You don't need complicated tools or special skills to print fabric. All you need is paint, a small sponge, and an object you want to print. Each plant has its unique structure, shape, and size. This tutorial shows how to print with leaves, but you can also use twigs, berries, or flowers.
Collect plants
Pick any plant with interesting shapes. Flat plants like leaves work best, though berries or twigs can work too. Choose sturdy plants that won't be too fragile during the printing process. Collect multiple pieces in different sizes.
Choose the layout
Clean your plants and prepare your work surface. Protect your table with newspaper if you're printing on larger cloth. Play with different patterns — geometrical or random layouts. Take a photo of your chosen pattern for reference.
Paint the leaves
Use textile paint (water-based works well). Apply paint onto the plants using a small sponge stamp. The pattern will look better if you print with the underside of the leaves — the underside has visible veins, which will make your print more detailed.
Print leaves onto fabric
Lay your leaf on the fabric and cover with thick paper. Apply gentle but firm pressure — too little creates faint patterns, too much flattens texture. Peel up leaves carefully without sliding them sideways. Practice on scrap cloth first.
Iron your print
Let the fabric dry following the paint instructions. Iron to make prints waterproof and set the paint. Iron after each layer when using multiple colors.
Your hand-printed fabric is ready to use.
