In the past I have printed on fabric using different carriers and different methods. Then just recently I came across a tutorial about printing photos on fabric using page-size shipping labels as the base. This is so easy!
To get started you need your picture, a piece of fabric (I chose a previously dyed piece, but you could use just white fabric), and the full-page shipping label.
If your picture is not in your computer, it will need to be scanned. You can then put it in a photo editing program, if needed, and then it’s ready to print.
Take the full-size label and adhere it to the back of the fabric.
Then cut the fabric to the size of the label.
You end up with your fabric the perfect size to go through your printer.
Before you print on the fabric, print on a piece of paper to make sure you have the correct size, and that you are happy with the print. If not, adjust. Then put the label-backed fabric into your printer and print the picture. Here is my test print and the fabric printed.
Now peel off the fabric from the label.
Iron it and you are ready to use your fabric. I made this fabric postcard for the Fabric Postcard Art Facebook Group.
As I said, there are other ways to print photos on fabric, but this will be my go-to way from now on. If you are interested in trying out this technique, here is a link to those labels.
It’s been pretty quiet here because we’ve been on vacation. I’ll tell you more about that later, but it was the first time our little Molly was left with Puddin and Ally. This gave her time to bond with her sisters instead of us. Here was a surprise – Molly and Ally together on the recliner.
It seems like a vacation is what I usually need to get my muse to return. I’m pretty excited with some ideas I came up with on vacation. One of them is still in the idea phase. Hopefully, it will develop further and be blog worthy! I’ll be back soon with one of them. Wants some inspiration, check out Off The Wall Friday link party.
Judy, You are so welcome! Yes, this is so much easier than freezer paper and it stays flat.
Hi Lynda,
This is very interesting, does it effect the hand of the fabric and what type printer has to be used,
Best,
Cathy B
I have always printed with freezer paper. I haven’t had to much trouble with it. How come you always give me so many ideas! It is good I just need more time in a day or less time running the roads as my mom always sayes.
As I commented on Facebook I have a whole lot of pictures to share with you once I get my set up done. I have had family with flu’s, sick grandbaby, parents needs and I just need a few snow days to be at home! Only ice dyers with for snow!
I’ve used the full-sheet labels for printing for years. I found you can reuse them 5-6 times before they pick up enough fuzz to not adhere well. I clipped a little off corner of the label to make it easier to separate fabric from label.
Cathy, No, it does not! I use a regular inkjet printer (HP OfficeJet), but any will do.
Jo-Anne, If you aren’t having trouble with it, keep using it! But then again, if you want to try this way, would love for you too!! Glad I can give you some ideas! Sorry about all of the flu and sickness. Hope everyone gets well soon so you can play more! Can’t wait to see those pics.
Mary Ann, That’s so great to hear. Great tip on clipping the corner. I’ll do that next time. Thanks for dropping by.
How do the inks hold up after the first wash using a regular home printer?
Emily, I’ve never washed anything I’ve printed. I’ll try it and see how it works.
I’d like to try this technique. It sounds pretty simple. I’ve also read that you can iron freezer paper to the back of your fabric to stabilize it while printing, but I haven’t tried that.
Sherrie, Yes, you can iron freezer paper to the fabric. However, it sometimes curls on you and you have to fight to get it in the printer. It will work though. This was just so easy and makes it like a piece of paper going through the printer.
I use freezer paper … ironed on the wrong side…. it goes t.hroigh the printer really well.
Hi Janey, Yes, I’ve done that in the past. I like this better and seems to be faster, but they both work well. Thanks for dropping by.