Best Iron-on transfer to make MNSSHP Shirt?

[David]

OK, this is probably a lame topic, but I want to make our some T-Shirts to wear to MNSSHP. We go at least once on each October trip but don't go all-out in the costume category. I thought about making some T-Shirts with an enlarged MNSSHP ticket and using the Disney font, have the date of the party underneath.

My question for those of you who have made your own shirts, what brand of iron-on transfers do you recommend? Any tips on making the transfer and putting them on the shirts? I've heard some people complain that they can wash off easily, so any comments on the care of the shirts so this doesn't happen?

 

[Highland_Holly]

I have used Avery transfers (both for dark shirts and light) and the Wilton (yes, the cake decoration people) brands.

Avery is better than Wilton... I prefer the ones for light shirts. The dark transfers are good quality and come out more like commercial "iron ons" but areas that you would normally want clear (or shirt-colored) come out white... like the middles of letters, etc. Your image would have to be completely colored to look right. KWIM???

I use the light transfers on white shirts with colored images or on colored shirts with black line images. I do a couple of things to get better results... (1) Pre-wash the shirts - they generally contain chemicals to maintain that "new" look while in stores, but these will inhibit the transfer's adhesiveness
(2) Cut the image with scissors close to the design making rounded edges if possible - corners are more likely to peel up.
(3) You have to iron on a hard surface... do not use your ironing board. I use a small piece (18x24) of drywall with an old pillowcase over it. You can also use plywood, etc.
(4) After you peel off the paper, re-cover the image with parchment paper (available in your grocery store?) and re-iron. I find that this gets the heat closer to the image (the backing papers are pretty thick) and forces the image into the fabric of the shirt.
(5) Wash in cold water and drip dry... the heat from the dryer will do the most damage to the image.

Remember that you will not get commercial results with these products... but they are pretty cost-effective and will last long enough for you to enjoy your event!

Good luck!

Holly

 

[DivineMadness7]

I agree

I'll second the "Avery" brand suggestion. They were excellent. Didn't have the problems (not an even transfer, poor color and poor washing results) with a previous brand I used (sorry, can't remember the name.)

I didn't make Disney shirts with them (yet) but I made two Dharma logo shirts (all you LOST fans out there will understand) and they turned out beautifully.

I also agree with the above poster's tips to get the most out of your design. Though if you feel like you MUST run the shirts through the dryer than drip-dry them, you should turn them inside out (a must) and try to dry on a very low heat setting to avoid peeling of the transfer.

Good luck with the shirts and have fun at the party!:sohappy:

 

[David]

Thanks for those tips! As always, the folks at WDWmagic come through with great suggestions.