Older iron on transfer patterns for embroidery
 

I was given a package of beautiful butterflies patterns for iron on transfer. The mailer has a 1989 postage date so I'm guessing the ink has long since dried. Other than tracing these butterflies using my light box, does anyone have an easier, quicker method of getting these beautiful butterflies onto my fabric? The package came from Reader Mail in Niles, MI.

Have you tested it? There should be a little piece for testing, you may be surprised it still works. There are red transfer pens you can by to trace over the original pattern then iron it on to the fabric.

They might still work, I remember using transfers in the 70's that my grandmother had had since the 40's and they worked fine.

Like "quilting candy" said, test one. I have some from the WORKBASKET magazine , from the 60s, and they still work! Also the red transfer pencil will work great!

And if you test it make sure that you also test to see if the transfer will wash out before starting! There have been many posts on vintage transfers and preprinted items not washing out.

Test one but don't be surprised if it doesn't easily wash off.

Don't use steam.

I use old patterns over and over. I use the red pencil until I have to trace a new one after they start coming apart. Like others have said they may still work. I have some from the 50's that do.

Yes, I tested it at the recommended iron temp. Nothing. Made sure I had the ink side down. Nothing. Then I tried transferring at a bit higher iron temp. Nothing seems to coax the ink onto my fabric. May try to scan the butterflies onto my computer and run freezer paper/fabric through to see if that works. I usually wouldn't hesitate to hand trace them but they're quite detailed.

Thank you, Crafty Pat!

No, didn't use steam per the directions. I actually read and followed the directions explicitely.

Hobby Lobby sells red ink transfer pencils,very affordable. Just trace over your pattern and iron it on.I'd do a small test one first though.

I would test it before tossing. I have some transfer patterns from many moons ago and they are still good, so definitely test first.

Update!! This afternoon I got brave and started over with the embroidery transfers from the 1980's. I pressed at the recommended temp. but I pressed MANY times beyond the suggested 10 seconds. Success!! I also used my Steady Betty underneath. I'm not saying this would work for all older heat transfers but it worked for me. The transfer came out with a dark teal color which is not seen before. So! I've got my heat transfers onto muslin and am ready to embroider!