I simply write to sign my name.

July 30th, 2008

There’s an old autograph verse that goes,

Some write for fortune,
Some write for fame,
I simply write to sign my name.

That is for me. I decided to write this verse on fabric using a monoprint technique and I am loving how it looks. The vibe of the fabric is spot on perfect given I wanted something that was unmistakably hand lettering. Done, check, check.

And here’s how you can write, draw or scribble on fabric using this technique. You need to grab some newspaper, wax or parchment paper, roll of tape, fabric ink (I used Jacquard Textile ink) and your fabric.

1. Lay down your newspaper, cover it with your wax paper and then tape down all the sides. You will want it larger than the size fabric you’re drawing on so when you roll out the ink you have plenty of space around it. I did this on our kitchen counter because its laminate and easy to clean and the tape won’t hurt it.

2. Roll out the ink. Don’t put out too much, when you roll your ink using a brayer (available at any arts or craft store) you want the ink to “smack” when you roll. For this technique, you don’t want too much ink rolled out because it will transfer to the fabric without applying any pressure. The thicker your ink, the easier this technique is too so you can even use a gocco fabric ink. Anything that is too liquidy will transfer too easily to the fabric. If you have any doubt, less is more. Finally, roll in all directions, diagonally, up and down, side to side to try and get an even coating of ink on the wax paper.

3. Lay your fabric on the ink and draw your design. I used the end of a paintbrush because the tip was dull but still like a pencil. You can use anything that is similar and has a dull point. You lay your fabric on top of the ink and “draw” on top of the fabric. Try not to apply pressure anywhere else and lay the fabric down gently. Also, keep in mind you will get a mirror image so if you are drawing text, you have to write it in reverse. I also find, as with pulling prints, the second and third print is often the best as the first one you do might have too much ink rolled out for your desired effect.

4. To make the pouch, I ironed on fusible interfacing to the reverse of the fabric, heat setting the ink per the manufacturer instructions of the ink at the same time. Next, I made a casing for the drawstring.

5. To make the casing you can use double fold bias tape, or make your own by cutting a rectangle larger than the end of your pouch and folding the sides to match the width of the pouch. Then fold down the top and bottom to make a casing. Make two and sew on the front and back of your pouch.

6. Thread your twine through the casing. An easy trick is to tie the twine through the hole in a safety pin to use as a guide when pushing through the casing. If you want to attach a bell, pull twine through one side and thread through the bell and then pull the twine through the other end.

7. Finally, I added a drawstring cord stop like this. To use it, you push the ends together, thread the twine through and then tie a knot so it won’t pull back through. This makes it super easy to open and shut quickly. You’re done!

Entry Filed under: sewing, step-by-step