How to Transfer Photographs to Fabric

Have you ever wanted to transfer a photo (family or otherwise) onto fabric, t-shirts, or bags? Follow these simple instructions to find out how!

1. Prewash your garment or item.
   
   
2. Purchase a package of fabric transfer paper. This is available at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Michael's, and other craft and office supply stores. Good brands include Hewlett-Packard, Epson, and Avery.
   
   
   • Pay attention to details listed on the package. If your garment or item is dark colored, look for 'Transfer to Dark' paper.
3. Prepare your transfer.
   
   
   • Upload your photo to your computer.
   • Use Paint or a photo program to adjust the size of the photo to suit your needs. Make sure you're happy with the color levels and shape.
     • Note: It is smart to round the corners of the photo; that way, the corners will not peel after multiple washings.
   • Keep in mind that any white spaces in the photo will be the color of your garment or item.
   • Do a test print of your photo on plain copier paper. If you are dissatisfied with it, adjust it until you are pleased with the result.
4. Follow the instructions that came with your paper closely. Take your time, pay attention to details, and be patient. This is a complicated process, but it will go smoothly if it's done correctly.
   
   
5. Keep your image away from food, liquids, and oily hands once it is printed. Ruining a transfer is no fun. The paper is very expensive and needs to be handled carefully.
   
   
6. Be very careful to not rip the transfer when tearing the backing off.
   
   
7. Test your iron to check if it emits any steam before ironing the transfer. If it does, it will ruin your transfer.
   
   
8. Iron on a hard, non-porous surface instead of an ironing board. An ironing board is too soft for this project.
   
   
9. Do not wash your item for 24 hours.
   
   

• Pay attention to the directions that come with your paper. They vary slightly from brand to brand, and are the best guide to successfully transferring photos.
• If you wish to save a transfer (as opposed to ironing it immediately) store it in a plastic binder envelope.
• Use cotton or cotton/poly blend fabric.

• Don't use your ironing board when transferring the image. Use a hard, non-porous surface.
• Don't set your printer to mirror-image orientation (this may vary; check your instructions).

• Inkjet printer
• Fabric transfer paper
• Cotton or cotton/poly blend fabric or garment
• Iron
• Hard, non-porous surface