How to Create Custom Clothing Tags with DTF: The Best Technique for Pro Results

If you have a clothing brand, sell personalized products or simply want to add a unique and professional touch to your creations, personalized labels with the DTF technique are an excellent option. In this tutorial, I will share with you my experience as a crafter creating labels for t-shirts and clothing in general, explaining the process step by step, the necessary materials and some useful tips.

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Why use DTF technique for custom labels?

One of the main reasons I love this technique is its versatility. Unlike other methods such as sublimation, DTF allows you to print on a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester and blends, regardless of the background color. In addition, the quality of the colors is incredible and the labels are resistant to washing, which gives them a professional and long-lasting finish.

Materials I used:

For this project, these are the materials and tools I used:

Custom designs or logos: If you want to learn how to design them from scratch, you can see my tutorial on YouTube.

DTF Printer: Procolored K8 (for 8″ width) or K13 (for 13″ width)

DTF Ink Set

PET Film for DTF – 13″ Roll

Adhesive Powder for DTF

DTF oven

HTVRONT Mini Heat Press

butcher paper Teflon sheets

Scissors or guillotine to cut labels

Tray for applying powder

Blank T-shirts: I like to buy my white t-shirts at Blank Style

If you would like to see the video tutorial, I invite you to visit me on my Youtube channel HERE

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Step by step to create custom labels with DTF

1. label design

  • I designed my labels in Canva, making sure they have a transparent background for the best result.
  • If you want to learn how to design them from scratch, you can see my tutorial on YouTube.
How to Make Custom Clothing Tags with DTF: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

2. Preparing the design for printing

  • I import the image into the printing software (ProRIP from Procolored).
  • I adjust the color and white layers to get the best quality.
  • I activate the “mirror” option to make sure the design comes out correctly.
How to Make Custom Clothing Tags with DTF: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

3. Impression

  • I print my design on PET film.
How to Make Custom Clothing Tags with DTF: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

4. Applying DTF Powder

  • I apply the adhesive powder making sure to cover the ink well.
  • I remove excess powder to avoid lumps or irregularities.
How to Make Custom Clothing Tags with DTF: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

5. Design Curation

  • I place the film in the DTF oven at 120°C for 180 seconds.
  • I let it cool before cutting the labels.
How to Make Custom Clothing Tags with DTF: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

6. Application of the label to the garment

  • Cut the labels using scissors or a guillotine.
  • I turn the shirt inside out and place the heatproof pad inside the shirt.
  • I place the label in the desired part, usually under the collar in the back.
  • I place a protective paper and press at 320°F for 40 seconds with medium pressure. For this process, I use my HTVRONT Mini Heat Press
  • I let it cool and remove the PET film.
  • If desired, I do an additional 10 second pressing for greater hold.

Final result

The result is simply spectacular. The labels look professional, vibrantly colored, and fully personalized. In addition, they are resistant to washing, which guarantees that the garment maintains its special touch for a long time.

If you haven’t tried this technique yet, I encourage you to do so. It is a great way to differentiate your products and add value to your creations. Have you already used the DTF technique for custom labels? Tell me in the comments, I would love to hear about your experience.

Keep exploring and creating

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See you in the next tutorial. Happy creating! ✨


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