Prism99

The difference in colorfastness may also depend on the type of ink used by the printer. Water-based inks, for example, are less colorfast than pigment-based inks. This website is about paper, but does explain some of the differences in inks used by different printers: http://www.printindustry.com/Newslet...etter-135.aspx

I found this website that explains how to create your own fabric sheets. I think it uses the Bubble Jet Set; however, there is a side bar link on how to create your own colorfast setting solution (which mentions that the fabric softener route is not as permanent as others):
http://www.ehow.com/how_6374690_make...jet-print.html

leatheflea

Not really, it just takes a little time. Sometimes a person doesn't want to print on plain white fabric, or they want a certain brand fabric so the effort is worth it. And why pay for bubble jet if you can find a cheaper way. Faster isn't always better. It all depends on persons circumstances.

leatheflea

Same here no problems with HP or Epson printers. I just recently started using the method mentioned above, just to be on the safe side. I made a christmas quilt last year with 12 home printed panels. Washed up great.

ckcowl

Fabric needs to be prewashed/with detergent- no fabric softener (you are removing any chemicals so the ink is able to penetrate the fibers. Then after Curing (drying completely) you need to Heat set with a dry iron on cotton setting. You also need to be using good quality ink, not refills

cathyvv

The advice I hear most often about printing on fabric is to heat set the print before you wash the quilt. That's what we're asked to do for Quilts of Valor, so I figure it works.

I agree with Peckish - fabric softener coats fabric to make it feel softer and prevent static cling, kind of like hair conditioner puts a slight coating on hair to make hair feel softer, comb easier and reduce static cling.

I've never used muslin for printing on fabric, so can't say whether that is the culprit. All my fabrics are pre-washed. I have used freezer paper successfully, but lately my printer is jamming it. My guess is that it either needs cleaning or something in the paper feed is broken/misaligned.

I'll have to try basting spray to fasten the fabric on printer paper, Who knows? It might work!

PS - I've thought about using a ball point pen to make my labels. That never seems to wash out of anything.

cathyvv

Oh, Jan! I laughed when I read "hold my mouth right"! My mom used to say the exact same thing to me when I was small and concentrating hard to learn something.

IQuiltnFL

I have an Epson printer and I've had success with the "printable fabric sheets". I have created fabric squares by printing on kona ready to print fabric which comes on a bolt. I like the ironing soaking steps because in my experience even the inkjet type will fade if untreated. (Printer brands use two different inks, one is more permanent than the other. I forget the specifics but there are several tutorials online about printing on fabric and ink products.)

Baloonatic

I prewash my fabrics before printing to remove sizing and I've not had any problems with the inks fading so far. But ever since my DH comvinced me to replace my old printer with a Kodak, it jams every time I try to run fabric thru it! I've always ironed a good quality muslin to freezer paper, but now I have to use thise expensive "printable fabric sheets." I hate a glaring white label on my quilts, so I coffee dye it before sewing it on.

citruscountyquilter

I have always used bubble jet. Here's a recipe that I found for a home made version of bubble jet. I have never used it but would be interested in hearing from those that have. Here's the link to the recipe and process. http://sew-in-stitches.blogspot.com/...-solution.html

cashs_mom

That was my understanding. Ink jet printing is not permanent otherwise. It will fade on paper or fabric.