How to transfer a pattern for stamped embroidery or cross stitch.

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This page lists several methods of transferring patterns onto fabric.

Whether you plan on stitching using crewel embroidery methods, fabric painting, or ribbon embroidery; patterns found on the internet, or created on your computer can be transferred onto your fabric, by using one of the methods listed here.


Do you have a printer?
Click One: YES | NO


Click One: Ink Jet | Laser (or toner based copy machine)



Ink Jet Printers: Do you have iron on transfer paper for inkjet printers?
Click One: YES | NO


For those of you that do have iron on transfer paper and ink set up for your printer:
Be sure that the pattern is printed in REVERSE of how it will be stitched. Print the pattern using your transfer paper and ink according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once printed, the pattern may be ironed to your fabric for stitching.



Laser Printers: Do you have paper and toner ready to use?
Click One: YES | NO


For those of you have a laser printer (or toner based copy machine):
Be sure that the pattern is printed in REVERSE of how it will be stitched. Print the pattern using regular paper and a good high resolution. The pattern may then be ironed to your fabric for stitching.

laser printer fabric transfer

*This is my test sample. I drew the cat in a bold (2 pt. line) and printed it on regular cheap printer paper at 600 dpi (dots per inch), with an HP Laserjet 1020 (fairly cheap laser printer).

I set my iron to High - Cotton setting - No Steam. I took a scrap of unbleached muslin and ironed across it to heat the fabric. I then placed the printed image face down on the muslin and pressed with the iron for 30 seconds moving the iron a bit from side to side.

*These results should be similar to what you would get from any toner based copy machine. If you do not currently own a printer, you can make copies of your art at the Post Office, Library, or any copy shop (Kinkos, etc...) and test results for yourself.



Do you have a heat transfer pencil?
Click One: YES | NO


For those of you that do have a heat transfer pencil:
Be sure that the pattern is printed in REVERSE of how it will be stitched. Print the pattern using regular printer paper. Use a transfer pencil to trace the pattern lines. Once traced, the pattern may be ironed to your fabric for stitching.



Will you be stitching on light or dark fabric?
Click One: LIGHT | DARK


For transferring a pattern to light colored fabrics:
One method you may use is graphite or carbon paper. Simply print your pattern on regular paper, then insert a piece of carbon paper between the pattern and your fabric (carbon side down) and trace the pattern.

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A second method of transfer uses tulle netting or veiling, which is generally inexpensive. Simply lay a piece of the tulle onto your pattern and trace the pattern onto the tulle netting. Then lay the tulle netting onto your fabric and trace over the design again. The pencil or pen that you use will draw through the gaps in the tulle and your pattern will be drawn onto your fabric.

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Another method you may use if you do not have graphite or carbon paper, is to print your pattern on regular paper. Trim the pattern to the edge of the design with scissors or a craft knife. Place the pattern on your fabric and trace around the design with a pencil or pen. This will work for simple patterns.


For transferring a pattern to dark colored fabrics:
One method you may use is dress makers carbon paper. This paper is sold in both light and dark carbons. You would need light colored carbon for use on dark fabric. Simply print your pattern on regular paper, then insert a piece of the light carbon paper between the pattern and your fabric (carbon side down) and trace the pattern.

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Another method to transfer a pattern onto dark fabric is to use a white colored pencil and tulle netting or veiling, which is generally inexpensive to transfer your pattern. Simply lay a piece of the tulle onto your pattern and trace the pattern onto the tulle netting. Then lay the tulle netting onto your fabric and trace over the design again. The white pencil will draw through the gaps in the tulle and your pattern will be drawn onto your fabric.



For coarse or pile fabrics such as velvet or terry cloth:


One method you may use is basting through tissue paper. Simply trace your pattern onto tissue paper, pin the tissue paper onto your fabric and baste along the pattern lines using small stitches. When basting is complete, tear away the tissue and embroider your design right over the basting stitches. (You may alternatively stitch between the basting stitches and remove them after you have completed stitching your design.)



Books of Interest:


Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches




Baby Bears, Bunnies & Little Critters Transfer Patterns




Shadow Work Embroidery




Butterfly Transfer Patterns




Floral Transfer Patterns