How Do I Make My Own Screen-Printed T-Shirt with a ScanNCut?
Brother’s ScanNCut takes the fuss out of cutting—no more tracing, stencils, or aching hands. Just scan your design and let the machine do the work. Whether you’re making custom tees for the grandkids or adding a personal touch to your quilts, you’ll get clean, precise cuts every time. Easy to use, easy to love—because crafting should feel joyful, not frustrating.
Use AI + ScanNCut to Make Custom Projects
Hi there! I’m Andrea from Quality Sewing & Vacuum, and today I’m going to walk you through one of my absolute favorite DIY projects—using AI and your ScanNCut machine to make your own silk screen t-shirts.
If you’ve ever wanted to create your own custom designs but felt intimidated by the process, don’t worry—we’re keeping it simple. With just a few basic tools and a little help from technology, you’ll be screen printing like a pro in no time. Let’s start by prepping your artwork and thinking about what kind of image you're going to create.
You'll need to come up with a prompt in order to make your design with AI. So you'll simply want to give it some guidelines like the style of the image, and then a subject matter.
Example Prompt Format (Style + Subject): Copy the prompt below to get started, and then branch off on your own.
"Create this image: Style: Black and white silhouette design, with a simplified, spooky style. Subject: Halloween themed a sewing machine and tools. Add Ons: Use the words "Sew Scary"
Step 1: Create Your AI Image
- Open Gemini on your computer.
- Think of what image you want it to create.
- Add keywords like Logo, Black and White Silhouette, Simplified, and your desired style (e.g. Vintage, Classic, 70’s bubble wording).
- Ask it to remove or add elements as needed until the image feels right.
- Rephrase prompts and try multiple times for best results.
- Copy the image and paste it into a blank document.
- Print to ensure clean, smooth lines suitable for weeding.
- Get really specific. Don’t just say “dog photo”—go for “a golden retriever puppy curled up on a rain‑slick porch at sunset, soft orange glow, gentle rain drops falling.” That extra detail gives the tool everything it needs.
- Use Commas – Separate elements with commas. It helps the tool understand how to structure the scene more clearly.
- Mention a Style – Add an art or camera style to guide the feel. Think in terms like “macro photo,” “watercolor,” or “isometric drawing” to steer the tool in the right direction.
- Don’t Mix Opposites – Avoid contradictory terms like “realistic cartoon” or “abstract photograph.” Keep the style consistent to prevent weird results.
- Skip the Famous Names – Some platforms ignore or misinterpret artist names. Instead, focus on the techniques (like “ink sketch” or “oil painting”) that will give you a similar look.
- Test and Tweak – The first result might not be perfect. Adjust your wording, run a few variations, and refine until it clicks.
Once you’ve got your image ready, it’s time to prep your materials and load the file into your Brother ScanNCut. This part always feels a little magical—your design goes from digital to physical in minutes. I use the ScanNCut’s “Half Cut” setting to cleanly slice through heat transfer vinyl without cutting through the backing, which makes weeding quick and easy.
No matter if you’re starting with an SVG from something like Google Gemini or just a quick sketch you doodled yourself, the ScanNCut really shines at picking up all the tiny details. Also, if organza sounds intimidating as a stencil—don’t sweat it. It’s super light, easy to place, and honestly perfect for this kind of project.
Once you’ve cut and weeded your vinyl, just press it onto your fabric, pop it into an embroidery hoop, and you’re ready to go. The whole process comes together quicker than you’d expect—and there’s something oddly satisfying about watching it all click into place, especially that first time.
Step 2: Scan, Cut, and Apply
- Place image between the scanning mat and top clear sheet.
- On the machine, go to Scan → choose save to machine or USB.
- Load mat and press Scan Image.
- Rescan if air bubbles appear, then crop around image and press Save.
- Return to Home → Retrieve Data from lower left icon.
- Resize, edit, and reverse the image if needed.
- Move image to center of the cutting mat.
- Load heat vinyl, open wrench icon → select Half Cut.
- Cut and weed out positive spaces.
- Lay down non-stick pressing sheet and iron image onto fabric.
- Once cool, hoop in embroidery hoop and layer ink evenly on the shirt.
- Repeat to create multiple custom designs!
Just like that—you’ve made your own screen-printed t-shirt using AI and a few craft tools you may already have. It’s a fun project with a ton of flexibility, and it doesn’t require expensive equipment or fancy materials to get started.
It’s a great way to make gifts, custom group shirts, or even start a small creative business. Once you try it, I think you’ll be hooked!
Make sure you've got each of these materials so you can give it a try yourself!
Tools you'll need:
AI image generator (like Google Gemini), Brother ScanNCut machine, Heat transfer vinyl, Organza fabric, Embroidery hoop, Fabric screen printing ink, A heat press or iron (I used the Singer Momento).
(Check below for links!)
Heat transfer vinyl
Brother ScanNCut SDX125E
Heat Press or Iron
ScanNCut + AI: What You Need to Know
What is AI image generation and how does it work with my ScanNCut?
Think of AI image generation like having an ultra-creative friend who can draw anything you imagine—instantly. Just type a simple phrase like “heart outline” or “vintage sewing logo” into a tool like Google Gemini, and it’ll whip up a design for you. Print it out, scan it into your ScanNCut, and let the machine do its magic. No drawing skills, no fancy software—just your ideas turned into cuttable designs in minutes.
Do I need to be good with computers to do this?
Not one bit. If you can type and hit “print,” you’ve got this. Gemini handles the artwork, and ScanNCut handles the cutting. No coding, no tech headaches—just a few clicks and you’re on your way.
Can I use colored paper or photos for scanning?
Stick with white paper and bold black designs for the cleanest cuts. Colored or glossy paper can throw off the scanner’s sensors, making it harder for the ScanNCut to find your edges. Simple and sharp always works best.
What does “Half Cut” mean on my ScanNCut?
“Half Cut” is your secret weapon for vinyl projects. It tells your ScanNCut to cut just the top layer of vinyl, while leaving the backing sheet perfectly intact. That means your design stays in place, making it way easier to weed and apply—whether you’re making a custom t-shirt or a decal for your mug.
How can I tell if my image will cut cleanly?
Quick check before you scan: look at your printed image. You want bold, solid black lines with no gaps or faded spots. If something looks too light, just trace over it with a black marker. The bolder the lines, the better your ScanNCut can read and cut them—smooth and precise.
What materials can I cut once my AI design is ready?
Once your AI design is printed, the creative sky’s the limit. You can cut heat transfer vinyl, adhesive vinyl, cardstock, backed fabric, and even thin felt. Just be sure you’ve got the right mat and blade loaded. From handmade cards to pillows to wall art—you’re ready to bring your idea to life.