Custom Baby Gift

Hey there! Jen Tapler here with a fun and easy hybrid project for you today! If you’ve spent any time in some of the online galleries lately, you’ve probably seen a few iron-on projects and may have wondered “how’d they do that?”  Well, you’re in the right place!! Today I’m going to tell you exactly how to create those unique gifts using printable iron-on transfer sheets!!

Before you get started, you’ll need to gather a few supplies:

• Printable Iron-On Transfer Sheets – I use Avery 3302 Stretchable Fabric Transfers
• Baby Onesies or other cotton / poly blend fabric
• An Iron
• Ink Jet Printer
• Photo Editing Software – I use Photoshop Elements
• A few embellishments from your favorite digi kit – I used Oh Baby! by Mari Koegelenberg, available at the Digichick.

Optional Supplies:

• Stamps – I used Starlight, Starbright from Verve Stamps
• Acrylic Stamp Block
• Pigment Ink safe for stamping on fabric – I used Perfect Match Hybrid Ink in True Black from Papertrey Ink.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Pre-wash fabric to remove sizing.
2. Design your iron-on like you would any other digital project using your photo editing software of choice. (again, I use Photoshop Elements).  Tip: if you’re using words, be sure to flip the text layer horizontally (so it’s a mirror image when it prints) otherwise your words will be backwards when ironed on (trust me on this one!!!).
3. Print.  Check in the preference window for iron-on transfers under “paper type” – my printer has that setting.  Once you have it printed out, use scissors to trim closely around the edge of your design.
4. Iron-on according to the instructions included in the Transfer Sheet packaging.  Tip: if you have an old onesie or similar fabric to practice on, you might print out a few extras of your design to play around with the heat setting on your iron and the timing a bit before tackling your project – I went through a few onesies before I got things just right. (but it was worth it!!). For more tips on ironing, be sure to check out Jill’s great post about it in the Digichick Forums: Ironing Tips.
5. I’ve found that contrary to the Transfer Sheet Instructions, I get the best results if I remove the backing while it’s still piping hot, NOT waiting for it to cool.  I’m not sure if this is a result of environmental conditions or what, but you might have to play around a bit with that as well.
6. If you’d like to add a stamped image or sentiment to your project, place your stamp on your acrylic block, ink it up, and center it where you’d like it.  Using even, firm pressure, stamp directly onto the fabric as you would paper.

Admire your handiwork!!

Looking for some more iron-on inspiration? Check out these gift ideas:

• Doll Onesie by Jill
• Canvas Diaper Tote & gift set by KCherrie
• Smitten T-Shirt by Karistamps
• Heart You Pillow by Jill
• Twitter Blossoms Onesies by Jen

Be sure to stop back on Friday when I share some fun gift packaging ideas, including instructions for the Milk Carton I used in my project!! See you then!

Other Articles by JenTapler:

• Verve Stamps Giveaway - May 2nd, 2009
• Creative Gift Packaging - March 20th, 2009