Easily Transfer Photos onto Fabric

Discover how technology can help you put your favorite images onto quilts.

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Filed under: Quilting, Fabrics, How To, Sewing, Crafts

Photo transfer quilts have been around for years but recently their popularity has soared. Improved technology has taken the design possibilities to new heights. The author of Quilting Your Memories, Sandy Bonsib, shares her technique for a memory quilt.

The changes are mostly in the way we're able to transfer. The process used to be messy and sometimes required the original photo be destroyed. Now there is photo transfer paper that can be used in a laser printer.

As for items to photocopy, there are a number of choices. You can get copyright-free images from a number of books. Remember to mirror the image when you make your copies so the images are positioned properly. You can also copy 3-D items, such as charms.

Fabrics
White fabric is a good choice because it allows the color of the photo to shine through. Textured fabric is nice for a landscape or seascape.

If you're using line art, consider colored or subtly patterned fabric as a canvas.

When pressing, cover an extra piece of shelving with a thin towel. You need a hard surface, so make sure the towel is thin and not padding the surface. Be careful to avoid threads when pressing. Thread will create white lines in the transfer.

Figure A

Cat Quilt
1. Transfer cat art on point to a 6" x 6" background square. Make nine.

Figure B

2. Make a 16-patch block from coordinating fabrics by making strip-pieced sets from 1-7/8-inch strips of fabric that complements (but doesn't overpower) the cat design. Cross cut the strip sets at 1-7/8 inch. Iron seams on back in opposite directions, then position the strips to create a patchwork design and sew. Make 16 patchwork blocks. Set the blocks on point and stitch them together in diagonal rows.

Figure C

3. For side triangles, cut three 9-1/2-inch squares. For each square, position the ruler on the diagonal and cut. Repeat for the other diagonal.

4. For the corner, cut a square and cut only on one diagonal so you have straight of grain on two sides.

Figure D

Quilting Riddle
What makes a special quilt an heirloom quilt? Embellishments. For the cat quilt, carry out a Victorian theme by stitching lace around the border or adding buttons. Doilies also work nicely.

Labels are also very important, and a label is a great place to get started with photo transfers. Consider adding heirloom photos or images that tell the story of the quilt.