Update Dec 7 2010: This model printer printed fine for about three or four months and then problems began occurring, particularly with paper jam errors. I have had it replaced twice already and now I am holding bits of it in my hand as it literally falls apart.
Update September 2011 After the last replacement I finally seem to have found one that works without any problems and have now been using this machine without any problems since Dec 2010. It works fine, no problems, no jams. I’m happy 
I just had my new printer delivered this week – a wide format Epson Workforce 1100. This printer is going to replace two of my printers; an old HP wide format which just doesn’t want to do the job anymore without a lot of trouble, and a more recent Workforce 30 which I’ve been very happy with but only prints up to standard letter size.
This printer uses durabrite inks which are the best type of inks for printing on fabric since they are water and fade resistant. I’ve used durabrite inks for years and have been very happy with the results. This is a wide format printer and can print up to 13″ x 19″ standard size; and 13″ x 44″ maximum … hmmm, can’t wait to try that size out.
I like Epson printers a lot because they never seem to give me any problems when I print on the textural “fabric paper” with digital grounds, that I use for my journal covers and which can get quite thick. I also want to print on “fabric paper” in much larger sizes than the standard letter size for some interesting projects I’ve got coming up. The Epson has little to no problem with this type of surface.
So if you’re thinking about printing large, then I can highly recommend this printer – it’s inexpensive and a great printer for printer for printing on fabric.
2 Thoughtful Comments. Add Yours
Have my articles delivered straight into your inbox each time I post!
Sign up for my Blog Email here.
Hello Linda,
I love your work and your website. Very informative
as I am dipping my toes in printing artwork on fabric.
However I do not have the right printer for this purpose yet.
My old Epson SC 3000 gave up a few months ago after
many years of duty. I was glad to read you are (or better : were)using an
Epson Workforce 1100 as I had my eye on that one too for a while.
However I am held back now I read you are very dissapointed in its reliability.
Some other reviewers on the web seem to have similar experiences also with
other Epson printers.
Do you already have found a better alternative yet? What other printer
would you recommend using pigment inks for printing on fabric? I am not sure if I need
8 or 10 colour printer and if that will improve the output quality for this purpose.
Thanks and best regards,
Richard van de Pol
Netherlands
Hi Richard, yes unfortunately I am disappointed with this particular model. I’ve used Epson printers for the best part of 10 years for printing on fabric without any problems at all until now.
I am still of the opinion that Epson printers work best for my particular applications and when I next upgrade it will be to an Epson model that uses Ultrachrome inks.
For a better evaluation of printers you can join the fabric printing Yahoo group at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/inkjetfabricprinting/
and browse their archives. They have lots of great information.