How to Iron on a Transfer to a Dish Towel
Dish towels are a kitchen necessity. They can be much more than just a necessity, however, if you make unique dish towels using different creative processes. One way to create beautiful and functional dish towels is to find or make iron-on transfers in different designs. Whether you purchase an iron-on transfer or make one with an image you like, it is a simple process to iron on a transfer to make a lovely dish towel for your kitchen.
Things You'll Need
- Flat Formica work surface
- Pillowcase
- Iron
- Dish towel
- Ruler
- Iron-on transfer
- Clean cloth
Instructions
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1
Plug the iron in and set to the hottest setting without steam. Leave the iron to preheat for eight to 10 minutes.
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2
Cover the work surface with the pillowcase to protect it from the direct heat of the iron. Iron the pillowcase lightly to ensure there are no wrinkles.
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3
Place the dish towel on top of the pillowcase and iron the dish towel carefully to make sure it is completely flat and smooth.
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4
Allow the pillowcase and dish towel cool from the pressing. Do not attempt to iron the iron-on transfer until they are both cool.
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5
Plan the exact placement of the iron-on transfer on the dish towel. Use a ruler to find the exact center of the dish towel so you know you are centering the iron-on transfer perfectly.
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6
Place the iron-on transfer face down onto the dish towel in the exact location you want the design to be.
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Press the iron down onto the iron-on transfer in one spot for 15 to 20 seconds (do not slide the iron around--keep it in one spot). Pick the iron up and move it to another spot for 15 to 20 seconds. Continue pressing the iron down for 15 to 20 seconds, then picking it up and moving it to another spot on the iron-on transfer until you have applied the iron to the entire surface of the iron-on transfer.
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Move the iron lightly around the entire surface of the iron-on transfer in circular movements for another 20 seconds.
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9
Set the iron aside and rub the hot iron-on transfer with the clean cloth for approximately 10 seconds.
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10
Peel away the transfer paper while the iron-on transfer is still hot. Separate the paper in one corner and smoothly pull it completely away in one motion. If the transfer paper does not separate easily in any area, replace the entire transfer paper and iron the surface again for another 20 seconds. Peel the paper away after re-ironing.
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Leave the dish towel undisturbed while the fabric cools.
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Tips & Warnings
Wash the dish towel in a gentle cycle in cold water. Dry in the dryer on a cool setting. Never use bleach on the dish towel.
If you do not have a Formica surface, use smooth masonite or tempered glass instead.
