How to Put Pictures on Fabric
The advances in technology, especially technology available for home use, has put many crafting ideas into the hands of the masses. Long gone are the days where transferring a picture to fabric was reserved for only the elite few with heat transfer presses. Today, most people have nearly all the tools they need to transfer images to fabric right in their homes and right at their fingertips.
Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Scanner
- Digital camera
- Color printer
- Transfer sheets (that fit printer)
- Fabric
- Iron
Instructions
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Select the piece of fabric you will be transferring the picture onto. Make sure to lay the fabric flat and measure the area where the picture will go. Take note of the size. Use cotton fabric to get the most even transfer possible, as cotton accepts transferred photos better than other fabrics.
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Use a digital camera to take a picture for use on the fabric. You can also scan an existing photo to your computer to use for the transfer. Print out the picture, using a high resolution printing option and making sure the photo prints in full color. Make sure to use transfer paper that has been properly loaded in your printer. Print the picture on the transfer paper.
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Trim the picture once it comes out of the printer. Do not cut into the picture itself, but remove as much excess transfer paper as possible.
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Set up an ironing board and turn a standard iron on to the highest setting for cotton materials. Place the transfer image face down on the fabric. Run the iron back and forth and side to side across the back of the paper. Make sure to use light pressure and move the iron in circles to ensure all portions of the image are heated evenly. Remove the back of the transfer paper by peeling away the paper. Allow the fabric to cool down before handling.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep a computer file of potential images to print out and use as transfer for decorating items such as shirt, pillows, pillowcases and even blankets.
Use caution when using the hot iron to avoid getting burned.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
