TheMamaHauser

I am working on a quilt (duh - aren't we all?) and I'm trying to do the print-on-fabric thing.

I tried using our ink jet (Lexmark) and the ink didn't even seem to touch the fabric. It came out white as it went in.

So I said, well maybe I can try my laser jet. It came out very crisp and clear but if I hit it with steam or touch the printing for too long, it starts to smudge.

I'm beginning to think the ink jet problem is more an issue with the fabric - I am using the Moda Bella Solids and in the past, I've had a hard time getting Pigma Micron pen ink to adhere to it also.

I'm thinking of going with a bleached muslin to see if that provides better results with the ink jet.

My big questions are this:

1. Is there a reliable way to "seal" the toner from a laser jet?

2. Has anyone else had problems with certain brands of fabric accepting the ink jet ink?

3. Does anyone have suggestions other than what I've tried?

*Buying the specialty printer-fabric packages isn't an option for this - I need to print upwards of 300 pages to get enough blocks for what I'm doing. I'm using the full-sheet adhesive label adhered to the back of the fabric method and I've been able to use the same label almost 10 times so far without having issues.

This is a picture of my test run so far:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]353262[/ATTACH]

I appreciate any help you ladies can provide!

Silver Needle

Laser printers are not recommended for printing photographs so I imagine they aren't the best choice for this. Did you try prewashing the fabric?

Born2Sew

I use Bubble Jet Set 2000 for pretreating the fabric you wish to print on. After that process is finished, you iron the treated fabric onto freezer paper being sure to trim any loose threads. I cut my paper to 81/2 x 11 inches, but you could use whatever size you set your printer for. After printing, I let them dry for a full 24 hours then rinse in the Bubble Jet Rinse to set. I've never tried a laser printer; would think it would burn into the fabric. I wouldn't recommend a laser printer. Good luck with your project.

auntpiggylpn

I would definately recommend the Bubble Jet set also. Or you can buy fabric that is PFD (prepared for dying)

TheMamaHauser

I have not made a habit of prewashing, so I just put a half-yard in the wash to see if that helps with the ink jet.

Born2Sew, where do you get the Bubble Jet Set 2000 and the rinse?

ghostrider

More info on laser printing on fabric.
http://www.brighthub.com/computing/h...les/58811.aspx

It is entirely possible and long lasting, though not very washable. It's often used for art quilts. Laser printers do not get too hot for fabric, but they do get too hot for the adhesive on the prepared fabric sheets such as Printed Treasures. As others have said, your inkjet printer should work fine with prewashed/treated fabric.

TheMamaHauser

Ghostrider, that is actually really comforting. I can get 10,000+ pages out of one toner cartridge - and not even a 10th of that with the ink jet. This is going to be a decorative-only-not-for-beds quilt, so I feel much better about using the laser jet now.

mary quilting

make your own bubble jet search this sight bubble jet recipe look for thread
HomeMade BubbleJet

Peckish

Here's a blog that has a recipe for a homemade alternative to Bubble Jet Set, if you can't find it in your area. I haven't tried it yet, so I can't vouch for it personally - but if you try it, please let us know how it works!

http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/2...bean-bags.html

mary quilting

thank you could not get the link to work for me on my post