HomeLearn MoreFind A ProjectTowns HelpedFAQ

Help My Town Kit

Event T-shirt

Follow these simple instructions to create special T-shirts to wear or sell during your fundraising event. Check your local department store or crafts store for transfer paper.


Paper First

Do a test print on regular paper before printing on the expensive transfer paper.

Flip or Mirror

Do you have text in your design? Don't forget to flip or mirror your image. The text should be backwards on screen or on the printout.

Use the Right Side of the Paper

Transfer paper has stripes on the non-printing side. Be sure to put the paper in your printer so that it prints on the clean white side.

White Does Not Print

In designing your artwork remember that WHITE does not print. The fabric will show through any parts of the design that are white. Plan your design accordingly. Consider the background color when choosing colors for your designs.

Test on Scrap Fabric

Test your design on “scrap fabric” before applying it to your final T-shirt. Some types of fabric may require more ironing (heat) than others or may not show off your design as well as you expected.

Use Lots of Heat

Use your iron's hottest setting but no steam. It takes a lot of heat to transfer the image evenly and completely to the fabric. Peel off the paper while it is still hot.

Use a Hard Surface

A hard surface is better than an ironing board because it holds the heat. Ironing boards tend to disperse the heat and the transfer paper needs to be very hot to work properly. A kitchen table, covered with a thick towel, works great.