The T-shirt-making process is quite easy. But how long does it take to make a t shirt? Well, The time duration of making a t-shirt varies depending on the making procedure. Especially with bulk amounts of t-shirt making with automated machines. Those machines smooth the operation through cutting, sewing, and stitching. Generally, t-shirt seams are made from one piece of cloth over another. The seam edges are lining up. The time duration of making a t-shirt varies depending on the making procedure.

Step 1: Select a Design Pattern

Selecting the perfect pattern for a t-shirt involves a few key steps. Start by understanding the basic parts of a t-shirt: body, sleeves, and neckband. Decide on the fit you want tight, regular, or loose to choose the right pattern size. Remember, it’s easier to adjust a larger size down if needed.

Consider the fabric, especially if it’s stretchy, to ensure the pattern matches the material’s properties. Sometimes, you might need to tweak the pattern for an ideal fit, especially for unique body shapes.

Lay out your pattern on the fabric, cut carefully, and sew according to instructions. The right pattern choice and adjustments make all the difference in creating a t-shirt that’s comfortable, well-fitted, and exactly to your taste.

Step 2: Fabric Selection & Cutting

Choosing the right fabric is crucial for comfort and style in t-shirt making. Consider material, stretch, and durability to ensure the perfect fit and long-lasting wear.

Cotton is the top choice for t-shirt fabric due to its breathability, softness, and durability, making it ideal for comfortable, long-lasting wear.

Let’s get started on making your t-shirt by cutting the fabric just right. First off, spread your fabric out nice and smooth. You have to make sure there are no creases or folds that might mess up our cutting. Now, it’s time to measure.

You’ll need to know a few things like how long you want the t-shirt to be, how wide it should be across the chest and waist, and the lengths for the sleeves. Now you have to mark these measurements on the fabric, kind of like drawing a map that shows us where to cut.

Armed with the “map,” you’ll cut along the lines to shape the main body of the t-shirt and the sleeves. This step needs a bit of focus to make sure every piece comes out just right, ensuring the t-shirt will fit well and look good. Once everything’s cut out, we’re all set to sew these pieces together and bring your t-shirt to life!

Step 3: Sewing

i) Combine Sew front and back

The front and back are separate therefore they will be combined together by sewing both edges. During this process fabric, and yarn cutting must be avoided otherwise it will cause reject t-shirt production. 

ii) Join the Sleeve

Up next t-shirt sleeve sewing with combined front and back. Before that sleeve hem is finished. At this stage, the automated system does the job by sending sleeves using a conveyor to swing the head. Then the edge will be folded including making a band.

iii) Stitching hem

Almost each garment product is sewn with a flexible hem. While making t-shirt stitching it should be enough so that the fabric can stretch that much.

iv) Stitching the shoulder seams

In terms of high-quality t-shirts, shoulder seams are sewn with elastic or tape. But in general simple seams are added. The style of the t-shirt is the cause for attaching the neckband before or after the shoulders are done.

v)Attach neckband and finish

Generally, the neck edges are shorter than the outer edge. Therefore neckband size should not be right stretched. Tabular bands are folded and added manually. Bound seams are used in different types of necklines.

In the case of v-necks extra step lapping or mitering is necessary. As per the older procedure, both sides are attached by folding. While mitered seams are a bit complex and extra operators are necessary to put the band at the center front. 

vi) Label Set

The labels are set at the back of the neck or the left inner side at the bottom. Labels provide detailed information about the t-shirt manufacturer, size, cloth material, and instructions about washing.

Step 4: Design & Printing

Once your t-shirt is cut and sewn, the next exciting step is adding your design through printing. Think about what you want the shirt to say or show. Is it for a laugh, to inspire, or just because it looks cool? Consider who will wear it and for what occasion.

You can go for a simple bold picture or something with lots of details, depending on what feels right for you and the t-shirt. This is where your t-shirt really starts to take on its unique personality. Here’s a brief overview of different printing methods you can choose from:

Screen Printing: A popular method where ink is pushed through a mesh stencil onto the t-shirt. High-volume orders and designs that require vibrant, opaque colors.

DTG (Direct to Garment) Printing: Works like a printer, applying ink directly onto the t-shirt. Detailed designs and no minimum order quantities.

Heat Transfer Techniques: Designs are printed on special paper and then transferred onto the t-shirt using heat. Small batches or custom orders with intricate color designs.

Sublimation Printing : Ink turns into gas with heat and bonds with the fabric, resulting in high-quality prints. Light-colored synthetic materials, offering durable and detailed designs.

Plastisol Transfers : Similar to heat transfer, but the design is printed on special plastisol transfer paper. Creating stock designs that can be applied to t-shirts as needed.

Heat Transfer Vinyl : A machine cuts out designs from colored vinyl, which are then heat-pressed onto the t-shirt. Bold, simple designs and adding names or numbers to sports jerseys.

Each printing method has its advantages, depending on your design, the quantity of t-shirts you’re producing, and the specific look or feel you’re aiming for. Whether you’re creating t-shirts for a business, an event, or just for fun, picking the right printing technique is key to bringing your vision to life in vivid color and detail.

Step 5: Final Operation

In this operation line t-shirts are gone through checking flaws in the fabric, thread, and stitching. Top-quality t-shirts go through steam tunnels before packing. The quality assurance team must check the product before supply.

So it is that much easier, right? 

You may also read how to clan printed t shirt.