How to Create a Floral Textile Appliqué Using Transfer Dyes & Angelina Fibres

Create Your Transfer Dye Background

Begin by placing a sheet of sketchbook paper onto your work surface. Lightly spray the paper with water using a spray bottle, making sure the surface is damp.

Using the end of a paintbrush, flick small amounts of transfer dye onto the wet paper. Experiment with a mixture of colours, allowing them to spread and blend naturally across the surface. In this demonstration, different shades of blue and green create a colourful, organic background.

If any areas begin to dry or the colours aren't blending as you'd like, add another light spray of water. Once you're happy with your design, leave the paper to dry completely.

Paint Your Leaves

While the transfer dye paper dries, select a variety of leaves with interesting shapes and textures. You can use freshly collected leaves or ones that have already been pressed.

Using a smooth, flat paintbrush, gently coat each leaf with transfer paint. Try combining different shades of blue and green, mixing colours in your palette or blending them directly on the leaf. Make sure the leaf is evenly covered, then leave it to dry.

Previously painted leaves can also be reused by applying another coat of transfer paint.

Heat Transfer Your Background onto Fabric

Once the dyed paper is dry, place a piece of polyester fabric onto the heat press, with greaseproof paper underneath to protect the surface. Position any additional leaves or materials you'd like to use to create textured, reverse impressions.

Turn your dried transfer dye paper over so the coloured surface faces down onto the polyester fabric. Heat press for approximately 20 seconds, as demonstrated in the video. Carefully remove the paper to reveal your colourful, textured background.

Add Your Leaf Prints

Arrange the dried, painted leaves face down onto your printed polyester fabric. Experiment with their positioning to create an interesting composition.

Cover the arrangement with greaseproof paper and heat press again to transfer the leaf shapes onto the fabric. Remove the leaves and protective paper to reveal the additional prints.

Create Your Angelina Fibre Fabric

Choose a few colours of Angelina fibres. You can work with individual shades or gently tease different colours together to create a blend. In the demonstration, yellow, green and blue fibres are combined.

Spread the fibres onto a sheet of greaseproof paper in a thin, even layer. Place another sheet of greaseproof paper over the top to protect your iron, then gently pass a hot iron across the fibres.

The heat bonds the fibres into a lightweight, shimmering fabric that can be cut into shapes. Carefully peel the newly formed fabric away from the greaseproof paper.