How to Embroider With Fabric Paint

Embroidered fabric projects are beautiful, but take a lot of time. You can create an embroidery-like effect on just about any fabric with the right fabric paint and applicators.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric Paints
• Cross-stitch Fabrics
• Scrap Fabrics
• Children's T-shirts
• Needlepoint Fabrics
• Fabrics
• Fabric Paint Pens
• Plastic Paint Applicator Bottles
• Socks
• Fabric Paint Projects

1. Look for fabric paints labeled "liquid embroidery," "three-dimensional" or "puff paint." These paints can be laundered and will not crack or peel over time.

2. Choose fabric paints that come in small squeeze bottles with fine applicator tips. You can apply the paint to the fabric directly from the bottle.

3. Look for small plastic applicator bottles made especially for fabric painting. These come with a variety of tip sizes that allow you to make wide to extra-fine lines.

4. Look for fabric paint pens. Paint pens come in a variety of colors with a wide range of tip sizes and work like ballpoint pens. These pens are great for detail work and allow for a little more control over the paint lines than applicator bottles.

5. Decide on a project. You can paint shirts, socks or create a true embroidery-like effect on cross-stitch or needlepoint fabric.

6. Transfer your chosen design onto the fabric. If you work from a project that comes with instructions, use the recommended transfer method. Also refer to "How to Transfer a Design to Fabric."

7. Touch the tip of your paint applicator to the fabric and squeeze gently to apply. The harder you squeeze, the wider the paint line will be.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the label on your fabric paint for any special instructions and to make sure that it is appropriate for your chosen fabric.
• Practice on scrap fabric until you are able to lay down the paint lines with accuracy.
• Rinse applicator bottles with water immediately after use.

[Miragi]

on 10/5/2008 Excellent article and comment! I used to work at JoAnn Fabric, and it never ceases to amaze me the amount of ingenuity and creativity that abounds in the everyday world! 5*

on 11/22/2005 1. Test the tip for flow on clean (well-washed/lint free) cotton fabric. If the tip does not flow, clean it according to the manufacturer's directions or replace it, if possible. Most ballpoint tips are replaceable and new ones can be purchased from product distributors and demonstrators. Free tip changing instructions are also available with your purchase, but you may have to ask for them.

2. When using metal tubes with ballpoints, press the tube at the bottom to press the paint forward and to increase tube pressure. This is called "burping the tube." It will start the flow to the tip and keep it going so that you do NOT have to keep squeezing the tube as you paint. This is a real nice feature that helps prevent hand fatigue.

3. Always hold ballpoint-tipped tubes in a more upright position than you would to write with a pen. This allows you to roll the paint on and gives a better (cleaner and fuller) line. And, it prevents excess wear on the tip. Do not bear down too hard and do not try to go too fast. The friction will ruin tips much faster. EXPERT TIPS: Relax and use a nice, rolling glide that allows the paint to flow from the tip with the pressure inside. When doing larger areas, re-burp the tube as needed. For best results, keep the tips wiped off as you paint (use a lintless wipe, Tip Zip, or well-washed cotton fabric). To make thinner lines, lift the tube slightly, but not off the fabric. To make a more "feathered" stroke that tapers off, lift the tip up at the end of the paint stroke as you complete it.

4. Use a tube protector, if possible, to prevent you from denting the tube while holding it. This also makes painting more comfortable, especially since these tubes do not need squeezing to flow. It also helps prevent hand fatigue.

5. Outline the area and then fill it in using an overlapping method of application.

6. Apply plenty of paint to saturate the fabric. Be sure to use a blotter, absorbent pad, or appropriate knit fabric paper under your top fabric layer. Well-painted items will machine wash much better than thinly painted ones.

7. Use a blending tool to assist you with getting good coverage and paint absorption.

8. Allow any painted article at least one week to dry before laundering.

9. Heat the set according to manufacturer directions ONLY if it is needed for the type of paint you used. Most fabric paints available now do not need heat setting because they air cure in 7 to 10 days.

10. Turn clothing articles inside out and wash them in mild detergent. Do not tumble dry any articles painted with dimensional paints. Lay these flat to dry or hang them on a hanger. Articles painted with penetrating ballpoint paints can be machine (tumble) dried if they're allowed to air cure for at least one week. But DO check the manufacturer's details for the type or types of paint you used.

Personal, expert instruction is often available at no charge from demonstrators when you purchase from them. Check with the manufacturer for someone close to you or visit fabricpaint.com for free help.

DL Seveland,
Teaching Fabric Painting and Crafting to adults and children for almost 30 years.

on 11/22/2005 Easily done with transfer pens/markers & tracing paper available from distributors. This gives you the chance to create your own designs or trace designs from other sources. Trace/draw with a regular pen, then apply transfer ink to reverse side of paper.