If you’re looking for affordable and simple ways to personalize shirts with custom designs or text, here are some cost-effective methods that don’t require expensive equipment or large-scale production setups:

1. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

• How It Works: Cut designs from heat transfer vinyl using a Cricut or Silhouette machine, then press onto shirts using a household iron or heat press.
• Pros: Affordable for small runs, durable, and available in various colors and finishes (glossy, matte, glitter, etc.).
• Cons: Requires weeding (removing excess vinyl), and intricate designs can be time-consuming.

2. Printable Heat Transfer Paper

• How It Works: Print designs using an inkjet or laser printer on transfer paper, then iron or heat press onto shirts.
• Pros: Great for full-color designs, easy to use at home, and cheap startup cost.
• Cons: Durability varies (may fade after multiple washes), and works best on light-colored shirts.

3. Screen Printing (DIY Stencil Method)

• How It Works: Create a stencil using freezer paper or vinyl, apply fabric paint with a sponge or squeegee, and let it dry.
• Pros: Low-cost and great for batch printing.
• Cons: More time-consuming for intricate designs, and fabric paint can be thick if not applied evenly.

4. Fabric Markers or Paint

• How It Works: Use fabric markers or paint to hand-draw or stencil designs onto shirts.
• Pros: Super affordable, requires no equipment, and great for one-of-a-kind, artistic designs.
• Cons: Hand-drawn designs may not look as crisp as printed ones, and paint can crack over time if applied too thickly.

5. Iron-On Patches

• How It Works: Buy or create custom embroidered patches and attach them using an iron.
• Pros: No need for printing, durable, and adds a premium look.
• Cons: Limited in design flexibility, and some patches may peel over time if not applied correctly.

6. Sublimation Printing (For Polyester Shirts)

• How It Works: Print designs using sublimation ink and transfer them onto polyester shirts using heat.
• Pros: Long-lasting, vibrant colors that don’t fade or crack.
• Cons: Only works on light-colored polyester fabrics, requires a sublimation printer, and has a higher startup cost.

7. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing (Budget Options)

• How It Works: Some local print shops and online platforms (Printful, Printify, etc.) allow you to print small batches without high setup fees.
• Pros: Professional quality without requiring your own printer.
• Cons: Can be expensive per shirt compared to bulk orders.

If you’re just starting, heat transfer vinyl (HTV) and printable transfer paper are the best low-cost options. If you’re making shirts for an event, fabric markers and DIY stencils work well.

Which method sounds best for your needs?