Printer-friendly fabric...

symwyse · Post by **symwyse** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 5:14 pm

I've been scouring the web for some decent fabric that can be used in a color printer (for making capes, cloaks, flags, sails, et cetera, et cetera...).

I've found a few sources that are worth looking into and perhaps purchasing:
http://www.avery.com/us/Main?action=pro ... code=WEB01
http://www.pabric.com/

Has anyone else found some decent product suppliers for such a task? The whole "printing on paper and using packing tape as a protectant" isn't my thing, I want something that looks as official as possible.

KTHXBYE!

Blue Head · Post by **Blue Head** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 6:39 pm

Just what I needed, thanks.

symwyse · Post by **symwyse** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 7:06 pm

Blue Head wrote:Just what I needed, thanks.

You know, I've been looking into the Pabric website, and it looks more promising than anything else I've found: http://www.pabric.com/fabricsheets

To quote the site:
Pabric is crease-free, not-easy-to tear, smooth-to-the-touch, water, dust, and fire resistant. For artists and craft lovers, Pabric finds the resolution to help your artwork last longer on a luxurious surface.

Fire and water resistant. Images don't fade into water after printing.
Pabric comes in different weights and thicknesses for different applications. The combination makes Pabric welcomed in art reproduction, scrapbooking, paper creation, and fabric creation societies. There are three variations of Pabric.

* Pabric Soft - Soft and pliable for sewing.
* Pabric Creative - Premium fabric cardstock for art and design printing.
* Pabric Sticker - Premium fabric sticker for art and craft applications.

ottoatm · Post by **ottoatm** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 7:45 pm

These are great links - I don't think I've seen an easy way to order printable fabric like this before... great stuff!

armothe · Post by **armothe** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 3:59 pm

I've used these products before and I think the results are lacking. The fabric tends to bleed the ink; crisp designs are very difficult to nail down. When trying to use this with a color laser printer, the paper becomes jammed 80% of the time. I suppose if you just want a cape/cloak a single color this is an okay option, but more intricate designs just don't turn out that well.

-A

Pharazon · Post by **Pharazon** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 5:49 pm

Man why didn't you tell me before!? I already placed an order for the Pabric. (commence grinding teeth) Oh well, I'll try it out and give you guys a review as well once I have some samples ready.

Donut · Post by **Donut** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 8:14 pm

Thanks for the link symwyse.

symwyse · Post by **symwyse** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 9:37 pm

armothe wrote:I've used these products before and I think the results are lacking. The fabric tends to bleed the ink; crisp designs are very difficult to nail down. When trying to use this with a color laser printer, the paper becomes jammed 80% of the time. I suppose if you just want a cape/cloak a single color this is an okay option, but more intricate designs just don't turn out that well.

-A

HA! All the banners I've been making have intricate designs! Oy. *ponders alternatives*

symwyse · Post by **symwyse** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 9:42 pm

Armothe:

Is there something that you would recommend aside from Pabric? I'd hate to have to scour bricklink for what I need (as I often find myself buying more than I intended

), and want something original...

Pharazon · Post by **Pharazon** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:30 am

Got my order of Pabric faster than expected. Here's a pic of the the Pabric next to my homemade stuff. Pab on the left, homemade on the right:

As you can see, the Pab is very clear and vibrant when it comes to color. But ultimately it is just a kind of card stock paper, not printable fabric. Hence it acts like card stock and doesn't hold a crease very well. I am sure it has its uses, but Lego style fabric it is not my friends. And it only cost me 20 bucks, oh well.

symwyse · Post by **symwyse** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:39 pm

Pharazon wrote: As you can see, the Pab is very clear and vibrant when it comes to color. But ultimately it is just a kind of card stock paper, not printable fabric. Hence it acts like card stock and doesn't hold a crease very well. I am sure it has its uses, but Lego style fabric it is not my friends. And it only cost me 20 bucks, oh well.

Wow- I was intending on using the "pliable" form of Pabric instead of the cardstock variety... I suppose that I'll just have to buy some and experiment with it...

Pharazon · Post by **Pharazon** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 10:09 pm

symwyse wrote:I was intending on using the "pliable" form of Pabric instead of the cardstock variety

Do you mean the "soft Pabric"? That is what I used, it's basically a thin cardstock with a fabric backing. Unfortunately you can only print on the paper side, hence why it just ends up looking like paper. It does have the advantage on not cracking the ink when folding or creasing.