As a fashion and textile designer I have had experience with computer printable fabrics from plain cotton (with no adhesive), to iron-ons and peel and stick versions. So I wanted to use this guide to share my tips for using these products successfully.

1. Selecting you image - Make sure that your image is smaller than the sheet, I would suggest a border (margin) of 1 to 2cm is left unprinted all the way around the sheet. This is to avoid the edges of the fabric being caught under the ink cartridge holder, as it moves across the width fabric. By doing this you will ensure that the ink cartridge holder will not need to go from the very edge to the very edge of your sheets.
2. Before you start printing make sure that your sheet is flat. Sometimes sheets will curl if left for a while before use.
3. If you are using the plain cotton sheets, which do not have adhesive backings then you can iron the sheet on the reverse. I would suggest a cool setting.
4. If you are using the iron-on or peel and stick versions then place a book on the floor, add your sheet on top (paper side down), add a sheet of A4 plain paper to the fabric side (so as not to mark). Then add a selection of heavier books on top and leave over night. In most cases this should be enough to flatten your fabric sheet.
5. Before you load the fabric into your printer, check the fabric’s surface for any stray threads. If you leave these on they will cause misprints on the finished article.
6. Load the sheets into the printer and make sure that they are sitting straight in the feeder tray. If the fabric sheets are not straight this may lead to ink blotches at the sides of the sheet.
7. You can use the usual settings on your printer, as there are no special set-up requirements.
8. Once printed leave the fabric sheet for one hour to dry flat. The fabric should now be colour fixed.
9. Peel off the backing and the fabric is now ready to use.
10. Iron-on versions will require heat attachment. So place the adhesive side onto the desired garment, or fabric base and iron until the printed, iron-on cotton sheet is fully fixed in place. When you are doing this please always use a scrap of fabric to protect you ironing board surface. Although these sheets are colour fixed after an hour very dark prints could potentially bleed a little. There is nothing worse than damaging your ironing board cover, as it could lead to marks on your clothes.

These sheets really are simple to use and can make a really simple but effective addition to clothing, accessories and bags, handmade cards and dolls.