How to Transfer Images onto Fabric • Craving Some Creativity

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.

Collage of steps to transferring an image onto fabric with an inkjet printer and finished pouch. with image transfer.

Table of Contents

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!

Final Photo Transfer of a Brightly Colored Horse Head.

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.

Collage of horse head printed on transfer paper and prepping the fabric with an iron for transferring the photo.

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.

Demonstration of photo of horse head cut out of transfer paper and laid face down.

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.

Demonstration of Ironing Photo Transfer and Peeling the Backing off.

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.

Canon inkjet printer with plastic sheet coming out of the front after printing onto.

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.

Image transferred onto fabric from plastic sheet protector using the edge of a credit card,

Want More Simple Craft Ideas? Look no further!

Frequently asked questions:

Is image transfer fabric washable?

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.

Are there any methods to avoid when transferring an image onto fabric?

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.

What kind of fabric material do I need to transfer an image?

These methods work best on tightly woven and flat fabric material with little or no stretch. Examples include canvas, linen, and most cotton fabrics.

How can I reverse the image?

I use Photoshop, but you can use Adobe Spark, Microsoft Paint, Apple Photos, or most any free photo editing software.

Small cinched pouch filled with treats. It reads Good doggie on the front of the pouch.

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!

Weekend DIY project. A pegboard organizer in the craft room above the desk workspace.

More Image Transfer Ideas

Fabric Image Transfer

An easy way to transfer images onto fabric using a home printer and transfer paper.

5 from 17 votes

Print Pin Rate

Project Time: 15

Total Time: 15

Author: Rachel

Cost: $10

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.

Notes

Care instructions:

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.

Turn the fabric inside out and wash in the delicate cycle. Never iron the transfer as the image will stick to the iron.

Tried this Project? Tag me Today!Mention @CravingCreative or tag #CravingSomeCreativity!

Comments

5 from 17 votes (1 rating without comment)