{Pattern Printing // DIY}

Projects for the home are one of my most favorite to do. Don’t get me wrong, I love shopping for decor, but at the end of the day seeing something I made feels just a little more special. We are moving to a new city in just a few days and I’ve been so excited to think of projects I can do that have a high impact with low cost (because let’s face it, moving isn’t cheap!). I’ve seen this plus sign print all over lately, but in my quest for pillows, one case having a price tag ranging from $38-$52 wasn’t doing it for me — this is where the DIY saves the day!

You can use this tutorial for any sort of fabric project you have, but today I’m showing you how I made new pillow cases for our future home.

Here are the supplies I used: fabric paint, brush applicator, stencil, pillow cases.

I used a thin piece of cardboard for my stencil, which was hand drawn & cut out with an xacto-blade.

Tip: Pre-wash and dry your fabric so the chemical base the manufacturer uses on the fabric comes off and the case accepts your paint better.

If you are going to be making a lot of prints with your stencil make an extra copy as the paint can weaken your stencil as it gets wet. Place a piece of cardboard or some sort of protector under the layer of fabric you are working with so it doesn’t bleed through. Tap your brush in paint and dab-dab-dab like this to fill up your design with paint.

Tip: if you aren’t a stencil type, opt for stamps!

When you finish stamping, lay your pillow case flat or hang to dry for a minimum of 24 hours. Then wash & dry your fabric again (or follow the manufacturers instructions from the paint you are using). This project is great because it really can be used for so many things like tote bags, scarves, baby stuff… enjoy!

If you have ever painted on fabric how did it go? If you have any tips or tricks, share with us below in the comments.

Meet Heather Smith, our DIY contributor. Heather stays busy juggling many roles: writer of JustLove.ly, full-time designer for {just.lovely.things} {an accessories line where she creates wardrobe accessories for magazines, tv shows & some amazing customers} and co-owner of the shop Fawn & Flora. She’s a huge fan looking at pretty things and attempting to make them.