Hello everyone
Hope this finds you well? This week lets talk about transferring your embroidery outline to fabric. If you are like me I really dislike transferring the outline to fabric by hand? Using a pencil with a light source, or transfer pens is time consuming and I always end up with a wobbly line. Transferring your outline by hand is a thing of the past, we now have iron on transfers that do the job for us and it only takes a minute.
Most of the PDF patterns for sale in my shop have an iron on transfer available, which comes in a pack. Once you have purchased a pack of transfers for a specific collection – e.g. Needlepainting Birds/Whitework Animals etc- you can simply download any PDF pattern included in that collection and you have a transfer ready to use for that particular embroidery pattern. Each pack description has a link to the patterns that are available in that pack.
If a new pattern is introduced there will be a single transfer (Rhino) for that pattern for the first 6 months, but it will also be included in the relevant pack (Collection 1).
New & Improved Transfers
I am pleased to let you know that the Transfers have been upgraded and a New and Improved version of the previous iron on transfers is now available in the shop. I have done considerable research on the best paper and inks to use for iron on transfers to obtain a more consistent, clearer result. They have been tested on various types of fabric and the resulting transfer guarantees that you will obtain a more defined outline as can be seen on the example below. I am sure you will agree that the difference is quite amazing?
I have also upgraded the packaging and the transfer packs are now sealed in a cellophane bag to prevent light or dust affecting the transfers whilst in transit or when been stored.
Tips for Iron on transfers
Here are a few tips on using iron on transfers that will ensure you get the best results:
Fabric
Iron on transfers work best with the cotton or linen fabric available in my shop. They do not work on silk fabric and tend to be less distinct if the weave of the fabric is textured or has a loose weave. When using your own fabric please ensure it is pure linen or cotton and at least 200ct or more. If you are unsure do a test sample first. The new kits include a test transfer and scrap fabric.
Iron Settings
Ensure your iron is set to the hottest setting (cotton or linen settings) and that it is set to dry not steam. A good domestic iron will work perfectly but if you can afford to purchase one of these Cricut heat presses the results are brilliant!
Preparation
It is best to wash and iron your fabric beforehand to remove any starch as this may prevent the ink from adhering to the fabric. Use heat tape to secure your transfer to the fabric so it does not move around whilst ironing – this will allow you to move your iron around from one area of the design to another without causing bleeding. If you don’t have heat tape, try using some flat pins/dressmaking pins with a small head to hold it in place.
Use a piece of scrap cotton fabric on top of the transfer to protect the main fabric from scorching whilst ironing.
Process
- Wash and iron your fabric
- Place the iron on transfer face down on fabric. Tape in place
- Place a piece of scrap fabric on top of this.
- Iron the print area for about 40 seconds. You can move it around but it helps if you hold it still over each area for a while as this allows the heat to activate the ink.
- Remove transfer and this is the result.
Below is a short video to show you the process:
This is the result. As mentioned before it helps if you hold the iron still over an area every now and then to allow the heat to really sink in and activate the ink.
Iron On Transfer Book
Please note that this Iron on transfer book published by Search Press does not include project instructions or materials. It is a bonus book of transfers to compliment the projects included in my previous books: Whitework with colour, Colour Confidence, Miniature Needle Painting and Needlepainting for beginners. You can find more information here. All my recent books, published in the last three years include iron on transfers.
Till next time wherever you are in the world, keep smiling and happy stitching.
Trish
Hi Trish! I am working on the Bird No 2 bird song and there is a reference to 925D thread. Apparently there is no DMC that colour. And it’s not in the threads list. Please let me know what this might be. Thank you so much!
I love your work… I am a beginner at embroidery although I have been artistic my whole life…. for some reason your designs triggered something in me to give needle painting a try. I started out learning the basics.. loved it and now I am working on fine tuning my work. I have 2 of your books and have the Embroidery Transfer book coming .. it should be here next week. I am gathering all my threads and supplies so I will be ready to jump in and make some of your beautiful designs as soon as it gets here… Thank you for all you are doing for this form of art… and for your videos, they are so informative and relaxing to watch..
Ronie
Thanks for this. It’s always nice to start with your best foot forward and these transfers do the trick. Being able to use them more than once is a bonus. I am working on five of the bird miniatures now. They are adorable and some of my embroidery friends are doing some of them too. Love your product.
This was great information! I understand the process so much better!
I wanted to buy the iron transfer paper but I didn’t find it in your store. Where can I buy it and what brand is it? Thank you so much.