Getting Started

[BigcockGraphics 0]

I was interested in starting t shirt printing I currently have a vinyl decal business and was wondering if I can just use the vinyl cutter to cut tshirt vinyl and if so what else I need to get started? Thanks for any useful information!

[AshComputers 197]

1. Heat Press- Get a clam press!!!!!!!

2. Siserweed Vinyl

3. T-shirts heehehehe

I'm sure some have more to chime in on this!

Hope this helps

[Sue2 920]

The easiest way for you to get into the t-shirt stuff is with

the heat transfer vinyl. If you cut your own vinyl decals,

you already know how to design for the cutter... cutting heat

press vinyl is similar. Weeding is the same...if anything,

the heat press vinyl is a bit more forgiving.

Just remember to MIRROR your designs...most everything is

cut in reverse for pressing on t-shirts.

A good heat press is the only thing you will need immediately.

NO, you can't use an iron!

Get some Sisser or Thermoflex Plus vinyls...pick up some

discount t-shirts at your local DollarStore or discount

outlet and make up some funny samples. Heat press vinyl

is great for small quantities...it is labor intensive but

the results are nice and it holds up well.

For small orders, you can usually find Jerzee t-shirts

at craft stores on sale 2 for $5 or 5 for $10. For larger

orders, set up an account with a garment/stuff supplier

and sell them shirts!

The first question out of your customer's mouth will be:

"How much are your shirts?"

Decide on basic pricing...one color, one side, two color,

two sides, large imrprint, small imprint, etc...

Set up an order/pricing form that covers the basics.

Once you get that down....you can take the next step up to

full color printed transfers. You can print these on an inkjet

or laser printer and apply with heat press. They take a bit of

trial & error to get the printing, heat & pressure settings just

right....but are much faster than the vinyl.

Good luck!

Sue2

[jimwww 3]

Good advice - I plan to do the same thing.