How to Make Heat Transfer Images
- 1). Save an image to your computer's hard drive. You can scan an existing picture, upload a photo from your digital camera, download an image from the Internet or create your own digital image using graphics software.
- 2). Launch the image editing program and open the image. Ensure that it is oriented correctly. For standard transfer paper you will need to reverse the image so that it is back-to-front; when printing on transfer paper for dark backgrounds, the image should be the right way. If you are making more than one transfer, try to group the images so that you can print as many as possible onto one sheet of transfer paper. Ensure that everything is oriented, arranged and sized correctly by using "Print Preview."
- 3). Load your printer's paper tray with plain paper and print a test copy. Make any adjustments until you are satisfied with the test print. Remove the plain paper and replace it with the transfer paper, making sure the paper is placed in the tray the right way. Print out your design.
- 4). Cut out the design elements from the paper. If you are using standard transfer paper, you can leave a margin around the designs, but when using transfer paper for dark backgrounds, you will need to trim as close to the image as possible or you will be left with a white outline around you design elements.
- 5). Wash and iron the target item if it is made from fabric. Ensure other materials are free of debris or dust. Ensure that the item is completely dry and free from wrinkles before you apply the heat transfer.
- 6). Warm the iron. Lay a piece of plain scrap paper or fabric (such as a pillowcase) on a hard, flat ironing surface. Place the item to be decorated on top of this. Position the heat transfer on the surface, face down for standard paper and face up for dark background transfer paper. Place a piece of parchment on top of the transfer, taking care not to dislodge it. Iron carefully. Lift aside the parchment and check that the transfer is completely fused to the item. Iron again if necessary. Let the item cool. If it is a fabric item, wait at least 24 hours before washing.
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