Freezer Paper Transfer Method
Hi, I’m Gina! You may know me from my blog, The Shabby Creek Cottage. I’m so very excited to be a new contributor for The Graphics Fairy. It’s such an honor to be among such a creative crew!
This week, I’m sharing a pretty simple project, for the Freezer Paper Transfer Method. {I love this awesome technique!} I started with this table runner (you can learn how to make it over at my blog.)
To do this you’ll need: Your runner (or anything you want to print on), some freezer paper, and a printer. I also used scissors and a piece of cardstock.
First you need to cut your freezer paper to the size of a sheet of paper. I had cardstock on hand, so I used it as a template and cut with scissors. You could also use a mat and cut it 8 1/2 x 11. Either way works great.
Now put the cut piece of freezer paper in your printer – you’ll want it so that the plastic side will receive the ink. {Please excuse my messy cabinet!}
Print your image in reverse, and be careful not to touch the ink. It will stay wet until the next step.
Carefully lay it down on the fabric where you want the graphic and iron it down. Make sure your iron is set on NO steam. I ironed about 60 seconds to make sure everything was in place.
After you’re ironed down, put the runner on a hard surface (like a table) and use something to burnish down the paper even more. I did it with and without this step – it really does make a big difference! Just rub, rub, rub and make sure that you’ve went over all of the graphic.
Then peel off the paper – and you’re done! The ironing makes the paper grab to the fabric, so it’ll be a bit like peeling off tape.
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| Click HERE for the Full Size Printable PDF |
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| Click HERE for the Reverse Full Size Printable PDF |
![SCCPostSigSummer[4]](https://thegraphicsfairy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/SCCPostSigSummer4.png)
Ms. Redo says
Love your table runner, Gina – and such a great clear tutorial, I think I will finally try to make a transfer onto fabric. Thanks so much for sharing, can’t wait to see what you’re making next week. Mary
Anonymous says
This is so cool! Is the ink permanent? How does it stand up in the wash? Thanks for sharing!!
Nancy Humble says
I love this method of transfer but cannot find any way to make it permanent. I’ve looked for information on permanent ink cartridges and can’t find anything. I want to make purses with this method but the ink rubs off. Help!!!!
Karen Watson says
Hi Nancy, the type of printer that you buy matters. I don’t think you can just buy permanent ink for any printer. I use an Epson, which uses water resistant ink. You can find my post about that here https://thegraphicsfairy.com/the-best-printers-for-crafting/ I hope that helps!
Judy Burrington says
Heat sets the ink. After you iron your design onto your fabric let it set for a little bit, 15 minutes or so, then go back over the ink on the fabric with the iron on cotton setting for a minute or two. That will set the ink permanently.
I know it works because I do it all the time for my labels.
graphicsfairy says
Thanks again Judy for your wonderful advice 🙂
Judy Burrington says
My pleasure. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to share my experience.
Karen says
When you iron your image the 2nd time, do you leave the freezer paper on or do you iron it after you’ve taken it off? Thanks!
Judy Burrington says
The ink will not stand up in the wash and is not permanent unless you do this: after you have applied the lettering to your fabric let it sit for about 10 minutes, then go back over the fabric with an iron on the cotton setting for about a minute, don’t let the iron sit in one spot for more than two seconds, though, to avoid burn marks. That sets the ink permanently.
Sarah (Blog Guidebook) Bradford says
I wish I could find freezer paper around here…I’ve looked at Target and Walmart and cannot find it. Any sources?
Karen- The Graphics Fairy says
Sarah, Did you try your grocery store? Mine has it in the same section as Aluminum foil.
Judy Burrington says
I had a hard time finding it, too. Bashas didn’t carry it and we didn’t find it at our Walmart either. My husband end up finding it at Costco.
Gina Luker says
Hi Sarah, I found mine at Walmart, in the area where the aluminum foil is. You can also try your local grocery stores, too. I found it “hidden” on the very bottom shelf 🙂 Hope this helps!
Kimberly says
Costco has a big roll of freezer paper (we use a lot of it for quilting) for around $40 give or take. You can also get it at grocery stores in smaller rolls or walmart in smaller rolls – it will be with the foil and saran wrap. It is great for applique patterns because you can iron it over and over using the same pattern many times.
Anonymous says
Wal-mart does have it. You’ll find it in the area where the canning jars are. I found some there. THe freezer paper is not with the freezer bags, etc. Their way of stocking just blows my mind!!
Judy Burrington says
Good to know! Who would have guessed.
Viikkie says
I would bet wax paper would work
Judy Burrington says
Wax paper would work, but it is waxed on both sides so you need to set your iron hotter and put thin material between the wax paper and the iron so you don’t ruin your iron. I’ve read that freezer paper works best, but I have not tried them both to know for fact.
graphicsfairy says
Thanks Judy!
Judy Burrington says
I think wax paper would work much better for transferring onto wood. I tried the freezer paper method on wood and didn’t like it because the ink looked smeared and the ink is too light so I ended up having to paint the letters. But, at least the freezer paper method did make a wonderful stencil template for me to paint over. Which is really great because you are guaranteed to have your letters spaced evenly.
As for printing on fabric if the fabric is thin I apply Wonder Under to it, cut it out to regular paper size and put it right in the printer and print directly onto the fabric. I absolutely LOVE this method, the ink is nice and dark this way. Then iron it for a minute to set the ink permanently. That is how I do my clothing labels and quilt labels. The Wonder Under has a peel off backing so you can iron your printed fabric onto something else, like quilt, clothing, towels, etc. It is found in the fabric section of the store.
Connie Robbins says
May sound stupid.But just occurred to me.Did you iron on your wood?
graphicsfairy says
This method was used to transfer to fabric. Are you referring to another project?
CeeJay says
Wax paper has more of a waxed surface. Freezer paper has a plastic surface. When you iron freezer paper the plastic melts and adheres to the fabric but doesn’t melt INTO the fabric like wax will. Wax paper WILL work but freezer paper works best.
Nancy Humble says
I bought mine at a large Walmart.
Judy says
I think it the same as wax paper
Karen Watson says
It’s a little different, Freezer paper has a shiny side and a papery side. I don’t think I would try wax paper in a printer, the wax might come off and gum up the machine.
Jann says
I printed today on wax paper for wood transfers and it worked ok. It is not very user friendly while cutting the wax paper to size though.
graphicsfairy says
Yes Jann, that can be tricky but glad it worked for you!
Gina Luker says
Hi Anon,
The type of ink your printer takes determines whether or not it is permanent. My printer is permanent, but there are a few brands out there that are not. A quick google search can tell you if yours is.
Thanks so much!
sarah says
There is a liquid you can buy that you can use to make inkjet printer ink permanent. From memory you soak the fabric in the solution for 5 minutes and then let it dry, then do the image transfer as per this tutorial, then let that dry and then you wash it to remove the solution residue and it is permanent. I actually make labels for my business using this solution.
Nancy Humble says
Do you know what it is called or where you bought the solution to make the ink permanent?
Sandy says
Bubble jet 2000 and Bubble Jet rinse
Judy Burrington says
Any Inkjet printer will work wonderfully. You just have to iron over the applied ink for a minute to set it permanently.
This doesn’t not work with laser printers, it must be an inkjet.
Sherrie says
Hi girls! Love your collaboration! Genius!
Gina did you use an inkjet or laser jet printer?
Can’t wait to see what you come up with next :0)
M. Santos says
Hola , muchas gracias por el tuto y por la explicacion
Besos
Glamour Bomb says
Hello, cool tutorial. I’m just unclear if this is a laser or inkjet printer. Thanks!
Karen- The Graphics Fairy says
Hi everyone. Gina used an inkjet printer that uses waterproof ink. I use a similar type of printer. If your printer does not use waterproof ink, then I would make sure to only use this technique on projects that you won’t be washing. This method works great on wood too!
William says
Great to have another fabulous crafter showing off all the wonderful images that Karen shares with everyone. Said it before-this is the BEST site out there for artists/crafters. Amazing that we have this resource.
Auntie Bliss says
LOVE this!!!! Oh yay oh yay oh yaaaaayyy!
Anonymous says
How do you print it in reverse? Is there a printer setting?
Karen- The Graphics Fairy says
Actually, I’ve already made a reverse version of the image, it’s the last one on this post, just above Gina’s name. I hope that helps!
Anonymous says
Is wax paper the same as freezer paper? We have different products in canada, just like i can’t find CitriSolve for doing transfers and was wondering if other orange solvents will also work.
Karen- The Graphics Fairy says
If you look in my right sidebar, in my “popular posts” section, you will see an orange button with “12 easy image transfer methods” on it. Click on the button and when you get to the post, you will see a method for wax paper. Also, some one from Canada told me that she had success with an orange solvent product that she found there, I don’t know what brand it was though. Have fun transferring!
Judie S says
A picture is worth a thousand words:
http://www.reynoldskitchens.com/product.asp?prod_id=1798
This is the freezer paper I found in the grocery store. I believe the difference between freezer paper is that freezer paper is coated on only one side with wax and wax paper is coated on both sides. Also, looks like freezer paper is made with heavier paper.
Anonymous says
link to 12 easy image transfers (I didn’t find Karen’s link on her right sidebar) http://www.graphicsfairy-diy.com/2012/01/12-easy-image-transfer-methods-for-diy.html
Becky Green says
WOW! You ladies are GREAT! Asking ALLL the RIGHT QUESTIONS! I don’t have any now!!!!!!!!!! LOL 🙂 Thank you for the printable & reverse! 🙂 (P.S. If you’d add the URL thingy to your Graphics Fairy blog, I’d leave you comments there too! 🙂 ) LOVE your blog!!!!!!! 🙂
Heaven's Walk says
LOVE this project, girls! Thanks for the great tutorial and fabulous graphics!!!! 🙂
xoxo laurie
Trayne1837 says
Oh, this is fantastic. I do lots of things for the theatre… and I can use this method for transferring a pattern and then using the dimensional paints… so great
Marianne says
This seems like a great method for transferring a pattern. Freezing paper can not be bought at grocery stores in the Netherlands, but I order a length at a hobby shop. I am looking forward to give it a t try.
MaryB. says
Marianne, when I lived in England you could find freezer paper at quilt shops. If there is one near to where you live you might try calling them and see if they stock it or they may be able to tell you where you can get it.
JessLS says
Hi Marianne,
I’ve just found out Bol.com (same as Amazon.com) do sell freezerpaper sheets (used for quilting)- 30 sheets for €8.99! 😀 Delivery within 3 days!
Good luck! Succes ermee…:-)
Anonymous says
I too live in the UK and found is on Amazon.co.uk they even have a brand for this purpose called quilters freezer paper sheets. I am going to start trying this. I just have no way of know if my ink is waterproof or not – nothing on the packaging for HP Photosmart printers if the ink is waterproof – any guidance on the brand to use?
Teresa says
Awesome- going to give it a try.
Thanks
GGBunnie says
I was so excited to try this method, while waiting for my CitriSolve to arrive…I have followed all intructions to the letter, but….my Dell inkjet printer will not print on the shiny side of the paper. Any thoughts or ideas anyone? 🙂
Karen- The Graphics Fairy says
Hi GG, Oh, that’s a shame! Maybe try some different settings on your printer and see if that works, you might try selecting a higher quality print setting or even a lower one and see if that makes a difference.
GGBunnie says
It worked!!! I had to go to “Properties” and there is a setting for “coated” paper as well as glossy, etc… My first transfer is good enough to sew into a pillow 🙂
Just want to share a few tips I also learned. My freezer paper curled and would not go throught the printer so I attached it to a regular sheet of printer paper with a small piece of double face tape at each corner…problem solved.
I now have THREE pillow (covers) to sew…Big SMILE!
I also misted my fabric with water from a spray bottle. Just a fine mist to get it damp.
VERY happy that I stuck with this and didn’t give up. Well worth the trial and error.
Rachel says
Ok, I just tried this method. I followed the directions but when I peeled the paper off, NO print stayed on the fabric! It all peeled up with the paper. What did I do wrong?
Amy says
Did you get it figured out? I printed my reverse image on 16 sheets of freezer paper and nothing is staying on the fabric for me either! I hate to waste even more paper! I have a Dell inkjet printer too, so I may try that. Just curious if you figured out your problem. Thank you.
Lou Jean Derouen says
Please read the instructions again. It is mentioned that you need to burnish the letters to be sure that they will transfer and not stay on the freezer paper.
Monica B says
Thanks so much for this tutorial using wax paper to transfer. This is so helpful. I can’t wait to try this.
Monica B says
oops! I mean freezer paper!
❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁ says
Thanks for the great tutorial. Now to see if the ink my printer uses is permanent or not!
Un Taller de Miniaturas says
Thank you very much for the tuto, Gina, so GREATTTTTT!!!
And my compliments, Karen, for an awesome blog full of lovely graphics!!!!
Hugs both of you,
Paloma
deb says
Thank you for the great tutorial!
gme says
For future use on different graphics, can you please tell us how to print in reverse?
Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says
Hi gme, I’ve done this before on Picasa, using Ctrl Shift V for a vertical flip and Ctrl Shift H for a horizontal flip.
Genevieve says
Almost any graphics program can reverse an image. If you don’t have another graphics program, GIMP is a free download and it does all the standard things that most people ever need. In GIMP, open the image and then click “Image”, then “Transform”, and then “Flip horizontally.”
Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says
I’m looking forward to trying this!
Emme Toaye says
Thanks for sharing and I can’t wait to try this!!
Judy Havrilla says
Wow that is a really, really great idea! The result is fantastic. It does look so vintage. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.cuteanduseful.com
yann says
Just wonder, does the image stays after washing?
Anonymous says
DOES NOT work on felt!!!! Very upsetting! I tried 8 different ways, with different settings on the printer and it just doesn’t work. 🙁
Karen Watson says
The felt is probably to fuzzy to accept the ink. Sorry it didn’t work for you. I like to use Canvas Drop Cloth, it’s a nice weight for the printer, and it takes the ink really well.
Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs says
Thank you for the awesome tutorial!!!
I am excited too to find waterproof ink!
Sweet Magnolias Farm says
I am trying to find out if my machine takes waterproof ink and can't find any info. on it ..any suggestions on how you found out ?
Karen Watson says
Most Epson printers use waterproof ink (although not all, so make sure you get the right one if you’re shopping for a new printer). If you don’t have an Epson, you probably don’t have waterproof ink.
Sascha says
I use pre-cut 8 1/2 x 11 freezer paper from Dharma Trading Co.
http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/500944-AA.shtml
Since I do a lot of stencil cut outs this is economical and time saving for me. Works great!
Mama says
I highlighted this wonderful technique on my little blog at http://wadelmat.blogspot.com/ Thanks!
Conny's Cottage says
Thank you that sooo great i love it
hugs Conny
Crystal says
Was so excited to do this and couldn’t get it to work 🙁 The image was transferred very slightly but greenish, not black like what was printed. Any suggestions? Would love to get this to work. Thanks!
Glamorous Mommy says
I am SO stinkin’ excited I found this! Thanks so much for sharing!!
-Fotini
IndieSouth Fair says
I think this is a great idea. I’m going to try to do it tomorrow.
laura D says
wonderful, can’t wait to try…
Thanks
Jenn says
The correct English is “gone over” not “went over.”
Anonymous says
Why did you have to write that? What satisfaction did you get from that?
Taryn Morvillo says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous says
I have been looking and looking for this, need it for a christmas present…but do you have any suggestions with a laser printer? Will this work since that is permanent?
Karen Watson says
I wish I could answer this for you, but Gina and I both have inkjet printers. Sorry!
Anonymous says
just so everyone knows- this is the exact same process you can use it with WAX paper as well
Anonymous says
I am still confused on how you print your image in reverse?
Karen Watson says
Try using Picmonkey.com it's free and easy to use!
Anonymous says
I would also like to know how you print in reverse (something other than the template provided here).
Karen Watson says
Try using Picmonkey.com
Amy says
Any thoughts on using burlap? I just tried this technique doing all the steps correcty and the image did not transfer. Someone suggested I ask Kinko's?
Karen Watson says
Amy, Burlap can be tough to transfer to, because the weave is so loose. The best method that I have found for burlap is using Iron on Transfer paper. I use a brand called Tap, which works really well, and can be found on Amazon. I have a couple of posts here that show you how to use it, if you do a search for my Union Jack Pillow project, you will find more info there.
Mary Ann says
I absolutely love your site. It's amazing and you will be featured on my site soon. Your Pinterst boards opened so many new ideas for me. I'm VERY new to the blog world, so any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Karren says
I am totally addicted to this site and your other site. I took tea towels and transferred this same graphic on it for Christmas presents. I put them in Mason Jars with bright green jingle bells. They were a big hit!
Kudzu says
wow, thanks for the great tutorials!
kudzu
Anonymous says
Will color ink transfer or only black ink?
Linda M says
I did everything the tutorial said, transferring it to painters cloth, etc., but the image was so faint that I could barely see it. I burnished on a hard surface, I ironed it non-steam. Any idea how to get the image darker?
Anonymous says
For some reason, when I print onto my Freezer paper, the ink fades away as it dries so that my image is hardly visible. Does anyone know what would be causing this and how I can fix it?
Anthrounit says
I was printing on my Epson Artisan 810 with a sheet of freezer paper I cut to fit in it and the image always comes out with the ink beading up on the paper like its using to much or something. Ive been testing this out on different printer settings for paper type and Ive noticed some differences but anyone care to share how they are printing or if they are printing pictures and not just text? I specifically want to know what paper type your selecting and quality of the photo the size, right now any info would be helpful. So far the tests ive done with the images ive ironed on look about the same as when they are fresh out of the printer..
TxDisneyFan says
Did you figure out what to do? I have the same printer. I thought it looked pretty good transferred onto a t-shirt (it did look faded- but to me that made it look kind of vintage). However, today when I touched the image on the shirt, the ink came off onto my hand! 🙁
tze ching yeung says
So, who can tell me how i can make non-water fast ink permanent on fabric ? Thanks.
Pat Smeback says
Love this idea! Question I haven’t seen addressed: You mention that the ink will stay wet until placed on the fabric. Have you had problems with incorrect positioning? I don’t want to put it down and think, aw, it’s crooked” and then not be able to move it because some ink has already soaked in. Has anyone had an issue with this? Thanks for the lovely idea!
k r Munro says
what a great idea. Would allowing image to dry and then misting fabric with hairspray first work? I’ve been looking up transfer methods all morning and hairspray features quite a lot. I am off to try transfer method with freezer paper and wood…
also think that coating surface with watered down pva or modge podge and allowed to dry would solve this problem as it is used to transfer images direct from paper.
Linda Wohlford says
If I want to use my own word image. How do you get it to print in reverse? Thanks so much. Love your work, You are so dedicated to your site!! Thank you.
RanRan says
Check your printer options. You might have to push a few buttons to find them. My current “mirror image” option is under “Layout.” Some word processing programs give you that option, as well.
Kellie says
I am so excited to try this!! Thank you for sharing!
Ada says
Thank you
sillsuthcork says
Freezer paper is not sold here,(Ireland) nor are there quilt shops – so what would be the equivalent or alternative for this product please?
Karen Watson says
You could always use Iron on Transfer Paper. Or maybe you could buy Freezer Paper online? Have you tried Amazon?
Saba Musharrif says
Hey Gina!
Thank you for this lovely tutorial. I was wondering whether the print is permanent. Does it wash off?
Isabelle says
merci Gina pour tes idées merveilleuses ! J’ai enfin fini par trouver ce fameux papier (j’habite en France) sur Amazon. Je vais pouvoir tester et j’ai hâte d’essayer.
LILOU says
Bonjour, quand vous dite du papier congelateur?? vous voulez dire du papier sulfurisé??? je vous remercie de votre réponse. et bonne continuation c’est magnifique!!!!! lilou
César says
Hello, beautiful article!
Is it possible to use this method on silk and cashmere?
Thank you!
Karen Watson says
I haven’t tried it on Silk or Cashmere, if you try it, test it out on a scrap piece first to see if it works. 🙂
Thia says
I’m excited to try this! One question I have is: how do you preserve the image once it’s transferred?
graphicsfairy says
Hi Thia,
This post was written by Gina over at The Shabby Creek Cottage, she did not use a sealant for her table runner but you could use a spray sealant if you would like to:)
Rita Cristina Frissong says
Hola Gina, soy de Argentina y no se a que le llamas papel congelador, es un plástico que se usa para separar los alimentos en el freezer? o puede ser papel parafinado o papel manteca que se usa en repostería? me encantaría probar esta técnica de transferencia, pero no tengo idea de que es papel congelador!!! puedes ayudarme?
graphicsfairy says
Hola Rita,
papel de congelador es papel grueso con un recubrimiento de plástico o cera en un lado. Se diferencia de pergamino, que no tiene revestimiento, y el papel de cera, que tiene un revestimiento sobre ambos lados. Es posible que pueda usar papel de cera, pero poner un paño de cocina o algo de luz en la parte superior de la tranfer antes de realizar la transferencia térmica a fin de no obtener la cera sobre la plancha ya que el papel de cera tiene la cera en ambos lados. ¡Buena suerte!
BONNIE says
I JUST TRIED TO DO A FREEZER PAPER TRANSFER AND IT DID NOT TRANSFER. I HAVE A LASER PRINTER…UGGGG
graphicsfairy says
Sorry about that Bonnie 🙁 Gina said in her tutorial, “you’ll want it so that the plastic side will receive the ink.” Did you do that? I’m not sure other than that, and that you used freezer paper and not wax paper? Maybe give it another try? Sorry I’m not being more helpful!
Bettye Harmon says
Have no idea how to print something in reverse. The method to do so was not discussed. Help would be greatly appreciated.
Bettye
graphicsfairy says
Hi Bettye,
Here is a link which will show you how to reverse images, https://thegraphicsfairy.com/how-to-reverse-images-for-transfers/
I hope this helps 🙂
Naomi says
The vintage look is effective but the choice of text is not appealing. “Objets de pansements” refers to bandages mainly used in surgery by hospitals and clinics.
Melissa says
I am curious how this would work for a large project. I have an old sofa picture that I want to put fabric on the existing picture. This fabric is what I want to put a scripture on. I know that if I used a word program it would print several sheets to form the entire wording so would that matter as for the time laps in getting it set up on the fabric to be ironed?
graphicsfairy says
I have never tried in on such a large project Melissa, maybe give it a try on scrap fabric first to see how it looks? I don’t see why it wouldn’t though. Good luck!
Helene says
Hi
Will ordinary wax paper also work?
graphicsfairy says
No Helene, it needs to be the freezer paper, they are completely different types of paper.