How to Make Custom T-Shirts at Home — Complete Guide from Design to Pressing
Everything you need to know to make your first custom T-shirt using sublimation: equipment, design, printing, and pressing — step by step.
Sublimation on T-shirts is one of the most accessible ways to start a customization business or make your own unique T-shirts. You don’t need any previous experience, and the initial investment is surprisingly low.
In this guide, we go through the entire process from scratch: what equipment you need, how to create a free design in Canva, how to print on sublimation paper, and how to press the T-shirt for a perfect result.
- 1. What equipment you need
- 2. Which T-shirt to choose
- 3. Create the design in Canva (free)
- 4. Print on the sublimation paper
- 5. Press the T-shirt — step by step
- 6. Recommended parameters
- 7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- ✅ Interactive checklist
- 🖨️ Recommended printers and ink
- ❓ Frequently asked questions
1. What equipment you need
To make custom T-shirts using sublimation, you need 4 essential things:
Flat heat press
Applies heat and even pressure to the T-shirt. A 38×38 cm flat press is ideal for T-shirts.
View flat press
Sublimation-compatible T-shirt
The T-shirt must be made from sublimation-compatible material: polyester or Modal. White for the most vivid colors.
View Modal T-shirts
Sublimation paper
The special paper on which the design is printed. It is placed between the press and the T-shirt, and the ink is transferred through heat.
View sublimation paper
Sublimation ink
Special ink that turns into gas under heat and bonds permanently with the fibers of the material.
View ink2. Which T-shirt to choose
Not every T-shirt works for sublimation. The basic rule: the material must contain synthetic fibers or fibers compatible with sublimation.
| Material | Compatible? | Color result | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Polyester | ✅ Yes | Excellent — vivid colors | Ideal for all-over printing |
| Modal (cellulose) | ✅ Yes | Excellent — vivid colors | ⭐ Recommended — soft and natural |
| 65% polyester / 35% cotton | ⚠️ Partial | Medium — more faded colors | Works, but not ideal |
| 100% Cotton | ❌ No | Does not work | The ink does not bond with the fibers |
3. Create the design in Canva (free)
You don’t need Photoshop or Illustrator. Canva is free and perfect for creating T-shirt designs. Here’s how:
Go to canva.com, create a free account (or log in), then click “Create a design" → “Custom size". Set the size to 30 × 40 cm (or 3508 × 4961 px at 300 DPI) for a full-front print.
Use the free elements in Canva: text, shapes, illustrations, photos. Existing templates can also be used as a starting point. If there is already a custom design (PNG or JPG), upload it and position it on the canvas.
In sublimation, the design transfers in reverse — like a stamp. In Canva: select all (Ctrl+A), then Flip → Flip horizontal. The text must be readable in reverse.
Download → PNG → check “Transparent background" if there is no background → select the highest available resolution. The file will be ready to print.
4. Print on the sublimation paper
Make sure the printable side (white, glossy) is oriented correctly — usually face up. Check the printer manual for the exact orientation.
In the printer printing settings: select maximum quality, paper type “Matte" or “Presentation", and disable “High Speed" if there are lines in the print.
Print the design (already mirrored). Let the paper dry completely for 2–3 minutes before touching it or placing it on the T-shirt. Touching it too soon can cause stains.
5. Press the T-shirt — step by step
Place the T-shirt on the press plate and press it for 3–5 seconds without paper. This removes moisture and wrinkles from the material — improving transfer quality.
Place the paper with the design face down (ink in contact with the material). Secure it with heat-resistant tape around the edges. Make sure there are no wrinkles.
Set the press to 180°C and the timer to 120 seconds (Modal) or 130 seconds (polyester). Pressure: medium. These are the recommended parameters for sublimation-compatible T-shirts.
Close the press and start the timer. At the end, open the press and remove the paper immediately — do not leave the paper on the T-shirt after pressing. The colors set instantly.
Place the T-shirt on a flat surface and let it cool naturally. Do not fold or move it until it is completely cool — otherwise you may cause ghosting (double image).
6. Recommended parameters
The sublimation parameters are for guidance and have been tested using the paper and ink from our range. Any change in the sublimation workflow can affect the final result.
| T-shirt material | Temperature | Time | Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modal (recommended) | 180°C | 120 seconds | Medium |
| 100% Polyester | 180°C | 130 seconds | Medium |
| Polyester/Cotton blend | 180°C | 120 seconds | Medium-light |
7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The design is not mirrored
The text comes out reversed on the T-shirt. It is the most common beginner mistake.
✅ Fix: ALWAYS mirror the design before printing (Flip Horizontal).
The T-shirt is damp
Moisture in the material causes faded colors and stains. The result looks “washed out.”
✅ Fix: Pre-press the T-shirt for 3–5 seconds before placing the design.
Ghosting (double image)
The paper moved during pressing or afterward — a shadow/double image appears.
✅ Fix: Secure the paper with heat-resistant tape. Do not move the T-shirt immediately after pressing.
Yellow/burnt colors
The temperature is too high or the time is too long. The colors oxidize and turn yellowish.
✅ Fix: Follow the recommended parameters. Reduce by 5°C or 5 seconds if you see yellowing.
Cotton T-shirt
Sublimation does not work on 100% cotton. The ink simply does not bond to the fibers.
✅ Fix: Use only T-shirts made of polyester, Modal, or a blend with at least 65% polyester.
✅ Interactive checklist
Check each step as you complete it:
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I do sublimation with any printer?
Does the color wash out after a few washes?
Can I make colored T-shirts (not just white)?
How much does all the equipment cost to get started?
Can I use designs from the internet?
What can I do if I don’t have a heat press?
🖨️ Recommended printers and ink
Not every printer works for sublimation. You need a compatible inkjet printer filled with sublimation ink. Here are our recommendations:
Epson EcoTank L1250 (A4)
A4 printer with refillable tank system — ideal for T-shirts, keychains, mugs, and all standard-size products. The best value for money for beginners.
View on eMAGEpson EcoTank L18050 (A3)
A3 printer for large designs — all-over print on T-shirts, tote bags, pillows. Required if you want to cover areas larger than 21×30 cm.
View on eMAGHongsam ink (sublimation)
Professional sublimation ink, compatible with Epson EcoTank printers. Vivid colors, excellent wash resistance. Available in CMYK sets.
View Hongsam inkReady to make your first T-shirt?
You can find everything you need — from heat press and T-shirts to paper and ink — in one place.
View Modal T-shirts View supplies
