Updated By TeckWrap Craft On Octuber, 19, 2025
Personalized Photo Pillows for the Ultimate in Customization
Beautiful throw pillows scattered around your bedroom or living area with vibrant photos printed on them look truly fabulous and create a warm and homely environment. You can easily design personalized photo pillows at home using heat transfer paper or sublimation sheets. Place them on your bed, sofa, couch, armchair, window seat, entryway bench, or in the kids’ room, and they will add charm and personality to the space they adorn. In this blog, we have discussed the process of designing customized photo pillows and presented different ideas to inspire your creativity.
How To Personalize Photo Pillows?
To print photos of your choice on pillows, you can use Inkjet Heat Transfer Paper or Sublimation sheets. Both ensure vibrant, long-lasting transfers of graphics and images to compatible fabrics. Here’s a brief description of each:
Inkjet Heat Transfer Paper
These are durable transfer sheets that you can print on using an inkjet printer and pigment inks. You can get the matte, glitter, and glow-in-the-dark finishes in it. It works best on both light and dark-colored garments, and the photos transferred are brilliant and long-lasting. Your pillowcase should be of cotton or its blends with a high cotton percentage. TeckWrap Craft offers packs with 8, 15, and 30 heat transfer sheets. You can also buy the Inkjet Heat Transfer Paper Bundle that also includes heat transfer masks, a squeegee, and a weeding pen.
Sublimation Sheets
You can transfer vivid, durable images on your pillow using sublimation sheets as well. These work best with white pillowcases made with polyester or its blends with a high polyester content, preferably more than 60%. You will need a special sublimation printer and sublimation inks for them. If you have the required supplies, this technique is perfect for transferring vibrant, full-color images that won't crack, peel, or fade over time. At TeckWrap Craft, you can get packs of 100, 200, 300, and 500 sheets. These are excellent for both small and large-scale personalized photo pillow projects.
How To Design Personalized Photo Pillows Using Heat Transfer Paper?
The process for using heat transfer paper is simple, but first, you must have the following tools:
- Premium Inkjet Printable Heat Transfer Paper.
- Inkjet Printer.
- Cutting machine like Cricut or Silhouette.
- Cutting mat.
- Heat Transfer Mask.
- Heat press.
Squeegee .
Here is the process for designing your fabulous pillowcases:
- Edit your design on the software that works with your cutting machine. Set its dimensions taking into account the space on the pillowcase and the size of the heat transfer paper sheet. If you have the Cricut cutting machine, you will use its ‘Print then Cut’ feature on the Design Space software. You do not have to mirror your photo.
- Allow the Inkjet printer to print the design. When it’s done, do not touch it as you wouldn’t want to smudge the ink. Keep it aside so it can dry completely.
- When it has dried, place it on the cutting mat and insert it into your cutting machine. Allow the machine to cut it according to your settings.
- Pre-press the pillowcase to remove creases and moisture, if any. Place your design where you want it to be on it, cover it with a heat transfer mask, and apply the recommended amount of heat and pressure for a specific time.
- When the time is up, allow the design to cool, then remove the mask, and repress for 5 seconds. The pillowcase with your vibrant photo in the center is ready for display.
How To Design Personalized Photo Pillows Using Sublimation Sheets?
You will need special equipment for this. If your pillowcase is white and made of polyester, this is the best technique to transfer durable and vivid photos onto it. This is what you should have:
- High-grade sublimation sheets.
- Sublimation Printer with special inks.
- Heat press.
- Sublimation tape.
Here’s the step-by-step process for designing photo pillows through sublimation:
- Finalize your design on the software of your choice. Set its dimensions taking into account the space on the pillowcase and the size of the sublimation sheet. Mirror the design.
- Allow the sublimation printer to print the design. When it’s done, do not touch it or the colors will get smudged. Keep it aside so it can dry completely.
- Pre-press your white polyester pillowcase to remove creases and moisture. When the printed sublimation sheet has dried, place it on the pillow cover with your design facing down. Apply sublimation tape so it does not move from its place. Place parchment paper or a Teflon sheet on top and apply the recommended amount of heat and pressure.
- When the time is up, allow the design to cool down, then remove the sublimation sheet. Your pillowcase, now featuring your vibrant photo in the front and center, is ready to brighten up any space.
Ideas For Customized Photo Pillows to Inspire You
You can design photo pillows in so many different ways. All you need is your camera or cell phone to take high-resolution photos and capture memories. Here are a few pictures that you can transfer to a throw pillow:
- Family Photos: If you have photographed a candid moment with your family or the smiles of everyone near and dear to you, and want to relive the moment time and again, transfer it to a pillow and place it in your bedroom.
- Travel Highlights: Did you go to a foreign land for vacation and take some really nice photographs? Let your sitting area tell an amazing tale of your travels to far-off lands through your custom throw pillows with photos of your journey printed on them.
- Cute Pet Moments: Let your furry companions be a part of your living space through their cute pet moments in photos. Print their playful pose, a serene moment, or a quirky expression on pillows, making your home feel even more personal and full of life.
- Photos With Quotes: If your family member has a catchphrase they love to repeat or a special quote, you can print it on the pillowcase with their picture. This can also serve as an excellent gift.
- Pictures of Artwork: Take photographs of your child’s artwork and print them on pillows. Place these in their room and celebrate their creativity, making them feel happy and proud of their talents.
- Photo Collage: Why print one photo on a pillow when you can create a beautiful collage with several? Tell an amazing story of family gatherings, travels, or special occasions through a collection of pictures presented in a grid pattern or any other playful arrangement on a pillowcase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s Create Cozy Corners With Personalized Photo Pillows!
If you want a meaningful space in your home, create a comfortable seating area with floor cushions and personalized photo pillows. Imagine lounging in a place filled with cherished memories, where each pillow brings a smile to your face. These custom creations will make your home feel uniquely yours, blending comfort with sentiment in the most delightful way. For the best quality heat transfer paper, sublimation sheets, and tools, visit the TeckWrap Craft online store now!
