DIY screen printing: my process in making vintage style graphic tees

indieinkapparel
Sep 12
3 min read

For this blog, I want to take you behind the scenes and reveal the journey every t-shirt goes through. There's a lot of love and energy that goes into creating quality hand-printed tees from my small studio in Yorkshire, and I'm still learning every day!

Step 1: Sketch to digital design

Most of the time, it all begins with my sketchbook, some research and a good old fashioned mood board. I also have a running list of ideas and quotes that I think would look great on a tee. I start with an initial drawing in my sketchbook or on my iPad using Procreate. Procreate is definitely my go-to for refining ideas, playing with colours, and getting the design ready for the next stage. It’s perfect for setting up the file for printing and preparing for the final screen printing process.

Hand drawing on an iPad with a stylus, creating black and white art. A plant is visible in the foreground on a white desk.

Step 2: A trip to Hull

Now, for a trip to my local library in Hull, the Makerspace is truly a hidden gem in the heart of the city! I'd highly recommend anyone local to Hull to check it out. It's an incredible resource for creatives, and for me, it's where I print my acetate designs and where I learnt a bit more about screen printing. These transparent sheets act as a positive for the screen exposure process, blocking the light where the ink will eventually go.

Large printer in action, printing transparent sheets with text. Shelves with paper rolls and boxes labeled "Plain White" and "Acetate" nearby.

Step 3: My bathroom 'darkroom'

This is where the 'DIY' aspect really comes in, in my 'darkroom' in my bathroom! It’s the darkest space I have at home, perfect for coating my screens with light-sensitive emulsion.

This beautiful pink emulsion from Art2Silkscreen hardens when exposed to light, but the areas blocked by the black ink on the acetate will remain soft and washable.

Eight pink silkscreen frames are drying on a metal rack in a dimly lit room. Some faint images and text are visible on the screens.

Step 4: Exposing screens with sunlight

The exposure itself is so fascinating—it’s powered by sunlight! I carefully position my coated screen with the acetate on top and let the sun do its thing (it's tough relying on British weather though). To make sure it’s a good exposure, I also use a work light when needed. A bit of trial and error has taught me the sweet spot for the perfect exposure time, which is key for a high-quality print.

Then, it's time for the reveal, which is my favorite part of the handmade process. I wash out the screen with water, and if all goes well, the areas that were under the black ink of my design wash away, leaving a perfect stencil of my artwork on the mesh. There's definitely an art to getting this just right, and there are even screen exposure calculators you can use.

Pink screen print with "Ramen Club" design, featuring a smiling noodle bowl. Hand holding the frame in a cozy indoor setting.

Step 5: Screen printing time

After a good rinse, the screens need to dry completely. Then, they’re finally ready for printing! This is where the ink meets the fabric, and my designs come to life on the comfortable, high-quality tees you see in my shop.

Screen printing setup on wood surface, featuring a "CAFFEINE" design on a white T-shirt. Nearby, a potted plant and a paint can.

Screen printing is a very hands-on process, from the initial drawing to the final t-shirt. Knowing that each piece has gone through this journey in my little home studio makes them feel extra special. I’m constantly learning and really enjoying the process, and it makes it even more special when I see you guys wearing them!

Supporting a small business like Indie Ink Apparel means you're not just buying a t-shirt; you're supporting a passion, a creative process, and a little bit of Yorkshire craftsmanship. Thank you for being a part of my journey!