AboutConnie Hester Expertise Quilting and applique expert.Can advise on the following topics:quilting, art quilts, quilt design and construction, machine and hand quilting, paper foundation piecing, machine piecing, hand piecing, raw edge applique, turned-edge applique and fiber art.
Experience Winning awards in international fiber and art competitions since 1983; http://www.conniehester.com/
BS,MS
See my work and books at http://www.conniehester.com/
Expert: Connie Hester Date: 8/3/2006 Subject: printing on fabric
Question I saw your recommendations on preparing fabring to print on from June 16. After washing and drying, I'm assuming you would iron it and cut it into 8 1/2 by 11 pieces. Is there anything else? I would like to avoid buying the photo sheets, and would like to make my own. Thanks.
Amy
Answer Hi, Amy,
My June 13 recommendations applied to using an Epson printer with pigment-based ink. To prepare fabric for direct printing, after scouring (as explained June 13), yes, iron the fabric. Then, iron it to freezer paper for support. Next, trim the fabric-and-freezer-paper to 8 1/4" x 11". Being slightly narrower helps it to slide through the machine easily, as well as to avoid wiping excess ink onto the side edges.
For additional support, tape the top edge of the fabric-and-freezer-paper to a piece of cardstock. This step is not imperative, but it does guarantee success. I tape all the way across that top edge with cellophane tape.
I run it through just as if it were typical computer paper, not changing any settings for special "paper".
I use the "Best Photo" ink setting, laying down the most ink of the ink quality settings. In addition, even if doing black&white prints, I use the color setting.
