Print Your Own Fabric

One of my favourite things to do is to print my own fabric.  I like the process of picking and drawing the design, tracing and cutting and finally printing it onto the material.  Not that I can sew or anything, after I make the material it is hoarded away in the cupboard.

Some material prints I have done, in case you need some ideas!

• Black stencil style rose on jewel purple satin.
• A very simple mandala in black on cream coloured cotton.
• Black horse shapes printed on cream cotton.
• Little stencil cameras in black printed on cream linen.  Blue and red stripes were also printed on the material.
• A big anchor in black on a red and white striped bag.

The key is to choose a image or pattern that is simple.  It makes tracing and cutting the design a lot easier.  Some other simple shapes would be clouds, stars, silhouettes of dogs or people.  Choosing a design with lots of straight lines instead of curved lines will also make the cutting stage easier too.

After you pick your design, resize to desired size or tile it if you're planning to print a pattern.  I usually use acetate sheets (also called overhead transparency sheets) to make my stencil.  Another way is to trace your design onto a sheet of lino and then carve the shape out.  Although I haven't tried this method, I think this method is better but you will need to purchase lino carving tools and the lino blocks.

Now if your printer is capable, you can print it directly onto the plastic sheet.  If not, print it onto white paper.


Now you have two ways to do this.  You can trace the design onto your plastic sheet using a permanent marker.  Or you can tape the paper to the plastic sheet and then begin cutting.  I prefer to carefully trace the design onto the plastic as sometimes the paper can move when you are cutting it if you just taped it together.  Sometimes if I am being really anal I will tape the plastic and paper together AND THEN trace the design onto the plastic.

The last step is optional but I like smooth curves and straight lines.  To fix any wobbly edges I cover it with clear sticky tape and then I trim and shape it to a smoother edge using a pair of sharp scissors.


Finally, you can get to the fun part!  It's times to print onto the material.  I use Permaset printing ink since it is water soluble so it is easier to clean.  I recommend you use natural fibres like cotton for printing on since you will be applying heat to the material in the curing process.

The printing process:

1. Using a plate or a ice cream lid, place some of the ink on it.
2. Get your sponge roller and roll it over the ink until the roller is loaded with ink.
3. I usually do a test run on a scrap piece of material (see the first picture) to make sure that I am happy with the stencil.
4. Place some newspaper or cardboard underneath the material so you don't make a mess.  Make sure the material is flat and smooth with no wrinkles or creases.
5. Place the stencil onto the material.  Carefully pass the roller over the stencil a few times until the material is well saturated with colour.
6. Carefully peel off the stencil.  Admire your handiwork.
7. Wipe the excess off the stencil, making sure not to get any ink onto the side where the stencil comes in contact with the material.
8. After the ink has dried, you have to cure the ink.  Your tub of ink should have instructions, it involves an iron and heat.
9. Repeat the printing process to your heart's content.