How to Print on Silk Fabric

Use a computer and ink jet printer to add a design or monogram to silk fabric.

One of the advantages of silk, in addition to its beauty and sheen, is its ability to accept color. With the aid of a computer and ink jet printer, a pattern of almost any design can be transferred onto a piece of silk fabric. Choose a light-colored silk fabric with a smooth texture for the best results. Add a contrasting border to the printed piece of silk to make one-of-a kind pillows with printed monograms for an elegant addition to the living room sofa.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4-yard light-colored silk
• Freezer paper
• Ruler
• Iron
• Scissors
• Computer
• Plain paper
• Ink jet printer

Instructions

1. Press the silk to the waxy side of the freezer paper with the medium-hot iron until the silk is securely attached. Cut the silk/paper into a rectangle measuring 8.5 by 11 inches, cutting off all loose threads at the edges.

2. Enlarge a monogram font to the desired size on the computer's word processing program. Print the monogram on plain paper, using the ink jet printer, to make sure the appearance is to your liking.

3. Place the silk/freezer paper combination in the printer tray, silk side down. Print the monogram on the silk/freezer paper.

4. Peel the freezer paper from the silk.

Tips & Warnings

• Photographs can also be added to silk fabric via the same method, which also works well with white cotton muslin fabric.

• Cut all loose threads from the edges of the fabric before placing it in the printer. The loose threads will jam the printer.

References

• Quilt Bug: Great Uses for Freezer Paper
• New Techniques for Wearable Art; Rice Freeman-Zachery; Quarry Books; 2004