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Old Embroidery Transfers

by Anna
(USA)

I have some old embroidery transfers that are deep blue in color. I want to iron them onto a black fabric; they don't show up on the black. I know I can use carbon paper and trace onto the black, but that is taking forever as the pattern is for all 50 state birds and flowers. There has got to be an easier way. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

Amy's Answer
I had to think about this one for awhile! I believe you should try the pricking and pouncing technique. Make tiny holes close together along the lines of the pattern then use a white or light colored pouncing powder (buy one specially made or use talc powder, aka baby powder) over the pattern so that it works through the holes and is pushed into the fabric.

I know, you are wondering how that could possibly be faster. Well it can, if you use one of the tiny pricking wheels made for the purpose. Imagine a small spiked pizza cutter. Or you can use a threadless sewing machine to trace the lines, but that might not work depending how old and fragile your transfers are.

Recommended Reading
Cheap Transferring
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How to Paint Your Own Needlepoint Canvas
How to Transfer Patterns onto Tulle

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Old Embroidery Transfers

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Apr 10, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Use Tissue Paper
by: KarenK

I would lay tissue paper over the trnsfers and trace on to the tissue paper. Then lay the tissue paper on your fabric and emboider through. I do it all the time without problem.
Jul 10, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Copy Pattern
by: Anonymous

I got a special pencil from the sewing store that looks like a colored pencil. It comes in red and in white. All you have to do is use the pencil and trace over the blue lines of your pattern so now they would be white. Then you have turned the blue lines white and you can iron the pattern onto a dark fabric.
Good Luck, Diane
Jul 10, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Black Fabric with Blue Iron On
by: Merilee

What about using the tear away paper and iron on the transfers to it and somehow attach the paper to the black fabric? Do the embroidery and then tear the fabric and paper away.
Jul 10, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Tacking Through from the Back
by: Ruth O'Leary

This isn't the quickest method by any means, but often when I want to transfer a pattern onto a dark fabric, or even a light one that I don't want to run the risk of marking, I iron the transfer onto a backing fabric such as calico or linen, which is then attached to the main fabric.

As I usually line silks anyway for strength, by putting the design on the back, I can then stitch over it using very small running stitches. This transfers it to the front without causing any damage. I then stitch over the running stitches, and if necessary can easily pull them out.

It takes a while, but it's a safe way if you're using an expensive fabric.

I've got more on various ways to transfer a design onto fabric on my website: Ruth O'Leary Textile Art
Jul 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Transfer to Black Material
by: Anonymous

There is a pen that you can buy at craft stores.
We use them to go over patterns. It will cover
the pattern lines with a white substance and
you can then iron it onto black fabric.
I usually take a picture of the pattern then
trace it on the copy paper with the pen so as not
to mess up my orginal pattern in case I want to
use it for something else.
They also make this pen in black ink and various other colors that I use on the copy when I want to put it on a colored or white fabric.
Cathy

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