While wandering aimlessly around the fabric store, I stumbled across an iron transfer pen. I was fairly certain it would be too good to be true, maybe best just for mapping out embroidery lines, but I’m here to say that it works SO good. Instead of the vinyl or hard feel of other iron on transfers, the final version of this is smooth to the touch since it’s basically an ink transfer. It’s probably the easiest image transfer I’ve ever done (not that I’m excited or anything). Here’s how I made this tote:
Time: 20 minutes
Materials: canvas tote, iron transfer pen, iron, paper
Cost: ~$8
I used one of the the free #GIRLBOSS printables Jordan Brantley made for my blog last year, but you could use any design you want. Just be sure to inverse your design before printing, otherwise it will come out backwards. Print on regular printer paper.
Trace over your design with the transfer pen. After doing mine with black text, I recommend making the text a different color than your pen so you can make sure that you got the entire design.
Place design ink side down and iron for 1-3 minutes. Be sure not to move your paper mid way or your design will print twice. It also helps to have something flat inside your tote so the ink doesn’t bleed through to the other wise.Lift your paper and you’re done!
One of the coolest parts about this type of transfer is that you can use the same paper again and again without having to reapply the ink! I made three totes with the same transfer.
Super cool right?! The end result has almost a watercolor feeling to it (keep that in mind if you were going for a bolder look). Have you ever worked with iron transfer pens before? Would love to hear how you used it!
An iron-transfer PEN? Oh my goodness, this makes me so excited. I’ve been doing a lot of iron-on transfers lately but the paper is so $$ :/ This opens up so many possibilities…thanks so much for sharing. Pinning this! :)
Yay! I’m glad someone else is as excited about this as I am! Thanks for sharing Jennie :)
This pen is amazing. I did my first iron on tote diy last week and I want to now iron on all the things. I need this pen.
It’s so easy, I love it! Makes me feel like I actually have more artistic ability than I actually do :)
Woah…I need to get myself an iron on pen STAT
Yeah you do girl!
omg – this is a game changer – thank you (I’m on Amazon as I type…)!!!
Yay! Would love to hear how your project turns out!
This is so fun–and your pictures are B-E-A-Utiful!
xx Hannah // TheCheapishly.com
You are so sweet, thank you Hannah!
This is so pretty!
Why thank you Elba <3!
This is amazing! So nice and easy! Can you wash the bag afterwards?
Thanks Katha! It was amazingly easy! The package says the pen is permeant, but I have yet to wash mine yet. Will keep you posted when I do!
Oh thanks! It would be great to hear about your washing experiences ;)
I’m losing my mind on this! LOSING it and pinning.
You are so sweet, thanks Amy!
w o w ! A transfer pen ! No WAY ! That’s awesome !
Have you ever tried image transfer with some sort of alcohol or something ?
➕♡
Right?! I’m hooked! And I haven’t! I know you can use gel medium for image transferring, or even acrylic paint! https://thecraftedlife.com/diy-image-transfer-giveaway/
Wow, cool! Thanks for tip. Can I use also paint on textile?
https://inbluebox.wordpress.com/
Thanks Lucie! According to the package, it can be used on fabric, canvas, wood, stabilizers, or just about any surface where a hot iron can be used, though I’ve really only used it on this tote!
Wow! I will have to try this!
Yay! That’s awesome! Do let me know how it turns out Danielle!
I found you on Pinterest. I was looking for a way to make my own print tshirts. I can’t wait to buy this and try it out. Thanks for the tip!!
WOW! This is just amazing! Kisses from Argentina!
hey rachel!! it’s varia here.. (another blogger)
this post is awesome! i never knew about the transfer pen!! thanks tho..
i’d be happy if you’ll check out my blog:
http://ombredays.blogspot.in/
~varia xx
But how does it hold up after being washed?? I want to make t-shirts, which will have to be washed at some point, but don’t want my design to disappear or smudge or anything like that.
OK, I’m officially hooked. Totes, Book covers, T-Shirts, Pencil Bags, Make Up Bags…so many ideas so little time!!!
It’s been awhile since I’ve worked with iron transfers, but I don’t have fond memories! I remember them being really tricky to deal with and not the most appealing for the inevitable borders. But this is a really awesome concept and I love what you created! Heading to the craft store now! :)
http://www.rogiandco.com/ | A Lifestyle Dog Blog
This is so awesome I’ll try it . I use to print directly on the canvas but it is limited…
So this could be an alternative …..Thank you