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Transfer Paper to Fabric with This Cool Tutorial

Learn to transfer paper to fabric with this unique tutorial! You’ll use Mod Podge photo transfer medium and this simple process. SO cool!

Skills Required: Intermediate. To transfer an image to fabric, I recommend having previous experience with photo transfer medium. This is because fabric is not forgiving and if you mess up, it’s permanent.

Decorate a bag with your favorite scrapbook paper AND make it washable using this image transfer technique! It's easy with Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium.

Hello, hello again . . . It’s Heather from Craft + Tell! Today is so exciting for many reasons, one of them being that I launched my brand-spankin’ new blog today! If you’re into DIY, crafts and home decor, be sure to hop on over to my blog to check out all of my fun projects.

Anyways, I may have been living under a rock for awhile, but I just found out about Mod Podge Photo Transfer. Have you heard of it — or even used it for an image transfer? You can use it to transfer paper to fabric!

I was amazed the first time I tried it out, and can’t believe I didn’t make my bridesmaids one of these bags for my wedding. Anyway, it’s not my style to carry a bag around with an actual photo.

Some people can rock it, but not me. I was at the craft store the other day and I saw some gorgeous scrapbook paper. A light bulb went off.

I remembered I wanted to try out the photo transfer with Mod Podge, and before my very eyes, this scrapbook paper transferred onto my bag!

Decorate a bag with your favorite scrapbook paper AND make it washable using this image transfer technique! It's easy with Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium.

So, I’m giving you the low-down today, and also want you to know up front how easy this is — you can do it!

Transfer Paper to Fabric

Here’s what you’ll need to make this paper to fabric image transfer bag:

If you’re using scrapbook paper like me, cut out the shape you want. I went with a heart because it’s simple and cute at the same time.

Next, using your Mod Podge Photo Transfer, generously “paint” the solution onto your paper (pretty side up) using a foam brush. Moving quickly, place it facedown onto the surface of your fabric. Let it dry overnight.

Decorate a bag with your favorite scrapbook paper AND make it washable using this image transfer technique! It's easy with Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium.

Then the magic happens! Grab a sponge and a small glass of water. Once your sponge is wet, rub over the paper in gentle, small circles.

Paper will begin to vanish before your eyes and a beautiful image will appear! Ta-Da! You just made a bag with very little effort.

Decorate a bag with your favorite scrapbook paper AND make it washable using this image transfer technique! It's easy with Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium.

I will say I tried this DIY with very thin letters and it didn’t work out like I hoped. I don’t think I used enough photo transfer and the letters were too thin. Make sure your design is substantial enough before you transfer paper to fabric.

mod-podge-photo-image-transfer

So, what do you think? Could you transfer paper to fabric on a project and impress a crowd?

Decorate a bag with your favorite scrapbook paper AND make it washable using this image transfer technique! It's easy with Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium.

I want to see your projects using Mod Podge Photo Transfer! Be sure to tag me on social media and I’ll share you on my feed!


If you like this project, you might also like my photo pillows (also made with transfer medium!). Here’s what they look like below:

Personalized Photo Pillows with Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium

Heather

Monday 25th of October 2021

Hello other crafty "Heather"! =D When it comes to care, how do you recommend cleaning? Would it still be safe to machine wash, or hand washing recommended?

Amy

Monday 25th of October 2021

Yes you can machine wash! Delicate cold . . .but, you can hand wash too and that's probably how I'd do it.

Anne Montgomery

Saturday 14th of August 2021

How do you use napkins on a tee shirt, I tried this but when I put the last coat of fabric mod podge on the napkin it gets on the shirt and will not come off. How can you avoid this?

Mimi

Tuesday 6th of July 2021

I have tried to do this before but my problem comes when I try to rub off the paper...the ink comes off with it and I don't get a good transfer. Any Ideas?

Amy

Tuesday 6th of July 2021

Hi Mimi! Are you using inkjet? Cathie Filian does it on fabric here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHYPgYDHQcA

Johanna

Wednesday 14th of September 2016

ooh I absolutely love this idea! It would make a great gift! Thanks for the tutorial!! :)

ChinaJo

Saturday 10th of September 2016

I think this is fantastic. I have several types of Modge Podge never heard of this one.

Heather

Wednesday 14th of September 2016

I know! I was so excited too!