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How to hand-print fabric

You can become a textile designer!

Julie Paterson is an artist and maker who lives and works in Sydney’s Blue Mountains. She arrived in Australia 25 years ago with a textile degree and began selling designs straight away. From there, Julie became inspired by her new country and began hand-printing fabrics in designs drawn from the Australian landscape.

Julie Paterson artist home
Julie Paterson lives and works in Blackheath, Sydney. (Credit: Chris L Jones) (Credit: Chris L Jones)

Her textiles are used for curtains and upholstery and you can buy artworks and textiles on her shop, but why not have a go at hand-printing your own fabric? It’s a fabulous way to unleash your creativity and have something to show for it. Make a table runner or cushion cover or just a lovely textile to hang on the wall. The key is to get making!

Gather your supplies

Upholstery weight linen fabric

Fabric paints

Paint trays or plastic disposable plates

Foam roller

Craft or utility knife

Cutting mat

Paper or acetate sheets (from craft stores or Officeworks)

Drawing leaf details
(Credit: Chris L Jones) (Credit: Chris L Jones)

Step 1

Draw leaf shape on paper using black marker. Draw details such as the spine and veins on another piece.

Cutting out leaf shape
(Credit: Chris L Jones) (Credit: Chris L Jones)

Step 2

Working on a cutting mat, cut out leaf shape and details with a craft knife or utility knife.

Roll paint on fabric
(Credit: Chris L Jones) (Credit: Chris L Jones)

Step 3

Position leaf template on fabric and apply paint using a foam roller. Reposition template to paint more leaves.

Use stencil to paint fabric
(Credit: Chris L Jones) (Credit: Chris L Jones)

Step 4

Use a second paint colour to create a feature leaf. Peel template off the fabric to prevent the paint smudging.

Hand printing fabric stencil
(Credit: Chris L Jones) (Credit: Chris L Jones)

Step 5

Position detail template on painted leaves. Roll over template with white paint, using black on the feature leaf for contrast.  

Julie Paterson and Tara Dennis
Julie and I show off our hand-printed piece. Now it’s your turn! (Credit: Chris L Jones) (Credit: Chris L Jones)

For more decorating and craft projects, pick up a copy of the July issue in selected newsagents and supermarkets or buy online today!

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