3 Top Ways to Print on Fabric at Home for Pro Results

Have you ever held a plain piece of fabric and envisioned the perfect pattern, a favorite photo, or a unique design that you just couldn't find in stores? If you're like me, that creative spark often leads to the question: is there an easy way to bring these ideas to life? As a textile artist with over a decade of experience, I've spent countless hours exploring exactly how to print on fabric at home. It's a game-changer for quilters, crafters, and anyone looking to add a personal touch to their projects.

After testing numerous techniques, I can confidently say that the best method for you depends entirely on your project's goals, your budget, and the level of permanence you need. There isn't a single "best" way, but there is a perfect way for your specific creative endeavor. Whether you're making custom quilt labels, personalized tote bags, or unique art pieces, the right technique can elevate your work from homemade to handmade professional.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know. We will delve into the incredibly popular freezer paper method for inkjet printers, explore the pros and cons of iron-on transfer sheets, and even touch on other creative techniques. You'll get step-by-step instructions, material checklists, and the expert tips I've learned from years of trial and error, ensuring you get beautiful, lasting results every time.

Table of Contents

• What is the Easiest Way to Print on Fabric at Home?
• How Do You Print on Fabric with an Inkjet Printer and Freezer Paper?
• What Materials Are Needed for DIY Fabric Printing?
• Can You Use Any Inkjet Printer for Fabric Printing?
• How Do You Prepare Fabric for Printing?
• How Do You Set the Ink to Make the Print Permanent?
• What Are the Pros and Cons of Inkjet Fabric Printing?
• What Are Alternative Methods for Home Fabric Printing?
• How Can I Ensure My Printed Fabric is Washable?

What is the Easiest Way to Print on Fabric at Home?

The easiest and most accessible way to print on fabric at home for high-quality, detailed images is by using an inkjet printer with either freezer paper or commercially available, paper-backed fabric sheets. This method turns your standard home printer into a powerful tool for custom fabric creation. The freezer paper technique involves temporarily bonding a sheet of freezer paper to a piece of fabric, creating a stable sheet that can feed through the printer just like paper. It offers incredible control over the final design and is remarkably cost-effective, using materials many crafters already have on hand. For absolute beginners, pre-made fabric sheets offer a plug-and-play experience with minimal preparation.

When I first started exploring custom fabric printing at home, the sheer number of options felt overwhelming. From screen printing to block printing, the choices were endless. However, for digital precision and ease of entry, nothing beats using the inkjet printer that's likely already sitting on your desk. The freezer paper method, in particular, is a favorite in the quilting and crafting communities for a reason. It bridges the gap between a simple DIY project and professional-quality results.

The magic of this technique lies in the freezer paper's plastic coating. When ironed onto fabric, this coating creates a temporary bond that gives the flexible fabric the stiffness of paper. This is the crucial step that prevents fabric jams and ensures the ink is applied smoothly and evenly. The result is a crisp, detailed image that captures all the nuance of your digital design. According to a study on digital textile printing, the pigment-based inks used in most modern inkjet printers offer good lightfastness and color vibrancy on natural fibers like cotton, making this an ideal method for many projects.

For those who want an even simpler start, pre-treated and paper-backed fabric sheets (like those from brands like EQ Printables or Jacquard) are a fantastic alternative. These sheets are cut to standard paper sizes (e.g., 8.5" x 11") and are ready to go straight from the package into your printer. While more expensive per sheet, they eliminate the preparation steps of cutting and ironing, making them perfect for smaller projects or for crafters who want to test the waters before committing to the freezer paper method. In my experience, these sheets are excellent for projects requiring precise dimensions, like quilt blocks or photo memory patches.

How Do You Print on Fabric with an Inkjet Printer and Freezer Paper?

To print on fabric using an inkjet printer and freezer paper, you first iron the shiny side of the freezer paper onto the back of your smooth, light-colored fabric. Trim the bonded fabric to a standard paper size, like 8.5" x 11". Next, load this fabric "sheet" into your inkjet printer's manual feed tray, ensuring it will print on the fabric side. Adjust your printer settings to a "high quality" or "photo" mode on plain paper. After printing your design, let the ink dry completely, then peel off the freezer paper. Finally, heat-set the ink with a dry iron to make it permanent and washable.

This DIY fabric printing with freezer paper method is my personal go-to for creating custom labels, art quilts, and unique appliqué pieces. It's a wonderfully simple process with professional-looking results. Let's break it down into a step-by-step guide so you can follow along with confidence.

1. Prepare Your Fabric and Freezer Paper: Cut a piece of 100% cotton fabric and a piece of freezer paper slightly larger than your desired print size (e.g., 9" x 12" for a final 8.5" x 11" sheet). Make sure your fabric is pre-washed, dried, and smoothly ironed to remove all wrinkles.
2. Bond Them Together: Place the fabric right-side-down on your ironing board. Position the freezer paper on top, with the shiny, plastic-coated side facing the fabric. Using a medium-hot, dry iron, press the paper until it is fully bonded to the fabric. You should see a seamless connection with no air bubbles.
3. Trim to Size: Using a rotary cutter and a clear ruler is the best way to get a perfectly straight edge. Carefully trim your bonded fabric-paper sheet to a standard printer paper size (e.g., 8.5" x 11" or A4). This precision is critical to prevent the sheet from jamming in your printer.
4. Printer Setup: Before you print, it's wise to know how your printer feeds paper. Print a test page on regular paper and draw an arrow on it to see which side it prints on and which end goes in first. Load your fabric sheet into the manual feed tray, if you have one, so it prints on the fabric side. Change your printer settings to the highest quality possible, often labeled "Best," "Photo," or "High."
5. Print Your Design: Send your image to the printer. I've found it's best to stand by and gently guide the sheet as it feeds to ensure a smooth path.
6. Dry and Peel: Once printed, carefully remove the sheet and lay it flat to dry for at least an hour, though 24 hours is ideal to prevent smudging. Once completely dry, gently peel the freezer paper off. It should come away cleanly, leaving your printed fabric behind.
7. Heat Set the Ink: This is the most important step for permanency! Place the printed fabric on your ironing board and cover it with a pressing cloth or a piece of scrap fabric. Using a hot, dry iron (no steam), press the image for 2-3 minutes, moving the iron constantly. This cures the pigment ink, bonding it to the fabric fibers.

When I first tried this, my biggest mistake was being impatient with the drying and heat-setting steps. Rushing the process can lead to bleeding colors or ink that washes out. Give the ink time to cure, and you'll be rewarded with a durable, beautiful print.

What Materials Are Needed for DIY Fabric Printing?

For the most common DIY fabric printing method, you will need an inkjet printer with pigment-based inks, 100% cotton fabric in a light color, freezer paper, a hot iron and ironing board, and a rotary cutter with a mat and ruler for precise trimming. Additionally, you will need a computer with your chosen design and a pressing cloth for the final heat-setting step. Having fabric scissors on hand is also useful for the initial cutting. Using the right materials is crucial for achieving a crisp, permanent print and preventing printer jams.

Gathering your supplies before you begin makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable. Think of it as your "mise en place" for crafting. Over the years, I've refined my kit to a few essential, high-quality items that guarantee success. Here's a detailed checklist and my personal recommendations for each item.

• Inkjet Printer: The star of the show. A standard home printer will work, but one with a rear or straight-through manual feed tray is ideal as it's gentler on the fabric sheet. (We'll discuss printers more in the next section).
• Fabric: A high-quality, 100% cotton fabric with a high thread count (like a percale or quilting cotton) is the best choice. The tight weave provides a smooth surface for the ink to sit on, resulting in a sharper image. Always pre-wash your fabric to remove any sizing or chemicals that might interfere with ink absorption.
• Freezer Paper: This can be found in most grocery stores in the same aisle as aluminum foil and plastic wrap. The plastic coating on one side is the key ingredient.
• Iron and Ironing Board: A basic household iron is perfectly fine. You'll need it to bond the freezer paper and, most importantly, to heat-set the final print. Ensure the steam function is turned off for both steps.
• Cutting Tools: While you can use scissors, a rotary cutter, self-healing mat, and a clear acrylic ruler will give you perfectly square, clean edges. This precision is vital for helping the fabric feed through the printer without snagging.
• Computer and Design Software: Your design can be anything from a high-resolution photograph to a simple text document. Software like Canva, Adobe Photoshop, or even Microsoft Word can be used to create and size your design.
• (Optional) Bubble Jet Set: This is a liquid solution you can pre-soak your fabric in. It chemically prepares the fibers to permanently bond with the inkjet ink, making the final print incredibly wash-fast. It's an extra step, but for items that will be washed frequently, like clothing or blankets, I highly recommend it.

From my experience, don't skimp on the fabric quality. A cheaper, loosely woven fabric will allow the ink to bleed and feather, resulting in a fuzzy, unprofessional-looking print. Investing in good quilting cotton makes a world of difference in the final image clarity.

Can You Use Any Inkjet Printer for Fabric Printing?

Technically, you can use most standard home inkjet printers for fabric printing, but some models perform better than others. The crucial factor is the type of ink the printer uses—pigment-based inks are superior as they are water-resistant and fade-resistant once heat-set. Dye-based inks are more likely to bleed and wash out. Printers with a straight-through paper path or a top-loading manual feed tray are highly recommended, as they minimize the bending of the stiff fabric sheet, significantly reducing the risk of jams. Always check your printer's specifications to determine its ink type and paper path.

The question of "which printer" is one I get all the time. While you don't need a specialized, expensive machine, understanding your own printer's capabilities is key. The biggest differentiator is the ink. A report from the Digital Print Magazine explains that pigment ink consists of solid particles suspended in a liquid, which sit on top of the fabric fibers. When heated, these particles become permanently bonded. Dye-based inks, conversely, are water-soluble and absorb into the fibers, making them prone to running when exposed to water.

How do you know what kind of ink your printer uses? A quick search of your printer model number online will usually tell you. Generally, many Epson and some HP printers use pigment-based black ink and sometimes pigment-based color inks (especially in their photo-centric models). Canon printers often use a mix, with a pigment black for text and dye-based colors. For fabric printing, a printer that uses pigment inks for all colors will give you the most durable, vibrant results.

Printer Feature	Ideal for Fabric Printing	Can Work, But with Caution
Ink Type	Pigment-Based Ink (All Colors)	Dye-Based Ink (May wash out)
Paper Path	Rear Manual Feed / Straight Path	Bottom Tray with a sharp U-turn
Brand Examples	Many Epson WorkForce & SureColor models	Standard home office printers (HP, Canon)
Best For	Washable items, high-quality prints	Crafts that won't be washed often

When I test a new printer, my first concern is the paper path. Printers that pull paper from a bottom tray force it to make a tight U-turn to get to the print head. A stiff fabric-paper sheet can easily get stuck on this turn. Top-loading or rear-feed printers have a much gentler curve or a completely straight path, which is perfect for non-standard media like fabric. If you only have a bottom-tray printer, you can still succeed, but I recommend gently guiding the sheet with your hand as it feeds into the machine to help it along its path.

How Do You Prepare Fabric for Printing?

To properly prepare fabric for printing, you must first pre-wash it without using any fabric softener to remove sizing and shrinkage. After it is completely dry, iron the fabric on a high setting to eliminate every wrinkle and create a perfectly smooth surface. This step is critical because any creases can cause printing errors and uneven ink distribution. For enhanced washability and color vibrancy, you can optionally soak the fabric in a commercial pre-treatment solution like Bubble Jet Set before drying and ironing. Proper preparation is the foundation for a professional-quality, durable print.

I cannot overstate the importance of this preparatory stage. It's the unglamorous but essential work that makes or breaks your project. Skipping the pre-wash can lead to two major problems: shrinkage and ink resistance. Most natural fabrics, especially cotton, will shrink the first time they are washed. If you print on unwashed fabric and then wash the final item, your beautiful, crisp image could become distorted and puckered. Washing also removes the starches and chemicals, known as "sizing," that manufacturers apply to make fabric look crisp in the store. This sizing can prevent the ink from properly bonding to the fibers.

Here is my foolproof preparation checklist:

• Wash and Dry: Machine wash your fabric on a setting appropriate for its type (e.g., a warm wash for cotton). Tumble dry it completely. Do not use any fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as they leave a residue that can repel ink.
• Press Thoroughly: Set your iron to the appropriate heat setting for your fabric (e.g., the "cotton" setting). Press the fabric meticulously, making sure there are absolutely no wrinkles or folds. A smooth, flat surface is like a primed canvas for your printer.
• (Optional) Pre-treatment: If you're making something that will be washed often, like a custom t-shirt or a baby blanket, a pre-treatment solution is a fantastic investment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, which typically involve soaking the fabric in the solution for a few minutes, wringing it out, and letting it air dry completely before proceeding to the ironing step.
• Check for Flaws: Before you bond the freezer paper, give your fabric one last look. Hold it up to the light to check for any stray threads, lint, or imperfections that could interfere with the print. A lint roller is a great tool for this final cleanup.

Think of it this way: you are asking your printer to perform a task it wasn't originally designed for. By giving it a perfectly prepared, smooth, and clean "sheet" of fabric, you are setting it up for success. Every minute spent in preparation saves you ten minutes of frustration later.

How Do You Set the Ink to Make the Print Permanent?

To set the ink and make your fabric print permanent and washable, you must use heat. After the ink has completely air-dried for at least one hour (24 hours is optimal), place the fabric on an ironing board and cover the printed design with a pressing cloth or a piece of scrap fabric. Using a hot, dry iron (no steam), press down and move the iron continuously over the entire design for 2 to 3 minutes. This heat-setting process cures the pigment ink, creating a permanent chemical bond with the fabric fibers, which prevents the ink from washing out.

This heat-setting step is the critical moment that transforms your printed fabric from a delicate craft into a durable, usable item. Without it, the pigment ink is simply sitting on the surface of the fibers, and the first contact with water will create a smudged, faded mess. The heat acts as a catalyst, essentially melting the binder in the ink and locking the pigment particles into the weave of the fabric. It's the same principle used in commercial textile printing, just on a much smaller, at-home scale.

For the best results, follow these pro tips I've learned over years of printing:

• Patience is Key: Do not try to heat-set damp ink. It will smear and can even transfer to your iron or pressing cloth. Let the print air dry thoroughly. If you're in a hurry, you can use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed it up, but air drying is always gentler.
• Use a Pressing Cloth: Never place a hot iron directly onto the printed image. It can scorch the ink and the fabric. A simple piece of scrap cotton or a Teflon pressing sheet works perfectly as a protective barrier.
• No Steam: Ensure the steam function on your iron is turned off and the water reservoir is empty. Steam introduces moisture, which is the enemy of the ink-setting process. You want dry, consistent heat.
• Keep Moving: Don't let the iron sit in one spot for too long, as this can scorch the fabric. Keep it in constant motion, moving it over the entire printed area to ensure every part of the design receives enough heat. I usually count to 180 (3 minutes) while continuously ironing the piece.
• Post-Setting Care: After heat-setting, wait at least 24 hours before washing the item for the first time. This gives the ink bonds time to fully cure. For the first wash, use cold water and turn the item inside out to be extra safe.

I once made the mistake of skipping the heat-set on a set of custom quilt labels I was in a rush to finish. They looked beautiful until the first wash, after which they were just a blur of gray. It was a heartbreaking lesson, but one I only had to learn once! Don't skip this step.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Inkjet Fabric Printing?

The primary advantage of inkjet fabric printing is its accessibility and detail; it allows for complex, multi-colored, and photographic designs using a standard home printer. It is cost-effective for small-scale custom projects. However, the main disadvantages are that it's time-consuming for large quantities, the print can feel slightly stiffer than the surrounding fabric, and its long-term washability, while good, may not match commercially printed textiles. The size is also limited by your printer's paper capacity.

Deciding if this is the right method for you means weighing its brilliant advantages against its practical limitations. I love it for certain applications, but for others, I might choose a different technique. Let's break it down.

Pros of DIY Inkjet Fabric Printing

• Incredible Detail: You can print high-resolution photos, intricate patterns, and fine text with a clarity that is impossible to achieve with methods like block printing or stenciling.
• Unlimited Colors: Your design can have as many colors as your printer can produce, with no extra setup for each color, unlike screen printing.
• Low Startup Cost: Most people already own the most expensive piece of equipment: the inkjet printer. The other supplies, like freezer paper and fabric, are relatively inexpensive.
• Perfect for Customization: It's the ultimate method for one-of-a-kind projects. You can easily print a single quilt label with a name and date or create a fabric patch from a child's drawing.
• Speed for Single Items: For a single, small print, you can go from design on a screen to printed fabric in under an hour (plus drying time).

Cons of DIY Inkjet Fabric Printing

• Durability Concerns: Even when properly heat-set, the print may fade slightly over many, many washes. It is durable, but may not withstand the same level of wear and tear as professionally screen-printed fabric.
• Fabric "Hand": The printed area can sometimes have a slightly stiffer feel, or "hand," than the unprinted fabric. This often softens after washing but might not be ideal for all garment projects.
• Size Limitations: You are limited to the size of your printer's paper tray, typically 8.5" x 11" or A4. Printing larger designs requires tiling, which can be tricky to align perfectly.
• Time-Consuming for Multiples: The process of preparing, printing, and setting each sheet individually is not efficient for producing large quantities of fabric.
• Ink Costs: While cheaper than ordering custom fabric, inkjet ink can be expensive. Printing large, color-saturated designs will use a significant amount of ink.

In my professional opinion, the inkjet method is unbeatable for personalized crafts, memory quilts, and prototyping designs. If I need to create 20 yards of a single pattern, I would turn to a commercial service. But for that one perfect photo of my dog to put on a pillow? The inkjet printer is my best friend.

What Are Alternative Methods for Home Fabric Printing?

Beyond inkjet printers, popular alternative methods for home fabric printing include iron-on transfer paper, screen printing, and block printing. Iron-on transfer paper is great for putting images on t-shirts but leaves a film on the surface. Screen printing is excellent for bold, graphic designs and producing multiples but requires more equipment. Block printing, using carved stamps, offers a rustic, handmade aesthetic but lacks photographic detail. Each method offers a different look, feel, and level of complexity, catering to various artistic goals.

While I love the precision of inkjet printing, exploring other techniques can open up new creative avenues. Each has its own unique charm and is suited for different types of projects. Here's a quick comparison of my favorite alternatives:

Iron-On Transfer Paper: This is often what people think of when they want to put a photo on a t-shirt. You print your design (in reverse) onto a special transfer sheet using your inkjet printer. You then place the sheet face-down on the fabric and use a hot iron to transfer the image.

• Pros: Very easy for beginners, widely available, and good for dark fabrics if you use the "opaque" version.
• Cons: Leaves a noticeable plastic-like film on the fabric, which can crack over time. The "hand" is much stiffer than direct inkjet printing.

Screen Printing (or Silkscreening): This classic technique involves pushing ink through a mesh screen that has a stencil of your design burned into it. It's the method used for most graphic t-shirts.

• Pros: Creates incredibly vibrant, opaque prints that are very durable. Excellent for printing the same design many times. Works well on dark fabrics.
• Cons: Requires more specialized equipment (screens, squeegee, emulsion, inks). The setup is time-consuming, and creating multi-color designs is complex as each color needs its own screen.

Block Printing: This is a beautifully tactile method where you carve a design into a block of linoleum or rubber, apply ink to the surface, and press it onto the fabric.

• Pros: Highly artistic and results in a unique, handmade look with charming imperfections. No computer or printer is needed. Very low-tech and relaxing.
• Cons: Not suitable for detailed or photographic images. Aligning repeating patterns requires skill and practice. Can be physically demanding.

When I want a quick, personal photo gift, I might use the inkjet freezer paper method. If I'm making band t-shirts for a friend, I'll break out my screen printing kit. And for creating a beautiful, organic pattern on a set of tea towels, nothing beats the meditative process of block printing. The best method truly depends on the desired final aesthetic.

How Can I Ensure My Printed Fabric is Washable?

To ensure your printed fabric is as washable as possible, you must use the correct materials and techniques from the start. The most critical steps are: 1) using pigment-based inkjet inks, 2) pre-washing the fabric to remove sizing, and 3) thoroughly heat-setting the print with a hot, dry iron for at least 2-3 minutes. For maximum durability on frequently laundered items, pre-treating the fabric with a product like Bubble Jet Set before printing provides the best chemical bond for the ink. Following these steps will make your print highly water-resistant and fade-resistant.

The dream is to create a custom fabric piece that not only looks great but can also withstand the rigors of daily life and the washing machine. Achieving this level of permanence is absolutely possible with at-home methods, but it requires diligence. It’s a chain of events where every link matters.

Here’s a final checklist for maximum washability:

1. Start with the Right Ink: Confirm your printer uses pigment-based inks. If it uses dye-based inks, your print will likely run, no matter how well you heat-set it.
2. Choose Quality Fabric: Use a 100% natural fiber like high-quality cotton. Synthetic fibers like polyester don't absorb the ink in the same way and won't hold the color as well.
3. Pre-Treat for a Pro Finish: For anything that will see a lot of washing—clothing, pillowcases, baby items—I strongly recommend a chemical pre-treatment. This is the closest you can get to commercial-grade permanence at home. Research from textile chemistry departments at universities like North Carolina State University's Wilson College of Textiles often highlights the importance of fabric pre-treatment in digital printing for color yield and wash fastness.
4. Don't Rush the Heat-Set: This is your final, and most important, step in locking the color in. Be generous with your time here. Two minutes is good, three is better. Keep the iron moving and ensure you cover every square inch of the design.
5. Careful First Wash: Wait at least 24 hours, and preferably up to a week, before the first wash to allow the ink to fully cure. Wash the item inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, and use a mild detergent. Hang to dry or tumble dry on low heat.

By following this process, I have created fabric items that have gone through dozens of wash cycles with only minimal, graceful fading over time. You can absolutely create beautiful, and functional, custom textiles right from your desktop.

How to Make Your Final Choice: My Expert Recommendation

Navigating the world of DIY fabric printing can feel complex, but as we've walked through the process, I hope you see how accessible it truly is. The key to success lies not in finding one single "best" method, but in matching the right technique to your creative vision. My expert recommendation is to start with the inkjet printer and freezer paper method. It strikes the perfect balance between affordability, ease of access, and the ability to produce stunningly detailed, high-quality results.

This technique empowers you to turn any digital image—a photograph, a child's drawing, a sophisticated pattern you designed—into a tangible piece of fabric with tools you largely already own. It bypasses the steep learning curve and equipment costs of screen printing while offering far greater detail and a softer feel than iron-on transfers. It is the most versatile and rewarding entry point into the craft of custom textile creation.

Remember the foundational steps we covered: prepare your fabric by pre-washing and ironing, get a perfect bond with your freezer paper, use the highest quality print settings, and, most importantly, be patient during the drying and heat-setting phases. It is this attention to detail that will elevate your projects. Whether you are adding a heartfelt, photographic patch to a memory quilt or creating unique fabric for a clutch purse, this process gives you complete creative control.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Your first print might not be perfect, but each attempt will teach you something new about your printer, your materials, and your process. The joy of pulling that first successful, custom-printed fabric sheet from your printer is a uniquely satisfying creative moment. Go ahead, unlock the potential of that plain fabric and bring your vision to life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is my fabric jamming in the printer?

Fabric typically jams in a printer because the leading edge is not perfectly straight and clean, it has loose threads, or the fabric-paper sheet is too thick or stiff for the printer's paper path. To prevent jams, use a rotary cutter for a perfectly square edge, ensure the freezer paper is fully bonded with no loose corners, and use a printer with a rear feed or straight paper path if possible. Gently guiding the sheet as it feeds can also help.

This is by far the most common frustration when learning how to print on cotton fabric at home. The number one culprit is a poorly prepared edge. Even a tiny loose thread can catch on the internal rollers and cause a jam. This is why I stress the use of a rotary cutter and ruler over scissors. Secondly, if the freezer paper isn't fully fused, especially at the corners, the fabric can separate from the paper inside the printer and get caught. Before you print, always double-check that your bond is secure edge-to-edge. If you only have a bottom-tray printer that forces the paper to make a sharp turn, consider using a slightly thinner fabric, as very thick materials like canvas will resist this bend and are more prone to jamming.

Can I use a laser printer to print on fabric?

No, you should not use a standard laser printer to print directly on fabric, even when bonded to freezer paper. Laser printers use heat to fuse toner powder onto the page. Running fabric through this high-heat process poses a significant fire risk and can damage your printer's fuser unit. The toner also will not bond permanently to the fabric fibers and will likely flake off. The only safe way to use a laser printer is with specially designed transfer papers made for laser printers.

This is a critical safety issue. The internal temperatures of a laser printer's fuser can exceed 400°F (205°C), which is hot enough to scorch or even ignite fabric. The process is fundamentally different from an inkjet printer, which sprays liquid ink at room temperature. The freezer paper's plastic coating could also melt and cause serious damage to your machine. For direct-to-fabric printing at home, always stick with an inkjet printer. If you only have a laser printer, your only option is to purchase specialty iron-on transfer paper that is explicitly labeled as safe for laser printers.