How to Stamp Fabric

Fabric Stamps

Stamping fabric with fabric ink and stamps is a beautiful way to embellish different kinds of fabric. Whether you are adding decorations to clothing, linens, personal accessories or other household items, the finished result promises to be interesting. Young and older alike may find this to be an enjoyable project. Learn how to stamp fabric and see how this crafting technique can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Fabric for stamping
• Fabric ink pads
• Stamps
• Spray bottle filled with water
• Muslin
• Towel
• Waxed paper
• Iron
• Press cloth
• Washing machine
• Dryer

1. Launder the fabric you will be stamping to prepare it for the process. Machine wash and dry it, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Plan your design. Consider the colors you wish to use, the size of the stamps you will be using and the placement on the fabric. If you will be using a stamp with wording, determine where this stamp will be placed for the most pleasing effect. Once you have a plan created, create it on a scrap piece of muslin fabric for practice. When you are happy with the design, you are ready to stamp your project fabric.

3. Lay out the item to be stamped on a flat work surface. If it is clothing, place a sheet of wax paper between the layers of clothing to make sure the back layer is protected. Smooth the fabric flat and arrange it so that the area to be stamped is ready.

4. Press the first stamp gently onto the ink pad to load it with ink. For large stamps, it may be easier to hold the stamp in your hand and lower the ink pad down onto the stamp to ensure even coverage onto the stamp.

5. Lower the inked stamp pad down onto the fabric in the predetermined location. Press it carefully and firmly with your fingers, making sure that the entire surface area of the stamp comes into firm contact with the fabric. Make sure the stamp does not shift as you are doing this. Raise the stamp straight up when you are finished stamping.

6. Re-ink the stamp to use it again. If you will be using the same stamp with a different ink color, wipe off as much ink as possible with a towel. Spray a light mist of water onto the stamp and wipe off the remaining ink. Repeat Step 4 with a different color ink.

7. Continue repeating Step 4 through Step 6 with as many different stamps and ink colors to create the design planned in Step 2.

8. Clean off the stamps by spraying them lightly with water and wiping with the towel. Allow the stamping to dry completely for several hours.

9. Heat the iron to a cotton setting with no steam. Place a press cloth over the stamped area and apply the hot iron to the press cloth. The stamped areas must be heat set with the iron for 2 minutes. Move the iron along the stamped areas, allowing it to sit on each area for 2 minutes. Repeat the heat setting with the iron in the same fashion on the back side of the fabric as well. Allow the stamped fabric to set for at least one week before laundering for best results.