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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.
Suitable materials for fabric printing
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.
Wash fabric
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
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.
A rubber stamp
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.
Applying the colour to the fabric
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.
Heating the print
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.
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