Best Iron On Transfer Paper – Union Jack Shield Pillow and Printable
I had so much fun designing and making this Union Jack Shield Pillow with my favorite Transfer Paper called Tap! And big news after several years of TAP being out of stock, TAP is back again!! Woohoo! I know so many of you tried this transfer paper and loved it and then couldn’t get it anymore for quite some time. I’m sure you will all be thrilled to be able to get your hands on this awesome Transfer paper again, I know I am.
Supply List for Iron On Pillow
- Tap Transfer Paper HERE
- Plain Pillow Cover
- Iron
- Printable Shield Transfer (download below)
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?!!
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!
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!
Click HERE for the one Page Union Jack Shield PDF Printable
You might also like the smaller Union Jack Shield that fits all together one Printable Page. You can grab that one above.
***P.S. A big thank you to Maddie at Domestic Anarchy for posting about the Tap transfer papers!!!
Carson Jockell says
Neat Site!
I am looking for a program that will print an image(Lettering in reverse so when I transfer to fabric it comes out correct.
WHat do you suggest?
graphicsfairy says
Hi Carson, here is a link to my mirror image technique post, https://thegraphicsfairy.com/how-to-reverse-images-for-transfers/ have fun!
Kim Scandrett says
I 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
Hi 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/
Image Transfer Medium Testing – Replacements for 1Gel!
Testing 3 popular Image Transfer Mediums with detailed results photos. Find out which Image Transfer Medium is right for your Craft Projects.
cathy lecore says
Hi,
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
Hi 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!
Tanya says
Can 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
Hi 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 🙂
Tessa says
I 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
Here is a post I wrote specifically about printing on fabric 🙂 https://thegraphicsfairy.com/how-to-print-on-fabric-easy/
I hope it helps 🙂
Claudia says
Great article! Where do you get TAP paper? or is there another brand you recommend?
graphicsfairy says
Hi 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!
Sarah says
Hi 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
Hi 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!
Carroll Nabors says
That 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
I know Carroll, I so miss my Tap paper!!
Debbie Schneiderman says
Since 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
Hi 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.
laura oflaherty says
hi 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
Hi 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?
JoAnn says
Will this type of paper work on polyester? Found really nice pillows with zippers at TJMaxx but they are polyester nylon blend.
Kim Dressler says
Where 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
Hi 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.
sandra says
Hi 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
Hi 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!
Debbi says
I 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
Thanks 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!
Frances says
Have 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
Thanks Frances! I did notice that it comes in a bulk option now as well. It really is the best!