Design your own shirt in Australia: Custom t-shirts made easy in Melbourne

There’s something undeniably satisfying about wearing a t-shirt you designed yourself. It might be a cheeky slogan, your side hustle’s logo, or a bold graphic you dreamt up over your third long black.

Whatever the reason, more Melburnians than ever are getting creative, designing their custom tees, and loving the process.

Whether you’re launching a label, creating merch for your event, or just want to gift your mates something personal, designing your own shirt is easier than you think, especially when you’ve got local experts in your corner (hint: that’s us).

Why custom t-shirts are in demand across Melbourne

Melbourne’s always been a city of self-expression—just ask our laneways, tattoo artists, or café menus. So, it’s no surprise custom t-shirts are booming here.

They’ve become the go-to for:

• Small business branding– From food trucks to florists, custom tees help you show off your brand with style.
• Event merch– Festivals, hen's parties, school fundraisers—you name it, someone’s made a shirt for it.
• Creative expression– Artists, illustrators, and fashion students are creating limited runs of their own designs.
• Personalised gifts– Want to make someone laugh? Tear up? Feel seen? Custom t-shirts hit the mark.

One client—a Brunswick-based ceramicist—told us she wore her own hand-drawn ‘Mud Club’ tee to a market and sold out of mugs by noon. That’s the power of wearable storytelling.

The step-by-step guide to designing your own shirt

Think designing your own custom t-shirts in Melbourne sounds complicated? It’s not. Here’s how the process works when you team up with Embroidery & Ink:

Step 1: Choose your shirt

Pick your canvas—classic cotton, fashion fit, or performance-style moisture-wicking. We’ve got heaps of colours and cuts to suit your vibe.

Step 2: Create your design

Upload your artwork, sketch something fresh, or ask us to help refine your idea. You don’t need to be a graphic designer—we’ve helped plenty of creatives bring their vision to life.

Step 3: Pick your print method

We’ll help you choose between screen printing, embroidery, DTG (direct-to-garment), or heat transfer based on your design, shirt, and budget.

Step 4: Approve your proof

We’ll send you a mock-up to review. You can tweak the placement, colours or size before we go ahead.

Step 5: Print and go

Once approved, we’ll get to work. Most jobs are ready within 7–10 business days, so you can rock your custom tee before you even finish your next flat white.

Choosing the right print method (DTG, heat press, embroidery, screen printing)

The method you choose can seriously affect how your design looks and lasts. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Screen printing

• Best for:Bold designs and bulk orders.
• Pros:Cost-effective, long-lasting, great colour saturation.
• Cons:Not ideal for super fine detail or small runs.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG)

• Best for:Detailed, colourful, or photo-based designs.
• Pros:No setup fees, full-colour prints, great for small orders.
• Cons:Works best on 100% cotton; not ideal for dark synthetics.

Heat press transfer

• Best for:Short runs, layered effects, and fun one-offs.
• Pros:Flexible placement, works on most fabrics.
• Cons:May crack or fade after heavy use.

Embroidery

• Best for:Logos or simple line-based designs on polos or thick tees.
• Pros:Textured, premium look; incredibly durable.
• Cons:Not great for intricate colour work or soft/stretchy fabrics.

Need a quick quote? Fill out our online quote form now. We’ll get back to you with pricing and timeframes that match your needs.

Tips for creating a design that pops (fonts, colours, placement)

Here’s where the fun really begins—making your design sing.

• Keep it clear– Choose readable fonts. Script or grunge fonts might look cool, but can be hard to decipher from a distance.
• Contrast is key– Light ink on dark tees (or vice versa) always works better than shades that blend into each other.
• Mind your placement– Chest-centred logos are classics. But pocket prints, back designs, or even sleeves can create standout looks.
• Less can be more– A simple message, bold graphic, or cheeky phrase can leave a bigger impact than cluttered artwork.
• Test it out– Mock it up. Print it on paper. Tape it to a shirt. Does it feel balanced? Is it readable?

Still not sure? Our in-house design team has helped hundreds of customers fine-tune their ideas—and we’re happy to lend an eye.

Are you ready to bring your design to life?

Whether it’s one shirt or a hundred, bringing your idea to life on fabric is a buzz you’ll want to experience at least once. And in Melbourne, you’ve got no shortage of inspiration—or support.

At Embroidery & Ink, we’re proud to help locals turn their ideas into custom tees that stand out. No dodgy online templates. No confusing tech speak. Just creative control, expert advice, and quality you can feel.

Ready to make your mark? Design your custom t-shirt here or have a chat with our team to get started. Your wardrobe—and your brand—will thank you.

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