Creativity can come in many forms, and, for some, printing beautiful designs onto shirts or pillows is theirs. There are currently a few ways to print art onto fabric using various inks and techniques. If you want to get into fabric printing DIY, keep reading to find out how.
Digital fabric printing is the process of transferring inks to fabric or textiles. While this was a much more manual process, a streamlined and cost-effective digital take on the process began to flourish in the early 2000s. Printing digitally instead of traditionally has its perks, including:
Short Print runs
Traditionally, quality work and setting up for individual prints meant that printing businesses had to print many items to make the investment viable. However, digital printing removes many of those steps, lowering costs and enabling businesses to do short to medium runs of items to break even - doing trial runs. Sampling is a much easier process now.
High resolution, flexibility, and fine patterns
With advances in technology, it is possible to print clear images with sharp edges and intricate designs due to the accuracy of the transferral equipment. This ability means that creatives and artists can make their ideas come to life without holding back on details.
Higher quality and greater customization
By removing the extra steps, modern fabric printing leaves little room for error and makes it easier to change with the trends. Copying is exact, and you can get an exact color match or even change the color on a whim, leaving more choice for consumers and artists.
Reduced cost
A streamlined process that does not require individual screens automatically reduces costs in several areas, including:
Less Waste and Eco-friendly
Any way to produce art without it harming the planet is positive. In the past, printing on the fabric used a lot of electricity and water, often leaving waste in the process. Modern methods use less water and electricity and create less waste, making it safer for the planet overall.
Inkjet Printers Vs. Laser Printers
An inkjet printer sprays microscopic drops of water-based ink onto the fabric to create the print. On the other hand, laser printers work by melting toner powder onto the fabric to make the image.
Inkjet printers
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Cons
Laser printers
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Cons
Which should you use? It depends on the projects you have in mind. Consider how much you will be printing, what types of designs you want to print, and what you can afford to see which type is right for you.
If you want to learn how to print on fabric, you can find various methods using a home printer below.
5 Most Common Methods of Printing on Fabric: DIY Techniques
1. Spray Adhesive Method - Creating Prints on Fabric
For those looking for a cost-effective and straightforward way to make prints on fabric, consider trying the spray adhesive method.
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Method:
2. Freezer Paper Method - Printing on Canvas Fabric
A unique and cost-effective fabric printing method is to use freezer paper.
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3. Label Method - Printing Images on Fabric
Got many office labels? Try using them to print images onto fabric for a quick and easy DIY project.
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4. Printable Fabric Sheets - Printing Designs on Fabric
If you want to streamline your fabric printing process as much as possible, consider picking up some photo fabric. This allows you to print any image you wish to onto cloth quickly and easily with little room for error.
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5. Photo Fabric Printing Solution - Printing Photos on Fabric
Those who are not artistically inclined but want to give unique gifts, printing a photo of a loved one onto fabric can make for a good craft project.
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Best Fabric Types for Printing
For those looking for a cost-effective and straightforward way to make prints on fabric, consider trying the spray adhesive method.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
What size is the printable fabric?
That depends on what your printer can handle and what you can afford. We recommend getting more fabric than your need and cutting it down to size.
What is heat transfer print?
Also known as thermal printing, heat transfer vinyl printing uses a heat press machine to transfer an image created in wax to a piece of fabric.
Conclusion
The only limit to creativity is your imagination. If you feel inspired to start some DIY fabric printing projects, we hope that this guide can help you bring those artistic visions to life.
Andrew White is the founder of TechGearoid, a leading technology review & information website that is designed to help consumers make better decisions when it comes to their IT purchases. As a specialist tech writer (nerd) with over 10 years of experience, he enjoys writing about everything there is to do with modern technology & the newest market innovations. When he isn’t providing value for his readers, he’s usually drinking coffee or at the beach. Andrew lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and family.