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Citra Solv Transfer Method – Make Grain Sack Kitchen Towels!

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Citra Solv Transfer Method

This weeks project was inspired by antique European grain sacks! These are so all the rage right now, but quite pricey for the real deal, I thought it would be fun to create a project that simulated the motif, and then use it on some kitchen towels. I also made some matching placemats as well. Both of these were made using a fun transfer technique using a cleaning product called Citra-solv!
 Finished Grain Sack Towels Displayed on Kitchen TableGrain Sack Printables

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Grain Sack Printable Front Facing Transfer with date of 1898 and Wreath Motif
Click HERE for the Front Facing Grain Sack Printable

This is the design motif that I used for the project. Yes, those are my initials, but really when you buy the antique ones you get somebody elses initials anyway, right?! Keep in mind that we will actually need to use a mirror image of the pattern for this project.

Reverse Facing Transfer with date of 1898 and Wreath Motif

Click HERE for the PDF of the Reversed Printable of the Grain Sack 

This is the version that you will need for this project.

I’ve included a supply list and instructions below:

Citra Solv Transfer Method Supply List:

1) Solid Color Fabric Kitchen Towels – I like the ones at Ikea, because they have red stripes and also, because they are super cheap! (Just keep in mind that the tighter the weave on the fabric the better. Loose weave fabrics just don’t work well, as the pattern will bleed. Sorry ladies, but I doubt burlap would work for this!)

2)Citra-solv – This product comes in Lavender or Orange, I found mine at my local Health food store.

3) Photocopy of the download – Take you printed PDF to your local copy place and have a photocopy made. Not all black and white copiers work, it must be a toner based image. I made some copies at Staples and they did not work, but the ones that I copied at my local grocery store did. All of the big box copy places use laser, so don’t try any of them, you want to find an older machine, so try your local privately owned printer shop, library, bank etc. And test it first to make sure it works!

4)Paintbrush

5)Painters tape or pins

6)An Iron

7)Also- an old metal spoon, a glass jar, an old towel, some newspaper and some rubber gloves.

Printed Transfer on top of Kitchen Towel

Step 1: Print the PDF, make sure you usethe mirror image version found HERE. Next take it to your local photocopy place, and have a toner based copy made.

Transfer Printable taped to towel

Step 2: Position your copy face down on the towel and then tape or pin your image into place.

Applying the Citra Solv with a brush
Step 3: Lay some newspaper onto your work surface (use a fairly thick stack of newspaper, you want to be able to have a little give under your fabric) and put your fabric on top of the newspaper. Put on your rubber gloves (The bottle says to protect your skin) and pour some Citra-solv into your glass jar. (Careful, it will come out quickly!) Then use your paintbrush to lightly apply the Citra-Solv. You want to get the paper wet, but don’t over soak it, or your print will bleed. (you may want to open a window, as there are fumes involved. They are pleasant, but strong. The bottle does not say they are harmful but, still… use caution!)

Citra Solv Transfer Technique burnishing with a spoon
Step 4: Use the back of your spoon to burnish the design. Make sure you burnish the whole design, it doesn’t take super long, maybe 2-4 minutes to get a good burnish. Oh and
don’t peek!! if you peek you will not be able to get everything lined back up exactly, and you will have a big blur! Better to practice on some scrap fabric first to get the hang of it, then to peek! As soon as your done burnishing you can take the paper off and then wait for your fabric to dry.

Ironing the towel after transfer is applied
Step 5: After your image is dry, lay the old towel down on your ironing board (so you don’t get citra-solv smell on it) and then iron the image to release the trapped citra-solv.

Finished towel with transfer
That’s it! You can see the design on the towels is not perfect, that’s because the weave was a little to loose in this fabric. And well… also because there was a bit of a crease in the newspaper under my towel, when I was burnishing. Personally, I like the rustique look of it all and think it makes it look older.

Transferred Grain Sack Towel displayed on table with placemat

The placemat had a tighter weave and came out picture perfect. It might be fun to tea dye your towels too for even more of an old world look. From what I understand the image is permanent and will not wash out. It’s also super soft and no shiny sheen, very natural looking! I hope you enjoyed this fun transfer technique!

Picture of Citra Solv Product

Image Transfer Techniques Sign

I hope you enjoyed this Citra Solv Transfer Method and the Grain Sack Printables. Be sure and check out my 12 Easy Transfer Methods post for more fun ways to transfer images onto nearly every surface imaginable!

Want more Printable options for your Towels? Check out my selection of Free European Inspired Printables, that are perfect for your DIY Projects!

P.S. … many thanks to Jane from Outside of the Crayon Box for turning me on to this technique!

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Comments

  1. Victoria says

    I’m going to see if I can find Citra-Solv tomorrow. One question: when do you take the paper off, do you let it dry, then remove before ironing?

    Thanks!

  7. Karen- The Graphics Fairy says

    Great, I’m so glad you guys liked this one!!

    Victoria, good question! I just changed my instructions to include that part. You can take the paper off as soon as your done burnishing, and then let your fabric dry.

    Karen

  8. Sheri says

    Oh my word! I love this! I used your graphics to make a “movie book”, you should check it out (and link up if you’d like!)

  10. Jane says

    Karen,
    This project is fantastic! Of course my mission tomorrow will be to find some Citra-Solv!
    Thanks for the great tutorial.
    Jane

  12. Paula says

    Karen I so enjoyed that! The ideas a running fast and furious!
    thanks for all your work posting these directions for us!
    paula:)

  18. Jane says

    This is such a great use of the Citra-Solv transfer! Love it! I was just at Ikea and they had the perfect dish towels for this too. Rats! I had them in my hand but got all “do I really need this.”

  26. Anonymous says

    Awesome results! I’ve been playing around with Citra Solv for a while now and I must say I LOVE IT! Not only to create amazing transfer art but I couldn’t resist from trying it as a cleaner as well and it’s just fantastic. I love it… have I said that already?

  30. jenjen says

    I just wanted to say that I love your blog. Thanks for all of the wonderful graphics.

    Love those kitchen towels. Beautiful!!!

    XOXO
    Jen

  39. Lynette says

    I so love your blog – I’m going to attempt to paint my version of a grain sack soon!
    Thanks for sharing your project – it looks so beautiful!

  52. Chani says

    Hi Karen, this looks great and seems to be so easy! What’s the name of the product you use (not the brand)? I wonder if I can get something like that in France. Love, Chani

  53. Karen- The Graphics Fairy says

    Hi Chani,
    It’s Citra Solv natural cleaner and degreaser, there’s isn’t another name. I believe this is a uniquely formulated product that is only made by them. You can buy it online though, just Google the name.
    I hope this helps!
    Karen

    • Luna says

      I think there is some confusion about printing processes. Laser printers use toner as someone points out bellow. I wonder if the distinction is not between laser and toner but between digital copiers/printers which use a laser to create light and analog copiers which use a lamp to create light. The light is used to transfer the toner, in the shape of your original image, onto a roller. The toner is then rolled onto the blank page which is heated to melt the toner onto the paper.

      Although the process (called Xerography) is almost the same between the two methods the project described on this page makes me think that there are different types of toner that are optimized for the two slightly different processes. Theoretically the toner that analog copiers use dissolves in common solvents like citrisolve where as the laser optimized toner does not.

      Unfortunately for this project, as of this post, analog copiers almost don’t exist any more. Non of the local copy shops or grocery stores have them nor the library. Everything’s digital.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photocopier#How_it_works_(using_xerography)
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_printing#Printing_process

  60. MollySunshine says

    What fun! I can’t wait to start making projects. I’m also thinking that in the photocopy process the image can be resized, like making smaller, for pin cushions and little things like that. Thanks so much for such a great idea and for everything you share!

  61. Jenni says

    I know this is kind of late in the game to be posting, but I’m just now getting around to this project…well, once my citra solv arrives, anyway.
    Do I have to use newspaper underneath for the burnishing step, or is that just to aid in clean up/keep work area clean?

  62. Karen- The Graphics Fairy says

    Jenni,
    Yes, you do need the newspaper or something similar. You don’t want too hard of a surface under your project, or the burnishing won’t turn out as well, you want something with a little give. I used a big block of thin Styrofoam, in place of the newspaper, this last time around and it worked wonderfully!

  64. rkramadh says

    This project is just fantastic. I love all things French and I even speak it. So this is just perfect!
    I found your blog just a week ago and I am so hooked! I am even your follower now. You have the classiest projects/images ever. Your generosity in sharing the images and wonderful projects is truly unmatched. God Bless You and may the images/ideas keep flowing from your brains to my PC for ever 🙂 THANKS!!!

  65. Anonymous says

    Hi Karen, I was wondering if the same photocopy can be used several times or if it was more of a one time deal?
    Thanks Brenna,
    Your New Disciple 🙂

  68. Anonymous says

    Karen, I’m a big fan of your blog, it’s really fantastic. My question is, what’s citra solv? I’m from argentina, and i don’t know how to find it here, is it similar to acetone? or similar to any cleaner? If you could explain it a little bit for me and for the others that also said that would try to find it. Thank you in advance. Congratulations again, keep on! Clary

  69. Kristen says

    I am in love with this project! It inspires me to do something similar onto burlap! Thanks for inspiring us! Now to find a copy machine that has toner…

  70. Amy Scott says

    I love this idea and am ready to do the project! So, so cute! I just can’t seem to open the PDF. I WAS able to open the “GRAINS” PDF. Anyone else having trouble?

  72. An Zebley says

    It’s been awhile since the op, but can you use the ready-to-use, spray bottle of citra-solv or does it have to be the concentrate? Thanks!

  74. Wendy Truesdale says

    Trying to do this and went to a fedex copy place to get a “toner” based copy. The transfer is not working at all! Followed these instructions to the letter. What am i missing??

  75. Karen- The Graphics Fairy says

    Hi Wendy, I’m guessing the person at Fedex told you wrong and it’s not toner based. Most large chains do not have toner anymore only laser. Try to find a small independently owned copy place with an older machine, or try your local grocery store or library. You don’t want a brand new machine, you’re looking for one that’s been around for awhile, that’s where you’ll find the toner based ones!

  77. gaelle says

    Karen You are so great! I love your site and you are sooo generous to all of us and patient with our questions. I have wanted to find an affordable (and quick) fabric transfer technique forever! Now if only I can find a toner based copier! Thanks so much. ~g~

  78. Anonymous says

    Ditto to all the thank yous for the terrific sharing. Looked all over my city yesterday and found Citra Solv at Whole Foods like you said. Got copies made at FedEx. The guy told me it was a toner machine but not sure I believe him. Will try the library if not. Got flour sack dishtowels at Target but love the IKEA red stripes so gotta get those – then hope to try! Thank you!

  79. debbie says

    Karen, Do you think this would work on the tops of painted furniture? I am lookin for a way to get some graphics on there without the extra film from the avery sticky paper or painting it by hand. Is there any way at all. Thanks Debbie

  80. JazeGirl says

    Going to do this method to create personalized Santa sacks for my kids with a vintage feel. Quick question for Karen or anyone else that has done this method… when you iron to release the trapped Citra-Solv, do you iron directly on the image? Do you put a towel over the top when you iron it? Just wondering if the image is safe to iron directly over the top…? Thanks.

  81. jj says

    Learned a lessen today.
    Everyone says to iron the design in order to get rid of the Citra-Solv smell, etc. I did a double sided project. The first side did real well. I took it back to the ironing board and iron. Turned it on and ironed it. Great. I left the iron on low and everything set up, went back with the second side to iron and it smeared the design. The design wasn’t quiet dry enough. The extra minute or two on the first side gave it just enough time to dry. IF YOU IRON IMMEDIATELY IT WILL SMEAR. Do yourself a favor and wait just a bit before you iron.

  84. Teri Smith says

    I have tried this 5 times on 5 different towels and while they look fantastic after they are done the image washes almost completely off when you wash. Anyone else have this problem and if you did were you able to fix it?

    • Anna says

      Yeah, I’m thinking about putting an image onto a pillowcase or tshirt and it would be quite disappointing if it washed off…. Does anyone have an answer?

  85. Michelle says

    can the item be washed afterwards. I was thinking of putting a design on a pillow case and obviously would not want ink or citra solve on your skin

  87. Maia says

    Finding an old copier should work best. I used a similar technique for a punk-inspires art project I did in undergrad. One note, I researched Citra-Solv a bit, and it looks like it has some nasty warnings in terms of health-effects in humans (e.g. carcinogenic), so I don’t know if I’d use it for anything besides decorative items. Also, any solvent should work for the technique. I had used a paint-thinner to do xerox transfers onto paper, so be willing to experiment a little.

  88. paulette says

    I have been trying to understand….ink jet laser printer AND toner based INK JET printer?? After researching and more researching, and then talking to my husband, the way it was explained to me….there is NO “ink jet laser printer” and NO “toner based ink jet printer”!!!! Ink jet is a LIQUID that prints your image and does NOT HEAT UP……and TONER is a POWDER THAT WILL HEAT UP for your transfers!! So all printers that have POWDER cartridges will work. If you have a printer that has INK… LIQUIDS as cartridges, they will NOT work to transfer an image!!! I have been VERY confuse….. maybe its just me?? I hope this helps everyone!!! It sure has helped me!! We have several printers in our home, and they all have POWDER cartridges!! The ink jet…LIQUID cartridges were VERY EXPENSIVE to replace!! Thanks, and again, it sure has helped me to understand!!!

    • Karen Watson says

      Hi Paulette, When we talk about Toner based copiers on this site, we are talking about commercial machines used in copy shops. They are not printers, and they are not ink jet. They are stand alone machines used to make copies. I hope that helps!

  89. SaskiaB says

    If you use an image from a printer (ink jet) you can get the same results by using an acid solvent (I use white vinegar). You get the best results if you print on transparancy paper (printable overhead sheets).

  90. Lynn says

    I’m a little confused…about the prints. You say not to use a laser printer, but laser printers are toner based. I own a laser printer and have made transfers successfully. I know an ink jet printer won’t work for this type of transfer… Am I missing something here?

  93. Nina says

    I did my first ever transfers with Citrasolv onto leather. I have two questions for you…

    1. Is this the best results I can expect, if not what should I do differently to get a better result.

    2. How do I keep my tape from pulling up the top layer of leather color? I tried blue painters tape and masking tape.

    Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Nina

    • graphicsfairy says

      Hi Nina, I am sorry but have never tried it on leather so can’t really speak to it. Try practicing on scraps and see if you can improve on it, that is what I always do. Good luck!

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