How to Make Stamps for Fabric

Fabric stamping is a great way to jazz up basic sheets, clothing, curtains and more. Fabric stamps are available in arts and crafts stores, but making your own at home gives you the creative freedom to design any shape of stamp you like. With this simple project, you can create different shapes and sizes to personalize your home and wardrobe.

Things You'll Need

• Potato
• Kitchen knife
• Paring knife
• Cookie cutters (optional)
• Paper towels
• Wooden craft sticks
• Fabric paint

Instructions

1. Scrub the potato clean with soap and water. It should be completely free of dirt.

2. Cut the potato in half with the kitchen knife. You can make the cut along the length or width. The cut side will be the stamp, so consider the size of stamp you desire when making the cut.

3. Set the potato halves cut side down on a stack of three or four paper towels. Leave for 30 minutes. The paper towels will draw the moisture from the potato, which is important to keep the fabric paint from becoming runny.

4. Carve the shape you desire into the cut side of the potato using the paring knife. Make cuts starting from the outside edge toward the center. Alternatively, you can use a cookie cutter to create your shape. Set a potato half on its back (the round, uncut side), and place the cookie cutter on the cut side. Slowly and carefully press the cookie cutter all the way through the potato.

5. Press the sides of the stamp with paper towels to wick away any moisture. Apply fabric paint to the stamp and spread with a wood craft stick to create an even layer of paint. Stamp onto clean, ironed fabric.