I have a Cricut that I got a while ago but haven't used yet. Is it possible to use that instead of a much more expensive plotter. I have software that overrides the proprietary software so I should be able to hook up to my computer and cut out designs that way. I guess my more specific question is would this be a viable option to an expensive plotter? Anybody out there do it this way?

I would say why not. The only limitation is size. There’s a YouTube channel with a lady who uses the Circuit to make stencils for screen printing. You could ask her more about the unit:

http://www.youtube.com/user/craftysansan/featured



Anyone else?

That's encouraging. Thanks for the find. I think I'm going to learn to use my Cricut and start planning on buying a heat press before the Spring softball season. My city Parks & Rec organizer told me if I can do numbering by then he'll send me a ton of business. They have over 100 softball teams and they need numbers on their shirts. It helps that I've coached youth soccer for several years now and we know each other

It’s always a positive thing when your friends with the city Parks & Rec organizer. Now that’s using your social networking group well.

If the jobs are big and the Circuit can’t handle the names and numbers you may be asked to do, you may want to think about having them done for you and just press them yourself. Normally names and numbers on a athletic team can command a higher price than that of a regular print job since the back of the shirt changes with every player. You may want to look into this type of vinyl heat transfer:



You can also buy 8 inch numbers loose and in packs of 10. They come in different colors too. Then you can place them and press them yourself as well if you don't need a name drop. If you need more information about this type of names and numbers, message me and I will give you a hand.

Yes, the importance of networking is huge. I started networking before I started printing, but that is for a different thread. Is 8" pretty much the standard size for numbering, except football jersey's? Hmmm, having transfers made by someone else and pressing myself is something to consider for larger jobs until I get a commercial plotter. Thanks again for another awesome video.

what is the cost of a name and number transfer?

Oh it’s been a while now but I think they are 3 to 4 bucks each. It can be pricy but this type of garment can command a much higher price.

Ok, so I would be happy to hear from any printers that do this sort of thing for a bunch of teams. I have been offered to print all the little league baseball, t-ball, little guy stuff in my area next year. Most of which uses actual professional team logos on front of reg. t-shirt, but numbers and sometimes names on the back. whats the best route, whats easy, affordable, etc. any thoughts. As far as I know it would be hundreds of shirts, all with numbers. If the transfer is the way to go for the number part, what type do you use and size of number (guess I could copy what ever size was last year) where do you get them, etc.? thanks to any one for their thoughts.

I would most certainly use the standards form the previous order. Match the size and font as best you can otherwise you may have an issue with the customer. If you need to use different fonts or sizes make sure to let the customer know ahead of time.

What method to use for name drops and numbering will depend directly on the job itself. If the job has so many teams that need numbers 1 - 15 with name drops then you might screen print this. If all the names and numbers are different then you would want to use a transfer like shown here.

You have to do a Google search for custom vinyl names and numbers. The reason I don’t willingly share my source is I have asked them to work with me so I can promote their products but they do not seem interested. I can’t really promote them without being compensated, know what I mean?

But if you watch the video here agian I might say more about the product there.

gotcha, and thanks.
So lets say I have 25 teams all with 15+ players., and a couple shirts+ per player, would you go ahead and burn a ton of number screens for this job? Ive only done numbers once. it was just a dozen and I did some paper stencil things that I dont think I would use on a large scale.