How to:

simple fabric printing …

lacing card style

• An old DVD or video case is ideal but a takeaway container lid will do just as well, drill or hammer & nail, leather thonging or heavy duty string, sharpie

• This makes everything so much easier because you can see exactly what you’re doing at all times.

Step 2:

• Begin by writing or drawing your design with sharpie.

Step 3:

• Drill or make holes in your design. Point to point for letters or fairly evenly spaced for more picture like designs. You can have points enter & exit through one hole but you’ll need to make sure you drill those holes a little bigger.

Step 4:

• OK now this is the important bit. TURN YOUR STAMP OVER. You need to lace from the reverse side of your stamp. This is so you can read it when it’s done!

• Tie a knot in the end of your thonging & begin lacing your design.

Step 5:

• I love the look of the laced picture type or abstract designs.

Step 6:

• This is how your lettering should look lacing from the stamping surface (reversed).

Step 7:

• Once you’ve finished the lacing, secure the end of your thonging or string with tape. If you’ve used a take away container cut your stamp away from the surround. This will make it easier to peel up your design once you’re stamping.

Step 8:

• If you are printing on fabric you need to either use fabric paint OR mix equal parts acrylic paint & fabric fixative.

Step 9:

• Apply your paint to the stamp. For larger, less detailed designs you can use a sponge or roller. Be fairly generous with your paint. I suggest stippling rather than wiping the paint to apply.

Step 10:

• For more fiddley designs just use a paint brush. Be fairly generous with your paint. I suggest stippling rather than painting to apply.

Step 11:

• Place the inked/painted stamp face down onto your fabric & press around the design firmly.

Step 12:

• Gently peel the stamp away from your fabric.

Step 13:

• Once your design is dry you’ll need to heat set it (3 minutes using your hottest iron). I use an old piece of calico between the printed fabric & the iron (just in case).

copyright © kirsty macafee 2008

• Stamp to your heart’s content. No surface is safe. Just keep going until you get bored (or get RSI).