check out my stitch library here, and my getting started post here.
transfer methods
there are several easy methods for transferring a pattern onto fabric. you’ll want to choose the right one for your project, taking into account the content and color of the fabric you are using, the type of pattern you have, and the amount of detail in the design.
- Tape the pattern piece onto a window, and then tape the fabric directly on top of the pattern. You should be able to see the image through the fabric.
- Using a wash-out pen, lightly trace the pattern directly onto the fabric. You could also use a sharp pencil to draw the lines, but they won’t wash out as easily and may smear onto the fabric.
IRON-ON TRANSFER PEN
With this method, you’ll basically be tracing and ironing. Keep in mind that you’ll be placing the image face-down to iron it onto your fabric, so it will print backwards. With some designs, this may not matter. But if your design has text, or if you want to use the original image and not the mirror image, you can either print it as a mirror image OR flip the pattern over and trace it from the back.
- Place a piece of tracing paper over the pattern pieces and trace the design onto your tracing paper using the iron-on pen. Use small pieces of tape at the corners to keep the papers in place while you are tracing.
- Once the image is traced, you are ready to transfer it to fabric.
- Lay the tracing paper, drawing side down, on top of the fabric.
- Using a hot dry iron, press firmly (don’t rub, as this may cause it to smudge) on each section of the image until the entire image has been transferred. Check the instructions on your transfer pencil for recommended times. Lift the paper carefully, one corner at a time, to be sure that the image has transferred completely.
CARBON PAPER
Carbon paper comes in different colors. If you want to transfer a design onto dark fabric, you can use white carbon paper.
- Place the carbon paper carbon side down onto your fabric, then place your printed design on top of it.
- Use a pencil to trace the design. Press firmly, but not hard enough to puncture the paper. Be sure that the papers do not shift while you are tracing – you can use a few pieces of tape to secure them.
3 Easy Ways to Trace Images onto Paper
Have you ever struggled with tracing images onto different surfaces? In today’s tutorial I will share 3 ways to trace images onto paper that I use in my own art practice. Tracing is a great way to quickly transfer images but depending on the surface it can be challenging. Today I will show you how to use a light table, graphite paper and tracing paper with Contè crayon to add images to your paper or canvas surfaces.
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So Why Trace Images?
So why trace images? For many of us who may struggle with composition or general art skills it’s a great way to get an image onto your surface to start creating. You may be looking to add basic shapes, or you may be interested in doing a detailed tracing.
If you are intimidated by drawing, transferring images is a great way to start getting familiar with the shapes and strokes of drawing. When learning how to draw with perspective, tracing an image can give you a better understanding of what you are trying to draw. You will help train your eye to see some of the nuances required when drawing in perspective.
Tracing is also a great way of using your personal photographs in a different and unique way. By using them as a base for your tracing, you can create a new and unique piece of art from one of your own images. It is also a way of using a favorite drawing or image to create something new.
How Tracing Images Saves Time
Tracing images can save a lot of time, especially if you are trying to get an idea down quickly. As I have shared in another video about using grid drawing for composition , it is important to start with correct perspective and alignment of your images. If you are working on a small piece or in a book, tracing an image, saves time and is easy to scale to your surface.
Using a Light Pad to Trace Images
To use a light pad to trace an image, put the light pad on a stable surface, such as a table. Add the image that you would like to trace on top of the light pad. Lastly, add the paper that you will trace onto on top of the image. You should be able to see a faint outline of the image that you will be able to trace onto your piece of paper. This works best with thin or translucent grounds.
When using vellum or paper, a light pad can be very helpful when tracing images. It helps define the image and shows the detail of the image more clearly. Tracing can be done without a light pad in a bright room, but by using a light pad to back light the image, it makes it easier to trace. It can also allow you to trace through heavier paper.
The weight of the paper will affect how much detail you will be able to see. If you are using a light paper, this will make it easy to trace all the details of an image. On a heavier paper, you may only be able to distinguish the outline of the image.
Using Graphite Paper to Trace Images
Using graphite paper to trace images is a great way of getting a clear image, especially if you are transferring onto a canvas or very opaque surface. The conventional way of using graphite paper is to lay the canvas or paper that you are transferring the image to on a flat surface. On top of your paper or canvas, lay your graphite paper to cover the surface. Take a copy of the image that you are tracing and put it on top.
Using a hard pencil or a stylus, trace around the image that you will transfer. The pressure that you put on the graphite paper will transfer the graphite onto the canvas or paper beneath it.
There is also printable inkjet graphite paper available that saves a step with this process. The printable graphite paper has a white side and a graphite side. By printing your image on the white side of the paper, you can add your image directly to the graphite paper. This means that during tracing you do not have to worry about having one of the layers slipping as you transfer the image.
If you are tracing your image and you lose your place, you can very gently lift the graphite paper to check and see how your image has transferred. Make sure to hold down or tape down part of the graphite paper image so that it does not move.
Tracing Paper and Contè Crayon
Another way to trace images is with tracing paper and Contè crayon. Contè crayons are a blend of natural pigments, kaolin clay, and graphite. This makes them ideal for using with tracing paper for this technique. Lay the tracing paper over the image to be traced and with a hard pencil, copy the image onto the paper. Flip the tracing paper over and rub Contè crayon over the surface. Flip the paper back to the right side and using a pencil, trace the image onto your surface.
Once you have traced the image, you should have a Contè crayon image on your surface. Using a pen, draw the image onto the surface following the lines of the Contè crayon. Once completed, use a kneaded eraser, roll the eraser across the image removing any remaining Contè crayon.
This technique is great for images that you want to have a very clean, white surface after the transfer. Unlike a graphite pencil, that can smudge and leave residue, the Contè crayon is easier to clean up and erase.
Trace and Transfer is SUPER Easy
Do you know what makes me fall in love with a technique? When it only takes a few inexpensive supplies and it’s easy. The trace and transfer technique checks both of these boxes. There are only two supplies required that you might not have laying around the house; tracing paper and a 2B or charcoal pencil.
Tracing Paper
Pencils
When I transfer onto a light colored surface, I use a 2B pencil (this is different from a #2 pencil). When I transfer onto a dark colored surface (like a rock) I use a white charcoal pencil. A regular pencil does not work as well because you need a somewhat softer lead to transfer the image. That said, you don’t want too soft of a lead or you’ll have smudge marks everywhere. This post from the Jet Pens Blog offers a super easy description of when to use what type of pencil and what all those letters and numbers mean.
In addition to the tracing paper and special pencils, the only other supplies you need for the trace & transfer technique is a pair of scissors and a popsicle stick or mechanical pencil with no lead. . . and an image of course. Now, all you have to do is follow five easy steps!
Trace & Transfer Technique (for non-directional images)
ONE: Place your image underneath the tracing paper. Using your 2B or white charcoal pencil, trace the image onto the transfer paper.
TWO: Cut your traced image (leaving about 1/2″ around the image) away from the sheet of tracing paper.
THREE: Place your image, traced side down, onto the surface you are transferring onto
FOUR: Rub the back of the image with a popsicle stick or the end of a mechanical pencil with the lead removed or retracted
FIVE: Go over your pencil lines with a Sharpie or if on fabric, a Pilot Frixion Pen (the pen marks disappear when ironed)
Trace & Transfer Technique for Directional Images (letters & numbers)
ONE: Place your image underneath the tracing paper and tracing using a dark Sharpie
TWO: Cut your traced image (leaving about 1/2″ around the image) away from the sheet of tracing paper.
THREE: Flip your traced image over. Using your 2b or white charcoal pencil, trace the Sharpie lines
FOUR: Place the PENCIL side of your traced image down onto the surface you are transferring onto
FIVE: Rub the Sharpie side of the image with a popsicle stick or the end of a mechanical pencil with the lead removed or retracted.
SIX: Go over your pencil lines with a Sharpie or, if on fabric, a Pilot Frixion Pen (the pen marks disappear when ironed)
