Printing on fabric needs the right ink and the right machine, or the design washes out on the first laundry day. Finding the best printer for fabric means dye-sublimation for permanent, washable results, or quality transfer sheets for an inkjet you already own. We compared five products by stated print technology, features and limitations, from dedicated sublimation printers to a label maker that handles fabric iron-ons. Every figure below comes from the Amazon listings, not from our own use.
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Quick picks
Best Overall Epson SureColor F170: Dye-sublimation, OEM inks, ECO PASSPORT Check price on Amazon
Best Sublimation Brother SP1: Brother sublimation printer for crafts Check price on Amazon
Best Value Epson F170 (2nd): Epson F170 dye-sublimation printer Check price on Amazon
Best Sheets Fabric Print Sheets: 8.5×11 fabric sheets for inkjets Check price on Amazon
Best Labels Phomemo P15: Fabric iron-on labels and ribbons Check price on Amazon
The picks
| # | Product | Office Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epson SureColor F170 | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | Epson SureColor F170 | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | Fabric Print Sheets | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | Phomemo P15 | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 | Brother SP1 | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
Epson SureColor F170
A dye-sublimation printer with OEM inks, suited to washable fabric prints.
Pros
- Dye-sublimation for permanent prints
- OEM inks, ECO PASSPORT certified
- PrecisionCore printhead stated
- Factory-sealed with Epson warranty
Cons
- No print speed stated
- Sublimation needs special paper
- Higher upfront cost than sheets
- No warranty term stated
Detailed Review
Epson lists the SureColor F170 as a dye-sublimation printer with a full set of OEM sublimation inks certified ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX for textiles, apparel and more. The PrecisionCore printhead offers Precision Droplet Control for image clarity. It ships factory-sealed with Epson documentation and warranty. The ECO PASSPORT certification signals the inks meet safety standards for textiles.
Who it's for: anyone printing washable fabric regularly. Who should skip it: crafters who only need a few transfer sheets.
Its Office Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 22/25, value 22/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 76 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Technology | Dye-sublimation |
|---|---|
| Inks | OEM, ECO PASSPORT |
| Head | PrecisionCore |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 21 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Epson SureColor F170
A compact 8.5 x 11 in dye-sublimation printer with genuine Epson ink, a 150-sheet tray and full manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- Full manufacturer warranty stated
- ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certified ink
- PrecisionCore printhead
- 150-sheet auto-feed tray
Cons
- 8.5 x 11 in format only
- No mobile device connection per the listing
- Sublimation needs a heat press
- Highest complexity of the five
Detailed Review
The Johnson Plastics Plus listing describes the Epson SureColor F170 as a compact 8.5 x 11 in dye-sublimation printer with genuine Epson ink, certified ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX, and a PrecisionCore printhead. The bullets list a 150-sheet auto-feed tray, MacOS and Windows setup, and full manufacturer warranty from an authorized partner. No mobile device connection is supported.
Who it's for: someone who wants a stated warranty and certified ink for sublimation. Who should skip it: anyone who needs larger formats or mobile printing.
Its Office Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 24/25, value 21/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 82 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Format | 8.5 x 11 in |
|---|---|
| Ink | Genuine Epson sublimation |
| Tray | 150 sheets |
| Warranty | Full manufacturer |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 18 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX per the listing, so safety scores 5 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Fabric Print Sheets
10 fabric sheets for inkjet printers, not washable, not for sewing.
Pros
- Works in standard inkjets
- 8.5 by 11 inch, 10 sheets
- Good for photos and art
- No printer purchase needed
Cons
- Not machine washable
- Not for sewing or quilting
- Print glossy side only
- Single-use crafts
Detailed Review
The listing describes 10 fabric print sheets for inkjet printers at 8.5 by 11 inches, compatible with models like the Epson XP-15000 and Canon PIXMA Pro-100. It states clearly: print on the glossy side only, not machine washable, not suitable for sewing or quilting. At 8.5 by 11 inches, each sheet fits a standard printer tray without trimming.
Who it's for: single-use crafts and art prints. Who should skip it: anyone needing washable garments.
Its Office Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 27/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 67 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Size | 8.5x11 in |
|---|---|
| Count | 10 sheets |
| Printer | Inkjet |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 21 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Phomemo P15
A label maker with fabric iron-on labels, suited to small fabric accents.
Pros
- Fabric iron-on labels supported
- Ribbon and tape label types
- Gift set with ribbons
- Vintage typewriter design
Cons
- Label maker, not a printer
- Not for full fabric printing
- Small label sizes only
- No washability stated
Detailed Review
Phomemo lists the P15 as a label maker gift set with gold on red and gold on navy satin ribbons plus black on white tapes. It supports fabric iron-on, glitter and luminous labels among many types, with a vintage typewriter design.
Who it's for: fabric labels and small accents. Who should skip it: anyone printing full fabric designs.
Its Office Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 26/35, build 20/25, value 19/25, safety not scored (non-powered gear) and warranty 0/5: 65 of 90 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Type | Label maker |
|---|---|
| Labels | Fabric iron-on |
| Set | Gift set |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 21 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Brother SP1
A dye-sublimation printer for DIY crafts powered by the Artspira app, with genuine Brother sublimation ink.
Pros
- Artspira app with over 100 designs
- Genuine Brother sublimation ink
- Made for DIY shirts, mugs, bags and hats
- Fast printing speeds stated
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety certification is stated
- Heat press required, sold separately
- No format size is stated
Detailed Review
Brother lists the SP1 as a dye-sublimation printer for DIY crafts, powered by the Artspira app with over 100 sublimation designs and genuine Brother sublimation ink. The bullets describe fast printing speeds for mugs, tumblers, shirts, bags and hats, and state a heat press is required as an additional purchase. No warranty term is stated.
Who it's for: a crafter who wants app-driven sublimation designs. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a stated warranty or format size.
Its Office Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 73 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Type | Dye-sublimation |
|---|---|
| Ink | Genuine Brother sublimation |
| App | Artspira |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 18 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Shredder and printer safety. Keep hair, ties, jewelry, children and pets away from the feed slot, use the safety lock, unplug when not in use, and give printers and adapters room to vent.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More picks to compare
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INPTNOV 1 Inch Handheld Inkjet PrinterCheck on Amazon
Ikaïka Handheld Inkjet Printer 12.7mmCheck on Amazon
Compare the picks
| Printer | Office Score | Technology | Format | Washable | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 | 9.7/10 | Dye-sublimation | Printer | Yes | View on Amazon |
| Brother SP1 | 9.5/10 | Sublimation | Printer | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| Epson F170 (2nd) | 9.7/10 | Dye-sublimation | Printer | Not stated | |
| Fabric Print Sheets | 9.5/10 | Inkjet transfer | 8.5×11 sheets | No | View on Amazon |
| Phomemo P15 | 9.5/10 | Label maker | Ribbon | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 21 October 2026.
How we scored them
The Office Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For fabric printing, performance means dye-sublimation technology for wash-proof results and stated print quality. No listing here states a concrete warranty term. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Office Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 | 9.7 | 32 | 22 | 22 | n/a | 0 |
| Fabric Print Sheets | 9.5 | 27 | 20 | 20 | n/a | 0 |
| Phomemo P15 | 9.5 | 26 | 20 | 19 | n/a | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.
How to choose the best printer for fabric
Dye-sublimation vs transfer sheets
Dye-sublimation bonds ink into the fabric for permanent, washable results. The Epson SureColor F170 uses PrecisionCore printheads with OEM sublimation inks certified ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX for textiles, and the Brother SP1 is a sublimation printer for DIY crafts. Transfer sheets like the 8.5 by 11 inch fabric print sheets work in a standard inkjet but state they are not machine washable and not suitable for sewing or quilting. For garments that get washed, pick sublimation.
| Printer | Technology | Format | Washable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson SureColor F170 | Dye-sublimation | Printer | Yes |
| Brother SP1 | Sublimation | Printer | Not stated |
| Epson F170 (2nd) | Dye-sublimation | Printer | Not stated |
| Fabric Print Sheets | Inkjet transfer | 8.5×11 sheets | No |
| Phomemo P15 | Label maker | Ribbon | Not stated |
What the listings actually promise
Read the limitations before you buy. The fabric sheets state clearly: print on the glossy side only, not machine washable, not suitable for sewing or quilting. They suit single-use crafts, photo gifts and art projects, not garments that face laundry day. The Epson F170 listing promises OEM inks, factory-sealed packaging and Epson documentation, which reads as the serious option. The Phomemo P15 supports fabric iron-on labels among many label types, but it is a label maker, not a fabric printer, so keep expectations matched to its size.
Sublimation ink and fabric types
Not all fabrics take sublimation equally. The Epson F170 listing cites OEM inks certified ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX for textiles, apparel, mugs and mousepads, which signals the inks meet safety standards on fabric. Sublimation works best on polyester and poly-blends, where the heat bonds the dye into the fibers. Cotton and natural fibers do not hold sublimation dye the same way, so check the fabric content before you print. The listing does not name specific fabric blends, so try a swatch first.
The Brother SP1 listing targets DIY crafts without naming ink details, so it reads as the entry-level sublimation option here. For crafters making tote bags, pillow covers or team shirts in small runs, either sublimation printer beats transfer sheets on durability. The key difference from the sheets is permanence: sublimation becomes part of the fabric, while transfer sheets sit on top and crack or peel with washing.
Cost per print and volume
How much you print decides which format makes sense. A sublimation printer costs more upfront but prints unlimited designs once you own it, with only ink and paper as ongoing costs. The Epson F170 listing includes a full set of OEM inks, so the first prints cost nothing extra. Transfer sheets cost little per pack but each sheet is single-use, so high volumes get expensive fast.
The Phomemo P15 sits outside this math: it makes labels, not full prints, so compare it only if labels are the goal. For a crafter selling printed shirts, the sublimation printers pay for themselves in volume. For a one-off gift, the 10-pack of transfer sheets is the cheaper path. Match the tool to the volume, not just the price tag.
Setup Notes
- Use dye-sublimation for washable fabric prints.
- Print fabric sheets on the glossy side only.
- Do not machine wash fabric sheet prints.
- Check ink compatibility before buying a sublimation printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best printer for fabric that gets washed?
A dye-sublimation printer like the Epson SureColor F170. Sublimation bonds ink into the fabric fibers rather than sitting on top, and the listing cites OEM inks certified ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX for safe use on textiles and apparel. The PrecisionCore printhead adds fine droplet control for sharp images. Transfer sheets state they are not machine washable, so they cannot match sublimation for garments.
Can I use my inkjet printer for fabric?
With transfer sheets, yes, but with strict limits. The 8.5 by 11 inch fabric sheets work in inkjet printers like the Epson XP-15000, Canon PIXMA Pro-100 and HP OfficeJet Pro, feeding smoothly per the listing. But the listing states three hard limits: print on the glossy side only, not machine washable, and not suitable for sewing or quilting. They suit art prints and single-use crafts, not clothing.
Can I print on dark fabrics?
The listings do not state dark-fabric performance. Dye-sublimation works best on light polyester, where the dye shows vividly. The fabric sheets list no dark-fabric claims either. For dark garments, check the listing for explicit dark-fabric support before buying.
What is the Phomemo P15 for?
It is a label maker that supports fabric iron-on labels among many types, plus ribbon and tape labels. It is not a full fabric printer, so it suits labels and small fabric accents.
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