A method based on a hot press technique is used to apply a permanent pattern onto a plush synthetic fabric having a pile. The method generally involves mounting one or more top plates and one or more bottom plates onto a hot press machine, where at least one of the top or bottom plates has a raised relief pattern on its surface. The temperature of the plates is set to at least 180° C. and the top and bottom plates are then pressed together against opposite sides of a plush synthetic fabric having a pile on at least one side, the raised relief pattern engaging the side of the fabric having the pile such that the pattern of the relief is imprinted into the pile.