MAKE IT CUTE

Have you noticed all the super cute graphic tees that your fave celebs (think: Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, etc.) have been sporting on IG lately? The designer versions can be super spendy, but you can easily create your trendy graphic tees at home. Here's how to make the cutest graphic tee—without breaking the bank. 

What you’ll need:

💓 A plain T-shirt in any color (Pro tip: You can usually can find one at your local Hobby Lobby or Michaels.) 

💓 A printer

💓 Transfer paper (Any craft or fabric store should have it in stock.)

💓 Your chosen image (It could be hand-drawn or printed from a website. To ensure your adorbs design will actually be visible, make sure the image is printed in a size that fills the center of your tee.)

💓 Scissors

💓 Ironing board 

💓 Iron

What you’ll do:

Step 1: Pick your image
Find a super cute, trendy image that screams Y-O-U. (Check out Creative Fabrica for printables you can download). Whether it's a quote from your fave or a lyric from your top song, you'll want something that showcases your unique personality. Download the image and save it to your computer. 

Step 2: Flip the image 
Now, it’s time to give that image a little twist. If your image isn't already flipped, use a photo editing app (your phone's built-in camera app can also usually do the trick) to rotate your image horizontally so it transfers right-side-up. 

Step 3: Print it out 
With your flipped image all set, it’s time to print. Insert your transfer paper into the printer and hit the print button. Make sure your image fills the paper and is  just the right size to look centered on your t-shirt. 

Step 4: Remove excess paper 
Once the image is printed, cut out any extra paper that’s not part of your design. 

Step 5: Set up your workspace 
If you have an ironing board (and a parent's permission to use), set it up and, with help from a parent or older sib, turn on your iron to a medium setting.

Step 6: Place your image 
Flip your printed image over, image-side down, and position it on your shirt. There are no take-backs after this next step (!), so be sure your pic is aligned exactly the way you want it to appear on your final tee.

Step 7: Iron it out 
It's iron time! Press your iron down with an up-and-down motion to ensure your image transfers perfectly onto the tee. A few seconds should do the trick—don't leave the iron pressed down on its hot side for too long and remember to turn it off as soon as you're done. Follow those transfer paper instructions, too!

Step 8: Reveal your creation
Set your design and let it cool completely. Peel off the paper to unveil your adorable graphic tee. Show it off, and get ready for compliments from friends—because you just created a fashion masterpiece! 

Strutting in your new cute graphic tee? Show us on IG @girlslifemag for a chance to get featured! 

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Top image: @oliviarodrigo
Slider image: @luludrawww

by Naomi Thomas | 1/17/2025