15 Easy Fabric Stamping Projects To Try

Fabric stamping offers endless creative possibilities.

This versatile technique transforms ordinary materials into personalized works of art, from apparel and unique home decor to thoughtful gifts and accessories.

Fabric stamping is not only accessible but also incredibly rewarding, providing a perfect blend of simplicity and artistic expression.

With just a few tools and materials, you can revive old fabrics, add a personal touch to your wardrobe, or create custom decorations that reflect your style and taste.

In this post, we’ve compiled a selection of 15 Easy Fabric Stamping projects that cater to various interests and skill levels.

Each project will inspire and guide you through the process of creating beautiful, hand-stamped pieces that you’ll be proud to show off.

1. Block Printing with Acrylic Paint

Block printing with a modern twist.

Learn how to create graphic prints on fabric or paper using acrylic paint, a method that combines traditional block printing techniques with the versatility of acrylics.

What you’ll learn:

• Introduction to block printing:
  Get acquainted with the basics of block printing.
• Choosing your materials:
  Discover the best types of blocks for printing, whether linoleum or rubber and understand their unique properties.
• Carving techniques:
  Learn how to carve your design into your chosen block material with precision and care for detailed, crisp prints.
• Mixing acrylic paints:
  Find out how to prepare your acrylic paints with a textile medium to ensure they adhere well to fabric and paper.
• Printing process:
  Master the art of applying paint to your block and transferring your design onto your chosen medium with even, beautiful results.

Why you’ll love it:

Block printing with acrylic paint allows for a high degree of customization and creativity.

Block Printing with Acrylic Paint from Textile Indie

2. Block Printing Basics {Design, Carve, and Stamp}

Brittany guides you through the basics of designing and carving your own personalized rubber stamps.

This comprehensive tutorial is perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, offering step-by-step instructions on how to create beautiful prints on both fabric and paper.

What you’ll learn:

• Choosing your block material:
  Understand the importance of selecting the right material for your block to ensure the best printing results.
• Design transfer techniques:
  Learn how to transfer your chosen design onto the block material accurately for precise carving.
• Carving your block:
  Master the art of carving your design into the block, including tips on achieving both positive and negative print designs.
• Preparing your ink:
  How to prepare your block printing ink and apply it correctly to your carved block for clear, crisp prints.
• Test printing:
  Find out how to conduct test prints to adjust your block and ink application before finalizing your project.

Why you’ll love it:

Enhance your crafting skills by learning the traditional art of block printing, which can be applied to numerous DIY projects and artworks.

Block Printing Basics {Design, Carve, and Stamp} from Textile Indie

3. Custom Block Print Clothes – Try this tank top!

This project is perfect for beginners looking to explore the art of block printing on fabric. Watch as the process unfolds from cutting out the garment to custom printing it.

The pattern used in this tutorial is self-drafted, and the fabric is a cotton/lycra blend, ideal for creating comfortable tanks.

What you’ll learn:

• Garment preparation:
  Start with cutting out the garment pieces from your chosen fabric, ready for printing.
• Designing your block:
  Learn how to design a block that reflects your personal style or the theme you wish to convey on your clothing.
• Transferring and carving:
  Transfer your design onto the block material and carve it out to create your custom stamp.
• Ink preparation and printing:
  Prepare your oil-based printing inks and apply them to your carved block for printing on the fabric.
• Final touches:
  After printing, see how the garment pieces are assembled to create the finished tank top.

Why you’ll love it:

Once you master the technique, you can apply block printing to various types of clothing and fabrics, expanding your custom wardrobe.

Custom Block Print Clothes – Try this tank top! from Textile Indie

4. Block Printing Beginners Project

This tutorial is designed to guide you through creating a customized zipper pouch, a perfect starting point for anyone new to block printing.

Whether you’re looking to make one pouch or a dozen, this project offers a fantastic way to produce unique and personalized items.

What you’ll learn:

• Preparing your materials:
  Get to know the essential materials needed for block printing, including the right type of rubber block, linocut carving tools, and oil-based printing inks.
• Design and carve:
  Learn how to design and carve your block for printing, allowing you to create custom patterns that reflect your personal style.
• Printing on fabric:
  Discover the techniques for applying your block print to fabric, ensuring crisp and vibrant designs.
• Sewing a zipper pouch:
  Follow step-by-step instructions to sew your printed fabric into a stylish and functional zipper pouch.
• Customization tips:
  Explore ways to customize your pouches further, from selecting fabric types to mixing ink colors for varied effects.

Why you’ll love it:

The finished zipper pouches are not only beautiful but also practical, ideal for organizing small items in style.

Block Printing Beginners Project from Textile Indie

5. Rubber Stamp a Custom Tablecloth

Dive into the creative world of block printing with Textile Indie’s tutorial on how to rubber stamp a custom tablecloth. This easy and fun project is perfect for adding a unique touch to your holiday table decor or for any special occasion.

Using simple materials like a piece of fabric, acrylic paint, textile medium, or Speedball block printing ink, you can create a one-of-a-kind tablecloth that reflects your personal style.

What you’ll learn:

• Selecting your fabric:
  Start with choosing the right fabric for your project. A top sheet from a thrift store can be a cost-effective and eco-friendly option.
• Designing your block:
  Learn how to design and carve your block or rubber stamp for printing. Keeping the design smaller can make the process easier, especially if involving children.
• Mixing paints:
  Discover how to mix acrylic paint with textile medium for fabric printing or opt for Speedball block printing ink for vibrant results.
• Printing technique:
  Master the technique of block printing on fabric, ensuring even and consistent prints across your tablecloth.
• Finishing touches:
  Find out the best practices for finishing your fabric after printing to ensure the durability and longevity of your design.

Why you’ll love it:

Block printing a tablecloth can be a fun activity to do with children, offering a creative and hands-on experience for the whole family.

Once you’ve mastered this technique, you can apply it to other fabric-based projects, such as custom napkins, runners, or even clothing.

Rubber Stamp a Custom Tablecloth from Textile Indie

6. Ephemera

Transform fabric and paper scraps into beautiful ephemera. This tutorial, inspired by Rachel and Natasha, focuses on using scrap paper, material, and stamps to craft unique ephemera pieces.

Add a vintage touch to your journals or create something special for your scrapbooking projects; this guide offers plenty of inspiration and practical tips.

What you’ll learn:

• Stamping on fabric:
  Discover how to stamp images on cotton material, such as repurposed tote bags, to create vintage-looking fabric pieces that can be used in various crafts.
• Creating ephemera from scraps:
  Learn how to utilize scraps of watercolor-dyed paper and scrapbook paper, stamping them with various designs to enhance your crafting projects.
• Choosing stamps and inks:
  Get insights into selecting the right stamps and ink colors to achieve a more aged and vintage appearance in your creations.
• Techniques for effective stamping:
  Master the technique of stamping to ensure clear and attractive images, including how to handle uneven stamping for a more authentic look.
• Repurposing materials:
  Find out how to cut up and use different materials you have around, turning them into valuable crafting supplies.

Why you’ll love it:

Vintage aesthetic

The use of brown ink and the selection of stamps can give your projects a charming vintage feel, perfect for those who love a rustic or aged look.

Stamping on Fabric and Scraps to Create Beautiful Ephemera from Scrapping with ME Crafts

7. Stamping with Bleach

Explore the unique technique of stamping with bleach. This tutorial guides you through the process of creating visually striking marks on dark paper, transforming ordinary materials into extraordinary pieces of art.

What you’ll learn:

• Bleach stamping basics:
  The fundamentals of using bleach as a stamping medium to create contrasting designs on dark paper.
• Material selection:
  Discover how different types of dark paper and fabric react to bleach, offering a variety of outcomes to incorporate into your projects.
• Creating custom stamps:
  Learn how to stamp unique designs with carved erasers and other mark-making tools.
• Technique tips:
  Master the technique of creating a “stamp pad” of bleach using paper towels or wet wipes for even application and minimal mess.
• Safety precautions:
  Understand the importance of working in a ventilated area and wearing protective clothing to safely work with bleach.

Why you’ll love it:

Despite its simplicity, the bleach stamping technique produces results that are both striking and sophisticated, adding a professional touch to your creative endeavors.

Stamping with Bleach from Aimee Bishop

8. How to Make Foam Stamps

Create your own foam stamps.

This DIY guide is perfect for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their art projects. It offers a simple yet effective way to make stamps using everyday materials.

What you’ll learn:

• Foam stamp basics:
  Understand the essentials of foam stamp creation, including the types of foam and tools needed.
• Designing stamps:
  Learn how to design both positive and negative shapes for your stamps, enhancing the versatility of your creations.
• Cutting techniques:
  Master the use of scissors and an Exacto blade to precisely cut your foam into desired shapes.
• Adhesive tips:
  Discover how to use adhesive-backed foam for easier application or alternatives if you have non-adhesive foam.
• Stamp assembly:
  Follow step-by-step instructions on assembling your foam shapes onto cardboard bases to complete your stamps.

Why you’ll love it:

This tutorial demystifies the process, showing that with just a few simple supplies, anyone can start making their own stamps at home.

Crafting Your Won Custom Foam Stamps from Roben-Marie Smith

9.  Faux Embroidery

This innovative technique allows you to mimic the intricate look of hand-stitched embroidery on fabric, offering a quick and easy way to embellish embroidery hoops, clothing, and more with stunning floral designs.

What you’ll learn:

• Basics of fabric stamping:
  Discover the essentials of stamping on fabric, including the types of fabric that work best for a clean, crisp image.
• Creating faux embroidery:
  Learn how to use stamps to achieve the look of hand-stitched embroidery without the need for actual sewing.
• Ink selection and application:
  Understand which inks to use for fabric stamping to ensure your designs are vibrant and long-lasting.
• Preparing your fabric:
  Get tips on how to prepare your fabric for stamping, including choosing the right weave and pre-pressing for the best results.
• Finishing techniques:
  Find out how to heat-set your stamped designs to make them wash-resistant, ensuring your creations can be enjoyed for years to come.

Why you’ll love it:

It’s quick and easy.

Transform plain fabric into beautiful embroidered art in less than 30 minutes, perfect for those looking for a fast and satisfying crafting experience. Sometimes, we have a great idea for a party decoration or some other use that doesn’t warrant the hours of investment a hand-stitched object requires. This technique fills the gap.

Stamping on Fabric with Rubber Stamps – Faux Embroidery Technique from Paper Crafting with Lou Collins

10. Potato Fabric Printing

Transform ordinary fabric into something fun using nothing more than a potato. This tutorial guides you through the process of making a potato stamp to print on fabric, offering an affordable yet striking way to customize textiles for a kids’ bedroom or any project that calls for a touch of personal flair.

What you’ll learn:

• Potato stamp creation:
  Discover how to turn a simple potato into a versatile stamp for fabric printing.
• Design carving techniques:
  Learn how to carve your desired shapes into the potato to create both positive and negative stamp designs.
• Paint application:
  Master the art of applying just the right amount of paint to your stamp for clear, crisp prints.
• Fabric stamping:
  Get tips on how to press your potato stamp onto fabric for beautiful results firmly.
• Pattern testing:
  Before committing to your final piece, learn how to test various patterns on scrap fabric to choose the best design for your project.

Why you’ll love it:

With materials that cost mere pennies, you can create custom fabric designs that look anything but cheap.

This is also a fun and safe craft to do with children, allowing them to express their creativity and see the results of their work used in everyday life.

Potato Fabric Printing from Bloom in the Black

11. Fabric Stamped Tea Towels

Three distinct methods to create beautiful stamped tea towels. Experiment with different techniques to achieve the best results.

What you’ll learn:

• Fabric stamping with paint:
  Discover the most successful method using fern stamps, fabric paint, and a small artist brush to achieve crisp, defined prints on tea towels.
• Stamping with plant cuttings:
  Learn about a natural method that involves using actual plant cuttings, an iron, and a hammer to transfer the color and shape of fern leaves onto fabric.
• Using fabric markers:
  Find out how fabric markers perform as a stamping tool, offering a quicker, albeit lighter, alternative to paint and providing a different aesthetic.

Why you’ll love it:

Stamped tea towels can serve as functional kitchen items or thoughtful handmade gifts, adding a personal touch.

Fabric Stamped Tea Towels from The Honeycomb Home

12. Elephant Fabric Stamped Skirt

This simple guide walks you through the process of revitalizing old clothing with stamped designs, making it an ideal project for those looking to add a personal touch to their wardrobe.

What you’ll learn:

• Preparation:
  Tips for prepping your garment for stamping.
• Choosing the right materials:
  Guidance on selecting appropriate fabric paint and stamps for your project, with a focus on cotton and cotton blends for the best results.
• Stamping technique:
  How to apply paint to your stamp and then to the fabric for even, crisp designs.
• Finishing touches:
  Instructions on how to set the paint to make your design permanent and washable.

Why you’ll love it:

Sustainable Fashion

Reviving old clothing with stamping is not only creative but also an eco-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe without buying new.

Elephant Fabric Stamped Skirt from DIY Candy

13. How to make Brilliant DIY Fabric Paint at Home

Transform your fabric painting projects with this innovative DIY guide on creating your own washable fabric paint.

Perfect for artists and crafters looking to personalize their fabric creations without the need for commercial fabric paints. This tutorial simplifies the process, using easily accessible household ingredients to mix a fabric paint that’s both vibrant and durable.

What you’ll learn:

• Homemade fabric paint recipe:
  Craft your own fabric paint using acrylic paint, white vinegar, glycerine, and water.
• Understanding fabric medium:
  Learn the importance of fabric medium in making acrylic paint more adaptable and lasting on fabrics.
• Application techniques:
  Master the art of applying your DIY fabric paint to achieve the best results on various textiles.
• Creative experimentation:
  Experiment with different fabric types and paint consistencies to perfect your fabric painting technique.
• Sustainability in crafting:
  Embrace an eco-friendly approach by utilizing household items to create your fabric paint.

Why you’ll love it:

Save money without sacrificing quality by mixing your own fabric paint, allowing for more freedom to experiment and create.

How to make Brilliant DIY Fabric Paint at Home from Craft Invaders

14. Custom Color Mixing for Block Printing

This informative video guides you through the nuances of block printing inks, offering insights into different types, how to use them, and tips for color mixing to create custom designs.

What you’ll learn:

• Types of block printing inks:
  An overview of various block printing inks, including Speedball oil-based and water-soluble inks, and Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink.
• Color mixing basics:
  Learn the fundamentals of color theory for block printing, including how to create shades, tints, and hues by mixing primary colors (red, blue, yellow) with black and white.
• Recipe card hack:
  Discover a practical hack for mixing your own colors and replicating them in future projects using a recipe card system.

Why you’ll love it:

Gain the ability to create custom colors for your block printing projects, allowing for unique and personalized designs.

Custom Color Mixing for Block Printing from Textile Indie

15. Block Print Clean Up

A tutorial on how to clean block printing tools effectively, especially after using oil-based inks. The tutorial emphasizes the use of olive oil, a non-toxic alternative to mineral spirits or turpentine, for cleaning block printing materials. This method is not only safer but also environmentally friendly.

What you’ll learn:

• Safe cleaning materials:
  Discover the benefits of using olive oil and paper towels for cleaning your block printing tools, avoiding the harsh chemicals found in traditional cleaning agents.
• Step-by-step cleaning process:
  Follow a simple, effective process for removing oil-based ink from your brayer and other tools, ensuring they’re clean and ready for your next project.
• Maintaining your tools:
  Learn the importance of regular cleaning to maintain the quality and longevity of your block printing tools.

Why you’ll love it:

Using olive oil for cleaning means you’re not exposed to the toxic fumes of mineral spirits or turpentine, making your crafting space safer.

Olive oil is a cost-effective cleaning agent, especially since you can use any type, including cheaper varieties, making it accessible for all crafters. This is a great way to use up olive oil that is past its prime.

Block Print Clean-Up from Textile Indie

Bonus: Linocut ASMR

A satisfying and educational experience in the art of block printing, from the initial sketching phase to the final printing. This video is in the ASMR style; it’s more of a visual treat than a tutorial. those interested in learning about linocut techniques and the block printing process.

Why watch this video:

• Relaxing and educational:
  The video is designed to be both calming and informative, making it a pleasant learning experience.
• Detailed demonstration:
  Even without subtitles, the visual demonstration provides valuable insights into the linocut process.
• Inspiration for projects:
  Viewers can draw inspiration for their own DIY stamping projects, whether for personal art, gifts, or home decor.

DIY Stamps Linocut Process (calm sketching, carving, block printing) with PearFleur

Questions about fabric stamping

How do you permanently stamp fabric?

Choose the right materials

• Fabric ink or paint:
  Select high-quality fabric ink or paint designed for textiles. These inks are formulated to bond with fabric fibers and resist fading.
• Suitable fabric:
  Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk typically hold ink better than synthetic fibers.

Prepare the fabric

• Prewash:
  Wash the fabric without fabric softener to remove any residues that might repel the ink.
• Iron:
  Iron the fabric to remove wrinkles, ensuring a smooth surface for stamping.

Set the ink

• Heat setting:
  Most fabric inks require heat setting to become permanent. This can be done with an iron or in a dryer, depending on the ink’s instructions. Use a pressing cloth between the iron and the printed design to protect it.
  • Iron method:
    Set the iron to a setting suitable for the fabric type (without steam) and iron over the printed area for the time specified by the ink manufacturer, usually between 3-5 minutes.
  • Dryer method:
    Some inks may also allow setting by tumbling in a hot dryer for a specified time.

Aftercare

• Wait before washing:
  Allow the ink to cure for about 24 hours before washing the fabric. This waiting period ensures the ink bonds fully with the fabric fibers.
• Wash gently:
  To preserve the print, wash the stamped fabric on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and cold water. Turning the fabric inside out can help reduce wear on the print.

Tips for success

• Test first:
  Always do a test print on a scrap piece of the same fabric to check for ink coverage and color.
• Practice makes perfect:
  Practice your stamping technique on paper or scrap fabric to get a feel for the right amount of pressure and ink.

What paints and inks can I use to stamp fabric?

Fabric paints

• Fabric-specific paints:
  These are acrylic-based paints mixed with a textile medium or manufactured specifically for fabric use.
  They come in a wide range of colors and finishes, including opaque, metallic, and neon. Brands like Jacquard Textile Color, Tulip Soft Fabric Paint, and Dylon Fabric Paint are popular choices.
• Soft fabric inks:
  Soft fabric inks, such as Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink or Jacquard Professional Screenprinting Inks, are softer to the touch and less likely to crack. They’re excellent for clothing and soft furnishings.

Fabric inks

• Fabric ink pads:
  Designed for stamping, these ink pads contain permanent ink that doesn’t require heat setting. Tsukineko’s VersaCraft Fabric Ink Pads and Ranger Archival Ink Pads are examples.
• Liquid fabric inks:
  Available in bottles, these inks are applied to stamps with a brush or roller. They often provide a more saturated color and can be easier to use for detailed designs. Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink is a well-regarded choice.

Specialty inks

• Discharge inks:
  These inks remove the fabric’s dye instead of adding color, creating a stamped design in the fabric’s base color. They’re more complex to use and require specific fabric types and colors.
• Water-based inks:
  While not all water-based inks are permanent on fabric, some, like Permaset Aqua, offer excellent durability and softness on textiles, making them suitable for professional results.

Considerations for choosing paints and inks

• Fabric type:
  Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk typically accept fabric paints and inks better than synthetic fibers. However, some products are formulated to work well on synthetics.
• Washability:
  Look for products labeled as washable or permanent on fabric. These will resist fading and washing out over time.
• Heat setting:
  Many fabric paints and inks require heat setting with an iron or a heat press to cure the ink and bond it with the fabric fibers, ensuring permanence.
• Safety and clean-up:
  Water-based products are generally easier to clean up and less toxic than solvent-based ones. Always check the product’s safety instructions, especially if working with children.

Is stamp pad ink permanent on fabric?

Stamp pad ink can be permanent on fabric if you use a stamp pad specifically designed for use on textiles.

These fabric ink pads contain permanent ink that, once applied to the fabric and properly set (usually through heat setting), can withstand washing and wear.

See the tips above for material selection, preparation, and aftercare.