Photo Transfer Tee

I have to admit…I’m a sucker for a Disney tee. And when I can’t find one that has a particular image or style I’m looking for, I make my own! And you can too, with this super simple DIY project.

What you’ll need:

• Computer & printer
• A photo transfer kit (I used Transfermations for dark material)
• Scissors
• Iron

Instructions:

1. Choose an image for your tee. Make sure it fits onto a standard piece of paper, so you don’t have to print your design in segments. When you’re ready to print, place a piece of photo transfer paper into your printer. In my kit, the paper has a glossy side (with a line) and a non-glossy side.

Make sure you print on the correct side! For this kit, I printed on the non-glossy side (left in the above image).

2. Once you’ve printed your image, cut it out. Whatever you place onto the tee will transfer, including white space. Peel the back lining off the image (like a sticker) and place the soft transfer material onto your tee.

3. Place the included parchment paper over your design (some kits will skip this step). Heat up your iron to the appropriate setting for your material (my tee is cotton), and press down firmly for 20 seconds. For this step, two things are really important:

• Make sure you press down in a smooth motion. DON’T move the iron side to side, or you may move/warp your transfer.
• If you can’t fit the whole image under your iron, lift the iron and press down again in a different spot. Make sure you place the iron over every bit of the design, especially ends and corners.

4. After you’re done, let the image cool for 10 seconds. Carefully lift the parchment paper in a smooth motion, and you’re done!

WORD TO THE WISE: Choose a design that is sleek, simple, and SMALL if you use this photo transfer kit. My first attempt was a full sheet. The print itself looks fine, but when you wear the shirt, it honestly just looks like you taped a giant piece of paper to yourself.

But if you choose a smaller, more outline-esque image, this photo transfer kit is an easy and fun way to design your own tee. I love the final outcome of mine, and can’t wait to wear it to the park!