I thought I would start a new thread since I changed the subject on another one that led into this PRINTING YOUR OWN FABRIC USING YOUR INK JET PRINTER AT HOME.

I experimented with printing my own fabric at home using my own inexpensive ink jet printer when I kept getting frustrated by not finding the fabric that I wanted.  Now, I use this method for endless uses in my art of puppetry.  I like to create my own drawings/patterns using the Adobe Illustrator program on my Mac.  But you can do the same method using a hand drawing or clipart by either scanning it onto your computer or if you have an all in one printer, simply use the copy mode of your printer.  I'll explain the simple technique and then I will create a quick video tutorial and upload that soon (Have to go out to the store to buy more fabric for printing).

Supplies that you will need:
Freezer paper (Reynold's brand is the most commonly seen in grocery stores found in the section/aisle with cling wrap and foil)
Home INK JET printer
100% cotton or linen fabric with no stretch
Iron and Ironing Board
Scissors to cut paper and fabric (I like to keep separate scissors to not dull them)

Simple Technique:
1. Cut a piece of fabric AND a piece of freezer paper the same size as a normal piece of printer paper
2. Iron the wax side of freezer paper to the back of the fabric (The wax will melt onto the fabric for a temporary bond just to be able to print)
3. Place fabric with the freezer paper ironed on into printer according to the side that will print for your printer
4. Print as normal
5. After printing, peel off freezer paper....and voila!  You have your own custom fabric

Uses for this technique: (Endless)
Custom fabric for sewing projects
Backdrops for puppet theater (limited to the size of the printer but experiment with piecing together)
Printed finished puppets (hand and finger puppets work best)
Puppet parts (printable face only, etc)
Patterns (You can print a pattern directly onto the back of any fabric just adhere the freezer paper to the front of fabric...test first but should not effect the fabric design)

Really the possibilities are endless if you really think about it.  To give you a better picture, I promise to upload the video tutorial and show examples of how I have used this technique in the past.

xoxo,
Nikole

Nikole, thank you so much! I'm glad I was confused enough to ask. The idea of printing out finger puppets especially appeals to me, what an easy way to mass produce finger puppets to hand out to the kids after shows. I love it!

I'm concerned the fabric may damage the printer heads............. Do you use a thin cotton fabric?

Billy,
I don't think it well hurt the printer heads any more then if you used a heavy card stock in your computer. There is actually a company that sells something like this pre-made.  It's intention is to print out and make your own tie but I've seen a couple of wardrobe departments that use it to print out labels for thier costumes. Always a nightmare keeping track of what belongs to whom after a quick change you have discards scattered about.

I have done it many times with printers Billy....I quilted and wanted to have stuff on fabrics so it was one method that worked....I also like press on as well but it can get expensive to do.

Daryl H.

Billy, I haven't had any problems doing it with my computer.  When I first tried it, I used a cheap printer and had no problems.  I use a pretty pricey printer now to get a better quality print and still no problems.  I have been printing on fabric for four years now...WOW...the time really flies by.  Still packing and moving so don't know when I can make it to the shop to buy fabric to do the tutorial.  Plus, I have some projects that need printing so I will do this tutorial.  I might have to wait another 19 days until we move.  Yes, I'm counting down the days. :D

Finger puppets for give-aways were one  of the things that started me out on printing on fabric.  It is so cheap and easy.  I used to do birthday parties and would give these out as party favors.  It's a great idea to give them out after a public performance.  One step further would be to have your business information printed on the back of them and this could be a creative business card. 

xoxo,
Nikole

Oh and yes, like Shawn mentioned for labels....this would be PERFECT for making your own labels for your puppets if you sell them or I guess you could just have "PROPERTY OF..." type of a label, too. :D