Have you ever seen a graphic print on a shirt or bag and thought to yourself “Wow that’s cool – I could make that!”. I say that to myself all the time. And I usually also find myself saying .. I could create that for HALF the price!!
I found an Art Nouveau book last weekend and it supplied the creative juice to get the ball rolling on creating a graphic print. After I developed the print, I thought it would be fun to play with the layout and design size.
I love creating prints on the products I sew. I would love the option of using a Silhouette machine.. but I don’t own one YET. So, I usually create the images from freezer paper and fabric ink.
Materials and Inspiration:
Materials needed – freezer paper, marker or pen, cutting mat, X-Acto knife, paper to draw and fabric.
You can use freezer paper to print onto almost anything. I made the totebags and strongly suggest you attempt sewing the tote. However, you can buy blank bags, aprons, t-shirts and pillow cases in craft stores. If you are looking for a super detailed step by step tutorial on freezer paper printing – check out my DIY Dino post here.
Steps:
I was inspired by the floral images in my Art Nouveau book and hand drew the motif. I then photocopied and resized the image.
1 large Image – Main Focus Area
- Iron the print down onto the fabric. Make sure to lift and press and not pull the iron over your paper. The more delicate the image the more careful you want to be with the iron
- Dab the sponge into the fabric ink and onto your fabric. Work fairly fast and be consistent with your paint thickness
- While the ink is still wet, lift and pull the freezer paper off your fabric
2 Smaller Images – Asymmetrical Design
- It looks great to have an asymmetrical design and place one of the images hanging off the side. Cut off the overhanging paper. Cut the image borders down in size so you can double check the layout
- With your newly trimmed edges, make sure you are careful when you paint the fabric. Don’t get over eager like I did and paint OFF the freezer paper and onto your fabric
- Pull the freezer paper off while still wet
4 Small Images – Quadrant Design
- Trim down all your image edges. Lay down images
- Iron down. With your smaller intricate designs – iron very carefully. Make sure the iron is hot and hold it in one place for a few seconds. You want to certain the freezer paper is adhered
- Pull off the freezer paper and admire your work!
Have a great day.
I love this!! Thanks for sharing the tutorial!! Great idea and easy too
I love the design, reminds me of shasta daisies in summer. So festive and a terrific design for pillows, and fabric designs, to make pictures for wall hangings. Thanks
To answer your question, YES, this happens to me all the time. I walk by something and think, I can do that! Who is selling this for $50 or whatever and then I never end up doing it. BUT I feel a little more confident after reading this. Although, I have one question, well I’m more in need of clarification.
So I just iron the freezer paper directly onto the bag? That seems weird but then again, I’m not a DIY person so I just want to be sure. I really want to try this on the weekend!
Thanks,
Marie
HI – yes, just draw your design onto the freezer paper [matte side]. Cut out the design using an X-acto knife and then iron the paper down [matte side up/shiny side down] onto the fabric. It will stick! I promise. After the paper is applied – using a sponge apply the fabric ink to the open areas and then peel the paper off. It works!
These bags are amazing. I can’t decide which one I like best. I’m sure if I followed your instructions perfectly, mine would still end up looking about half as good yours. But it’s worth a shot!
Super fun idea, Ive never heard of using freezer paper before. I use stencils all the time but like the idea of ironing on the paper, you’d probably get less leakage this way. Great project I’ll put it in my book of to do’s.
Hi – yes. it is super easy and you can print your own fabric this way.. pillows, curtains.. anything!
Super cute idea, I think they would be great as recyclable grocery bags, you could decorate with a lemon or other “grocery” type themes … love it!
Awesome idea for a grocery bag.. Thank you for the comment!
Love this! This is the perfect market bag.. The colors are great – I’m making this tomorrow!
That turned out really cute! I need to take a try with freezer paper! Thanks for linking it up at Monday Funday!