Inkjet Printing on Fabric

Jacquard inkjet fabric sheets have become my first choice after testing many brands. They have a much softer hand than most prepared sheets I’ve tried, yet still produce rich color on my home inkjet printers. They’re also one of the most economical options, with multi-packs often priced lower per sheet than other name brands. My second choice is EQ Printables, which also give sharp, photo-quality results on a smooth cotton fabric that’s great for memory quilts and labels.

For a deep dive into products and test results, see my article Ready, Click, Print! A Comparison of Prepared Inkjet Fabric Sheets, in the August/September 2012 issue of Quilting Arts Magazine.

If you’re using a pigment‑ink printer, you don’t actually need prepared fabric sheets, because pigment ink sits on the surface of the fabric rather than soaking in—almost like it’s “glued” to the top. Pigment inks are generally more colorfast than dye inks, but the printed surface can be more vulnerable to abrasion, so handle and launder with a bit of extra care.

Jennifer's article is on page 78.

Fabric Printing 101: A Lecture of the Basics

Print your own fabric with confidence—learn the essentials of inks, printers, and prepared sheets in one easy‑to‑digest session. In this lecture, Jennifer explains dye vs. pigment inks, prepared fabric sheets, and print‑on‑demand services, so you’ll know exactly which method to use for your next quilt project.

The lecture is hosted on Creative Spark by C&T Publishing, includes lifetime access to the video and downloads, and is also bundled inside the more in‑depth course Digital Fabric Printing at Home and Online.

Click here to learn more

NOTE OF CAUTION: In the new packaging design shown to the right, Jacquard changed the printing instructions.

Step 4 used to say:

"Let dry for 24 hours. Rinse with cool water. This step is necessary to remove excess ink from the image prior to application to the finished piece."

Now Step 4 says:

"The image will not withstand standard washing methods - it needs to be treated for water resistance. We recommend spraying it with Scotchgard or similar product. Use multiple applications of light coats, as a heavy single application could remove the ink. This treatment should not affect the feel of the fabric. Testing for appropriate coverage is recommended. Rinse gently with cool water."

After seeing the new instructions, I tried the scotchgard and found the dye bled a lot if sprayed right after printing, plus the treatment made the fabric more stiff. Jacquard says "this treatment should not affect the feel of the fabric", but that was not my experience. I did let one sample dry 24 hours before using the scotchgard and got only a little bleeding of the dye. Even when I tried a 3rd sheet and really tried to apply light coats, the fabric was still stiff compared to no treatment, and there was just enough bleed to make the details less distinct. The bleeding of inks could be a good thing if you are looking for that type of effect.

Overall, I do not recommend using the scotchgard unless you are making an item like a purse that could easily get dirty or if you don't care whether the fabric is stiff. And if you do decide to treat the fabric, then definitely wait at least 24 hours.

Keep in mind that printing on fabric using dye inks, no matter which of the brands of prepared fabric are used, should not be washed like everyday garments. Think typical quilt care with hand or delicate machine washing. When I called Jacquard to ask about the change in instructions, they said they had had complaints. If a T-shirt is made similar to what is shown on the packaging and washed normally, then I can see why.