I decided to post a quick photo gallery of the making of my Whee! Design CMYK beanie hat. Now that I’ve got the dye sublimation printer back up and running, I thought this would be a fun project. I like the quality and color of the new Cobra inks.
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Here’s the original design straight from Adobe Photoshop. I tend to use Photoshop more than Illustrator because I feel I have greater control of the results. THough I am using Illustrator more nd more as time goes on.
Both sides of the beanie are printed on the same sheet of 13in x 19in TexPrintXP-HR paper using dye sublimation ink on an Epson Workforce 1100 inkjet printer.
The final print is dry and ready for pressing. Note that it’s printed in reverse so when it’s transferred, the text is readable.
The blank beanies are completely white and have a 1 inch band around the bottom.
I found it much easier to press the beanies when they are theaded on these DIY cardboard inserts. I can easily turn the edges slightly toward the side I’m pressing so there is no white line along the seam.
When I’m pressing at the studio, I use my Hotronix Fusion press from Stahls. It’s got a 16in x 20in platen and is perfect for everything from dog tags to tshirts. The settings I use for the beanies are 390°F for 50 seconds and 0 pressure (just let the weight of the platen do the work).
Always put a protective paper sheet under and over the item to be pressed. Keep it clean!
I’ve got the bottom protective sheet, my beanie, and the printed design in the press. Just need to put the top cover sheet on and it’s ready to go!
After 50 seconds of pressing, open the press and quickly pull the top cover paper and the design off the beanie. Flip it and repeat!
Here’s the finished product! Actually, this is the BACK of the finished product. I only took pictures of this side while I was pressing it.
Here’s the front of the finished beanie with my stylized CMKY Whee! Design logo graphic.
And then there’s me being all nice and toasty in my stylin’ new beanie skull cap.
So there it is! These beanies are a fun and easy way to customize your winter or fall style.
Here’s some links to some of the products I use:
Stahls Hotronix® Fusion Heat Press
Welcome to Whee! Studios — the central hub where creativity meets diversity and every project is a journey of exploration. Here, you'll find the vibrant worlds of Whee! Pride and Whee! Design, each a unique expression of our commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering creativity.
Dive into our blogs to explore insightful stories about the LGBTQ community, discover playful and thought-provoking designs, and stay updated with news and events that resonate with our eclectic interests. At Whee! Studios, we don't just create; we live and breathe our passions, inviting you to join us in this ever-evolving adventure. Whether you're here for inspiration, education, or just a splash of color in your day, we're delighted to share our world with you.
Hello! I'm Patrick Hiller, the creative force behind Whee! Studios. My world is where web design, fine art, and a love for the LGBTQ community intersect. With a background in both computer science and the arts, I’ve found my niche in blending these realms. Whether I’m creating unique t-shirt designs, indulging in my geeky passions, or advocating for LGBTQ rights, each day is a new adventure. At Whee! Studios, I bring together diverse interests and experiences to craft something truly special. It’s more than just a business – it’s a celebration of creativity, technology, and the colorful diversity of life.
So, welcome aboard – let's embrace this journey and 'Live Life Out Loud' together!
