How to Use a Computer to Transfer Embroidery Patterns

Use your computer to transfer a complex embroidery pattern to fabric

If you'd like to have an embroidery pattern that is unique and inexpensive, consider making your own pattern. With a little preparation and some supplies you may already have, you can use your computer to transfer a picture to fabric. This method will also work if you'd like to transfer an existing embroidery pattern. With today's technology, printing on fabric for embroidery is easy.

Things You'll Need

• Embroidery fabric
• Freezer paper
• Computer
• Image editing software (optional)
• Scanner
• Desktop ink jet printer
• Iron
• Ironing board or pad

Instructions

Transfer embroidery pattern to fabric

1. 

   Many inkjet printers have a scanning function built into the unit

   Choose a design you wish to embroider. If the design isn't already on your computer, use your scanner to transfer the design to your computer. Use your image editing software to re-size the design to fit your printer if necessary.

2. Cut the fabric you plan to stitch on a little smaller than a standard letter size piece of paper. Letter size is 8.5 inches by 11 inches. Cut a piece of freezer paper to letter size. Place the fabric right side down on an ironing board and cover it with the freezer paper - shiny side against the fabric. Iron the back of the freezer paper. The freezer paper will adhere to the fabric.

3. Place the fabric with the freezer paper backing in the printer's feed tray so that the printing will be done on the fabric side. With most desktop ink jet printers, you will be placing the paper in the printer with the fabric side down. Print the design from the preview screen or the image editing program you used to modify the image. Peel the freezer paper off of the fabric, and you're ready to embroider.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider printing a full color picture onto fabric and using embroidery to enhance the picture. If you do this and think you may need to wash the fabric at any time, use the Bubble Jet Set 2000 product to keep the colors in the picture from washing out.

References

• Needlework Tips and Techniques:Choosing the right cross stitch embroidery fabric
• C. Jenkins Co.: Understanding Bubble Jet Set 2000