Q&A for How to Make and Use Iron on Transfers

Yes, cotton is considered one of the best fabrics for iron-on transfers.

Make sure you have mirrored the image before you click print. Always do a test print on normal printer paper before you use your transfer paper. If your image editing program doesn't have a "mirror image" or "reserve image" option, there are lots of free online photo editors you can use, such as "picmonkey" and "befunky."

You can but it might not last that long.

Cotton or cotton blend fabric works best for iron-on transfers. Other types of fabric may melt from the heat of the iron. You can also use wool, silk, velveteen, velour, denim (the softer, the better) and lycra.

Yes, but make sure the hat surface is flat while applying the transfer. Use the end of an ironing board. You need to have a solid wooden board on top of the ironing board to prevent the mesh dissipating the heat when you apply the transfer.

Usually not, as shoes should not be ironed or subjected to the heat of an iron.

Never use steam to iron on transfers. The steam prevents the transfer paper from adhering and could cause liquid damage to the design.

It won't fade if washed with care and dried outside of the dryer after each wash.

Heat resistant surfaces can include tables, kitchen counters, wood boards, etc.

You only have legal rights to pictures that you took. If you are looking to resell the shirts, you will need to come up with your own design. However if you use Google images search and go to more search settings, there is an option for unlicensed images.

Only if you're using transfer paper that's compatible with laser printers, as they can damage other types of paper. The package should specify which printers can be used with the paper.

The answer to this depends on the transfer paper you are using. Some may last for a month, couple of months and some last for a long period of time It also depends on how frequently you are wearing it and how you wash it. Drying the item in the dryer will spoil the transfer faster than air drying it.

Any type of printer will be fine. There is no specific printer to be used in the process but it must meet the specifications noted on the transfer packaging.

The smooth side is usually printed, but your paper may have exceptions. Check the instructions that come with your transfer paper.

No. An iron is needed in the process to transfer the image to the desired cloth, using both its heat and flat, heavy surface.

Most likely, yes. However, some of the transfer may be damaged as it hasn't got much to hold onto. Also, the fact of the holes pulling all the time means that the transfer won't last very long. Perhaps this would be okay for a short-term project, such as a costume for a night or a play, or for a one-day celebration outfit.

It depends on the paper you buy. Some paper doesn't work with laser printers, but there are various types of transfer paper.

There is no specific type of ink. Whatever ink your printer uses should be fine.

Yes, it works fine if you follow the instructions closely.

Yes, an iron on transfer could work on a bag, but be sure that the area can be laid flat and that the bag isn't made of a material that will melt.

Technically no, as you would still be infringing upon that company's copyright and intellectual property. However, it is unlikely that they would find out, and much less likely that they would take you to court over it.

Yes, it will follow the colour of the fabric. But beware -- the image might be slightly darker since you will be placing it on dark blue shorts.

No, it doesn't. Unwashed clothing works fine.

No. You can only use clothing or fabric transfer paper to get this result.

No. It won't transfer at all. You also might risk setting the paper on fire, which would then set the shirt on fire. If you only have normal paper and only need a rough, temporary design - fun hack - take clear packing tape and cover the design (front side). Make sure there are no bubbles! Then, soak it in water and rub off the wet paper. Finally, tape it to a shirt. It won't look perfect or professional, but it's easy!

There isn't a set time as to how long it takes to cool down, but give it at least a good 30-45 minutes before peeling off the backing, and 24 hours before washing.

Yes, this can be done with iron-on transfers. Take a look at the specifics of ironing on a transfer on black fabric, and make sure the aprons aren't made of a material that will melt.

You can print as many images onto transfer paper as you want, as long as you print them out at the same time, and cut them out before ironing.

Take your image and use an online editor such as PicMonkey to flip it. You can also use Paint.

No. It is not the same thing. You must use transfer paper, or else it will not work.