Some very minimally diluted paint brushed vertically gives the impression of grass. I was trying to achieve a misty ocean/cloudy sky effect for an upcoming project, so I stopped here. Keep adding paint and letting it dry until you’re happy with it. Wetting the fabric before you add paint encourages the paint to blend out more.Īpply a coat of paint, then let it dry. There are typically unique glue-binding agents in fabric paint that are not found in other paints. It is thinner and is usually dye-based, which helps it adhere to fabrics. You can always add more paint later.Īpplying paint to dry fabric will give you sharper edges. What is fabric paint Fabric paint is a particular type of paint that is preferred for use on fabrics and similar texture. Test it on some scrap fabric first, and start with a lighter color if you’re worried. The thinner the paint the lighter the color. Most fabric marking pens will disappear through the process of painting but basting stays where you put it. Stretch your fabric in your embroidery hoop, and baste the edges of your work area if that is important to what you’re doing. The Hooker’s Green Hue Permanent contains “Phthaylocyanine Green, Arylide Yellow, and Bone Black” which explains why there are some areas that clearly appear to be more yellow than green. If you want a little more color variation, look for a paint that lists more than one kind of pigment. For over a decade, Tulip 3D Fashion Paints for crafts and fabrics have been the paints of choice for crafters of all skill levels. My Prussian Blue paint contains “Ferriammonium Ferrocyanide” only. If you want a purely monochromatic painting look for a paint that lists only one kind of pigment on the label. I use high quality artist paint for this technique, and I generally only use one color of paint because I’m making a background for needlework.

Actual watercolor paints don’t have a waterproof binder so they aren’t permanent enough for this technique. This will increase the water resistance of the paint and keep it flexible. If you are making something you intend to wear, wash, or carry around it is worth it to either use fabric paint or mix fabric medium into your paint. I’m using a plain, unbleached muslin in these photos.Īcrylic paint is a combination of pigment and acrylic polymers to bind the pigment to whatever you’re painting it on. Natural fibers take paint better than synthetics. – paint mixing surface (I use a plastic container lid) – embroidery hoop or other fabric support I use it as a background for needlework – it’s more complex than a solid colored fabric, but it is still soft enough to not compete with the focal point of the project. Add extra water if you want a more washed-out look. The look of a watercolor wash is a great effect on fabric. Simply mix 1 part acrylic paint, 1 part fabric medium, and 7 parts water.