Standard T-Shirt Ruler Guide — How to Use a T-Shirt Placement Ruler (PETG, Not Heat-Safe)
⚠ This ruler is NOT heat-press safe. It is 1.5mm clear PETG. Mark and position your transfer with it, then lift it off the shirt before you close the press. Want a ruler that stays on the press? See the Heat-Safe T-Shirt Ruler guide.
Quick Fixes — Read This Before Returning
- “It warped on my heat press.” The Standard ruler softens above about 70°C (160°F), so any contact with a platen will bend it. If you want to press with the ruler in place, the Heat-Safe ruler is the right tool.
- “It doesn’t fit my pocket or sleeve.” The Standard rulers are for full-shirt, chest and neckline placement. Pockets and sleeves need the Pocket and Sleeve Placement Guide.
- “My design ended up crooked.” Line up the printed neckline curve with the shirt collar before anything else — see Step 3.
Which T-Shirt Ruler Do I Have?
| Ruler | Use for | Heat-press safe? |
|---|---|---|
| PPG-1 — Full Shirt Coverage | Full-front and back designs | No — lift before pressing |
| PPG-2 — Chest Placement | Left-chest and centre-chest logos | No — lift before pressing |
| PPG-3 — Neckline Placement | Designs placed from the collar | No — lift before pressing |
| PPG-4 / PPG-5 — Heat-Safe | Full shirt / neck and chest | Yes, to 320°F — guide |
| PPG-6 — Pocket and Sleeve | Pockets and sleeves | Yes, to 320°F — guide |
Before You Start
- Some legacy stock in Amazon warehouses ships with low-tack protective film. If a sticker tells you to peel film, peel it slowly from one side. No sticker — you are good to go.
- Inside: one CLPA Perfect Placement Grid with alignment grid, neckline references for adult round neck, V-neck, youth and infant, and a printed instruction sheet.
- Have ready: a permanent marker (e.g. Sharpie) and double-sided or single-sided tape.
How To Use a T-Shirt Ruler — Step by Step
Step 1 — Lay out the design on the grid first
You design the layout on the grid, then carry the loaded grid to the shirt — not the other way round. Place the grid over your printed design (or over a shirt with the transfer where you want it) and mark each transfer’s position on the top of the grid with the marker.
Step 2 — Load the grid
Turn the grid over and lightly tape the transfers in the marked positions. Double-sided tape is best — it sits between the grid and the transfer backing, never on the shirt. Test single-sided tape on a scrap shirt first.
Step 3 — Position on the shirt
Turn the loaded grid back over, lay it on the shirt, and line up the front-edge mark with the collar using the printed neckline curve for your shirt type.
Step 4 — Release the transfer
Hold the transfers in place through the finger holes, release them from the ruler, and lift the ruler away.
Step 5 — Press
Press as normal. The ruler must not be on the shirt or the platen.
Works With
HTV vinyl, DTF transfers, sublimation transfers, screen-print transfers and embroidery placement, on any heat press brand. Shirts up to XXL.
Looking After Your Ruler
- Clean marker off with a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol or methylated spirits. No acetone or abrasive cleaners.
- Store flat or hang from a hook, away from the heat press and out of long-term sunlight.
When to Email Us
Email sales@clpa.au with your order number and a photo if your tool arrives damaged, you ordered the wrong size, or a printed line looks off-register. We aim to reply within one Brisbane business day — if you are in the USA or UK, remember we are a day ahead.
Returns
Bought from clpa.au? You have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. The item must be unused, in the condition you received it and in its original packaging. Email sales@clpa.au to start a return — items sent back without a return request cannot be accepted. Full details, including your rights under the Australian Consumer Law, are in our Refund Policy.
Bought on Amazon? Amazon’s return policy applies to your order.
More help: Frequently Asked Questions.
We Make What We Sell
Custom Laser Products Australia (CLPA) is a small veteran-owned family business. We design, laser-cut and UV-print every tool on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. We are the manufacturer, not a reseller.
CLPA Customer Support · sales@clpa.au · clpa.au