How to Transfer a Paper Image to Cloth

I combined vintage images and Mod Podge, two items that  I love to craft with,
to make fun Christmas napkins!  Seriously, anyone can make these!

This post first appeared on Mod Podge Rocks! which is one of my all time favorite blogs.  It was a huge honor to create this craft for Amy’s awesome blog.  If you like this project, you can find more photo transfer tutorials on Mod Podge Rocks here.

Supplies needed:

Image cut or photocopied from a book
Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium
Cloth Napkin
Wax Paper




To make your own photo transfer onto fabric:

mod-podge-holiday-napkin-how-to

Step 1:  Choose the image you wish to use.  I cut mine from a book that was falling apart.
 
Step 2:  Apply a generous amount of Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium to the image.  It should be thick enough that you can barely see the image underneath.
Step 3:  Place your cloth napkin on wax paper.  Place your image face down onto the fabric and press down firmly.  Remove any excess that seeps out.  Let it dry for 24 hours.
 
Step 4:  Use a wet washcloth to get the paper damp.  Rub gently to remove the paper and expose the image underneath.  Work in small sections.
One down, seven napkins to go!  I even made wine glass charms out of podgeables to go with my napkins.

Looking for more fun Christmas crafts?  I have a fun round up here.

For more great ideas, be sure to check out Mod Podge Rocks!
 

 


14 responses to “How to Transfer a Paper Image to Cloth”

  1. Alicia de los santos Avatar

    muy fácil, hermosos

  2. Lynne Avatar

    Could you please tell me if the napkin is washable….and if yes, what are the washing instructions? thanks for all the good ideas!

  3. Hi Lynne! YES, it is washable. The instructions on the package say to wash on the gentle cycle, then air dry or dry with low heat, and don’t iron over the transfer.

    I washed my napkin with my other linens, let it air dry, and then ironed it on the back. The close up image in my tutorial shows what it looks like after washing.

    I want to try it on a shirt or jeans to see how it looks on other fabrics and how it holds up to repeated washings. It’s a really fun product to experiment with!

  4. […]  It is so much fun and surprisingly easy to do.  I’ve transferred images to fabric and even on to painted surfaces.  Give this a try, and you’ll find yourself looking for […]

  5. […] I’m making a set to coordinate with my napkins, pictured below.  To learn how to use Mod Podge to decorate a napkin, check out my full tutorial at HERE! […]

  6. […] surface is so much fun and surprisingly easy to do.  I’ve transferred images to fabric (here) and even on to painted surfaces (here).  Once you give this a try, I think you’ll find […]

  7. Debbie Avatar

    I love this idea! I made a set of Christmas napkins and washed them after 72 hours and most of the print washed away.I’m so disappointed! What do you think went wrong?

    1. Morena Avatar

      I’m so sorry to hear that! I’ve washed my napkin and the image stayed. I let mine air dry…did you put yours in the dryer? I think the heat would take the image off.

  8. Hazel Avatar

    I have used Mod Podge to stick photo copies to calico. However after removing backing paper and they have dried, there is a slight white film over image. Because I have ‘lost’ small portions of the images I am not confident to Continue rubbing. Will this disappear if I spray with a sealer – as I want a firm finish.

    1. Morena Avatar

      Yes, to mask the slight white film use a sealer. I usually seal it right after I wipe it one last time. It will always have a fuzzy finish unless you seal it.

  9. Hi Morena,
    Can I ask your expert advice, I need to beautify a toy box which is polyster foldable cube with some patterns with paper napkins. I have never done any decoupage and I am very nervous about my first project. Can you advise me which type of mod podge to use and what type of sealer can I use please?

    1. Morena Avatar

      Practice on a small piece of wood first. Use Mod Podge, either matte or gloss. Use light applications of the medium to keep the napking from wrinkling. I like to use a spray can sealer to finish the project. You can use matte or high gloss spray sealers. Good luck!

  10. Lisa Lerfald Avatar

    What type of paper to copy the image onto?

    1. Morena Avatar

      Plain copy paper, like the kind you use in your home printer.

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