Fabric Printing Techniques

Fabric painting is fun and requires very little skill. It is a great craft for small children, as well as those who rarely craft. There are several different methods and a variety of kits available. Fabric painting can be simple and fun or intricate and time consuming, depending on what method you choose.

Batik and Tie Dye

While these are more of a dunk and stain project, these are still considered part of the fabric painting world. Tie dye can actually be done by hand. After the rubber bands are applied, many professional tie-dye artists apply the colors in a pattern with sponge paint applicators to create the intricate details. Batik is similar. The artist uses wax to create a design and then either applies the dye by hand, if using multiple colors, or by soaking, if using only one color.

Stamps and Stencils

Stamps and Stencils are used for children’s projects and when trying to achieve a uniformed look. These are also used for quick projects where art skills are at a minimum. It is a quick and easy way to lay a basic shape and then use fabric paints in an applicator bottle or brush on details. This works great for holiday or personalized projects.

Silk Painting

Silk scarves are often hand painted. This technique takes a practiced hand to paint intricate details. The pain will run in the silk, which is why you will notice a black outline on most designs. The black outline is actually a way to stop the flow of paint in the fabric. Before the painting begins the design is laid out and traced onto the silk, the black stopper is then applied over the traced design. The end result is a beautiful piece of fabric.