Printing images on scarves

[AnneWynne]

It has been suggested to me that some of my digitally manipulated photographic images would look great as scarves, and I think it is an intreguing concept.

Has anyone ever had an image printed up as a silk scarf? I would really like to know about your experience with that, especially where you got it printed. I have found some printers overseas (China and Pakistan) but am not sure about import issues even with printers who have US offices.

I am seriously thinking about adding silk scarves to my art show photo booth this year. A totally different approach to selling photography.

So, what do ya'll think?

[AnonymousKiwi1]

I think it sounds like a wonderful idea, Anne.
I don't wear scarves myself, but when ever I'm on holiday I always check out the gorgeous designs on offer at the markets and often buy one for my Mum.

Here's a place I found after a quick search. It's based in Spain, but has a New York contact number among its international trading contact info.

Digital Printed Products Silk Scarf, tie, shirt, T-shirt and swim wear supply in cotton, lycra and silk

Good luck.

[AnneWynne]

Thanks Kiwi,

I had already found that page but from what I can tell, they are a large run printer. I have found lots of that type printer in the far east.

At this point I am looking for a samples printer who can print for a reasonable price. What I am finding is printing in the $50 range. That is probably a reasonable price for a retail designer scarf. But before I pay that, I would like to know if anyone has done this...printed a photographic image on silk and if they have a printer they have used they would recommend.

[lonni]

Hi Anne

this is teh second time i posted a reply but they all seem to dissapear.

I dont want to sound disparaging but i am not sure approaching fashion houses is a great idea. They all have their own designers and work far in advanced. I have afriend working on the textile design for a spring 2015 line. The few freelance textile designers i know are illustrators and artists and sell their work with a license similar to a stock image, with extended rights.

I also havent seen a photo on a scarfe produced circa the 80's so i would say it is a niche market, which would drop the number of peole to aproach dramatically.

You should look into Dye sublimation, its what soem print places use to put your images on mugs, tshirts mouse mats etc. Its is easy, cost effective and you can have a run of 1. The only obstacle i can see is that a silk scarfe may be a little hard as it is not a standard product, you may have to source your own scarfes and get some one to dye sub them for you.

You will need to do soem research on weather silk is suitable. It needs to be porus and be able to stand heat and pressure, cotton works great as no most nautural textiles. Just make sure that the silk is not treated or coated with anything it can effect the colour and transfer.

changing the colours is pretty easy in either light room or photoshop. I find changing it to B&W then toning with a coloured adjustment layer works great as does a duo tone.

HTH

[AnneWynne]

Thanks for the imput Lonni,

I know textile designers worked in advance, but did not know they worked as far in advance as you indicated. Could you possibly put me in touch with a freelance textile designer? I would love to have an opportunity to pick their mind about this concept.

The printing technique I have been looking at is used in the production of silk items, and there are textile printers who do print on scarves...whether the scarves are hemmed before of after the process, I don't know.

And the images I am thinking about putting onto textiles are abstract images and don't really look photographic, so it is not the circa 80's throw back. But still, scarves in general are a niche market. That is why I am interested in others' experiences with printing images on fabric/scarves.

[allendr59]

You might check out this site.
Cats (and People) Who Quilt

I haven't dug too deep, but this does sound like an interesting idea!

[AnneWynne]

Thanks Allen, but what I have in mind would be too large to go through the household printer. I want to do scarves that are 36 to 45 inches square. I can find printers overseas who will do batch runs of 50, but that is too many at this point in the game.

Here is an example of the type image I want to print on scarves (the image is of a card front...it is the center design that is an example of what I do.)

[Jim Poor]

Am I losing my mind or have several replies to this thread vanished?

[AnneWynne]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

Am I losing my mind or have several replies to this thread vanished?

There is another thread very similar, but asking about selling the images rather than printing them. I posted an image on that thread and this one to illustrate what kind of images I am referring to.

Sorry if I got you confused, but you can rest easy in the knowledge that you are not loosing your mind.

Anne
Of all the things I have lost, it is my mind I miss the most.

[Jim Poor]

Oh, now I get it. That's what I get for being up 4-5 hours after my bed time!