Are you interested in learning how you can design your own clothing without ever stepping foot outside of your own home?
You’ve probably wanted to make your own clothes at some point. However, before you got the chance, you needed to invest in expensive machines and know how to use them after years of training.
Oh, how times have changed!
Now you can print full-color clothing designs right in your own home.
Let’s dive in…
DTF transfers for apparel printing have revolutionized the world of do-it-yourself fashion. With this process, you can print vibrant, full-color graphics onto almost any material from the comfort of your own home office.
It’s crazy how easy the entire process is.
In this ultimate beginner’s guide, you will learn:
- What are Direct Transfer Films?
- Why You Should Use DTF Transfers
- Everything You Need to Get Started
- How to Make Your First Transfer
- Tips for Success
What Are Direct Transfer Films?
Direct transfer films, also known as DTF, is a printing process in which your design is printed on film before being transferred to your garment of choice.
Essentially, think of it as a digital temporary tattoo that will go on your clothes.
Designs are printed to a special polyester film using a DTF printer. The printer applies adhesive powder to the wet ink. Then you “cure” the powder which activates the adhesive. Finally, you place your transfer onto your garment of choice and apply heat/pressure.
It’s really not complicated at all.
DTF printing doesn’t require you to have separate screens for each color you want to print like screen printing. DTF also works on cotton, blends, dark fabrics, etc. Unlike sublimation.
Dye-sublimation printing, for shirts, only works on light-colored poly shirts.
This is great news if you plan on making everything at home.
According to Grand View Research, the Global Direct Film Printing Market size reached USD 2.72 billion in 2024 and continues to grow yearly.
Why You Should Use DTF Transfers
Let’s talk about how DTF transfers stack up against other methods of printing.
Typically, when you try to print your own shirts at home you are met with something that is:
- Too expensive
- Too difficult
- Limiting
DTF printing is none of those things.
DTF prints can be applied to nearly any colored garment. White shirt? Check. Black sweatshirt? Check. Yellow jersey? Double check.
Your prints will have vibrant colors and amazing detail. You can print super crisp lines, gorgeous gradients, and even photos with full detail.
Your finished product will last. When you cure your transfers properly they will last you through wash after wash without cracking or fading.
You don’t have to order hundreds to break even. No setup fees or minimum quantities required. Make one shirt or one thousand. You pay for what you print.
Where else can you get that kind of flexibility? Not screen printing (too many screens). Not dye-sub printing (limited materials and colors). Nope.
Try hanging with heat transfer vinyl. That takes forever because you have to weed each individual design.
DTF gives you a way to make professional quality shirts from home.
Everything You Need to Get Started
You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get started making custom shirts in your garage.
Here’s what you’ll need to get going:
- DTF Printer
- Special DTF Ink Set
- Rolls of PET Transfer Film
- Adhesive Powder
- Heat Press or Clean Iron
- Something to Cure your Transfers (Oven or Heat Gun)
Many DIY’ers start with converting their own inkjet printer. Desktop machines like Epson can create quality transfers at a small fraction of the cost.
But there is one thing that most tutorials won’t tell you…
You need a solid heat press. If your heat isn’t distributed evenly, you will end up with cracked and peeling transfers. Make sure you can accurately control the pressure and temperature of your heat press.
You can get started with the beginner’s equipment for as low as $500. High-end machines will cost you closer to $5,000.
How to Make Your First Transfer
If you’re itching to make something, follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make your very own DTF transfer.
Design your Image. Use whatever graphic editing program you like. Just make sure your image has vibrant colors and that your print size is high enough resolution.
Print your Design on Film. Place your waterproof PET film into the printer. Print your design onto the film facing backwards.
Apply Powder to Image. While the ink is still wet, apply your DTF powder to the image. Shake off excess. The powder will only stick to the wet ink.
Preheat your Transfer. You can use an actual curing device (oven, heat gun, etc.). Heat will activate the adhesive on your powder.
Place Onto Garment. Put your transfer facedown on your shirt and apply heat/pressure. Most transfers are cold-peel, so you’ll need to wait a few seconds. Consult your materials to determine how long and at what temperature you will heat press.
Peel Off Film. Slowly peel back the film from your shirt. VOILA! You have your very own custom graphic!
Sounds easy enough, right? The whole process shouldn’t take you any longer than 10-15 minutes.
Tips for Success
Not sure how to make your at-home transfers look more professional?
Try a few of these tips the next time you start designing.
Pre-Press your Fabric. Giving your garment a quick 5-second press will remove any moisture and wrinkles. Providing a clean canvas to work with.
Use High-Quality Blank Shirts. If you buy cheaper shirts, they will look cheap. Invest in high-quality shirts made from ringspun cotton and high-quality blends.
Adjust Your Pressure. Nine times out of ten if you’re having issues with your transfers it’s your pressure that’s too low. If you’re finding that your edges are starting to lift, increase your pressure. Only then should you begin to increase your temperature.
Test it out. Always do a practice run on a spare piece of fabric before running your final shirt through the heat press. Different fabrics can require different time and temperatures.
Store your Transfers Correctly. Improper storage can cause your transfers to get ruined before you use them. Make sure you store your transfers flat and keep them away from moisture.
The custom apparel industry is booming. Research from IMARC Group found that 81% of consumers will pay more for personalized clothing.
That means there is a demand for your custom shirts.
Whether you’re printing custom shirts for a family reunion, running a small business, or just looking to test the waters.
DTF transfers are for you.
Conclusion
Designing your own clothing at home is no longer a dream.
Thanks to DTF transfers you can create high-quality, vibrant prints on nearly any material without breaking the bank or leaving your house.
Here’s what you learned:
- DTF is when you print your design onto film before “transferring” it onto your garment.
- DTF allows you to print on nearly any material.
- You can start printing quality shirts for a few hundred dollars.
- Learning to create DTF transfers takes minutes.
- DTF transfers look just as professional as your local printer.
The barrier of entry is at an all-time low. Grab some transfer paper and start testing those creative juices!
