Decorator Fabric

Our Place : Episode OPL-404 -- More Projects »
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Use a variety of fabrics, watered-down fabric paints and spray bottles to create one-of-kind designer fabrics.

Materials:

natural off-white fabrics - silks, cottons and/or linens
various spray bottles and aerosol sprayers
fabric dyes and paints
newspaper
wooden frames and T-head pins
rubber gloves
face mask
masking tape
various items to create surface interest on sprayed fabrics - i.e. open weave lace to spray through, stencils, etc.

Steps:

  1. Cover table or work surface with newspaper. Create a "spray booth" out of scrap cardboard to confine the spraying mess if possible. Cover floor if necessary. Working outside on a windless day is ideal for this project.
  2. Pre-wash, dry and iron any fabrics that have sizing in them. Size will prevent the dyes from working as well.
  3. Water down paints and dyes and fill spray bottles.
  4. Color the fabrics using one of these techniques:
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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
Crumpling (figure A) - Dampen fabrics slightly and crumple fabric into a ball. Spray fabric from one side then allow it to dry. Re-crumple and spray from other side. Allow the fabric to dry. Repeat the process until you achieve desired colors. Iron to set the colors.

Masking Tape Resist (figure B) - Stretch the fabric and pin it to a wooden frame. Arrange strips of masking tape on fabric surface in patterns like stripes, checks, squares, geometric shapes, random shapes, etc. Spray colors, then let the fabric dry. Remove the tape to reveal the design. Re-tape and re-spray for more texture and interest.

Shapes and Stencils - Place objects or stencils over fabrics and spray. Experiment with this for lots of fun results. Try leaves, sticks (figure C), grates, pieces of lace, stencils or cardboard geometric shapes (figure D).

Pleating and Gathering - Fold fabric into pleats and pin along the edges to hold in place. Spray lightly from one side of the folds. Let dry. Re-pleat and spray again. Let dry. Use two different colors. To create a checkered or tartan effect, pleat and pin fabric in the opposite direction and re-spray. It is better to build up color with layers of spray rather than soaking fabric with one heavy coat.

  • Steam-set fabrics or follow directions on dyes and paints to set fabric colors. Use the fabrics to create home accessories like tablecloths and napkins, table runners, curtains, pillows, etc.
    • Also in this Episode
    Our Place : Episode OPL-404
    •Dressed Up Welcome Mats
    •Experimental Water Media
    •Decorator Fabric
    •Natural Looking Flowers