Screen printing is a popular method for transferring customized designs on fabric. Here are the basic steps involved in the t-shirt screen printing process.
STEP 1: CHOOSING THE SCREEN
There are several kinds of screens available for screen printing. Screens with an aluminum frame are more expensive than those with wooden frames, but typically last longer. Screens also differ on their mesh count. Screens with higher mesh counts allow for finer printing, and are typically used when printing on paper. When printing on fabric, a mesh count of about 110 or 160 is generally used.
STEP 2: BURNING THE DESIGN ONTO THE SCREEN
Next, you have to burn your design onto the screen. This is called a stencil. Every color used in the design requires a different stencil. Once you have the design you want, separate the image based on the different colors used. You can use a number of computer software programs to do this task for you. Next, change the images into black-and-white and print it onto a transparent film.
Once you have the black-and-white image, coat the screen evenly in emulsion and allow the emulsion to dry. Then, place the transparency on top of the emulsion-coated screen. Next, go to a darkroom and expose the screen to light for several minutes. This will allow the emulsion to on the white areas, making sure that no ink passes through. Once the emulsion has hardened, spray the screen with water to remove the soft areas.
STEP 3: TRANSFERRING THE DESIGN ONTO THE SHIRT
Finally, pour ink onto the screen, making sure you are applying even pressure all throughout. Let the ink dry first before printing the next layer, to make sure that the colors do not bleed. Once you’ve printed all the layers, let the ink dry. Now, you’re done!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
T-Shirt Screen Printing
Sunday, November 25, 2007
T-Shirt Bags
Is there a t-shirt in your closet that you’ve outgrown but still want to use? Do you have a t-shirt that you never wear but can’t seem to throw away? Try making it into a t-shirt bag!
A t-shirt bag is a reusable, fashionable craft that you can easily create at home. Since it is made out of fabric, it can be easily folded to fit snugly in your closet. Here are the basic steps in making your t-shirts into functional bags:
First, flip the t-shirt inside out, making sure that the seams are aligned. Cut the sleeves at the point where they meet the rest of the t-shirt. Then, sew the bottom of the t-shirt in order to close it.
Next, decide on whether you want the opening of the bag to be round or square. For round openings, get a bowl and trace a half-circle around the neck of the t-shirt; for square openings, use a ruler. Using your tracing as a guide, cut through both the front and the back of the t-shirt. You now have the basic outline of your t-shirt bag.
Fold approximately 1 cm along the areas where the t-shirt was cut and pin it. Sew the hems, making sure that no loose edges are showing.
Finally, flip the t-shirt right side out and accessorize it! Add designs using fabric paint or sew in ribbons or beads. Also try adding buttons or zippers. You can also make a pocket using fabric from the sleeves that were cut off earlier.
When using the t-shirt bag, remember that the bag is made from fabric; thus, it is best not to place heavy and bulky contents in it so that it doesn’t loose its shape or get torn.
You now have your own functional t-shirt bag! Flaunt it!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
A Threadless Carol!
Ho Ho Holy crap! It's that time of the year again! Time for the yearly Threadless Holiday Sale with tees starting at $10! This year, Threadless is planning on impressing the dickens out of you with A Threadless Carol featuring designs from their past (resurrected classic designs from the days of old), their present (reprinted favorites), and the future (the brand spanking new soon-to-be classics of tomorrow)! Expect a new batch each of the following three Mondays!
Ive just recently bought these t-shirts and almost every person in the office notices it everytime I wear these super cool t shirts.
Tragedy Struck by Jack Moore
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