Tutorial: Easy gel plate printing on fabric
TUTORIAL
Gel plate printing isn’t only for paper. You can print on fabric too, and it’s easier than you might think.
I recently printed on inkjet fabric sheets and sewed the result into a small pouch for my AirPods.
Here’s how to do it…
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
• Inkjet fabric sheets (cotton fabric with a paper backing)
• Acrylic paint
• Fabric medium
• Gel plate (one or two plates)
• Brayer
• Stencils or masks (I used simple leaf shapes cut from light card)
STEP 1: GRAB YOUR MATERIALS THEN MIX PAINT AND FABRIC MEDIUM
Inkjet fabric sheets are perfect for this process. The paper backing keeps the fabric flat and stable as you work, and it peels off cleanly once the print is dry.
Fabric medium helps the paint bond to the fabric and stay flexible after it dries.
A second plate comes in handy—you can use it as a mixing palette.
Add paint to the plate.
Add fabric medium.
Mix the two together.
Use the brayer to pick up the mixture and roll it onto your main gel plate.
STEP 2: BUILD YOUR LAYERS AND MAKE THE PRINT
For this project, I created an autumn-themed print. Place your stencils or leaf shapes onto the plate. Roll autumn colors over the surface. Remember to let each layer dry before adding the next.
When you’re ready for the final pull add a fresh layer of paint mixed with fabric medium. Roll it out in a thin, even layer. Place your fabric sheet on the plate. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you can wait overnight, even better—the paint bonds more fully.
STEP 3: USE YOUR PRINTED FABRIC!
Pull the print and peel off the paper backing.
You now have a sheet of custom gel-printed fabric ready for sewing.
I stitched mine into a tiny pouch, but you can make anything you like—pencil cases, quilt blocks…
What will you make?
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO WITH ALL THOSE GEL PRINTS?
I collage with my gel plate prints in board books. Yep, children’s board books!
Board books are so much more interesting than a typical sketchpad. Aaaand, they're a total blast! With just a few tips I can help you learn the ins and outs to collaging in board books in my popular FREE online class, Build your Creativity: Board Book Basics!
