Name: Elsbeth

Message: After seeing Judy Coats Perez' "Tea & Entomology" in Quilting Arts #32 I would like to try transfer printing on polyester fabric. Buying transfer paint online was easy, however I cannot find a source for medium weight polyester (the one Judy recommends). There also seem to be many kinds of polyester. Could you help me along?

Any polyester will work for transfer dyeing with disperse dyes, but the weave will make a difference in how well your design shows up. Choose a plain white polyester fabric that you like the feel of. A very smooth satin weave will show finer details than a rougher weave will. Polyester microsuede or fleece will show much less detail, but might be very worthwhile all the same in some projects.

I recommend that you buy a small quantity of each of several white polyester fabrics from your local sewing store, anything that appeals to you. Prewash the fabrics as you would normally wash laundry, following the care instructions found on the end of the bolt (that the fabric is wrapped around before you buy it). After drying the polyester samples, try a quick test of a method similar to that you want to use. There is no better way to get a feel for what it is that you really want.

Or, you can just buy one medium- to heavy-weight polyester satin from the sewing store, not too sheer and not too stiff. A heavier fabric will be able to hold more dye than a lighter fabric. Thin sheer polyesters, such as chiffon, will not produce colors that are nearly as dark or as intense, but they can be quite satisfactory for certain effects, especially for layering over a thicker material.

Other synthetic fibers will also work for transfer dyes. Do not use rayon, which is a cellulose fiber that does not contain a synthetic polymer (rayon should be dyed just like cotton, instead). You can use nylon, acetate, or acrylic. Some fabrics, particularly modacrylic and polypropylene, will melt under the high heat of the transfer press (or home iron) that is used to transfer the disperse dye. Be sure to do a small-scale test before embarking on your main project. It takes very little time to do a small test, and it can save you a lot of disappointment.

If you do not have a local sewing store and must purchase by mail-order, one good choice would be the crepe back satin polyester sold by Joann.com.

(Please help support this web site. Thank you.)