How to Make Iron-on Appliques

Making iron-on appliques is a fun project that allows you to customize anything made of fabric that is safe to use an iron on, from shirts to purses and hats. There are no limits on the size, shape or design of your applique, so you have complete creative control over what your finished product looks like. Anything can be made into an iron-on applique, including text, photos and drawings.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Transfer paper
• Inkjet printer
• Computer
• Design software
• Iron

1. Choose what you want your applique to be ironed onto. This will determine the type of transfer paper you need, as there is specific paper for light colored objects and specific paper for dark colored objects.

2. Choose and create the design for your applique. The design can be anything you would like, but keep in mind the color of the object you will be applying it to, to make sure it matches. Also, delicate details may not transfer well, or may wear off more quickly in the wash.

3. Prepare the design for printing. The design should appear "backwards" on the screen, because it will be placed face down to iron, and so the finished product will be a mirror view of the design on the screen. If you are unsure if the design is printing the correct way, print it on a test page and hold it up to a mirror. It should appear in the mirror the way you want it to look when ironed on.

4. To apply the applique to your object, iron it on according to the directions that came with your transfer paper. Most transfer papers require low dry heat, but some have you remove the paper backing while still hot, and others have you let the paper backing cool before removing it.

5. If your object will require machine washing, turn it inside out before placing it in the wash. This protects the applique during the washing and drying process, which reduces wear and lets the product last longer.