Fabric for Printing with Inkjet Printer

If you’re into crafting, at some point, the question is going to come up about printing on fabric. Sure, you could buy a silk screen printing machine or invest in a popular Cricut machine, but sometimes those solutions come with steep learning curves. Instead, you might be able to turn your top-rated printer into a fabric printer with a few easy modifications.

Good to Know

While you can turn your home inkjet printer into a fabric printing machine, it’s important to know that every inkjet printer works differently and there are common drawbacks to attempting this DIY hack. Most often, you might experience ink bleeding or fading. And you may find that the soft nature of fabric can make nailing this hack a little difficult. But if you’ve got patience and a can-do attitude, modifying your paper printer into a fabric printer can be done. Your inkjet printer can also print on glossy photo paper as long as you consider the quality and weight of the paper.

What You’ll Need

So, you’re ready to start printing fabric at home? Great, you’ll need the following:

• Images from your computer or photos to print
• An inkjet printer — do not use a laser printer
• Fabric
• (optional) Ink fixative spray to prevent your print from smudging, and iron-safe paper

Printer Quality Matters

Not all inkjet printers are created equal. Some models are designed with fabric settings which makes them ideal for attempting to print on fabric. Look for printers with water-resistant ink pigments which will last longer than dye-based inks. *If you use a high-quality printer,* you can print on a legal-size paper, three times larger than a standard paper.

Likewise, pay attention to the feed method. Experts agree that L-shaped feeds where paper is fed through the top of the printer and the finished product exits from the front are best. In contrast, U-shaped feeds where paper enters and exits from the same panel, are more likely to cause jams or cause smudging.

Let’s Get Printing

You’ve got your printer and your pictures or images queued and ready to go. But there are still a few steps to follow.

Prepping the Fabric

You can’t just cut off a swatch of fabric from a bolt and try to feed it through a printer. Instead, experts recommend using fabric sheets that are intended for printing. They usually feature paper backing which gives them more structure. These can also come in versions that are waterproof which makes them machine washable, but you’ll need special ink for that.

DIY Fabric Sheets

If you want, you can make fabric sheets by using a medium-weight plain cotton fabric and freezer paper or using a special solution to coat the fabric to stiffen it. After applying the solution and letting it dry, use a dry iron to smooth the fabric.

Ensuring Colorfastness

For the easiest prep work, use a commercial solution and soak pre-washed fabric in it for about 10 minutes. Line dry the fabric before attempting to print on it.

Printing

Cut the fabric sheet to your necessary size and load it into your printer’s paper tray. Using your preferred printing software (Photoshop, Canva, etc.) load the image(s) you want to print and be sure to fit it to the size of your fabric sheet, leaving space for bleed.

Once you’re ready, begin printing the image on your fabric sheet. Let the sheet feed through the printer and avoid trying to force the fabric feed as this can cause the image to print blurry.

Prepping and Testing Your Image

Try to avoid printing to the edges of your printable area to avoid the risk of the image getting cut off. Also, check the resolution to ensure that the final printed image won’t be blurry or unrecognizable. Ideally, opt for a resolution between 200 to 300 dpi to get proper detailing in your photo. When in doubt, test your image on a paper print before you use the fabric sheets.

Heat Setting the Fabric

Once you’re satisfied with the print, you need to heat set it to preserve the color. Wait until the ink is dry — which can be anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Although, waiting a few days is best.

Ironing

Using brown paper or heat-safe paper, cover the fabric sheet and then begin ironing the fabric through the paper. Use the hottest setting possible that the fabric can withstand. Avoid holding the iron still to prevent burning the fabric.

Setting Spray

Another way to preserve the print and color is to use a setting spray. While you can make a DIY spray, you can also find commercial options. Spray a few thin layers over the print and let it dry fully before attempting to use it to complete your crafting project.

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