Set Fabric

4 Easy Techniques to Transfer Design on a Sewing Fabric

Creativity has played a vital role in the development of various styles integrated in needlework. Various designs can now be incorporated on a sewing fabric through the following techniques: fabric stenciling, machine embroidery, waste canvass, and computer printing.

Needlework is anything that involves the use of needles when doing crafts such as sewing, crocheting, and stitching. At present, there are several ways incorporated in needlework to accessorize a fabric, which may come in various forms such as:

Fabric stenciling

A stencil, which is a template made from acetate is a popular way of customizing a fabric by drawing or painting symbols, patterns, and shapes. This makes use of a non-toxic textile paints that are washable. Allow it to set for a day and then iron pressed to stick on the cloth firmly. Stenciling is not used merely to transfer design on cloth for accessorizing. It is also one way of putting a layout for embroidery and stitching purposes to be used as traceable patterns.

Machine embroidery

This is the easiest way to put a design on a fabric because there is no need for you to map out the pattern on the cloth. A computerized machine is not a requirement at all. All you need is an ordinary zigzag sewing machine and simply follow the set of instructions that is available at Small Business Bible. The embroidery hoop is manually controlled instead of the usual computer operated machine. You can fully play around with the design by manipulating the hoop’s movement to come up with customized outline.

Waste canvass

Also known as disappearing canvas, this is a network of interlaced fibers that is sewed on the cloth to be used as a guide in making cross stitch on a fabric. This is a practical way of putting a design on a fabric for your needle works. Aside from convenience, it also speeds up your work because you can directly work on the fabric without having to transfer the layout. Once done, simply moisten the waste canvass and pull under the stitches to remove the fibers.

Computer printing

This is a popular technique used when creating designs for T-shirts. The kind of printer and ink used is dependent on the type and color of the cloth. Although considered as the fastest and easiest, the downside of it is the large cost involved as compared to the other means of transferring designs on cloth. The cost of ink is just one of variables that affect the charging; not to mention the machine, electricity, and skill of the operator.

In the advent of technology, the more creative needle crafts have become. Different styles of adornment are introduced that goes well with embellishing. Craft enthusiasts are increasing in number because of the fun and satisfaction they get out of needle crafts.

More information on cross stitch needlework is available at Amazing Needlework. Get ideas on the types of yarns, patterns, and art crafts through their various related topics.

I want to set fabric into a clear, hard block, what should I use?

Basically, I want to capture a piece of fabric into a hard, clear block of 'stuff'. (plastic/resin - i dunno, im not sure)
Should I use resin? If so, which kind?

There are various kinds of clear craft "resin" out there these days, but what you might use also depends on the thickness you want your "block" to be. (Btw, your fabric would be called an "embedment" in resin.)

If you want the block to be thicker than about 1/4", you'd want to use a 2-part polyester "casting" resin or the tweaked 2-part epoxy resin called Easy Cast (that one can become a little soft on the surface when exposed to heat or even high-warmth though). The main brand of clear polyester resin used for crafts is "Castin' Craft Clear Polyester Casting Resin" which should be available at most craft or art supply stores, or online, and perhaps also at hardware stores.

If you don't need the block to be thicker than 1/4" then a 2-part epoxy resin would be better (it's stronger, less fiddly to measure since it's used 1 to 1, and definitely better for lungs than polyester resins. It can also be purchased in those same places but comes in more brand names (some common ones would be Envirotex-Lite, Colores and Ultra Glo, but some of the ones sold in places like Home Depot will be called "bartop" resins like Famowood's Glaze Coat).

(Here are examples of putting embedments into polyester resin and also into epoxy resin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXK98Qohjjw ...the sealer they use here for the "porous" paper embedment could also be something like ModPodge or thinned permanent white glue, etc)

There are some newer 2-part and 1-part clear resins but sometimes they will have disadvantages too like being much more expensive, yellowing, cracking, softening with heat, spots or cloudiness, etc., etc. Unfortunately, I don't know enough about those to be more specific.

If you're interested in lot of info about clear craft resins, check out my answers in these previous questions and also the page linked to below at my site:
(some overlap:)

http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091115185640AAXBfZF

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqRoGzjtN95Is41Kmm_SHHfsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20091011042033AAytK0x

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100402061140AAD0jwB

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100206091500AA7eXFv

http://glassattic.com/polymer/other_materials.htm

(be sure and check out whether and how to "seal" porous things like fabric so that they won't darken or become transcluent, as well)

Good luck!
Diane B.

Mr. Acker Bilk & Bent Fabric - Summer Set (1965 duet)