An easy way to transfer images onto fabric using a home printer. I have used a few methods for image transfer and these are the best methods for front load printers.
I love to make seasonal pillows, canvas artwork, and even cute little pouches and bags with image transfer. Over the years, I have tried several methods with mixed results. Below is a step-by-step guide to my favorite tried-and-true methods to transfer a photo or image onto fabric.
Materials
- A home inkjet printer (laser printers will not work because they do not use ink)
- Photo Transfer sheets or Dark Fabric Photo Transfer Sheets – (For Method 1)
- Clear plastic pocket protectors (For Method 2)
- A slightly damp sponge
- Make or find your design. You can size it as you need in Microsoft Word or Photoshop. For both methods, make sure you reverse the image before you print it.
Method 1: Using Photo Transfer Paper
This method produces the most vibrant results and works well with dark fabrics too!
Step 1: Reverse your image and print your image to size onto heat transfer paper.
Step 2: Prepare the fabric. A few things to note:
You need a smooth, hard surface such as a mdf board. My ironing board isn’t smooth enough when the cover is off.
Check the fabric to make sure it is free of lint and dirt or hair. Iron the fabric to make sure it is smooth before transferring.
Step 3: Cut around the image and remove excess paper. The transfer paper is clear, so you don’t have to get right up to the edge for an intricate pattern.
Step 4: Place the image face down in position on the fabric.
Step 5: Iron on the Image
The heat transfer paper should have instructions, but I am including how I do it, which is mostly the same.
Use dry heat for best bond with NO STEAM. I empty the water reservoir before starting. Then I put my iron on the highest setting. Cover every inch of the image and use a lot of pressure.
Thinner fabrics, like cotton – Iron 60 seconds for smaller images and 2 minutes for images larger than 8×8.
Sturdy Fabrics, like Canvas – 60 seconds for smaller images and 2 minutes for images larger than 8×8.
Step 6: Peel off the backing paper.
After the paper has cooled enough to touch, gently peel off the paper.
You want the transfer to be HOT while peeling for best results. Also, move in a smooth and even motion or you may get lines in your transfer.
Method 2: Use Page Protectors
This method involves soaking the ink directly into the fabric for items like purses or pouches. This method gives a softer look than the photo transfer paper.
Step 1: Prepare the fabric. You will want to work rather quickly once the ink is printed. Smooth the fabric and iron if necessary to remove any creases.
Step 2: Reverse your image in software. In the printer settings, I use glossy paper printing and best quality. Cut the edge off of the page protectors so that you have one flat sheet, not a pocket.
Step 3: Wipe the fabric down lightly with the slightly damp sponge. The sponge allows the ink to spread a bit into the fabric. Too much water means that the image will spread too much, so use sparingly.
Step 4: Print your image onto the clear page protector and immediately lay the image printed side down onto your fabric. Make sure not to move the image to avoid smudges.
Step 5: Use a flat card or a paint scraper to gently rub the ink into the fabric. With clear page protectors, you can see how well the image has transferred. Once all of the image is transferred, gently lift off the page protector without smudging.
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Frequently asked questions:
If you are using a pigment-based ink (check your printer guide), then it should be washable. However, test first. If using a dye-based ink, I would consider hand washing at least the first few times or testing a small area (or scrap) to be sure. Dye based inks do have a tendency to fade or release in the wash.
In either method, I turn the fabric inside out and wash in the delicate cycle. Remember never to iron the transfer as the image will stick to the iron.
Methods of image transfer that I have never really liked include gel medium or the freezer paper method. If you have a printer that front loads, DO NOT USE WAX PAPER! The wax paper is very likely to jam.
These methods work best on tightly woven and flat fabric material with little or no stretch. Examples include canvas, linen, and most cotton fabrics.
I use Photoshop, but you can use Adobe Spark, Microsoft Paint, Apple Photos, or most any free photo editing software.
Pretty cute, huh? Much of how the image will transfer onto your fabric depends on your printer and how much ink it uses to print. My printer uses very little in and, thus, I get more of a lighter weathered look. However, I have tried this technique with other printers and it varies. If you would like a uniform look or the image doesn’t transfer in spots, use a fabric marker to fill in the areas.
PS I love seeing your creations! Be sure to take a photo and tag #cravingcreative on Instagram! You can also stay in touch with me through following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and subscribing to the newsletter!
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More Image Transfer Ideas
Fabric Image Transfer
Tools
- Iron
- Inkjet Printer
Supplies
- Heat Photo Transfer Paper for light or white fabrics
- Heat Photo Transfer Paper for Dark Fabrics can be used on dark fabrics
- Fabric for Transfer
Instructions
- Reverse your image and print your image to size onto heat transfer paper.
- Check the fabric to make sure it is free of lint and dirt or hair. Iron the fabric to make sure it is smooth.
- Cut around the image and remove excess paper. The transfer paper is clear, so you don't have to get right up to the edge for an intricate pattern. The dark transfer paper does require more detail since it is often opaque.
- Place the image face down in position on the fabric.
- Iron with NO STEAM for the best bond. Empty the reservoir tank. Thinner fabrics, like cotton – Iron 60 seconds for smaller images and 2 minutes for images larger than 8×8. Sturdy Fabrics, like Canvas – 60 seconds for smaller images and 2 minutes for images larger than 8×8.
- Peel off the backing paper as soon as it is cool enough to touch. You want the transfer to be HOT while peeling for best results. Also, move in a smooth and even motion or you may get lines in your transfer.
Ida Soekoe says
Thank you for your tips. But I think I just discovered the easiest way ever! I iron some thin vilene on the back my fabric, cut it in A4 size and print on it with a cheap desk jet printer!
Rachel says
That will probably work well for quilts or other small sewing projects with the right fabric. I use this primarily for t-shirts or pillow covers, which I wouldn’t recommend putting through most printers. But it’s a good idea and glad you found a solution that will work well.
Lupe Rovito says
I want to make a quilt from some coloring pages. I am not crafty but follow instructions to the letter. Would you please help me with what would work best? I think I need to first copy the pages backwards and then use the copies to transfer to fabric squares using a dry iron. Am I correct? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Rachel says
Yes, you would need to print the images in reverse horizontally (the left side of the image becomes the right after copying/printing).