As a former art teacher, I am always experimenting with what I have around the house to create new artistic projects. One project I enjoy doing is creating designs on plain fabric and quilting it into original quilt designs. The thought occurred to me on why am I taking the time to quilt when blank canvases are available for purchase. I came across an old white quilted bedspread at a thrift store. Looking at the bedspread, I discovered there were a couple stained areas but the quilt itself was in good shape. This gave me an idea. I decided to batik the entire surface and use it as one large canvas. Make your own batik following these simple instructions.
Items You’ll Need:
Light colored quilt or quilted bedspread
Disappearing sewing marker
Old crayons
Packaging paper
Iron
Instructions:
Step 1 – Locate an image to reproduce or use a freehand image to drawn on the light colored quilt or quilted bedspread.
Step 2 – Find a location to spread the light colored quilt or quilted bedspread out completely. Smooth out any wrinkles.
Step 3 – Remove the paper wrapping from the crayons.
Step 4 – Draw the design on the quilt with a disappearing sewing marker. When creating a freehand design, draw only the lines desired to help with placement of the design.
Step 5 – Place the long edge of the crayon on the quilt and pull it over the surface to color. Continue using this process to create large areas of color.
Step 7 – Draw finer lines using the points or ends of the crayons. Repeat this process to add the desired designs.
Step 8 – Step back and look at the drawing. Make any adjustments to the drawing at this time.
Step 9 – Place a 36 inch square of wrapping paper in the upper left-hand corner of the design.
Step 10 – Set the iron to a cotton heat and allow it to warm. Place the iron in the upper left-hand corner of the wrapping paper. Hold in place for 15 seconds. Move the iron one iron width to the right. Hold in place for 15 seconds. Repeat the process along the top edge of the wrapping paper. Move the iron down one iron width and repeat the process until the entire sheet of wrapping paper has been ironed.
Step 11 – Carefully peal the wrapping paper from the surface of the batik design. Look at the back of the paper to make sure no color is present. Color on the paper will press into the next section if it is present. Discard if colored and cut a new piece of packaging paper. If not, move it to the next location. Iron the entire design using the same process.
Step 12 – Set the colors in the new batik by filling a washing machine with cool water. Pour in one cup of plain salt. Allow the washing machine to agitate for one minute. Turn off the washing machine and place the completed batik in the water. Allow the batik to soak 15 minutes. Turn on the washing machine and allow it to finish the cycle. Air dry or dry in the dryer on a cool setting.
Tips: Crayons will create a muted color when used in a batik. For bright colors, use fabric crayons.
Reference:
- shine.yahoo.com/ragging-technique-frayed-rag-quilt-fabric-handmade-clothing-175700798
- voices.yahoo.com/easy-cathedral-window-quilt-block-pattern-10988924.html
- voices.yahoo.com/how-decide-color-combinations-8523357.html
