Download a high resolution PDF or PNG at 300 DPI sized to 8–9 inches wide for adult T shirts or 5–6 inches for children’s sizes to ensure sharp edges on the red circle design. Use vector SVG files for cutting machines to avoid pixelation during scaling.
Set your home printer to best quality mode with actual size scaling at 100% to maintain correct proportions of the circular badge. For heat transfer paper, mirror the artwork before printing; for sticker paper or cardstock, keep the orientation standard. Choose bright white paper between 200–250 gsm for craft signs to prevent curling.
Place the graphic 2.5–3 inches below the collar on adult shirts for balanced alignment. Secure transfer sheets with heat at 305–315°F for 10–15 seconds using firm pressure, then peel according to the paper instructions, either warm or cold release.
For group costumes, prepare editable name fields in a layered file format so each participant’s label can be updated without redesigning the full layout.
Printable Thing 1 and Thing 2
Use a 300 DPI circular badge file sized precisely to your garment: 8–9 inches wide for adult tees, 6–7 inches for youth sizes, 4–5 inches for toddlers. Keep resolution high to avoid jagged edges on the red background. For cutting machines, upload SVG format rather than raster files to maintain smooth curves during scaling.
Select heat transfer paper compatible with your printer type, either inkjet or laser, since mixing them causes smudging or toner cracking. Mirror the design before printing on transfer sheets, trim closely around the circle to reduce excess film, then press at 305–315°F with firm pressure for 10–15 seconds per section. Allow proper cooling time based on warm or cold peel instructions to prevent lifting at the edges.
Position the round label 2.5–3 inches below the collar seam on adult shirts for balanced placement, aligning it with the center line of the garment to avoid a tilted appearance.
How to Size and Position Thing 1 and Thing 2 Templates for T Shirts
Set the circular badge width to 8–9 inches for adult sizes S–XL, 6–7 inches for youth shirts, 4–5 inches for toddlers to maintain proportional balance across chest widths ranging from 14 to 22 inches.
Measure the garment flat from armpit to armpit to determine the maximum safe print area. The graphic should not exceed 60–70% of the shirt’s width to avoid wrapping into side seams. For example, a 20 inch chest width supports a design up to 12–14 inches, though the standard round label looks visually balanced closer to 8–9 inches.
Align the center of the circle with the vertical midpoint between the sleeves. Fold the shirt lengthwise to mark the true center line with light pressure or a temporary crease.
Place the top edge of the badge 2.5–3 inches below the bottom of the collar ribbing on adult garments, 1.5–2 inches on children’s sizes. This spacing prevents the artwork from appearing too high while leaving room for natural fabric stretch near the neckline.
Use a ruler or alignment guide rather than visual estimation. A shift of more than 0.5 inch becomes noticeable once worn.
For heat press application, secure the shirt on the platen to remove wrinkles before positioning the transfer sheet. Apply medium to firm pressure at 305–315°F for 10–15 seconds per section, ensuring full contact across the circular edge to prevent peeling.
Print a paper mockup at full scale, cut it out, place it on the garment, check proportions in a mirror, then adjust size before committing to vinyl or transfer material.