Transfer Printing

Transfer printing or sublimation printing is a versatile and innovative technique used to apply designs, patterns, or images onto various materials.

This is a fantastic way of getting patterns and images onto synthetic fabrics to create unique and exciting designs.

The process involves using disperse dyes on paper which can be transferred onto fabrics using a heat press. This fascinating technique produces vibrant designs with incredible detail and the results are often very surprising!

The Transfer Printing Process

The transfer printing process involves a series of steps, each contributing to the successful transfer of the design. Here's a general outline of how it works:

You will start by creating painted papers using the dyes, these can be flat colour or patterned or textured. you can also paint a design directly onto the paper. The dyes appear quite dull in colour when painted on the paper but once they are transferred to the fabric with the heat the colours become much more vivid as shown in the sample pieces. The dyes can be blended or diluted with water to make the colours more subtle
Your papers will need to be dried before they can be used.
We will then explore cutting up the papers to use as stencils to produce designs or use direct onto fabric samples.

Once you have the basic principles of the process you are free to experiment with multiple layers on top of one another or use dried flowers, feathers and leaves to achieve different affects, the possibilities are endless !

The workshop is delivered by Alison Butler.
Alison has over 25 years experience as a textile designer and book illustrator.

This workshop is suitable for people with a range of creative experiences, for a maximum of 5 people.

Please bring along: an apron, A5/6 ideas/drawings/images that inspire you and a large newspaper in which to transport your work home.

The workshop will run from 10 - 4pm, including tuition, materials and use of equipment; refreshments will be served throughout the day - just bring your lunch.