Starting a t-shirt business? This is the setup I use to print my own brand in-house, step by step: a heat press and cutter, vinyl and DTF transfers, pressing supplies, blank tees, and labels, tags, and shipping gear. Affiliate links: I may earn a sma...
Sections
5
Step 1: Heat Press & Cutter
Step 2: Vinyl & DTF Transfers
Step 3: Pressing Supplies
Step 4: Blank Tees
Step 5: Labels, Tags & Shipping
Step 1: Heat Press & Cutter
Handheld heat press for small runs, sleeves, and odd placements. Bluetooth lets you set time and temp from your phone.
Cricut EasyPress 3 (9x9)
Cuts HTV designs cleanly, and with Smart Materials it handles long cuts without a mat.
Cricut Maker 3
Auto-open clamshell with even pressure across a 15x15 platen. Handles full-front prints and DTF transfers.
HTVRONT Auto Heat Press 2 (15x15)
Step 2: Vinyl & DTF Transfers
The standard HTV for a reason: cuts and weeds easily and holds up in the wash.
Siser EasyWeed Heat Transfer Vinyl
Budget vinyl bundle for testing colors and mockups before you commit to bulk rolls.
HTVRONT HTV Bundle (20 Colors)
Full-color DTF transfers you press on yourself. No minimums, so it's an easy way to test a design before a bigger run.
Custom DTF Transfers (Gang Sheets)
Step 3: Pressing Supplies
Hook and pick tools for pulling the excess vinyl off a cut design. Makes small letters and fine details way easier.
Cricut Weeding Tool Set
Holds transfers in place so nothing shifts when the press closes. Peels off clean with no residue.
HTVRONT Heat-Resistant Tape (2 Rolls)
Reusable cover sheets that protect the shirt and the platen. Cheaper over time than burning through parchment.
HTVRONT PTFE (Teflon) Sheets for Heat Press
Goes inside the shirt to lift the print area above seams, zippers, and buttons so pressure stays even.
Heat Press Pillow
Step 4: Blank Tees
Cheap, consistent, and available in every size and color. The workhorse blank for samples and events.
Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton Tee
Heavyweight and garment-dyed, with a soft, lived-in feel. A step up for retail drops.
Comfort Colors 1717 Garment-Dyed Tee
Lightweight tee with a modern retail fit. Prints smooth and feels soft out of the box.
Bella+Canvas 3001 Tee
Step 5: Labels, Tags & Shipping
Your logo on a neck or hem label makes a blank tee feel like a real brand. Small minimum orders.
Custom Clothing Labels (Sew-On or Iron-On)
Attaches hang tags in seconds through the label or seam. Comes with spare needles and plenty of barbs.
Mr. Pen Tagging Gun Kit
Folds every order to the same size in a few seconds, so packages look clean and fit the mailer.
Brightroom Shirt Folding Board
Lightweight, self-sealing mailers that fit a folded tee or hoodie. Cheaper to ship than boxes.
