Interesting Discovery - Photos on Fabric - Big Difference
 

Let me start by saying I am not affiliated with any company that produces photo fabric sheets.

I am making a memory quilt and started printing some pictures on one brand of photo sheets...then I ran out of that brand and used some Printed Treasures brand that I also had on hand.

I was shocked at the difference in quality. One is whiter, sharper, more intense color! So I had to call and order more of the first brand. The one that had the better quality does cost more, but to me it is worth it! It is called Betty's Photos on Fabric...she had some problems with her website and I couldn't find it...so I called her and she shipped them right out to me. Her phone number is 909-987-3341. I am using the cotton sheets...I think she sells others. I originally found her at a quilt show.

Here are a couple pictures to show the difference.

Thanks for the info. I don't particularly care for Printed Treasures.

What brand do you like?

Thanks for the info! Has "Betty's Photos" been pretreated so it doesn't wash out in time?

wow! We can see a differance! Same printer, not new ink? I have always wondered about these photos on cloth. Have a few questions on the ink from printers for lables too. Wonderful showing differance! Will be watching to see more about this whole process!

Money for result, Jacquard brand is the best I have tried.

interesting!! as I have wanted to try this .. hmmm..

I don't actually know the answer to this, but I don't think so, since she gives instructions on how to treat it after it is printed. She uses Snuggle fabric softener....and ONLY Snuggle brand... So far...they seem to last.

I used the same printer and ink. printed 2 days apart. I was shocked at the difference too.

It is obvious that Betty's fabric is much whiter than the Printed Treasures, that would impact the photo. Also a better quality of fabric (tighter weave) may also impact the ability of the fabric to "grab" the ink. I would go with the whiter fabric.

D in TX

Sorry, I've only used two and the first one is long gone and I can't remember what it was or where I got it! I'll look through my stuff and see if I can find a clue.

Wow! I always like reading about comparisons and good products. Thanks for sharing.

Those are awsome pictures. I haven't tried this yet but seeing this I,m tempted to jump in. Thanks for
showing us.

Thanks for the comparison. It always helps to hear from those that have used the products.

I was also chllengd by the differences and the pricing, so-o-o-o-o-o-o-o I make my own.
1. I use my own bright white cotton cloth
2. I iron it onto a piece of freezer paper
3. cut it the size of 8 1/2 x 11
3. put it in the printer and print it out ( cloth side down for my printer)
4. Remove the paper immediately
5. Works like a charm

Do you prewash the fabric before you do this?

I am going to help my daughter make a cancer quilt for a close friend that was just diagnosed with two kinds of breast cancer. She wants pictures of this friend (she's a triathlete (?)) on the quilt. Thinking about a disappearing 9 patch but want to make sure the pictures don't fade. Is there anything to do to the fabric after the picture is printed on to make sure it holds the color?

There is a product called Bubblejet...(I think that is the name). It is used after printing to set it better. I have not used it but heard it works.

This sounds so doable. Thank you so much!

Thanks for the site and info. I purchased several pkgs of the printed treasures when I started my children's memory quilts (still ufos) and my Kodak printer would not take these. Each time I tried to run one through my printer it jammed and eventually messed up my print head on the printer. I am NOT knocking that particular brand, it just would not work for me. I used some June Tailor sheets that I had on hand and my printer took these. I don't know if it could be because one is thicker than the other or what, but I had loads of problems. I will try this new site, as I need to do some more pics. Thanks

Just wanted to mention that if you just print on regular fabric (no pre or post treatment) it will wash out. For some really good DIY information see Caryl Bryert Fallert's website www.bryerpatch.com. She has some really good information.

I do not have to worry about colors washing out becasue I basically use these for wall hangings, art quilts and cloth banners. There have been no fade problems making my own sheets and I have not prewashed my fabric.

I just used June Taylor I had here a long time and really like it. It sure did make a big difference.

I had tried all brands and other homemade solutions. It takes more work but there is a post somewhere on this board on how to do your own on your homemade sheets. If I can find her name I will post it. It does take more work but it should work on any color if you wanted to print on something to match your quilt colors. Those premade sheets can be very expensive.

OK I found her name but I don't know how to find her posts. "gammieju"I used Beacon Fast Finish Decoupage 3 TBSP to 1 cup of water and it was thin but it washed well and the picture is beautiful! If anyone finds another fabric glue that works I would love to know.
Lynda

Bubblejet set is used 'BEFORE' printing to treat the fabric. Once it is dry, you iron the fabric onto freezer paper and run through your inkjet printer. Follow the directions on the bottle.