Best Iron On Transfer Paper – Union Jack Shield Pillow and Printable
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I had so much fun designing and making this Union Jack Shield Pillow with my favorite Transfer Paper!! (Update, my favorite Transfer Paper is not currently being manufactured, and you can’t find it anywhere. Boo! I’ve had a lot of people ask me for an alternative. As a substitute I am now recommending Transfer Magic Inkjet Transfer Paper. I have not actually tried this paper yet myself, but it does have some promising reviews on Amazon, so hopefully it will work well you for you too.)
Even though I’m including this in the Sewing category, I cheated and used a premade pillow cover from Ikea. This is the “Aina” pillow, it’s a nice generous size 20″ x 20″ , it’s white and made of a linen cotton blend. This is how it looked before I got my hands on it! Because the pillow was so large, the printable comes in 2 halves, the top and the bottom of the shield. I didn’t want the image to look ditsy on the pillow. We can’t have that… now can we?!!
Click HERE for the Full Size printable of the Bottom Half.Now for the most exciting part of the project!!! This is the Iron on Transfer Paper that I used. It’s called Tap and it’s made by Lesley Riley. In my opinion this is the Holy Grail of Transfer Papers!!! Seriously, I’ve done all kinds of transfers over the years, I’m kind of a transfer nut actually… and this stuff blows all the other papers away! It is far superior in every way, it’s fast, it’s soft, no shine etc. I’m going to do a whole post on this stuff soon, until then, just know that you need this paper! ( In case you didn’t see above, TAP is sadly no longer available. You may want to give Transfer Magic Inkjet Transfer Paper a try and see how it performs for you. There is a version for light fabrics and another one for dark fabrics)
This is a close up of the transfer, had I left the iron on a few seconds longer, it would have transferred completely, but when I peeled up the corner and saw that it had a slightly distressed look, I was in Love and peeled it right off!! There is a dark line across the center, you can see it in the photo, where the two transfers overlap. I actually don’t mind that at all, and I think it adds to rustic appearance. You do need to overlap to get it to line up just right, or else you could trim one of the halves down a bit to get it more even. Make sure you trim up the transfer. I cut away all the white parts, mainly so that when I laid the transfer on, I could see the shape of it, and would know how to lay it out, since it goes face down on your project.
Here it is, a nice big pillow, with a big transfer. I love it! I hope you do too!
Don’t forget if you want the smaller size image, for a smaller pillow or project, you can get this one, that’s all one piece, HERE.
***P.S. A big thank you to Maddie at Domestic Anarchyfor posting about the Tap transfer papers!!!
Mel says
May 8, 2011 at 8:36 pmFantastic! I love the shield shape.
Haverford House says
May 8, 2011 at 8:44 pmKaren, I love how this turned out! I use the Ikea pillow covers all the time, a lot easier than sewing. I’m going to have to try using this transfer paper too! Thanks much! ~Marcy
Laurie says
May 8, 2011 at 9:00 pmSo cool! Just showed it to my 14 y old son and he gives it a “cool” thumbs up! Thanks for sharing the printable and the how-to!
rosecreams says
May 8, 2011 at 9:06 pmOh I know someone who would love this and his birthday is in June!
Karen- The Graphics Fairy says
May 8, 2011 at 9:10 pmThanks everyone!!
Marcy, I bet we’re not the only ones using them, the white ones are usually sold down when I go! At $6.00 the price can’t be beat!
Blue Creek Home says
May 8, 2011 at 10:17 pmLove love love it
love your pillow!
Rhonda
Maddie Kertay- The Domestic Anarchist says
May 8, 2011 at 10:44 pmSo glad you like using it!!!!!.. I have had more fun with TAP… A hot iron is totally your friend and to makes sure it stays for the long haul giving it a few days to cure before washing also helps.
AWESOME!
Maddie
L'Atelier de Framboise Chocolat says
May 8, 2011 at 11:04 pmIt’s very very beautiful !!!!
Karen- The Graphics Fairy says
May 8, 2011 at 11:12 pmMaddie, Good to know about the washing!! Thanks for the tip!
tales from an oc cottage says
May 9, 2011 at 1:01 amWAY awesome! I cannot wait to get my hands on that paper!!!!! Thx for the “411”!!!
m ^..^
Tracey says
May 9, 2011 at 7:57 amWhere can you find the transfer paper? Does it have to be ordered online?
Cina99 says
May 9, 2011 at 8:00 amOh, I do hope I can find it in Sweden!
Karen- The Graphics Fairy says
May 9, 2011 at 10:03 amTracey,
click on the link to order it (the words “Iron on Transfer Paper” are linked). Yes, you can only get it online. You can also find it on Amazon.
Cina99,
Try Amazon.com, I’m not sure if they ship to Sweden or not.
Wendy Bardsley says
January 18, 2017 at 2:27 pmAmazon seems to be out of this paper, clicking on the link shows prices starting at $500! Do you have any replacement favorites?
Karen Watson says
January 18, 2017 at 10:06 pmHi Wendy, I’m so sorry about that! What a crazy amount! I’ve gone ahead and updated the links. The paper is on back order, but you can order it now and they will ship it when it’s back in stock. I really don’t recommend anything else, it’s worth the wait! Thanks for letting me know about the link.
Atticmag says
May 9, 2011 at 11:14 amI’m sure everyone will want this one after that wedding. It looks super on the white chair. Jane
Ruby Jean says
May 9, 2011 at 1:15 pmHi Karen,
I am so happy to have popped over here from your Graphics Fairy Blog…You had me at come and check out this Iron Transfer Paper… : ) I have been using the Print’n Press and I can’t say I was all that thrilled with it…It left like you said a Shine and looked exactly like I had just used transfer paper..( even though I did..we don’t want everyone else to know that…we would rather them be wondering how that image got there.. : ) I am beginning to learn about screen printing..but until it is mastered I will be deffinatley purchasing some of this Paper..Can’t wait to try it..
Thank you for sharing it with us…And testing it out..
Jacqueline says
May 9, 2011 at 8:05 pmThanks so much!!
Pam says
May 9, 2011 at 11:21 pmI love the Ikea pillows and have made them with your birdcage graphic and scale graphic. I have them in my house and think they make great gifts too.
Great graphic on this one!
abeachcottage says
May 10, 2011 at 6:39 amTurned out lovely. Thanks for sharing.
LuLu Kellogg says
May 10, 2011 at 6:29 pmYou have been a busy bee! I am trying to catch up on my blog visits so I am off to see what else I missed on your blog! I love this pillow!
Love,
LuLu~*xoxo
Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky) says
May 26, 2011 at 9:24 pmThanks so much for the image! It encouraged me to try transfer paper for the first time. Unfortunately I couldn’t find the brand you recommended, but bought the only kind our Michaels in Canada had, 3 sheets for $9. I’m not fond of the shine, so I’m keeping an eye out for the other kind. I love my pillow!
Meg says
May 29, 2011 at 10:24 pmSo cool! I love this! Do you order the transfer paper online? I’ve never seen it before? I use the Avery transfer paper but it was too shiny for my liking. I could have washed the transfer after I ironed it on, but I chickened out! 😉
Tout Un Fil says
May 31, 2011 at 3:31 amJe trouve cela superbe et génial ! Merci !
Rhi says
February 16, 2012 at 12:36 pmlove it! where did the chair come from?
Birds and Blossoms says
March 10, 2012 at 7:16 pmI found this paper on Amazon. Got it the other day. It was easy to use, and I am sure I did it correctly, the image transferred perfectly to my fabric, but when I went to wash it..the ink ran and caused pinkish blue staining all around the image…not sure why this happened.
Amy says
January 4, 2013 at 11:35 amSuch a pretty pillow! Thank you for your comment. Half the time I never receive replies when I post comments on blogs… so thank you! Do you think this will work for burlap? Before I received your comment, I resigned myself to printing Anderson on two sheets of freezer paper (in landscape), using an exacto knife and cutting out the letters, ironing on the freezer paper stencil to my burlap,
Anonymous says
February 4, 2013 at 6:07 pmthanks for posting this! I just went to the store and got the material to try this out myself!
Suezoo says
June 10, 2013 at 2:57 amOK, you’ve sold me. A quick trip to Amazon.ca and my TAP is on the way. [I used to think a credit card and a telephone were the easiest/scariest/quickest way to spend money!]
Gina snyder says
August 19, 2013 at 6:55 pmHi, bringing up an old post. Just wondering how the image holds up after repeat washings?
Gina
Debbie says
October 25, 2013 at 2:50 pmKaren, can you please explain what you wrote about the “white box around the image” using this paper? This paper is pretty spendy, and I’d like to know what I’m getting into with this white box. I left a post yesterday too, but it isn’t here??
Karen Watson says
October 25, 2013 at 7:59 pmHi Debbie, I’ve reread the post twice now, but I don’t see anything about a White Box. I even did a search on the page, but your comment was the only place where the words “white box” showed up. I don’t know if that helps or not!
Patti-Ann says
July 26, 2015 at 2:46 pmHi Karen: Perhaps Debbie meant “white parts” which I am guessing would be the paper that did not have pattern on it. In essence you “cut out” the design. It did take me a minute when I read the post. I hope this is helpful. I have come back to this page several times (as you can tell by the date of my reply) and think I might finally be ready to try this on some drop cloth curtains I am making 🙂 Thank you for your instructions.
LESLIE FRAZIER says
September 18, 2015 at 8:45 pmhttps://youtu.be/Kd7bk4bln74
great video on process…you don’t have to cut out around design as only the ink or medium used will transfer to item…but because the TAP paper is pricey, print out as many things as you can to use up the paper when printed with your inkjet printer…
Cindy S says
October 26, 2013 at 5:11 amHi – do you have to print the design on this tap paper using any type of special printer or will a normal at home printer work?
LESLIE FRAZIER says
September 18, 2015 at 8:43 pmuse ink jet,,,laser will melt the surface of the paper that is part of the transfer process. great youtube video
https://youtu.be/Kd7bk4bln74
Frances says
November 11, 2015 at 9:32 amHave been using TAP for years. I agree about the holy grail. I buy it in large quantities and use it on fabric.
Karen Watson says
November 11, 2015 at 4:58 pmThanks Frances! I did notice that it comes in a bulk option now as well. It really is the best!
Debbi says
November 11, 2015 at 2:02 pmI love this transfer paper. I have found Amazon is the best place to buy especially if you are a prime member. I generally get the best results on cottons and cotton blends, The transfer softens each time you wash, basically “falling into” the fabric, which is nice
Karen Watson says
November 11, 2015 at 4:56 pmThanks for your input Debbi! I love my Prime Membership too, the free shipping is awesome and I love watching the on demand movies and shows! So glad you have had the same results with this paper as I have!
sandra says
November 14, 2015 at 9:57 amHi Ladies, I have just read your comments about printable transfer paper. I have been using heat transfer paper and although the design prints out beautifully ( ink jet printer ) when the item ( I always usse cotton or linen) the image fades. Can anyone please advise what papers you are using and what the name of the company is, and if you know if its available in London, UK.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Sandra
Karen Watson says
November 14, 2015 at 4:56 pmHi Sandra,
The Tap paper that I talk about in this post, really is the best, I’m not kidding! Just click on the link and you can buy it on Amazon and see all of the reviews there, from the happy customers that use it. I hope that helps!
Kim Dressler says
December 9, 2015 at 11:43 pmWhere did you get this and what luck have you had washing it numerous times?? like on a cotton shirt? Not a tshirt.
Karen Watson says
December 10, 2015 at 7:49 pmHi Kim, You can click on the links to find the paper, I got the pillow cover at Ikea. I can’t remember if I’ve washed the Pillow or not, I’m not sure where it is right now! I know my readers love this product and it’s supposed to do well in the wash, try it on a scrap piece of fabric and then wash it a few times to be sure.
JoAnn says
January 17, 2016 at 9:50 pmWill this type of paper work on polyester? Found really nice pillows with zippers at TJMaxx but they are polyester nylon blend.
laura oflaherty says
March 4, 2016 at 7:22 pmhi i was wondering if anyone had tried this paper over annie sloan paint. i am trying to make some nice quote plaques as presents and tried it tonite on one of my mdf plaques which have been painted with annie sloan paint and the heat from the iron lifted off the paint. any hints or tips would be appreciated.thanks
Karen Watson says
March 6, 2016 at 10:20 amHi Laura, I did this on a painted sign once, but I used an old painted wooden board for the sign. The paint was very old, it did stick to the paint, but the paint may have been oil or Lead even. I know it does not work with latex paint, that’s too bad that it didn’t work with ASCP. I’m wondering if it would work with Milk Paint?
Debbie Schneiderman says
June 21, 2017 at 10:08 pmSince the tap sheets are no longer sold anywhere… have you found a good replacement? I bought for years after I watched your tutorial and loved the Lesley Riley tap sheets. So upset I cant buy anymore.
graphicsfairy says
June 22, 2017 at 1:58 pmHi Debbie,
Unfortunately there is no replacement for Tap, we just have to wait a few months until they manufacture it again. You could try one of the other brands, they’re just not as good as Tap though.
Carroll Nabors says
July 14, 2017 at 9:39 amThat paper is being reformulated as one of the chemicals used is no longer available. Guess we will have to wait for the chemists to do their thing. Sigh!!
graphicsfairy says
July 14, 2017 at 4:51 pmI know Carroll, I so miss my Tap paper!!
Sarah says
July 22, 2017 at 6:03 pmHi guys ,
I sound really stupid here now but I got lost ha ha . My friend recommended I used used on some larger furniture but I have .
I have watched the video but the part I’m
Confused about is if im transferring the paper into a special material for the iron use or simply once I have my print on paper I place it on the table which has been painted & had decoupage glue on it placing grease proof parchment on top & ironing it .
Or does the print have to be made i to a special material ?
Thanks for any help really keel to get going
graphicsfairy says
July 23, 2017 at 1:24 pmHi Sarah,
This transfer method is not for furniture but for fabric. Here is a link to my favorite transfer methods so you can pick the method that best suits your project, https://thegraphicsfairy.com/12-easy-image-transfer-methods-for-diy-projects/
Good luck!
Claudia says
October 25, 2017 at 2:53 pmGreat article! Where do you get TAP paper? or is there another brand you recommend?
graphicsfairy says
October 26, 2017 at 5:40 pmHi Claudia, this is an old post and unfortunately it is no longer available 🙁 You can ask for recommendations at your local craft store, I have yet to find a decent replacement!
Tessa says
October 26, 2017 at 10:46 amI have a question about image transfer… what method is best to end up with a very crisp, saturated (?) image on fabric, a towel? I have used Citrasolv to transfer images before and that worked for a more distressed/faded, French, shabby look, but I have some images in mind to transfer to towels that I want to be “intense.” Any suggestions? Thank you! Love, love, love your site!
graphicsfairy says
October 26, 2017 at 5:39 pmHere is a post I wrote specifically about printing on fabric 🙂 https://thegraphicsfairy.com/how-to-print-on-fabric-easy/
I hope it helps 🙂
Tanya says
January 17, 2018 at 5:55 pmCan you cut away all the white so that there isn’t a border? All other papers i have seen say you have to leave a border and I hate it.
graphicsfairy says
January 17, 2018 at 6:53 pmHi Tanya, if you hate them then cut them away, there is no steadfast rule, go with what makes you happy, that is what crafting is all about!! Good luck 🙂
cathy lecore says
June 20, 2018 at 3:15 pmHi,
Cold you tell me wich paper to use to make transfert on material, because the one you talk about is nte awailable anymore.
Thak you
Cathy
graphicsfairy says
June 21, 2018 at 6:57 pmHi Cathy,
I am so sorry but we have not found a decent substitute for the TAP paper, all I can suggest is that you check with your local craft store to see if they have any recommendations…and if they do please share!
Kim Scandrett says
July 24, 2019 at 12:33 pmI have a couple of old fabric covered suitcases that had some smoke damage. I have painted them with chalk paint but am having a hard time finding a transfer method that works on them due to the texture of the fabric and paint as well as not having any give under the fabric. So far tried freezer paper, iron on and wax paper. It now has several coats of paint covering each failed attempt. Any suggestions for the next attempt?
graphicsfairy says
July 26, 2019 at 9:57 amHi Kim, I think you will need to use a Gel or Mod Podge Transfer Method. Here is a tutorial on those: https://thegraphicsfairy.com/image-transfer-medium-testing/
Also, you will need to place the surface on something hard for best results. It is not going to be a perfect, crisp transfer onto a fabric surface with texture. But it will be rustic and beautiful. Also, on a suitcase that will be used, it will need to be sealed with something like polyurethane and allowed to fully cure before use!!
I hope this helps.
https://thegraphicsfairy.com/image-transfer-medium-testing/
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