Use CF Spark to Create Iron-on Patches

In case you didn’t know, Creative Fabrica has an online AI program called CF Spark that allows you to design graphics for your crafting projects. Unlike many graphics programs available on the internet, CF Spark allows you to manipulate and create images from personal photographs or graphic designs you created. This opens up an entirely new avenue for you as a crafter. You can make your art wearable. You can use CF Spark to create iron-on patches that you can use in your crafts or even sell.

Step One

I started out by generating an image in CF Spark using some of the word prompts I thought would create the best image. I wanted something that would actually look like an iron-on patch. Everyone knows that I can sew. But I cannot embroider a realistic image on my sewing machine. You can see the prompt I used in the picture below. I did select the 16:9 landscape ratio for the image I wanted CF Spark to generate. I wanted a rectangular patch instead of a round one. You can choose from the other options available if you prefer a different size of the patch.

I will admit that the first couple of times I created the word prompt, I was given images that looked a bit like a child’s coloring book. However, the more specific you are with your prompts, the more successful you will be when creating a usable image. You can also generate an image using the Creative Mix section of CF Spark.

I uploaded an image of an antique fire engine and clicked “Generate”. CF Spark image mix generated 12 images that I could have used to create my iron-on patch. One, in particular, caught my eye. Because we live in a rural community, the image I chose to create an iron-on patch looked very similar to one of our fire engines in a field where the firemen were fighting a small fire.

Step Two

In order to use the image made in CF Spark to create the iron-on patch, you must print it out onto fabric. I prefer to use cotton fabric. I have an ink-jet printer and use fabric treated with Bubble Jet Set when I create iron-on patches. You can find a tutorial on treating fabric here.

I load the image into a graphic program and generate several duplicates on the same page. That way I can make more than one iron-on patch at a time. This helps for two reasons. One is that if I make a mistake while making the patch, I still have a couple more I can use. The other reason is that I have some to sell if someone else wants one of the same patches.

I like to make my iron-on patches in a variety of sizes. You can make the patches small to fit on the sleeve of a shirt. Or you can make the patches larger to put on a jacket or even a pair of jeans. You may want to make one that will fit on the front of a hat. The best way to do this is to design the layout so you have one of each size on the same page.

Once I have the design laid out in the print space the way I want, I save it as a PDF file to preserve the image quality of the iron-on patch. I can then use it to create other craft projects too. I know that as a PDF file, I can print it out and it will be the same every time.

Step Three

After I have the image designed the way I want, I simply print it out onto the fabric and allow the ink to dry completely. I iron the printed fabric to a piece of Heat-n-Bond fabric adhesive according to the directions on the package. I prefer to use Heat-n-Bond Lite because I can sew around the edges. If you use Heat-n-Bond Ultra Hold, you do not need to sew the iron-on patch. You should also know that the ultra-hold variety of Heat-n-Bond can gum up the needle on a sewing machine. So if you decide to use it, and want the sewn edges of the patch, then you need to hand-sew the patch to the garment.

Step Four

As I said previously, I like to sew around the edges of my design to give my project a more finished look. I use a small zig-zag stitch on as much of the image as I can. I think it adds an element of professionalism to the project. Plus, I know that the image is secured to the garment, hat, or bag and is not going to come off in the wash.

You can hand-stitch the entire piece if you prefer. Sometimes I do that simply because the iron-on patch I create is too small to be precise with my sewing machine. And if I had to tell the truth, slow stitching (as I call it) actually relaxes me.

Another reason you may need to hand stitch the iron-on patch is because of where the patch is going. Oftentimes, a jacket or hat will not fit properly under the presser foot of a sewing machine. So hand stitching is the only way to adhere the iron-on patch to the garment.

A Few Reminders

I need to mention that when you use CF Spark to create iron-on patches, you need to generate a private download to save the image to your computer. If you find that the images that are being produced are not what you are looking for, try using Prompt Builder in CF Spark. You can fine-tune your design. I often use it when I want more detail in the main image or less background imagery behind the focal point.

I hope you can create some amazing iron-on patches with the use of CF Spark. With this type of art at your disposal, there is no limit as to where your crafts can go!