Laser Engraving T-Shirts 101: The Ultimate Guide with Diode & CO2 Lasers!

[@matchstickdesignco]

Stick with 100% cotton. The poly blends tend to burn easily and turn crispy. Denim lasers perfectly with a CO2; I've done jeans, jackets, overalls, bags, and even Christmas ornaments that I made from old jeans.

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

OH Man! MATCHSTICK that is such an awesome idea! Thanks for the tips and tricks!!! ~garrett

[@semicrazyketogal8226]

insted of using water for getting the wrinkles out, you could use the heat press to make it smooth before using the laser. Love this Idea!

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Yes, but the heat press was in another room.... Out of Sight, out of mind! LOL

[@HeartlandFamilyDesigns]

I also have flat magnets that help well.

[@techsan773]

three days ago i searched for how to do this on a diode laser and tore my hair out trying to find any information on it. two days ago you post this. ty so much this helped immensely. tomorrow searching for how to win the lotto.

[@letypreciado6272]

This was awesome!!! And thank you for showing us how to do a test cut.

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

You are welcome! Soo easy, Right? Thanks, Lety! ~garrett

[@harryragland7840]

You might try an embroidery hoop to keep it tight and flat. I would be interested in how these stand up to a few washings.

[@kae052687]

I tried it and mine lasted one washing however when I used the same brand after that it washed up pretty well and it still had the print. Not sure what happened however it just doesn’t work.

[@christiegriffith5883]

I’m curious how this holds up after a few washes I’d be worried that holes might develop where it was lasered

[@erinsullivan2727]

I made a shirt today. Came out good. Thanks

[@trimbandit9636]

How did it look after washing?

[@jaydasongstress]

This is so exciting. Thank you for sharing. Can you provide an update for how the shirts look after they have been washed?

[@spideyprince7077]

Mine came out with holes over all and the picture was washed out completely 😢

[@jaydasongstress]

@@spideyprince7077 oh no. Thank you for being transparent.

[@MichiganRocks]

Mine didn't develop holes, but the image faded a lot.

[@jaydasongstress]

@@MichiganRocks thank you for sharing. I was hoping for better results.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@jaydasongstress Me too. I was really surprised when it faded so much.

[@luv2craft]

Unbelievable, what will they think of next? I would never have thought to do this, what a great idea! 😃

[@borealisaurora]

I was getting stagnant with ideas for my co2. THANK YOU for giving me something new to try! Cheers! - Winnipeg, Canada

[@CreatorCreatedCreate]

I heard you could but never tried. Thanks for doing this.

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

If you are trying to make money with these, I would say keep the engravings smaller. LOL Thanks Triple C!

[@CreatorCreatedCreate]

Thanks for the pro tip! :)

[@pegeggeggleston4315]

Good Morning Kim and Garrett - Interesting idea. I think it's great that you try out so many ideas, esp for your Patron crowd. I also enjoy seeing what those new machines can do. I see they are getting smaller and more affordable (been watching a few adds). Thanks for sharing and continued success. Love PegEgg

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Peg! Those machines are really getting inexpensive. I think there is an xTool give away coming up from xTool. Thank you for all of your support Peg Egg! ~garrett

[@kimberlyxavier6043]

Can you wash the shirt and update us how it looks after?😂

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

We are going to wash them and post an update. We are curious to see how they will hold up too.

[@Linneydenise]

Awful. Nothing but holes, rips, and the image disappeared.

[@Blazelaserengraving]

Any update on the aftermath?

[@eduardoluna3331]

Very nice work!!! and great idea !!! Saludos From México!

[@parrot-imagellcadronecompa6148]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing this idea

[@mysafename1694]

Yes, I have tried it on some painters cloth that they use for covering. It works really good on that but I'm not sure what the right speed and right settings are for T-shirts without burning through. I have the 20 W Ortur. And I have a 10W and I also have the 5W that one is set up for strictly doing cups on a separate computer. Lightburn.

[@CreatorCreatedCreate]

Love it! Great job guys!!!

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Thanks so much!!😀

[@thecentralscrutinizerr]

You can also use the laser to run outlines of objects you are going to paint with fabric paint. I'm currently doing an Indian head on a the back of a Denim jacket.

[@CreatorCreatedCreate]

Yes!! I want a hanger shirt!!!!

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

We have something in the works! Thanks Lori!

[@mojo2613]

Definitely interesting! Can't believe it doesn't jeopardize the integrity of the shirt... That blows my mind! Also, I i notice you don't use an enclosure on the D1... Is that just open for filming? I was led to believe we need a pretty good ventilation system, which is why i haven't used mine yet.

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Well, we haven't washed them yet. We will see how they hold up. We don't have an enclosure for our D1, we just use it out in the shop/garage. The shirts didn't smoke or smell too bad. ~garrett

[@andrewvanderweg5075]

Outstanding ✅️ Cheers from 🇦🇺

[@DGLaserCraft]

Thanks - great information and awesome presentation. Subscribed and will be back for more.

[@ryanletherman77]

Any update on how these hold up in the wash? I saw a few comments and thought id ask.

[@scotthamel7928]

Ok Garrett, you need to tey this on one of the big lasers you have in the shop. Im interested in seeing what settings you would use with those

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Game On, Scott!!! ~garrett

[@hotsonaj]

Works great on jeans

[@karatohongkongcat]

That’s awesome y’all open up new ideas

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Ooo! What ideas? Like sublimation over top of the engraving? Me too!!!! LOL! ~garrett

[@DrCognitive]

Thanks for the video. I'm curious, how well do they hold up after being washed a few times? Also, how is it coming up as golden colored. Is that normal when you laser engrave on black cotton?

[@manuelaglade6900]

Love the Ombre though!

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

I like that Ombre too! I really like it on the Peace Love Laser shirt. Thanks Manuela! ~garrett

[@prptink]

This is pretty cool. Love it! I wonder if it’ll be different if you bleach it after engraving? 🤔 stay blessed 🥰

[@usmcmarineafghan]

I've done canvas tote bags, burned one a few times until I got the perfect settings. It didn't affect the integrity of the bag, I checked by stretching and poking the material until it no longer tore. Might do the same thing here haha

[@kennywatzke1416]

Was this done with a 20w?

[@shellymcdonald9967]

Can you try this on the polar 350? I think this is really cool and would love to know what settings to try.

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Yes we will. I am sure it will work just like the P2. I would use the same settings in the Polar laser.

[@shellymcdonald9967]

Thank you. I think I'm going to try it this weekend. Thanks for showing that. I would have never thought that would work on a t-shirt

[@loiserwin5991]

This is pretty cool👍👍👍I want a hanger shirt please❤❤ I like the peace-love-laser shirt too❤❤

[@elalconcel3853]

I've done this to a black T-Shirt, but it disappeared after washing.

[@scopescaroutdoors]

How are they after you wash them?

[@JanasisGloria]

Thank you

[@hoborec]

I tried this on some cotton tote bags and a t-shirt on my D1 pro. It looks great but disappears completely when washing it. Is it possible to make it stick?

[@robertmuhoza9349]

Robert from RWANDA how much this machine

[@DicegirlyMakesThings]

I wonder if you can colour the engraving afterwards with fabric dye

[@christopherrussell-gray5582]

I done this successfully last night on 2 x 100% cotton hoodies. They looked great and then put them in the wash. Both now have holes in and wouldn’t recommend doing this

[@Imaginathor-1k0]

Whats the setting for engraving tshirts?

[@brendafogerty1685]

Wonder if you could cut some lacy designs strategically placed and set it to cut the holes? Wonder how the shirt would hold up in the wash with lacy cut designs.

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

LOL! Kim wants to try this! I told her only if she makes a T shirt with angel wings cut out of the back. LOL ~garrett

[@brendafogerty1685]

My idea of strategically placed was so not to expose anything you don't want to expose:) just to be clear. Lol

[@poydiamond8492]

So glad I found your video! Which laser machine would you recommend strictly for clothing? Help a newbie out 🙏🏾

[@allabouttheshade]

Instead of bleaching out a spot to add sublimation pic to dark color shirts, this could be an option to laser the background.

[@thecentralscrutinizerr]

You can also laser Denim/Leather jackets.

[@WooderBoyProductions]

What happens after you wash it?

[@wvucorey]

Messed mine up unfortunately

[@AlexOwens-u8w]

Thanks for the video!! I'm planning to buy a P2. Have you done the laser engraving on fleece fabric and sweatshirt fabric items yet? I'm curious to see how it will turn out.

[@Jenn-y4s]

SHUT UP!!! OMG you guys are amazing!! Will try it without burning the house down :D :D :D

[@TheBillPayingHobbyists]

Very interesting. However, if I set my laser at 100% it will burn through 1/4" plywood. Thoughts?

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

You need to bring the power down until it just leaves a mark. Start at 10% and work your way up... Thanks, The Bill Payer! ~garrett

[@HeartlandFamilyDesigns]

I'm curious how well they wash. Doing they shred/rip easier after many washes?

[@Drakorianowl]

Me too ... I hear after washing they fall apart?

[@HeartlandFamilyDesigns]

@@Drakorianowl I think my laser is a bit too powerful to make it work well. The first one I did looked great, but when I stretched the fabric, it ripped. I lowered my power again and reran it. It works and looks cool, but I'm still not sure it will wash well or hold up to life.

[@wvucorey]

Mine fell apart :( I was so excited

[@kae052687]

One of mine tore, one of mine washed out, I even tried different brands and the same ones. The same brand that worked one time wouldn’t work the next. I also used the exact settings both times.

[@christycarter3342]

Awesome tutorial!! I love all of your videos.... Have you done any koozies? I have tried and all I do is burn it!!!

[@caesarblanko1399]

great video guys!! Would it be possible with the xtool s1 to laser a cap? the cap would not be perfect flat!?

[@grim-1369]

Can you use color techniques with the laser for light colors?

[@TheSpeckledLoon]

Try denim!

[@mattmccormick300]

Have you tried engraving directly on a cap? I wonder if this would work as well.

[@leighmattila8642]

I was wondering if the thunder bolt lazer will engrave on a tshirt

[@dananicholson4813]

What was the final outcome once it was washed?

[@Drakorianowl]

I want to know this too - I hear they fall apart, rip or get holes after washing.

[@wvucorey]

Yes mine lost all color and had holes in it also and I didn’t even dry it very disappointed because I big hyped it on my fbook lol

[@Linneydenise]

@@wvucorey shucks! I had high hopes as well. I guess we should try to find thicker fabric with reduced power that will work. But i think only leather, wood, metal, acrylic can withstand the degradation of the CO2 laser

[@Mex_the_Fox]

I wonder how that looks after washing in the washing machine 🤔

[@Linneydenise]

read uptop, the results post-wash are in. read uptop

[@craftylady3129]

While searching about these laser machine ran to your channel. I am looking for crafter one. Glowforge aura vs xrTool M1. Still confuse. I like doing tshirt.

[@teresarussell5061]

Can you do this on Glowforge

[@timalbrecht2311]

Yeah, I need one. Still don't see my name on the list.

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Tim! I will pull a Sanata Claus and triple double check the list this week. I will make sure you are on there. ~garrett

[@wvucorey]

Well I engraved two awesome shirts with my 10watt laser with exact settings and I was so excited I even put the wood in between the shirt. However when I washed it, didn’t even dry it, it washed away the laser etching somehow and cut the fabric and it wasn’t that way after I lasered it. Has this happened to you all? Any tips to prevent this from occurring besides never washing it?

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Hi Corey! Thanks for trying it. Our D1 shirts have been great, through the wash and dry cycle. Did you try spraying with the water first? I think that helps a lot. The CO2 lasered shirts didn't do so well, they started coming apart after the first wash, after a second, there are some holes inappropriate places! 😂

[@kae052687]

Mine got washed out completely. Looked absolutely awesome then I washed it and it was gone.

[@JacksonTravel]

Thx

[@freebird1963]

Did you wash it ? seen were washing fades the design all most away.

[@Titousensei]

That looks really good just out of the laser, but unfortunately the pattern will completely disappear once you wash the t-shirt!

[@wvucorey]

Yea that is what happened to me and it ripped my shirt too but it wasn’t like that after lasering so it definitely does effect the integrity smh

[@Linneydenise]

Is there fabric that can be lasered using the xtool CO2 laser, that will hold up to gentle washing? I want laser fabric shower curtains, and I am wondering what fabric I can use that wont get holes or the image disappear with "gentle" cycle machine wash? Thanks

[@wecraftnz]

How was it after a wash?

[@Linneydenise]

Everyone said it was awful. Holes, rips and the image dissolves/becomes invisible or something like that. Terrible! The machine takes an hour to create the design on the shirt. Just awful waste of time and money.

[@nightwalker3569]

Plase share 10 watt laser best engraving setting for thsirt

[@shellyjorgensen2441]

This was very helpful. Can you tell me if you can do a png on a shirt?

[@Linneydenise]

good question! I hope someone answers

[@BloxiYouTuber]

What happens after they are washed

[@B2Bass]

This really does not work, it destroys the fibers of the T Shirt / 10% at 600 it looks great in the machine but after wetting it the print is very faint and holes are visible in the fabric. It definitely would not hold up to washing.

[@beckych8310]

Which CO2 Laser did you use? I am undecided on what to get for my first laser. I am leaning towards the CO2 ones but not sure yet.

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

We used the xTool P2, but you could do the same thing with the OMTECH Polar with the same settings. ~garrett

[@VitiatedsHOWTO]

If you can afford it co2 get one with a big bed

[@Linneydenise]

@@VitiatedsHOWTO What do you mean when you say, "get one with a big bed"? Is this an option that you choose when purchasing the CO2 laser? Thanks

[@marycentko5074]

Can you do this on the new s1

[@andytaylor8802]

What laser software do you use..?

[@dawnchaney3251]

saw were can engrave jean material

[@borisjaap2234]

How does it looks after washing?

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

They are in the wash Right Now! We will see. We will let you know too! Thanks, Boris! ~garrett

[@2bumsandadog362]

​@@KimandGarrettmakeit how did it turn out after it was washed?

[@Adoredmandolin]

Anyone have settings D1 10w

[@rivera2581]

Did you run it through a wash and dry cycle to see if it will change the look?

[@melinabte1167]

NO TE CONTESTAN POR QUE NO FUNCIONO, TIEMPO PERDIDO. SE DESLAVA EL DISEÑO, NO RECOMENDADO :/

[@mikiauto73]

This is not acceptable. If you know, as many people have said, that this will fall apart after washing, you should post another video explaining it. Otherwise, you're leading people to waste their money and time just to keep them watching your video. That's not right. You also haven't replied to anyone who asked what happens after washing the t-shirts you engraved.

[@bradwoods371]

any tips? I've laser engraved a shirt and it looked great but once I washed the shirt the engraving was hardly visible

[@Linneydenise]

Thats what everyone who has lasered a shirt using the CO2 is reporting, that it rips the shirt and creates odd holes in the shirt. Laser is degrading the integrity of the fabric. Only material like leather, wood, etc will hold up to this laser stuff, you can expect holes in other thin fabric too

[@giandeau]

How did they hold up to washing?

[@melinabte1167]

NO AGUANTA, SE DESVANECE 1ER LAVADA, NO RECOMENDADO.

[@kimwoodard7199]

Anyone tried this on the glowforge? Settings??

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

I think it would work the same, with the same settings we used for the P2. ~garrett

[@wendylouturner1130]

What happened after the washing???

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

We put it on our social media. The diode laser shirt looks great (fall leaves) For the Co2 shirts, it might have been a little hot, where the shirt was wet, all is good, where the shirt dried there are a few little holes starting to form. The Hangers shirt had tiny holes for the smiley face eyes. The red shirt had a few holes starting to form in the words on the far right.

[@roberthorniacek4559]

the designs on your shirts look like stickers. Referring to the shirts you guys are wearing.

[@misterfox9519]

How did you get the golden color?

[@Linneydenise]

I think CO2 is burning the dry/wet shirt, and degrades it. Nothing but holes, rips and an image that disappears

[@Lydiah.h]

May I know the setting info?

[@Lydiah.h]

I got it from the video already. Thank.I will try my own today.

[@loyalistman]

IVE DONE DENIM

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

OOooo How did it go? Did it look awesome? How did it hold up? ~garrett

[@shellyfinegan5362]

okay so my son tells me you know the expensive pants with all the holes ma... well yeah, I know em he says, you can do that with your laser, that's how they do it I researched and found NOTHING!! so I'm curious and in need of a tutorial ​@KimandGarrettmakeit

[@Linneydenise]

@@shellyfinegan5362 Nope you dont need a tutorial. Go to the salvation army and get the cheapest jeans. If you know how to use the laser, then just practice on difference settings with different density of jeans. You don't need a tutorial. This machine is simple to use. We loved to hear how it turned out

[@Linneydenise]

What kind of denim? How did it turn out after washing? Thanks

[@TallyIQ]

Don’t invest a lot of money into T-shirts before you try this on one. The first time you wash it, everything will come out and the shirt will fall apart.

[@arczi321]

What's the point, its a one wear deal. After you wash it the white washes out and then there are holes. Waste of time, do not try unless you want a one off wear and through in the trash.

[@TiagoSerrart]

Now we can do tattoos too ehehe..joke guys!| joke

[@jennifer72765]

I’m in I want to hanger shirt

[@Floydnine]

These will not last. People tried this for years. Your clothes will fall apart in the wash.

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

That's my thoughts too, but the guy that showed us said it will hold up. They are in the wash right now. We will see! Thanks, Floyd!

[@Linneydenise]

Right! I wish they had of done the laser followed by a "sped up' wash so that their viewers can see that this is a hopeless process for making tshirts. That would have been a great way NOT to waste everyone's time, and hopes

[@sebastianoggianu4941]

So? Any follow up news about the washing?

[@Linneydenise]

@@sebastianoggianu4941 It doesnt work

[@ryanletherman77]

​@KimandGarrettmakeit any update. I'd like to try but if they do fall apart maybe just something to hang up in my shop as decoration. I like the look you got from it.

[@annmcneill619]

How badly does it smell?

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Not to bad and it wasn't too smoky either.

[@danksquared]

Is the man tucking his ears into his hat? Say it aint so

[@TheBlairHouseProject]

Interesting concept delivered in an incredibly annoying manner. Where did you get the step 1, 2 3 throw you arms at the camera thing? Ugh. Also.. please post the power of the laser, speed and percentage power for your optimal etch. Not trying to be a dick.. just want you guys to have a successful channel. 🙂

[@FredrickLackey]

Thanks for proving this is not something worthwhile. 2.5 hours for a single shirt!?!? Even at :38 minutes, no, thank you.

[@kombatkouchkitten]

Still faster and easier then screen printing or vynal shirts tbh

[@David-jo4gt]

Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Thank you for showing me not to do T Shirts.

[@KimandGarrettmakeit]

Agreed! It was a request. Thanks Dave! ~garrett

[@adaptivediyers]

Waste of time, and money. First wash through the washer, and the design will be gone.