I am interested in trying my hand at printing my own fabric. I have tried the copy machine and think it is so expensive to do that it really isn't feasable to sell my stuff.
I bought some fabric paint and pens but haven't had time to try that yet.
I just wondered if anyone had any experiences to share that might give me and others an idea of what to try.

I want to make tiny print cottons. It is getting harder to find what I want and need. So I thought maybe I could try my own.

I have had a few suggestions but would love to hear if you have anything to share.

Thanks everyone!

Maybe using stamps that have very small designs??? Cut your own stencils out of template plastic???

Paint dye on thread lengths and lay them across the fabric for a different look. This should give you some thin lined designs.

i make my own fabric but not on the small scale that you work in.

now with that said i think you could still produce products that you like - you would dye the background and then to make your designs you could use stamps and paint or even use tools from the house.

to make dots use the other end of the paint brush and you can use window screen for rubbing to make checkered fabric - chicken wire is great for rubbing too.

you can buy rubbing plates for quilts - they make a few styles now and those might work for you but you'd have to check the size mine are about the size of a coaster which might be to big for you.

here's a link to rubbing plates

http://store.quilting-warehouse.com/...aintstiks.html

also there's a line of stencils out specifically for painting on fabric. the small sizes should be able to work for you.

i love these stencils for painting - they're a bit stronger than quilting stencils and can withstand the rubbing and washing.

here's a link to the painting stencils

http://thecraftersworkshop.com/Letter%20Templates.html

Thanks Klue! I will check out the links. I kinda thought that stamps would work if i could just come up with a stamp the right size and shape. But I haven't really any idea how to do it unless I used something like adding a wooden piece to a wood block. Which I could do but haven't yet.

I have not heard of rubbing plates. This sounds interesting. I like the tiny leaves and flowers but that may be too hard to do. I also don't want to get too much money wrapped up in it. I found a link online that makes your designs into fabric but they want $30 a yard and I can't do that. Even if I could afford it it would not make good business sense to do that.

I'll have to check these out. Thanks!!

I have found some cute stamps at the Dollar Tree. You can peel the rubber stamp off the wood base, and cut out the portion you like, to customize them and glue them back on the base.

michaels also has really nice stamps. you could go to any art/craft store and in the scrapbook section find really nice stamps. many of them will be small because scrapbooking is a small craft - its not like they make things to lay on a bed like we do :D

Thanks for the suggestions. I will have to try looking for stamps again. I've only tried at walmart and hobby lobby but I never thought to look at the scrap book section.

I've heard great things about this company: http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome

Design and make your own fabric collection!

how about silk screening? or is it screen painting? My daughter is trying to get equipment to do this. but her idea is to put it on shirts and things.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions! I will have to check them all out.

i've been toying with the idea of getting this silk screen printer - its a little cheaper then the others i've seen.


http://store.quilting-warehouse.com/...reen-yudu.html

Do you do a lot of printing your own fabric? I looked at the silkscreen. It isn't too bad but the suppllies could really add up. I would have to decide if the end result would be too expensive to use. If I have to put too much into the cost of making the fabric then I won't be able to recoup the cost when I sell my stuff. That's not counting the cost of the silkscreen.

I'll give it some thought.

i do have fabric printed.

i'll design the image in the computer and send the file off to be printed.

these are always whole cloth quilts and they wouldn't look nice if i printed the image myself on fabric printer paper since i'm trying to avoid seams.

i guess the biggest difference between our work is that i'm not tied into using cotton like most quilters are - 99% of my work is for wall hangings so i can use whatever fabric i like.

i have my work printed on poly poplin - which feels and looks like cotton but takes color and images really well since its poly.

the last order i placed was for four 54 inches by 30 inches. the images were 28 inches by 52 inches and i paid $226 for the four panels and $12.20 for shipping.

so each panel cost $59.55 and then i did my magic on them and i sold them for $500 each all to the same person.

That's great Klue! Do you have a business website?

Have you thought of using the smaller cake decorating cutters to cut out stamps from adhesive foam? You would need a specialist cake decorating supplier, then the foam should be available at art/craft shops. Once you have cut out the foam (instead of rolled out icing sugar) then you could stick the little flowers, leaves etc on the end of wooden dowelling? You would then have small stamps to print with. I don't know if this would make sense from the USA point of view

i haven't made a website yet i have the website name but haven't used it for quilting.

i've found that people actually want to see the works in person vs. ordering online.

i have done quilts for people in other states and other countries and these pieces and always done by email and photos. the projects take longer that way but its been working so far.

i just finished a quilt that i shipped to australia. i was surprised how quickly they received it.

Klue well that makes sense for you to have it printed then. If you can recoup the cost then it is worth it!

I don't think it would be worth it for me tho.

Have you posted pictures? I would love to see what you do.

I do know what you mean. My mom has or had? rolling pins with designs that cut out as they roll. It is a good idea!

i've posted a few pics on the board. the quilt i'm currently working on is on the safety pin thread.

Wow! I'd like to see those! Sounds like you are full of great ideas :-)

You don't have to sell your products online, but a general site would be a great idea. It would give your contact information, gallery of your past work, the process, etc. That way it will allow people to find you to contact you and then you can go about the way you normally would. all you would need to say is quote available.

You may check out www.splitcoaststampers.com where people sell individual or stamp collections. I've bought quite a lot there and now need to reduce my stamp collection to make way for fabric.

Klue - I agree with rayone I would love to see your work in one site that reflects you and your style. I have seen bits n pieces(forgive the pun-it was unintentioned!) of your work but would love to see more in one place!