How to Transfer Images to Fabric

How do you get that picture onto your favorite pillowcase, placemat or T-shirt? Here's a secret....

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Copy Machines
• Ink-jet Printers
• Laser Printers
• Scanners
• Irons
• Scissors
• Computers
• Digital Cameras
• Art And Graphics Software
• Drawing Software

1. Wash and dry the white fabric you will be using for the transfer.

2. Decide whether you want to print the transfer from your computer or make a copy of it on a photocopier. Each method and type of computer printer requires a different type of paper.

3. Put the transfer paper in the paper tray of the computer printer or the photocopier with the dull side up.

4. Print or copy the image.

5. Cut away the extra paper around the picture.

6. Preheat your iron to the cotton setting.

7. Iron your white fabric to preheat it, then put the transfer image-side down in place on the fabric.

8. Iron firmly for 15 seconds or so, working from the center to the edges to prevent bubbles.

9. Peel off the paper backing.

Tips & Warnings

• Make one copy at a time.

• Keep in mind that the image will be backwards - including any words or lettering. If there are words in the picture, you'll need to make a reverse copy with your software or a transparency.

• Read the instructions for your particular transfer paper. Some brands require particular heating or exposure settings.

• The best fabrics on which to use the transfer are 100 percent cotton, polyester, or cotton/poly blends.

• Do not use a steaming iron.