I want to print labels onto fabric, to be sewn on. The ink has to be fast. The result has to be durable. Can't order them because I want to serialize the labels!

Anyone know how to get this done?

Thank you!

- MacEntyre

Forgive me if you've already searched but I found a blog entry with the search terms: inkjet fabric label (http://www.google.com/search?num=30&q=inkjet+fabric+label&btnG=Search)

Make your own Labels (http://allysonhill.typepad.com/allyson_hill/2007/06/make_your_own_l.html) Allyson Hill

No clue on the DIY, sorry!

An alternative might be to outsource the labels, with space left on them for a serial number. Then you could embroider or use a hand stamp (http://www.tstrubberstamp.ca/number-alphabet-stamps.htm) to add a serial number.

$.02

P.S. I'd be happy with "#4 -- Mac" hand scribbled with a Sharpie! :cool:

Here's an unconventional idea. I have used it for T-shirts and I have no doubt it would work for calico as well.

Iron-on labels.

Create the label in photoshop or similar, mirror it so it's all backwards

Print em on your inkjet

Iron onto your calico

Cut em out and sew em in.

Iron-on transfers have a really bad rep, but my own experience has been very positive. I put an MCLMM patch (LFers will know what I'm talking about) on an OD t-shirt about 12 months ago. I wear and wash it regularly and it is still very readable. The patch is a black ink outline with some text.

A label will probably be a black ink logo with black text so it's all good. Multicoloured transfers don't last but line art and text in a single colour do.

Just something to think about.

Edit:

Because pictures talk and anecdotes walk...

http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/files/2/3/1/2/patch-flash.jpg
Patch. Flash used.

http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/files/2/3/1/2/patch.jpg
Patch. No flash used

http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/files/2/3/1/2/shoulder_transfer.jpg
Sleeve transfers - no flash

I've made many bed quilts and I always put a label on them. Here's what I do... Maybe you can translate this over to what you want to do?

I take a piece of 'freezer paper' (bought at the grocery store in the ziploc/ baggie/alum foil section and cut it to the size of a reg copy paper (8.5x11 i think?). Then, I take a piece of the fabric I want to use (usually some cotton muslin) and iron the freezer paper onto the fabric, SHINY side onto the fabric.
It will stick nicely to the fabric. Then, put my printer settings on 'best', and I feed the freezer paper/fabric sandwich through the printer, making my label.

After I remove the freezer paper, I iron it again on high, which seems to set the ink.

Hope that might help...

An alternative might be to outsource the labels, with space left on them for a serial number.
That's what I'm favoring...
I'd be happy with "#4 -- Mac" hand scribbled with a Sharpie! :cool:
...unless I do that! :rolleyes:

Here's an unconventional idea. I have used it for T-shirts and I have no doubt it would work for calico as well.

Iron-on labels. ... Just something to think about.


I like that look!

Perkolady, your DIY transfers sound pretty cool. Was thinking about putting my avatar on a shirt and will give your method a try.

:thumbup1:

(we return you to your regularly scheduled thread, now in progress...) :o

All the textures on the pack itself are pretty rough... I am thinking of stitching in a piece of Tyvek and writing on it with a Sharpie. That might last a few years, if it is not in the sun.

At least that way I could sign it! :cool:

- MacEntyre

I've got a friend who has this dye sublimation printing machine and does custom shirts and such. I don't know what it is, but I assume it sublimates the dye:), which I think means the dye bonds to the fabric on a molecular level.
It prints photos on cloth almost as good as the photo and so far, it has withstood the normal fading from wash and wear.

If you are interested, pm me.

All the textures on the pack itself are pretty rough...
What I mean by that is that they do not lend themselves to printing, because the surface is course. Hence, wondering about a label...

I just tried a Tyvek label on a prototype. If I could find green Tyvek, I'd be all set!

- MacEntyre

Mac,
Coming from the screen printing industry, I would recommend either pad printing the labels or invest in a cheap sublimation printing setup.
Try this link http://www.bestblanks.com/heattransferprinters.html give them an email explaining what you want to do. They could steer you in the right direction.
Don

Thanks, Dawg & Narca!

BTW, Narca, subliimation is where a substance goes from a solid to a gaseous state without going through the liquid state. It's how the cold NW wind dries up snow without melting it. Apparently, sublimation printing uses heat and pressure to drive small amounts of dry ink stored on a ribbon into the gaseous state, which impregnates the medium, or item being printed.

- MacEntyre

sublimation printing uses heat and pressure to drive small amounts of dry ink stored on a ribbon into the gaseous state, which impregnates the medium, or item being printed.

- MacEntyre
Actually Mac you can use your inkjet printer with special ink to produce the labels. Ribbon sublimation is a whole different animal.
Don

Thanks, Don, and everyone else!

Today I talked to some folks who have used just about everything that has been suggested here. The unanimous opinion is that none of it withstands the test of time, without costing far more than it's worth for my application.

I'm thinking of going with a black ink stamp on a scrap of smooth nylon.

My dad does sublimation and he has a tshirt that he did 7yrs ago and the print looks the same. Maybe if you send me the art I can get him to make you a sample and see if its worth your time to do it that way. It will atleast look more professional. Just a thought.
Don

...no artwork yet. I'll get back to you.

- MacEntyre

...no artwork yet. I'll get back to you.

- MacEntyre

I'll be here.:cool:

Why not just embroider the logo/signature/whatever?

Maybe not so bright,
Acer

Why not just embroider the logo/signature/whatever?

Maybe not so bright,
Acer

Mac wants to also do running serial numbers as well as logo. It might be too much of a pain to keep changing the digitizing associated with embroidery machines. Maybe not, I have only done screenprinting and outsourced all embroidery.
Don

Acer, where are you @ in WVA? I'm from Logan County near Lake.
Don

Ah, I'd missed the serial number bit.
I'm actually in Southwest Virginia in Hokie country.. Guess I should put a space in there to prevent confusion. ;)

Acer

Ah, I'd missed the serial number bit.
I'm actually in Southwest Virginia in Hokie country.. Guess I should put a space in there to prevent confusion. ;)

Acer

Dawg holds fingers in an anti vampire cross......Hokies bah....lets go Eers! Just joking acer.:laugh:

At least he's in ACC country... :cool:

At least he's in ACC country... :cool:
Big East for me! The crimina...i mean Hurricanes,Bahston college and VaaTech
left the big east for 'greener pastures"...but that ain't working out is it...Kicks dirt and reminds self this is a hammocks forum.:confused: Sorry off topic!
Don