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I am going to make some memory quilts for my family using the puctures we took at Disney. I know there are several ways to get the pictures on fabric. One way is to print the picture on photo transfer paper and iron it on to fabric, the other way is to buy the fabric that you print directly on.
Which is the best way to make the pictures last the longest? Is there another way to do this?
Jean, I tried the print on fabric kind and before I put it into a quilt, I washed it. It faded a lot, and I had followed the directions exactly. Maybe the photo transfer paper would be better. I would wash one though before I put it in a quilt to see if it will stand up.
I have used the print on fabric sheets. I have had no trouble with them, you just have to make sure that you don't get dry clean only sheets. I almost got those one time. My memorial quilt that I am making for myself is made with print on fabric sheets.
I've used the print on fabric sheets for labels before, followed the instructions for setting them, washed them and had no issues. I can't remember the brand, but I bought them at Joann's with a 50% off coupon and got the ones that had 10 sheets per pack.
I will have to look at the brand of fabric sheets I used, but I got them from Joann's, too. I ironed them well to set it per the instructions, and I wish I still had the washed block to show you. It was almost all gone. I don't know if they were the dry clean only kind, but I doubt it. That experience has turned me off on printing on fabric. Just wash yours before you put it into a quilt.
I have never done this before but hope you have great success with this and look forward to seeing the results. Good Luck Jean!
There are places online that you can send your pictures to and they will print them on fabric for you. I saw a demo on one of the Fons and Porter episodes where Jody Davis did that with a new fabric pattern she wanted to use in a quilt. I don't know what it costs, but for something that would be an heirloom, I think I would pay a little more to be sure it would not fade. I'd do a google search.
Spoonflower.com design your own fabric or print pictures on fabric. for cotton fabric I think its $18 a yard. they have a special
going on now for test swatch 8x8 for a $1 each. ends June 30th. Last year I did a collage of pictures of my sons family had
it printed on a fat qtr for $11.00. It turn out great.
Sherry
I have never printed anything other than labels onto fabric. A lady in our quilt guild does fantastic quilts with photographs. She has two of her grandchildren that are blue-ribbon worthy. Good luck, Jean. I know you will figure it out.
I used the fabric sheets and had no problems whenI followed the directions exactly.
Then put them to the test....warm water, hot dryer etc...they shrunk about 1" overall and faded just a little.
Hi Jean, I used Printed Treasures Sew On inkjet printable fabric sheets. I printed a couple of pictures on the fabric sheets and followed all the instructions. Then washed them on delicate cycle/cold water BEFORE I sewed it into the quilt to make sure they wouldn't fade. They seemed to hold up pretty good. The pictures I used did not have a whole lot of color but I don't think they faded. I put the pictures in my DH's Saints quilt. I haven't used the iron on sheets but have seen a project where a friend used those. I prefer the sew-on because the iron-on had a shiny look on the fabric and you could see the edges of the paper. So far I haven't put the lap quilt through a wash cycle so not sure how it holds up long term. I would definitely do a practice run before sewing into your quilt. By the way, that's a great idea for a quilt!
I only use the Printed Treasures fabric sheets. All of my quilt labels are printed on them. A few years ago I made a memory quilt for my in-laws to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It turned out great. They are not cheap, but well worth it. Whenever JoAnn's puts their quilting supplies on sale for 50% off, stock up on them. You can also use your 40-50% coupon on them if you can't wait for a good sale. I prefer this brand because it keeps the entire quilt machine washable.