How to Use Fabric Transfer Paper
Iron-on transfer paper has come a long way recently. There are so many options now that can create a quality look almost instantaneously right from your home. If you're looking for a long-term option that you're planning to wash and wear frequently, I would suggest going a different route. For holiday or single-use tees though, this is the perfect option. I know there are a lot of different fusible transfer papers/inks out there, but I'm going to go over two easily accessible ones that I've used multiple times: white fabric transfer paper and dark fabric transfer paper.
The supplies you'll need for both are similar:
- Inkjet printer
- White or dark fabric transfer paper
- Scissors/X-ACTO knife (I prefer an X-ACTO knife because it gives a more precise cut)
- Iron
- Smooth, non-porous surface (do not use an ironing board for fabric transfer paper)
- 100% Cotton or Cotton/Poly fabric
- Pillow Case
How do I know which fabric transfer paper to use?
White fabric transfer paper should only be used on white fabric. It's clear, so the design will take on the tint of whatever color the fabric is. For example if the t-shirt is pink, the iron-on print will have a pink tint.
Dark fabric transfer paper can be used with any color of fabric. It has a white backing that allows it to show up on any color.
My design is really complex, which fabric transfer paper should I use?
For more complex designs, stick to white fabric transfer paper. Cutting doesn't have to be exact and a border can be left around the print.
If the design is less complex, you can use either white or dark fabric transfer paper. When using dark fabric transfer paper, any border left around the edges of your design will show up on the fabric as white.
Is there anything special I need to do when printing?
For white fabric transfer paper, the design you're printing needs to be mirrored. If you choose to include words, the words should be backwards when you print it.
For dark fabric transfer paper, the design can be printed as you want it seen on the fabric. Make sure the words are not backwards if you choose to add words to your design.
What setting should my iron be set to?
Set your iron to the cotton setting (this is usually the hottest it will go). Also, make sure your iron has the steam setting turned off.
Why can't I use an ironing board?
Using an ironing board doesn't allow the fabric to lay flat. Instead, lay a pillow case down between the fabric and the hard, non-porous surface.
Tips for iron-on transfer paper:
- Practice printing your design on a plain piece of paper first, that way you can learn which side of the paper to print on, how to correctly load the paper into your printer, and make sure the design prints how you intend it to.
- Allow 30 minutes of drying time after printing. It will be less susceptible to smudging.
- Do not touch the iron directly to the transfer paper; it will melt. Use the overlay paper provided with the fabric transfer paper.
- Use firm pressure in a straight, non-stop motion moving up and down and side-to-side.
- Read the instructions before beginning.
Happy sewing,
