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Photo Transfer Fabric
by Karina Worlton
http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Techniques/Altered_Art/1105.php
Transferring a digital image to fabric is really quite easy, as it turns out. I
was a little nervous about it at first, but when I actually started the process,
I was able to finish two bags in about an hour from start to finish. I could
have made five bags in about the same amount of time.
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Create a Digital Image
The first step was to create a digital image. I wanted
something that would represent Scouting, so I rounded up belt loops, pins,
badges, and award cards. Some were from Cubs, some from Boy Scouts. I laid
the items on top of my flat-bed scanner. I did several preview scans, moving
things around and adding others (including a Cub Scout shirt and a Boy Scout
shirt to made the background more interesting) until I was happy with the
results. I scanned the image and saved it as a jpg file.
You could use any collection of items that mean something to you. Once you
have chosen a theme, gather items that are related to your theme. The items
do not have to be flat, but make sure that they do not damage the lid of
your scanner. If the lid cannot be closed, the scan will have a dark
background. That may be the effect you wanted anyway, but if not, you can
use a box over the items on your scanner or a cloth over the lid. If you
have items that might roll around, try propping them against other items in
your collage to keep them in place. |
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Print the Image
When you purchase your photo transfer paper, make sure you
read carefully to see what type of machine it is intended for. I purchased
two kinds initially, one for inkjet printers and another for photocopiers. I
had planned on trying out both methods to see which I preferred, but I was
unable to use the photocopier paper. I tried Kinko's, OfficeMax and Office
Depot, and all of them said they would not make the copies because the
transfer paper would jam their machines. My recommendation would be if you
have a small personal copier you can give it a try, but otherwise, purchase
the inkjet paper and use an inkjet printer. One more thing to note is that
an all-in-one machine, while it does do photocopies, is usually just an
inkjet printer, so be sure to check that before you try photocopier transfer
paper in it.
You can use any program that will allow you to print digital images. Decide
what size you want the image to be, and print the image in reverse. In my
case, since the bags were not large, I was able to put two copies of the
image on one sheet of transfer paper.
To print in reverse, select "Print Setup" and then "Properties" for your
printer. You may have an option for "Mirror Image" which would work. If not,
look for the drop-down dialog box called Media Type or Paper Type. "T-Shirt
Transfers" or "Iron-On Transfers" should be listed. (I prefer this option,
as it automatically reversed the image as it printed.) If not, you will need
to reverse the image in a graphic program such as PhotoShop. Just to make
sure you have selected the right option, print it out on plain paper first,
as plain paper is much cheaper than transfer paper. This also gives you one
more chance to make sure you are happy with the image as it is.
Be sure to correctly feed the transfer paper into your printer. The package
instructions should describe the difference between the two sides of the
paper, and in the case of the two different papers I bought, both had a
noticeable colored line on the wrong side of the paper. Once you have the
paper fed correctly into the printer, use your software to print the
reversed image on to the transfer paper. Print your image just before you
plan on transferring it, because the image can fade if it's left sitting for
any length of time. Be sure to allow the ink to dry completely before
continuing on. |
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Transfer the Image
When you choose the fabric there are a few things to keep in
mind. Lighter-colored fabrics work better, because the fabric color becomes
the background color to your image. You do not have to wash the fabric
beforehand, because stiffer fabric takes the transfer better. (However, too
much sizing may cause the fabric to scorch, so pay attention when you start
iron.) Iron out any wrinkles, and allow the fabric to cool completely.
Before doing the transfer, you need to empty the iron of all water, because
you do not want to use steam. Heat the iron to the hottest setting, which
can take several minutes. If the iron is not hot enough, the transfer will
not work well.
While you wait for the iron to heat, cut out the image. The instructions on
my package said to leave ¼" to ½" margin around the image, but I was
disappointed to have a visible clear margin around the finished image as
well. If you have an image without straight edges, the margin is probably a
good idea, but otherwise, trim close to the edge. Also, the package
instructions recommended rounding the corners of the image to avoid having
them peel off in the future. I used my scissors, but for future projects I
will use my corner rounder.
Place the image, printed side down, on the fabric. You will want to have a
hard surface under the fabric. I used my kitchen table without trouble. The
canvas bag was thick enough that I didn't worry about my table. If I had
been applying the image to a thinner fabric, such as a t-shirt, I would have
used a pillow case underneath. Using the already-heated iron, iron the image
to the fabric. Make sure you cover the surface evenly but don't let the iron
rest for more than a few seconds in any one spot.
Once you feel you have ironed the entire image down, peel off the paper with
the fabric grain, not on a diagonal. Do not wait for the transfer to cool.
If the paper doesn't come off, stop peeling and use the iron again for 10-20
seconds and then try peeling again. When you remove the paper, your photo is
transferred. The fabric is washable, although you should only dry it on the
cool setting on your dryer. Do not ever use an iron directly on the image,
or it will melt onto your iron. |
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