Make your own kitchen herb towels using this easy image transfer to fabric technique.
Looking for a cheap and easy way to add some character and style to your kitchen? Kitchen towels are a fabulous way to add color and personality to your kitchen space and are easily changed out for the holidays and seasons. Create your own using this easy image transfer to fabric paper.
For example use kitchen towels to decorate for a certain style like these Farmhouse Kitchen Towels. Decorate for the holidays with some fun Christmas Kitchen Towels and you can even double up on your seasonal decor with this dual Thanksgiving and Christmas Kitchen Towel. For this post I will show you how to easily add an image to kitchen towels using fabric transfer paper. No fancy pants laser printer needed. For this tutorial an inkjet printer works perfect.
Here is the actual transfer paper I used.
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TOOLS FOR IMAGE TRANSFER KITCHEN TOWELS
- Clothes iron
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
SUPPLIES FOR IMAGE TRANSFER KITCHEN TOWELS
- Flour sack towels – I used these towels
- Fabric transfer paper – I used this one
- Pillow case or scrap piece of fabric
STEPS FOR IMAGE TRANSFER KITCHEN TOWELS
Step 1) I started out by creating the kitchen herb graphics. Make sure your image is flipped prior to printing as the image goes face down on the fabric. You can get these Kitchen Herb Images in my Resource Library (for personal use only).
For this specific transfer paper I had to upload the image to Avery’s site prior to printing. I printed a test copy on regular paper before printing all of the graphics out on the fabric transfer paper. I cut around the graphics as best I could trying to keep the corners more rounded vs. pointed which prevents the edges from peeling. Step 2) Before applying the image I pre-washed and ironed my towels. When the graphic is ready to be applied place a pillowcase under the towel on a hard surface. I centered the graphic with the help of measuring tape and placed it facedown on the towel. Next I ironed each graphic for about 3 minutes going left to right and front and back. After it cooled for a couple of minutes then I removed the backing.
It was really simple to do. You can see the sheen of the transfer paper a little bit, but otherwise I was happy with how they turned out.
These look beautiful in your kitchen or they make great gifts.
You can get access to these Kitchen Herb Printables and tons of other printables, graphics and designs by visiting my Resource Library. If you would like access complete the form below.
When I try to upload the image only the first one shows up in the Avery site. Is there a way to separate the images?
Thank you!
Hi Kristen,
I just went into the Resource Library and changed the download as a zip file so all the PDFs are in separate files now. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. If you have any more issues, please let me know.
Help me out here, so I have to upload the images to Avery’s site prior to printing., I really don’t understand this post
Hi Laura,
I suppose you could try printing it without using the Avery website but I haven’t tried that. Just make sure the image is reversed before printing. If you use Avery’s site you click on the “start designing” button. You will need to create a free account. Enter in the product #3271 and then upload the image that you would get from my Resource Library. Then print on the transfer paper. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Tiffany
I think I got everything right! Thank you for seeing me through this. I looked at our arts and craft stores here, believe me most don’t carry Avery paper and those that do want 20.00 dollars for 5 sheets, seemed crazy to me! I ordered online from your link. Thank you so much Laura
Tiffany, thank you for your patience, I was wondering if I am doing this right. I downloaded the herbs, they came as PDF files, is that right, now I am wondering what size they should be for the towels. Also when I go to print them out do I print on photo paper or print straight from the computer onto avery transfer paper
Thank you again, I am new to all this
Hi Laura,
Yes, they are a PDF file. You can adjust the size to your liking. I suggest folding your towel and then measure the space available to your preference. Then look on the left side of the screen in the Avery design area, to get your measurements. Yes, you do want to print them directly on the transfer paper, but first I recommend printing them on regular paper to make sure the sizing fits on the folded towel. This way you’re not wasting the more expensive transfer paper. Also, make sure they print in a reverse image. From my understanding, Avery already does this for you, but just double-check.
when downloading these do they come as PDF files also what is the original size?
Hi Laura,
Yes they do come as a PDF. The size varies depending on the specific image, but all the images will be smaller than a piece of paper. The basil image size is about 9×6 inches.
Tiffany
I got everything pretty worked out, my questions is
when you print yours onto fabric, what is your width, height and Resolution. Mine are all fine except I waited 3 days and washed in cold water, and yet the green ran. Am I doing something wrong
Thank you
Hi Laura,
My images were around 6 x 10 inches. I am not sure of the resolution. I am not sure why the green color ran. I have washed my several times with no problems. I recommend contacting Avery to find out if they can help in any way.