t-shirt/clothing transfers that LAST?

[art4babies]

I am looking to do some t-shirt transfers that really hold up after lots of washings. Anyone know about the different methods that can be done at home?

[mrspilkington]

"Imagery on Fabric" by Jean Ray Laury has a ton of ideas for transfers...for simple stuff, sulky iron-on transfer pens are pretty good (except for white), and Golden acrylic medium works well. I took a class on this a while back, I'll look for my notes and post again.

[ma2maya]

Jane Dunnewold in her book Complex Cloth (great book for those of us who work with fibers BTW) Describes a few processes for photocopy transers. The 3 methods she describes are iron-on transfers(not too lasting/nice unless they are high quality transfers), tranfers using Bondex Mending tape, and solvent transfer.

The one I like the best is the solvent transfer. This seems to be the most lasting as well as the one that leaves no "hand" on your fabric. The solvent used is a laquer thinner which the photo copy is moistened with(to release the ink from the paper) and applied to the fabric. You can do b/w and colors, though she does mention that transfers of pics especially people are better done with iron on transfers.


Kathy

[art4babies]

Originally Posted by ma2maya

Jane Dunnewold in her book Complex Cloth (great book for those of us who work with fibers BTW) Describes a few processes for photocopy transers. The 3 methods she describes are iron-on transfers(not too lasting/nice unless they are high quality transfers), tranfers using Bondex Mending tape, and solvent transfer.

The one I like the best is the solvent transfer. This seems to be the most lasting as well as the one that leaves no "hand" on your fabric. The solvent used is a laquer thinner which the photo copy is moistened with(to release the ink from the paper) and applied to the fabric. You can do b/w and colors, though she does mention that transfers of pics especially people are better done with iron on transfers.
Kathy

This sounds like what I might be looking for, but I am not ready to jump on $22 for the book (used) for this one recipe. I am a little hesitant to work with thinner, too. I may have to just wait on the project unless there is another way. I mean, if this really is the best way, then I would rather wait then do an inferior job.

[ma2maya]

Check your local library for the book, that's where I got a hold of one(for now!)

Kathy

[art4babies]

I am glad someone saw this thread and followed the link, so I saw it again.

Can I ask you if you have done much with this, and if so, if the images wear well after many washed?

I have gotten over my fear of thinner.

[anneandoreo]

I've been playing a bit with transferring images to fabric and I like "Click N Craft iron on transfer for dark fabric" the best. You can print it from your printer, as long as it's not laser printer. After it's on your fabric, and you need to iron it, you need to use a parchment sheet so it doesn't melt your image. The colours do last a long time. I made one for myself with Mona Lisa on a black tshirt and I've had it for a couple of years.
Hope that helps.
Anne

[art4babies]

It is my understanding that if you want the image to last you need a special ink, which is only used in a particular brand of printer. I know it is *not* a Canon, because that is what I have.

[Tanzie]

just look into the different types of tranfer paper and special printer ink,i have had very good luck with all the ones i have done in the past.kodak makes a really good tranfer paper.

[4evermom]

Not what you asked for but possibly an option if you want something that looks professional and you can get the design on a computer. There are websites like Cafepress where you can upload an image and they will print it for you. I've done this, gotten the design on white shirts and then dyed them (white shirts cost a little less and the color selection for kids shirts is pretty limited). It's in the neighborhood of $10 per shirt depending on which exact shirt you choose. It's nice because you can put the design on a number of products, like tote bags, as well as tshirts, and you can order any number you want. Even just one.