Create Your Own Watercolor Fabric with T-Shirt Transfers
I recently took a workshop to learn how to transfer watercolor art onto fabric. It was such a fun and inspiring experience…I had to share it! The process is surprisingly easy, the results are stunning, and the creative possibilities are endless. Our instructor, Brenda Marks, noted that this transfer process was inspired by artist Carla Sonheim.
Whether you're a seasoned artist…or…just love playing with color…turning your paintings into fabric opens up a whole new world of design!
watercolor transfered to linen
watercolor transfered to linen
In this post, I'll walk you through the steps, share some tips I picked up, and show you how to bring your own artwork to life on fabric.
I was a little skeptical about this process…wondering what the hand of the fabric would feel like when the color was transferred. But I was pleasantly surprised…it is soft and not as “plasticky” (is that a real word?) as I thought it might be. And…a great bonus…you can hand stitch right through it…which creates even more artistic possibilities!
Watercolor Art to Fabric
Supply List
Watercolor paints
Brushes and a water container
T-shirt Iron-on transfer paper, like Avery
A piece of cotton or linen fabric (pre-washed and ironed)
An iron (no steam)
Embroidery floss, scissors, and needle (optional for stitching details)
Instructions
1) Consider your Design
I suggest that you keep your first project simple. Have fun with geometric shapes and make your design “kid like”
Choose a color palette for your artwork
Note: Your design will print as a mirror image so keep this in mind when you are choosing your pattern. If you have words in your art, you will need to paint them backwards
2) Paint Your Design
Paint your design directly on the transfer paper
To add texture and depth to your painting, keep your brush wet and let the paint puddle in areas
Fill the entire sheet of transfer paper with your design
If your paint drys too quickly…don’t worry…you can add more layers on top of dry watercolor
When you are satisfied with your design…let the paint dry completely.
Iron Your Fabric
3) Prepare Your Fabric
Select a piece of cotton or linen fabric that is slightly larger than your transfer paper
Iron fabric to create a smooth surface.
Transfer Art to Fabric
4) Transfer Your Design
Place the transfer paper (image-side down) on top of the fabric
Read the instructions on the packaging of your transfer paper. Set your iron appropriately (no steam)
Apply firm, even pressure and move the iron slowly over the design for the time recommended in the instructions. Be patient with the ironing process.
Let the transfer cool slightly. Peel back a corner to test the transfer. If ready…gently peel off the paper backing
Your fabric art is ready to frame or use in a sewing project!
Enhance with Stitching (Optional)
Add texture and depth to your watercolor fabric with embroidery
Outline sections of the painting and experiment with different stitches like running stitch, backstitch, and French knots to bring your design to life.
How to Use your Fabric Art
Sew a Pin Cushion
Make a Zipper Pouch
Cover a Notebook
Create A Tiny Quilt or Mini Wall Hanging
Cut it into Bookmark Shapes
Make a Needle Book
Whether you want to make custom textiles for sewing projects, home decor, or just for the joy of seeing your art in a new form…this method is a fantastic way to bring your ideas to life.
I loved exploring this technique, and I hope you feel inspired to try it too! I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments!
Featured Product
Sewing Tools
from $8.50