Don't forget to choose an appropriate font and colour and check the size so that it is about the same length as your image is wide.

Step 2	Print your design

	Print your work in draft quality on paper to check it carefully before printing it out on heat transfer paper. Some printers will print in mirror image, but if you have already flipped and saved your design, this is unnecessary.

	Most inkjet printers can use heat transfer paper, but the specific brand and method may vary. For a helpful article on transfer printing using bubble jet printers or colour copiers (these use a different type of transfer paper) look at: http://www.straw.com/quilting/articles/transfrprint.html

	Example stockists and costs (rough guide only): http://www.cartridgeco.co.uk/acatalog/Cartridge___inks_Epson_Compatible_Paper_11.html T-Shirt transfer paper x 10: 106gsm A4 Price: £9.90 (Excluding: VAT at 17.5%)

	If you are satisfied with the printout of your artwork, insert a single sheet of the special transfer paper into your printer. Set the printer at its highest dpi for best quality results. Allow the print to dry before continuing to the next step.

	NOTE: it is more economical when making small prints (less than A4) to lay several out on a page in Word or other DTP program, or use the special Print Multiple Images feature in Paint Shop Pro (see the tutorial above). They can be cut up and transferred separately later. *Top*

Step 3	Transfer your design
	White or light-coloured fabrics work best with computer transfers.

Wear yourself	Position the design For precise placement of your design and slogan follow fold the t-shirt vertically and mark the centre line front, back and sleeves (depending on target location) with pins or loose stitches. Follow these guidelines for standard placements, but anything goes: Front: Centre along the fold line with the top of the design 6cm below the bottom of the neckline. Back: Centre along the fold line with the top of the design 12cm below the bottom of the neckline. Heart: Place the top of the design 6cm below the bottom of the neckline and the right edge of the design 6 cm to the right of the fold line. Sleeves: Centre along fold line with the top of the design 6 cm below the shoulder seam.
Advertise your work	Transfer the image onto the fabric Before you start, iron the t-shirt to remove all creases from the target area and also a clean cloth e.g. tea towel or pillow case. The iron must be very hot for a successful transfer. Preheat the iron on its highest setting for at least ten minutes. Do not use steam. Follow the individual maker's directions. Place your cloth on the ironing surface and smooth it flat so that there are no wrinkles.
	Place the t-shirt on the centre of the cloth. Smooth out the fabric so that there are no wrinkles. Preheat the t-shirt fabric with the iron for a few seconds to remove any excess moisture and allow it to cool. This will help adhesion. Place the image face down on the fabric in the target position. Set the image on the fabric taking care not to move it during transfer by: pressing the iron firmly over the transfer for 15-20 seconds in several areas, making sure to cover the entire transfer. Lift the iron fully when repositioning. using a circular motion and light pressure to heat the transfer evenly for another 15-20 seconds. gently rubbing the hot transfer with a soft, clean cloth for 5-10 seconds. Either remove the paper while the transfer is hot for a satin finish or wait until the transfer is cold for a glossy finish.
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Step 4	Embellish your design

	Use fabric paints and pens, inks or any other waterproof media to add more colour and texture to your design. Decorate further with creative stitching, sequins, appliqué and other creative textile techniques. This process works equally well with any textile project e.g. wall hangings, bags, cushion covers, hats.

Tell the world who you are ...
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Transfer the image onto the fabric