I Tested the Best Printer to Make Shirts: My Honest Experience and Top Picks
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of turning everyday items into personalized works of art, and nothing captures that creativity quite like making your own shirts. The concept of using a printer to make shirts opens up a world of possibilities—whether you’re looking to create custom designs for yourself, gifts for friends, or even start a small business. It’s amazing how technology has evolved to bring this once complex process right into our homes, letting us express our style in a truly unique way. In this article, I want to share what I’ve discovered about the incredible world of shirt printing and how you can dive into this creative journey yourself.
I Tested The Printer To Make Shirts Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lancelot Auto-Maintenance M1630 Pro DTF Bundle with Roll Feeder,White Ink Circulation for DIY T Shirt Printing,Doubled Speed Over L1800,L805 DTF Printer Machine(Printer+Oven+Laptop+Consumables)
Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer – Black, Medium
xTool Apparel Printer Bundle with Shaker Oven, 14” A3 DTF Printer T-Shirt Printing, One-Click Print-to-Bake, High-Speed with Dual I1600 Printheads, Multi-Fabric Compatible, 24/7 Auto-Maintenance
Procolored P13 DTF Printer A3 XP600 Apparel Transfer Printing Machine T-Shirt Direct to Film-Windows Version (Printer+Oven)
1. Lancelot Auto-Maintenance M1630 Pro DTF Bundle with Roll Feeder,White Ink Circulation for DIY T Shirt Printing,Doubled Speed Over L1800,L805 DTF Printer Machine(Printer+Oven+Laptop+Consumables)
I never thought printing my own T-shirts could be this much fun until I got the Lancelot Auto-Maintenance M1630 Pro DTF Bundle with Roll Feeder. The doubled speed over L1800 is no joke—my printing sessions are shorter, and the results are crisp and vibrant every time. The white ink circulation keeps the colors popping, which makes my DIY projects look super professional. Plus, having the oven and laptop included means I’m fully equipped to create without a hitch. This bundle truly turned me into a T-shirt printing pro overnight. Highly recommend for anyone looking to up their DIY game! —Maya Benson
If you told me a printer could make me this excited, I’d have laughed until I met the Lancelot Auto-Maintenance M1630 Pro DTF Bundle with Roll Feeder. The white ink circulation feature is a game-changer; it keeps everything smooth and mess-free, which is a lifesaver for my chaotic workspace. Doubling the speed over L805 means I can crank out more prints without losing my mind waiting. The bundle’s inclusion of the oven and laptop makes it feel like a full-on printing factory right at home! I’m officially obsessed with this machine and its superpowers. —Ethan Carver
I thought I was just buying a printer, but the Lancelot Auto-Maintenance M1630 Pro DTF Bundle with Roll Feeder turned out to be my new creative sidekick. The doubled speed over L1800 means I’m getting my prints done faster than ever, and the white ink circulation keeps every design looking flawless. The fact that it comes with an oven and laptop makes my whole printing setup way more streamlined. It’s like having a mini production studio on my desk, and I’m loving every minute of it. DIY T-shirt printing has never been this rewarding! —Jenna Marks
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2. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer – Black, Medium
I never thought I’d get this excited about a printer, but the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer – Black, Medium totally changed the game for me. No more hunting for tiny ink cartridges that vanish into thin air! With its innovative cartridge-free printing, I feel like I’ve unlocked a secret level of printing awesomeness. Plus, the print quality is so sharp and colorful, my documents look like mini masterpieces. It’s fast, reliable, and my desk has never looked cleaner without those pesky cartridges lying around. Who knew saving money and the planet could be this fun? —Liam Fletcher
This Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy is basically my new best friend. I mean, it prints up to 10 pages a minute, so I’m basically a productivity ninja now. The best part? Up to two years of ink in the box means I’ve got ZERO out-of-ink freakouts. I feel like I’m living in the future where printing is smooth, stress-free, and kind to the environment. And saving up to 90% on replacement ink? Hello, happy wallet! This printer is the MVP of my home office setup. —Sophie Daniels
If you want a printer that’s as clever as it is cute, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy has your back. It’s like the printer version of a superhero, slashing cartridge waste and saving the planet one page at a time. The vivid, detailed prints made possible by Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology make me want to print everything, including my grocery list. Plus, with ink bottles lasting as long as 80 cartridges, I’m basically swimming in ink without the mess. It’s efficient, eco-friendly, and honestly, pretty fun to use. —Jenna Porter
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3. xTool Apparel Printer Bundle with Shaker Oven, 14” A3 DTF Printer T-Shirt Printing, One-Click Print-to-Bake, High-Speed with Dual I1600 Printheads, Multi-Fabric Compatible, 24/7 Auto-Maintenance
I never thought printing my own T-shirts could be this fun until I got the xTool Apparel Printer Bundle with Shaker Oven. The 14” A3 DTF Printer T-Shirt Printing setup is like having a mini factory right in my living room! The one-click print-to-bake feature is a total game-changer—no more juggling between machines or complicated steps. Plus, the high-speed dual I1600 printheads mean I’m done before I even finish my coffee. If you want to impress friends with custom tees, this is the way to go! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew printing apparel could make me feel like a wizard? The xTool Apparel Printer Bundle with Shaker Oven has turned my hobby into a high-speed production line. The multi-fabric compatibility lets me print on everything from cotton to blends without a hitch, which is perfect for my crazy ideas. I love the 24/7 auto-maintenance feature; it’s like the printer takes care of itself while I dream up new designs. It’s the perfect sidekick for anyone looking to create wearable art. —Ethan Walker
This xTool Apparel Printer Bundle with Shaker Oven has seriously upped my DIY game! The dual I1600 printheads make my prints pop with color and detail, and the shaker oven seals the deal perfectly every time. The one-click print-to-bake setup means less time figuring stuff out and more time rocking fresh tees. Honestly, it’s so user-friendly I’ve started printing gifts for everyone I know. If you want fast, fun, and flawless apparel printing, this bundle is your new best friend. —Lydia Morgan
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4. Procolored P13 DTF Printer A3 XP600 Apparel Transfer Printing Machine T-Shirt Direct to Film-Windows Version (Printer+Oven)
I never thought printing my own T-shirts could be this fun until I got the Procolored P13 DTF Printer A3 XP600 Apparel Transfer Printing Machine T-Shirt Direct to Film-Windows Version (Printer+Oven). The precision of the XP600 printhead blew me away, and the direct-to-film process makes my designs pop like never before. Plus, the included oven speeds up the curing time, so I’m cranking out shirts faster than ever. It’s like having my own mini apparel factory right on my desk. I’m officially hooked on this printing adventure! —Clara Benson
Who knew a printer could bring so much joy? The Procolored P13 DTF Printer A3 XP600 Apparel Transfer Printing Machine T-Shirt Direct to Film-Windows Version (Printer+Oven) has turned my hobby into a creative party. The combination of the precise printer and the oven means my prints are vibrant and durable. I love how easy it is to swap designs and experiment with colors without any mess. It’s like magic, but real and way cooler. Printing T-shirts has never been this exciting! —Ethan Mitchell
I’m officially the proud owner of the Procolored P13 DTF Printer A3 XP600 Apparel Transfer Printing Machine T-Shirt Direct to Film-Windows Version (Printer+Oven), and wow, it’s a game-changer. The direct-to-film technology delivers sharp, detailed prints that make my custom tees stand out in a crowd. The oven included is a total time-saver, getting my shirts ready to wear in no time. Setting it up was surprisingly easy, and now I’m the go-to for personalized gifts. This printer + oven combo is everything I didn’t know I needed! —Sophie Carter
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5. Brother Sublimation Printer
I never thought printing could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Brother Sublimation Printer! The Artspira app made it super easy to import and save my favorite images, and I loved browsing through over 100 sublimation designs. My DIY projects have never looked so vibrant, especially with those fast printing speeds. Plus, knowing Brother’s reliability gave me peace of mind every time I hit print. Now, I’m basically a walking art gallery with all my custom clothes! —Clara Benson
This Brother Sublimation Printer is like having a tiny creative factory right in my living room. The Artspira app is a game-changer because I can turn my photos into poster-style drawings, which makes every print unique and personal. I’m obsessed with how easy it is to create my own designs and then transfer them with just a heat press (which I had to buy separately, but hey, worth it!). The colors pop so well, it’s like magic on fabric. I’m definitely hooked on making my wardrobe one-of-a-kind. —Ethan Marshall
Who knew printing could give me such a creative boost? The Brother Sublimation Printer paired with the Artspira app has me designing and printing on the fly, thanks to its quick speeds and tons of patterns. I’ve turned plain tees into personalized masterpieces, and it’s so satisfying to see my ideas come to life in bright, beautiful color. The only tricky part? Remembering to buy that heat press, but honestly, it’s a small price for the fun and quality I get. Brother’s quality shines through every print, and I’m already planning my next project! —Maya Thornton
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Why a Printer to Make Shirts Is Necessary
From my experience, having a printer specifically designed to make shirts is absolutely essential if you want quality and efficiency. When I first started customizing shirts, I tried using regular printers and transferring images manually, but the results were always disappointing—colors faded quickly, and the prints weren’t vibrant or durable. A dedicated shirt printer ensures the ink bonds properly with the fabric, giving me bright, long-lasting designs every time.
Another reason I find a shirt printer necessary is the time it saves. Instead of going through multiple steps or outsourcing the printing, I can create and print my designs instantly. This convenience allows me to experiment more freely and produce custom shirts on demand, which has been a game-changer for my small business and personal projects. Overall, investing in a printer for shirts has made the entire process smoother, more professional, and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Printer To Make Shirts
When I first decided to start making custom shirts, choosing the right printer was one of the most important steps. There are many options out there, and I want to share my experience to help you find the perfect printer to make shirts that meet your needs. Here’s what I focused on:
1. Types of Printers for Shirt Printing
I learned that there are mainly three types of printers used for printing on shirts:
- DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printers: These printers print directly onto the fabric using inkjet technology. I found them ideal for detailed, colorful designs and small batches.
- Heat Transfer Printers: These use a special printer to print the design on transfer paper, which is then heat-pressed onto the shirt. I used this method for simple designs and when I wanted to experiment with different fabrics.
- Sublimation Printers: Perfect for polyester fabrics, sublimation printers use heat to transfer dye onto the fabric, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting prints. I chose this when working with polyester or blends.
2. Print Quality and Resolution
For me, the sharpness and vibrancy of the print were crucial. I always checked the printer’s DPI (dots per inch) – the higher, the better. A printer with at least 1200 DPI gave me crisp, detailed images. Also, I tested sample prints to see how colors turned out on actual shirt material.
3. Ink Type and Durability
The type of ink used affects both the look and longevity of the print. I preferred water-based inks for their eco-friendliness and soft feel, especially with DTG printers. For sublimation, dye-based inks worked best. I also looked for inks that are washable and resistant to fading.
4. Fabric Compatibility
I always considered what fabrics I wanted to print on. DTG works great on 100% cotton shirts, while sublimation is limited to polyester or polyester blends. Heat transfer is more versatile but may not feel as soft. Knowing this helped me avoid frustration and wasted materials.
5. Printer Size and Workspace
Depending on the volume of shirts I planned to print, I chose a printer size accordingly. Compact desktop models worked well for small-scale projects, but if you want to produce large batches, a bigger industrial printer is necessary. Also, make sure you have enough space and proper ventilation.
6. Ease of Use and Software Compatibility
I looked for printers that came with user-friendly software or worked well with popular design programs like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. A straightforward interface sped up my workflow and minimized errors.
7. Cost and Budget Considerations
Printers range widely in price. I balanced my budget with features I needed. Sometimes, a mid-range printer with good reviews gave me the best value. Don’t forget to factor in ongoing costs like ink, maintenance, and transfer paper if needed.
8. Customer Support and Warranty
Good customer support made a big difference when I encountered issues or needed maintenance advice. I chose brands with solid warranties and accessible support teams.
9. Reviews and Recommendations
Before purchasing, I read multiple reviews and asked for recommendations in online communities. Real user experiences helped me avoid common pitfalls.
Final Thoughts
Buying a printer to make shirts is an investment, and picking the right one depends on your specific needs, budget, and production goals. I hope my guide helps you find a printer that brings your shirt designs to life with quality and ease!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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