Custom decorative pillows with pictures or designs printed on them have become very popular home decor items. They allow you to easily add personality and style to any room. Creating custom pillows with your own photos or artwork is also a fun DIY project. The most common and easiest way to get an image onto a pillow is by using transfer paper or transfer fabric sheets. This allows you to print out any digital image or design and iron it onto a pillow case or pillow cover. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using image transfers to create custom photo pillows.
Selecting an Image
The first step is choosing the right image or photo to transfer onto your pillow. Consider the following when picking your image:
- Resolution – Higher resolution images will transfer better and look sharper. Aim for at least 300 dpi.
- Size – Make sure the image size matches the pillow size you’ll be using. Scale or crop the image if needed.
- Color mode – RGB color images transfer best. Black and white and grayscale can also work.
- Complexity – Simpler images and designs tend to transfer better than very complex ones.
- Personal photos – Use editing software to enhance and prepare photos before transferring.
It’s also a good idea to print a small test transfer first to ensure your selected image will transfer well before moving onto the actual pillow.
Preparing Your Pillow
You can transfer onto any pillow cover or insert made of 100% polyester or cotton/polyester blend fabric. Here are some tips for preparing pillows for image transfer:
- Wash and dry your pillow cover to pre-shrink the fabric before transferring.
- Iron the pillow cover to remove any wrinkles and ensure a smooth surface for the transfer.
- Place a sheet of cardboard or other hard surface inside the cover to provide a firm, flat surface while ironing on the transfer.
- Use a pillow form that matches the size of your cover. Remove any inserts before transferring.
For best results, use light colored pillow covers like white or light grey. Dark fabrics don’t work as well.
Transferring the Image
There are two main products used to transfer images onto fabric – transfer paper and transfer sheets. Here is the basic process for using them to transfer an image onto a pillow:
With Transfer Paper
- Print out your image in mirror/reverse onto transfer paper following the paper’s instructions.
- Cut out the printed image.
- Position the image print side down onto the pillow cover and iron it following the paper’s temperature and time guidelines.
- Once cool, remove the paper backing to reveal the transferred image.
With Transfer Sheets
- Print out your image in reverse/mirror onto the coated side of the transfer sheet.
- Trim around the printed image leaving about 1⁄2 inch border.
- Preheat iron to the heat setting specified on the transfer sheet.
- Place the transfer sheet print side down onto the pillow cover and iron over it.
- Once cool, peel away the transfer sheet to reveal the transferred image.
When ironing, use firm, even pressure over the entire image. Avoid sliding the iron around as this can distort the transfer.
Finishing and Sealing
After the image has been successfully transferred, there are a few final steps to finish the pillow.
- Trim away any excess fabric around the transfer for a neat look.
- Wash and dry the pillow cover according to the fabric instructions to remove residue and set the image.
- Apply a fabric sealant like an iron-on transfer foil sheet to seal the image and protect from wear and fading over time.
- Insert your pillow form into the finished cover and fluff into place.
Your custom printed pillow is now ready to decorate your home!
Tips for the Best Image Transfers
Follow these tips when transferring images to pillows for optimal results:
- Use high quality transfer paper suited for fabric and pillows.
- Print your image onto standard copy paper first to test sizing and placement.
- Pre-wash and dry fabric pillow covers before transferring.
- Use light pressure when initially ironing on the transfer, then increase to firm pressure.
- Iron over the entire transfer area for even application.
- Let the transfer cool completely before removing the backing paper.
- Seal transfers with an iron-on fabric sealant for durability and laundering.
Creative Ideas for Photo Transfer Pillows
Image transfers allow you to create custom decorative pillows with your photos and designs for any room. Here are some creative ideas:
- Family photos – Transfer favorite family pics for personalized pillows.
- Vacation memories – Remember a special trip with imaged transferred onto tropical or beach themed pillows.
- Pet pillows – Use photos of your dog, cat, or other pet for cute, custom pet pillows.
- Seasonal and holiday accents – Transfer seasonal images like flowers in spring or snowflakes in winter for festive, themed pillows.
- Monograms – Easily create monogrammed initial pillows from clip art or a font style you like.
- Patterns and designs – Transfer fabric patterns, wallpaper designs, or your own artwork for artistic accent pillows.
Let your creativity run wild! With image transfers you can easily put any photos, designs, text, or artwork onto pillows in just about any color, theme, or style imaginable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of pillows work best for image transfers?
Pillow covers and inserts made from 100% polyester or polyester/cotton blends work best. Avoid 100% cotton as it doesn’t transfer well. Linen can work but requires a higher iron temperature.
How do you transfer a picture to a colored pillowcase?
Print your image in reverse onto transfer paper or sheets as normal. Then follow the product instructions to transfer onto colored poly-pillow cases. An iron-on transfer foil can help the image show up better on darker colors.
How long does a pillow transfer last?
With proper application and sealing, a pillow image transfer can last several years with only minor fading. Taking care when laundering and avoiding abrasion or picks will maximize the transfer’s lifespan. Sealing with an iron-on transfer foil helps too.
Can you use inkjet printer transfer paper for pillows?
Yes, you can find transfer paper suited for inkjet printers and fabric image transfers. Be sure to choose one specifically intended for pillows and follow the product instructions closely. Laser printer transfer paper does not work.
What’s the best way to apply transfer paper to a pillowcase?
Print your image reversed onto the transfer paper, trim around it, place print side down on the pillow, then iron on firmly for the specified time and temperature following the paper’s guide. Allow to fully cool before removing the backing.
Conclusion
Transferring photos, designs, or artwork onto pillows is an easy craft to personalize your home decor. With the right transfer paper or sheets, a quality image, and some careful ironing, you can create custom pillows in no time. Be creative with your photos, monograms, patterns, seasonal images, and more. Follow the steps outlined here for best results. With the right techniques, your image transfers can produce decorative, durable pillows to enjoy for years.