Did you know you can transfer photos to fabric without using iron-on sheets? I love this technique. It's simple to execute and the end results are really pretty. It's another method for hand printing! I made some fabrics the other day and used them to add pockets to one of my wool skirts. Do you want to learn to transfer photos to fabric? I thought so... Enjoy!
Supplies Needed: Fabric (I used white quilting cotton), Gel Medium (I used this kind from Liquidex
), Paint Brush and the image you want to transfer. You can use *any* laser copied image or an image from a vintage magazine (that's what I used) or newspaper. Remember that if your image has words on it you will need to reverse it before copying as the words will print backwards. You'll also need a spray bottle filled with water.
How to transfer a photo to fabric: 1. Completely cover your image with gel medium. Use a heavy coat. 2. Press it onto a piece of fabric and let it dry for several hours or overnight. 3-4. After your image is completely dry, use a spray bottle to wet the top of the paper. 5. Rub the surface with your fingers until pieces of the paper start coming off. When pieces start coming up your image will be revealed. Some pieces come up easily in clean strips and some are more time consuming to remove. Be careful not to rub too hard as this can remove your transfer as well. Continue until all the paper is removed and the image is completely visable! 6. You're done. If you want to display your fabric (for example if you are transfering to a canvas for your wall) you might want to add one more coat of gel medium to protect and seal your image.
Note: Don't be alarmed if your transfer isn't completely perfect. Some work better than others and you'll learn a lot from experimenting on different surfaces! The final image is meant to be imperfect. Hand transferred fabric pieces should be considered 'handwash only'. I would not put it into a washing machine. That's one reason why I chose a wool skirt to add the pockets to, I would already handwash this skirt.
Well there you go! This method is so easy! I can't wait to use it to make pillows, bows and canvas prints of our wedding photos! Oh, and you can use this exact same method to transfer photos onto wood and many other surfaces. The possibilities are endless! Have fun creating.... xo. elsie
BRILLIANT. Thanks so much for sharing this, can't wait to try it myself!
xo
Posted by: Cupkay | October 11, 2011 at 08:27 PM
You seriously read my mind. I've been wondering how to accomplish this for a while. Thanks!
Posted by: Serena | October 11, 2011 at 08:43 PM
Wow! This is amazing, I would have never thought to do something like this myself.
Posted by: Louise, Raspberries In Winter | October 11, 2011 at 08:46 PM
whoa!! that is awesome. :)
Posted by: Emma | October 11, 2011 at 08:48 PM
Amazing! I have been wondering how to do that!!
Posted by: Vira Dee | October 11, 2011 at 09:01 PM
great idea!
Posted by: pushups with polish | October 11, 2011 at 09:06 PM
I am thrilled! Thank you for sharing this! I love reading all your DIY projects and this is one I know I'll make!
Posted by: Chrissy Gemmill | October 11, 2011 at 09:22 PM
love this technique! nice tutorial :)
Posted by: Katie | October 11, 2011 at 09:29 PM
wow, SO cool! i have been dying to find a good way to put images on t-shirts! can't wait to try it!
Posted by: Mary-Beth | October 11, 2011 at 09:30 PM
Like magic!
xo,
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Nicole | October 11, 2011 at 09:52 PM
love it ~
Posted by: kgobuys | October 11, 2011 at 09:55 PM
This is SO neat! I've always wanted to do this, but thought it took a bunch of steps! I can't wait to try! <3
Posted by: Tawnie | October 11, 2011 at 10:15 PM
what a neat diy! really cool and creative. :)
love
kelly
www.paperdolltheory.com
Posted by: kelly @ paper doll theory | October 11, 2011 at 10:26 PM
This is way adorable! I've been wanting to know how this is done for a while now, thanks!
Posted by: Elle | October 11, 2011 at 10:44 PM
this is sooooo coooll!!! awesome idea - just when i thought i needed an inspirational technique! thank you sooo much elsie!
Posted by: Chloe | October 11, 2011 at 11:04 PM
This is such a great tutorial! Thank you for posting it. I would have never known you could do this! I must try it.
Posted by: Katie | October 11, 2011 at 11:42 PM
That's so cool :)
xo Emma
Posted by: Emma | October 11, 2011 at 11:42 PM
I only started reading this blog 3 weeks ago and it's quickly becoming my favorite! Thanks for so much constant inspiration. You are hard-working ladies!
Posted by: Lindsay | October 11, 2011 at 11:49 PM
Oh this is awesome, thank you
Posted by: Sallyanne | October 12, 2011 at 12:16 AM
I LOVE this diy. It is probably one of my favorites you have ever posted...and it seems so easy :)
Posted by: Elysse | October 12, 2011 at 01:24 AM