DSF

Hi everyone, new here.

We've been trading with transfers for a couple of years now and have just taken the leap into sublimation. The plan was to all over print on cushions/pillows as well as the Mermaid/Sequin cushions too (40x40cm).

So far though , we've getting super inconsistent results, to the point where we've had to pull our items from sale.

The zipper is the main issue, if the whole cushion isnt level when pressed the print ends up with random white patches going through it.

The best results we had so far was using ironing board felt cut to shape and then inserted, gave us great results for all of 2 prints until the felt begain to crease, giving the next cushion white crease Mark's throughout the print. We also tried to wrap it in teflon, however the prints still come through.

Our last idea was to order some High Density Foam (the stuff they use in furniture) and cut to shape, the logic being is that its heat proof and cant crease, although this hasnt arrived yet so we cant share the results.

If anyone has ANY suggestions we're willing to give them a go. I know this can be done, I've seen numerous sellers on ebay etc using this method, I just dont know how they're doing it!

You can buy the fabric and print on it without the zips. Then get a local seamstress to make the cushions. Now that works fine with repeat patterns, but asking a seamstress to cut and sew within a very specific constrained printed area might be trickier.

I had some cushions made to order which were slightly bigger than my square shaped heat press, so this avoided the whole zip issue getting in the way.

We don't sublimate all over, but use a heat press pad pad and it works a treat. https://www.coralgraph.com/heat-press/c ... ombo-press

Ray

Thanks for the replies guys, seeing as a cant find any information on the internet, it seems as though either I'm looking in the wrong places or the secret is closely guarded. As suggested, Its possible there may be some sort of cut and sew job needed in order to be able sublimation all over the cushion.:frown:

Hi Buxton,


The majority or pre stitched cushions tend to be designed for placement printing (not all over prints) purely because any edge is folded and stitched.
This creates an uneven surface which isn't ideal for a successful sublimation print.
I have sen a few people getting lucky printing to the edge but then there's likely to be a higher than expected failure rate even then.


Most of the people producing cushions printed edge to edge are done before assembly.

Adam is correct. Edge to edge cushion printing can only be achieved by post assembly method (print onto fabric then stich into cushion). You will have to stick with a wide unprinted border for pre made cushions with zips. Bear in mind zips melt and can stop working so don't press directly but leave edge out of press and quickly zip and unzip cushion post press to ensure they work still.

We print all over cushions, but print the fabrics on the roll before our in-house seamstress does the cutting and sewing into the cushions.

Thanks for the replies everyone, very helpful, does anyone have any ideas on the average cost of a seamstress on a per item basis?

We've always had our sewing in house, but at busy times have hired in extra to work on premises, or from their own - and paid per hour rather than piece work.

If you're looking to outsource or hire in, then look for seamstresses or dress makers - not alterations people- different style of sewing - alterations are bitty & stop/start, whereas dressmaking/seamstressing is being able to do long straight continuous sews quickly - which is more efficient as a workflow, and gives a much better end result/product.

Thanks Pisquee, I'm going to contact some today.