We continue discussing printing on fabric with Craig Hamer, from Hewlett-Packard Company. Craig works with the HPDeskJet 1220 printer (and the HP DeskJet 1700), a large format printer we use at EQ for printing on fabric, as well as paper. We think Craig knows more about printing on fabric than anyone in the quilting industry. He's even team-taught a course on fabric printing using EQ4 products.

Click here to download EQ4 Quilting Projects by Craig Hamer.

The problem with freezer paper

I have been frustrated more than once trying to use freezer paper as a fabric backing when printing. Although the 1220C printer has the ability to print on a thicker media than most other printers, if the fabric and freezer paper separate during printing, you may have streaking or other problems, no matter what the printer.

Getting the leading edge of the fabric initially through the printer is always the critical part. This is usually where most fabric/freezer paper separation takes place. (Also, air bubbles between the freezer paper and fabric can cause problems too.) Since freezer paper was so painful for me to use, I searched weeks and weeks for a better solution.

After trying freezer paper, tape, regular paper with tape, regular paper with spray glue, shelf lining paper, clear plastic sticky sheeting, etc., I decided there had to be a better way. Everything I tried was either messy, time consuming or both. Finally, I found a wonderfully easy solution.

The Avery label solution

I tried Avery label sheets. I went to a business supply store (like Staples, OfficeMax, or Office Depot), and purchased some Avery labels that were a full 8 1/2" x 11" sheet.

The labels come in packages for Laser printers and InkJet printers...the choice doesn't matter...get the best price. Avery has many part numbers for these labels, depending on the box size. Try Avery #5265 Laser labels to get started.

Don't use the labels for Copiers. These Copier labels are thinner, the stickum isn't as strong, and the backing doesn't separate from the label in one pull.

Here's what works for me

1. Prepare the fabric (using Bubble Jet Set 2000 or other methods).
2. Since you'll get the best when using a very flat and smooth piece of fabric...iron out the fabric wrinkles as best you can before applying the label sheet.
3. Peel off the label backing and stick the label directly to the fabric.
4. Smooth the label out.
5. Trim the fabric around the label sheet.
6. Next, I use a small roller (1" or so wide) to finish smoothing out the fabric. The roller is one I bought at a paint and wallpaper place that is used to smooth out wallpaper. I work the roller back and forth over both sides, first label side then fabric side, making sure the wrinkles/bubbles are out.
   

Printing larger than 8 1/2 x 11

To print larger than 8 1/2" x 11", just cut and piece the Avery labels to fill the size you want. I've done 13" x 50" successfully by filling up the back with multiple labels sheets.

Don't overlap the labels (it causes a bump). Just put them close together so they are just barely touching each other...this isn't critical.

Settings for the HP1220C printer

To print on thicker material with 1220C printer you should use the driver setting called "Thick Plain Paper". This setting causes the printer to open up wider to allow a thicker media to feed through it.

There are many ways to get to this setting. The way I usually do it is as follows:

1. Click on File (in upper left corner of display in the software package you are using to print from)
2. Click on Printer Setup (sometimes it's "Page Setup" or "Print" depending on the program. The screen displayed should show the printer (1220C) selected for printing.
3. Click on the button "Properties."
4. The next screen should be where the "Paper Type" is listed. This is were you scroll down towards the bottom of the list to select "Thick Plain Paper".
5. While you're in the printer "Properties" selection you may want to also select a "Print Quality" of "Best" (your personal choice) and then I almost always click on the tab labeled "Imaging" and slide the "Ink Volume" slider all the way over to "Heavy". These choices should give you the best quality printout on cotton fabric.

I have printed hundreds of fabric sheets with the Avery labels on my 1220C, and this is the best process I have found so far.

One other note: I never use the DeskJet 1220C rear paper feed slot in the back of the printer to feed fabric sheets in. I always use the standard front Intray of the printer. Treat the fabric sheets like paper. Best results are when the fabric sheets are perfectly flat and you feed them in one at a time. And although I've personally printed over 1000 sheets of fabric with my 1220C printer, HP of course has the following message for you to keep in mind... *** While HP inkjet printer owners may experiment with unconventional media such as textiles with great success, HP advises caution. Untested materials are not guaranteed to produce satisfactory results, and can potentially damage printers.***

EQ4 Quilting Project Downloads

Click on the images below to download these EQ4 Microsoft Word projects to your computer.
Some projects require EQ4 or EQ5. Some require Stitched with Love.

Doll Quilt	Gift Bags	Gift Tags
Window Clings	Parchment Paper Luminaries	Quilt Puzzles