Blog - Sublime Grafx

Sublimation has become one of the most popular printing methods, especially for custom mugs and clothing. There’s a good reason for this, the designs are long lasting and clothes retain their natural feel. Here are some facts that I bet you didn’t know:

Sublimation printing was invented 64 years ago
The process was invented in 1957, a relative new-comer compared to most printing methods which have been around for centuries.

The process was invented in France
French researcher Noel de Plasse invented this printing method when he noticed that certain dyes change directly from a solid to a gas when heated at extreme temperatures.

The ink becomes a part of the fabric
Under high heat (in the 350 to 400 degree F range) this ink changes to a gas and enters the pores of the fabric. This acts as a dye rather than printing on the surface of the fabric. The result is vibrant colors that seem to last forever.

It is versatile
Sublimation printing is done on a variety of items. We sublimate onto mugs, shirts, hats, mouse pads, puzzles and a whole lot more.

The future is here. Sewing pattern manufacturers create more digital patterns than physical ones. Indie pattern companies are leading the way in the push to digital. What does this mean for the average sewist?

PDF or digital sewing patterns are not new. It’s been at least a decade or more since the first ones came on the scene. Here is how A0 they work. Instead of a physical pattern printed onto tissue or sturdy white paper, the pattern is created in a digital format. A PDF reader is required to view and print the file. Patterns are printed at home, some are sent off to a local or online print shop. Others skip paper all together and use an overhead projector.

How do you print a PDF pattern? It depends on the format. All are in PDF format. Some are in A4, Legal or Letter size. These are called print-at-home patterns. Other are in A0 or Copyshop size. This size is usually 36” wide by 24” long but it can be much longer than that. A0 is too large for most home printers to handle.

Print-at-home patterns require time, patience, and tape or glue. Many pages print out which are then trimmed and taped together. Most, but not all, have some form of registration mark to verify the print is to scale. This is usually a one-inch square somewhere on the first page. To print this type of pattern, open the file with a PDF reader, select print, and be sure to select print actual size or do not scale. When printing is complete; trim, assemble and cut out your pattern pieces.

A0 or copyshop size prints require a printing service. Most cities have a local print shop where you can bring the file to be printed. Or, you can use an online printing service like Sublime Grafx (link to be provided) who can print the file for you.