Fabric printing can brighten up a plain piece of clothing such as a shirt. It could also be used to decorate soft furnishings such as cushions or curtains.

Materials with a tight weave such as 100% cotton and silk provide a good surface on which to work. This ensures that colours do not dull and it is easier to add detail than on loosely woven fabrics. It is best to do a sample test on a piece of the material you are intending to use before printing the full item. This will let you know what results to expect.

You should wash items that you intend printing on (do not use fabric softeners). This will reduce the risk of shrinkage after printing, which could distort printed patterns.

Iron fabric before printing on it. Wrinkles could distort the printed pattern.

It is easier to print onto fabric if you work on a padded surface. An old towel could be suitable.

Decide on the shape you want to use for your pattern. Using a craft knife you can then cut this from a rubber block. A rough surface on the stamp will add texture to the print.

Attach a handle such as a piece of wood to the rubber stamp. This will make the stamp easier to use.

An ink pad can be made using a piece of fabric in a dish. Add paint to the pad. Alternatively you could use a roller or a brush to apply paint to the stamp.

Apply the colour of paint that you have chosen onto the stamp. When printing on items such as T-shirts, place paper or card inside to ensure that the paint does not go through to the other side.

Heat the prints, following the manufacturers instructions for the paints that you have chosen to use. The application of a hot iron for a few minutes is usually all that is required.