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. We replace a heat-damaged Standard ruler once, free — email a photo and your order number to sales@clpa.au. 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. We make every tool in-house, so we can usually replace, exchange or quote a custom size faster than a return would take.
Returns and Warranty
Unused items can be returned within 30 days of delivery in original condition — see our Refund Policy. Every CLPA tool carries a 12-month manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Bought on Amazon? Amazon’s return policy applies to your order, and our warranty still covers the tool.
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