Ever want to make your own custom shirt? I am going to show you a fun way to make them yourself using a screening print process!
Screen printing is so fun and can be done on many different materials, but the most common material used is T-shirts. Screen printed shirts last as long as the shirt, so they are a great option for something you want to keep around for a long time. Have you ever wondered how to do screen printing with your Cricut? This is such a fun project, you will want to make screen print T-shirts for all occasions!
Watch the full step-by-step video showing you exactly how to make your screen printed t-shirts premiering during Maker Academy Weekend, November 4-7, 2021. Get your FREE ticket to this event by clicking below:
Why pay a lot more than you need to when you can create these beautiful screen printed shirts all on your own. And best of all, they are personalized with a quote that you like, and the size you desire.
Here is what we will need to make these shirts. Of course we will need a plain T-shirt. You can really use any blank T-shirt you like, but my favorite brand is Bella + Canvas. It’s really soft, made of 100% combed cotton, and true to size.
You will also need a silk screen, fabric ink, and Cricut premium vinyl to get the design onto your shirt. You’ll need to keep some transfer tape in hand for transferring your design as well.
Be sure to have some butcher paper as well or you can use a drop cloth to protect your surface. We’ll be using a bristle paint brush to add ink to the silk screen and a toothbrush for cleaning.
We’ll also need some disposable gloves for protection, Green cutting mat, scraper, weeding tool, Cricut EasyPress and mat, but you can also use a household hot iron and a towel if you don’t have an EasyPress. Last, but not least, we’ll be using the amazing Cricut Cutting Machine.
A DIY screen printing project might seem like a pretty difficult project but in actuality, the screen printing process is pretty simple as long as you follow along with the steps. These t shirts make for a great way to make some matching shirts or even create some last minute family reunion shirts!
Another great use of these shirts is making them for a special event you might have or as a personalized shirt for a gift. One thing to remember is that 100% cotton shirts are better for screen printing but you can screen print on almost anything but 100% nylon and 100% polyester. Isn’t that cool?
Use your own T-shirt or get a bulk of different shirts to experiment with using this fun project. I love how these turned out and think that they are perfect for everyday use!
Here’s a supply list of what you need to make screen printed shirts! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.
Quick Links to Information in this Post
Materials to Make Screen Printed T-Shirts
View my Amazon shopping list with the exact items we used to make this project
- T-shirt (I used a Bella+Canvas Shirt in Heather Orange and Leaf)
- Silk Screen Kit
- Speedball Ink (White and Black)
- Premium Vinyl (any color)
- Transfer Tape (Standard Grip)
- Butcher Paper OR Drop cloth
- Disposable Gloves
- (Optional) Fonts (I used Falling Leaves, Girl Crush, Tingler Script)
- Green StandardGrip Machine Mat
- XL Scraper Tool
- Weeding Tool
- Bristle Paint Brush (or something to add paint onto the screen)
- Toothbrush (for cleaning)
- Cricut EasyPress 2
- Cricut EasyPress Mat (12″ x 12″)
- A method to cut your vinyl – I used the amazing Cricut Maker but you can also use the Cricut Explore
- Design #324 – My free SVG/PDF/DXF design files are available in my free resource library beginning November 4, 2021 (get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this page) or get early access to the design files by getting a VIP Pass to Maker Academy Weekend
How to Make Your Own DIY Screen Printed T-Shirts
The detailed step-by-step assembly video on how to create these personalized screen printed t-shirts will be available to watch for free for 24 hours during Maker Academy Weekend, held online November 4-7, 2021. Get your free ticket to this fun maker event here! If you can’t wait until then, learn how to get early access to the Maker Academy Weekend videos, printable handbooks, and design files with a VIP pass below:
It’s always great to learn a new skill and I must say, this is one that I will probably be using a lot more often in the future. I mean, I think these turned out pretty great if I do say so myself!
Gift these to a friend or have a get together to make your very own custom screen printed T-shirts. Whatever you decide to do, I’m sure they will turn out pretty great. Which one is your favorite?
Answers to Your Questions About How to Make DIY Screen Printed T-Shirts
Q: Where is your tutorial for this project?
This is a special project we made for our free Maker Academy Weekend event! A complete and detailed step-by-step video will premiere during the event November 4-7, 2021 — specifically, this tutorial video will be available to watch for free for 24 hours beginning November 6 at 2:00 pm ET! If you can’t make that time, there will be a replay available for 24 hours from that time so you can watch it later. You can get early access to these design files and a 21-page printable handbook that details how to make this beautiful project if you get a VIP Pass to Maker Academy Weekend, which comes with other perks and bonuses, too!
Q: What kind of T-shirts work best for screen printing?
Any shirt except ones made of 100% nylon or 100% polyester. I recommend a 100% cotton for softness and comfort.
Get a free ticket to Maker Academy Weekend to see how this works!
I love seeing what you make with my designs and how you use them! Please share a photo of your shirts in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.
Love,
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