"I'm Not Messy, I'm Creatively Organized" Shirt

Note: To complete this project, you will need the following materials:

1. Inks:

• One color: white (Speedball or xTool brand recommended)

2. Screen Printing Equipment:

• xTool screen printer

• 1 coated screen

3. Drying Tool Options (These are Optional):

• Hairdryer

• Heat press

• Heat gun

4. Apparel:

• Dark grey shirt

1. Launch xTool Creative Space:

• Open the xTool Creative Space application on your computer.

2. Configure Settings for Screen Preparation:

• Navigate to the settings and set “Process on Flat Surface” to “Screen Preparation.” This is essential for preparing the screen for engraving.

• Click “Calibrate Origin.” Use the on-screen buttons to align the laser to the top right corner of your screen for precise alignment.

3. Adjust Engraving Parameters:

• Set the Easy Set parameters to 100% power and 135 speed. These settings are optimal for engraving the screen, ensuring accurate design transfer.

Note: The Air Assist feature may cause engraved particles to get stuck in the mesh. If it works for you, use it.

Design Sizing Techniques:

Projector Approach (Optional):

• Use a projector to project the design onto the shirt for accurate visual placement.

• Mark the design’s location with small pieces of tape.

• Measure the dimensions of the projected design and adjust the size in xTools. Rescale the design to fit the shirt.

Non-Projector Approach:

• Estimate the dimensions of your design if a projector is not available.

• Measure the estimated design space and adjust the size in xTools. Rescale the design to fit the shirt.

2. Centering the Design:

• Fold the shirt in half vertically to find the center for symmetrical alignment.

• Mark the center with tape or sticker paper to guide accurate placement when screen printing.

1. Prepare the Screen:

• Use one screen for the single-color design. Ensure the screen is secured and ready for engraving.

• Install the frame fixing piece on the left side of the screen, if needed.

2. Align and Scale the Design:

• In xTool Creative Space, ensure the design is within the green engravable area of the screen.

• Verify that the design is flipped horizontally (mirrored) for correct printing on the shirt.

3. Start the Engraving Process:

• Press “Calibrate Origin” if you haven’t already. Adjust the laser head as necessary using the on-screen buttons.

• Begin the engraving process by clicking “Process.” The engraving time will vary based on design size; typically, it takes just over an hour.

• Watch a tutorial on YouTube about using the xTool Screen Printer if you are new to screen printing.

1. Install the Engraved Screen:

• Remove the engraved screen from the laser cutter.

• Securely attach the screen to the screen printer.

2. Prepare the Shirt and Plate:

• Place a sticky mat on the wooden plate of the screen printer to prevent shirt movement.

• Position the shirt on the sticky mat, ensuring it is smooth and wrinkle-free.

3. Align the Shirt:

• Use the adjustment knobs at the bottom of the plate to align the shirt accurately.

• Center the shirt using tape markings as a guide.

4. Apply White Ink:

• Open the jar of white ink and stir it with the spatula.

• Apply a layer of white ink to the screen at the bottom of the design.

• Use a squeegee to spread the ink across the design area, ensuring it penetrates the screen.

5. Print and Dry:

• Lower the screen onto the shirt and drag the squeegee across the design to transfer the ink. Apply even pressure for consistent results.

• Lift the screen to check the design. If necessary, apply additional coats of ink and repeat the printing process.

• Dry the ink using a hairdryer, heat gun, or heat press. Without a heating element, drying may take up to 24 hours. The ink is dry when it no longer feels sticky.

6. Finish:

• Carefully remove the shirt from the plate to avoid smudging the wet ink.

• Allow the shirt to dry completely before handling.