How to Do Inkjet Transfers

Transferring an image you design and create to T-shirts, aprons or bags can be easily done.

Things You'll Need

• Inkjet printer
• Iron-on transfer paper
• Scissors
• Iron
• Flat, hard, heat-resistant surface
• Item to receive image (shirt, tote, etc.)

Instructions

1. Decide which item will receive the transfer. Some transfer paper is designed to show up on light colors while others look better on dark, so purchase the appropriate type for the material you'll be using.

2. Create your transfer using word-processing software or an art program. Make sure your design will fit in the space you have available and the font you use is legible.

3. Set your print options to flip the design horizontally. If that's not possible, flip the design horizontally within the program before printing. Choose 360 dpi inkjet paper for media.

4. Insert the paper into the printer and print the image on the plain white side, not the side with stripes or designs. Trim the image, leaving 1/4" around the edges.

5. Preheat your iron to the highest cotton setting.

6. Lay the item on the ironing surface, with a pillowcase or towel under it to protect the surface from the heat of the iron. Place the transfer face down on the item exactly where you want it to appear.

7. For a larger image, iron from side to side across the transfer in sections, starting at the top of the transfer. Spend 30 seconds moving across each section. Rotate the item 90 degrees and repeat (so you are now ironing perpendicularly to your first pass). Use the widest part of the iron, press firmly and keep the iron moving.
   For a smaller image, start ironing on one side of the image and iron over the image for five seconds to secure it. Then iron over it for 45 seconds to a minute, moving the iron constantly.

8. Iron over the transfer in circles. Make 30 circles, each lasting about four seconds. Make sure to iron over all edges.

9. Wait one to two minutes, then peel the backing from the image. Once it's cool, your personalized item is ready.

Tips & Warnings

• Use smooth cotton or cotton-blend fabric for best results. Wash and iron your item before adding the transfer. If possible, test your iron on a scrap first to make sure it is not too hot.

• Be careful not to touch the surface of the iron, the heated transfer or the hot surface on which you are working.