The theme for this unit of SAQA Seminar: Surface Design is Other Techniques. The possibilities are endless for adding pattern and design to the surface of fabrics, including the use of digital imagery.
History and Culture
It’s possible marbling was invented in Turkey in the 13th century where it is known as Ebru. This article explores it’s early history. In Japan, the technique became knows as Suminagashi, the ancient Japanese art of decorating paper with marbled ink. The name comes from the words meaning “ink floating.”
Tutorials
We've rounded up some great tutorials for you to try - there are so many different ways to add design to fabric!
Metallic Foil on Fabric
Marbling Fabric with Shaving Cream
Dharma Trading Tutorial on Fabric Marbling
Lynda Heine’s Collection of Marbling Tutorials
The Art of Marbling
Image Transfer with Citrasolve
Another Citrasolve Tutorial
Several Additional Image Transfer Techniques
Even more irresisting tutorials for you to play with!
Jacquards Promotion for Decolourant
Mashed Potato Resist
Chick Pea Flour Resist
Eight Steps to Successful Cyantype from Sue Reno
Faux Batik Using Gel Glue
Inspiring Links and Other Resources
Why are cyanotypes blue? (Science!)
Wen Redmond discusses her Quilt National piece, The Creative Hand, which uses digital imagery.
Spoonflower made digital printing accessible to anyone. This business profile from Inc. traces the rise of the company along with the rise of creative freelancers.
Want more information about printing on fabric? The Pixeladies explored other online printing services in this SAQA Journal article (page 12).
This is a fascinating description of the process Laura Kemshall used to create her prize-winning enormous art quilt, 52 Degrees. It was entirely quilted before being run through a large scale textile printer.
Luana Rubin discussing the history and growing popularity of digitally printed fabrics.
Julie Fei Fan Balzer having fun with Decolourant.
This wonderful video introduction of Michael James and his work covers his process, studio and inspiration. (It’s from 2013, but still beautiful and an excellent example of using digital printing in innovative ways.)
Book Recommendations
Digital Fiber Art: Combine Photos & Fabric - Create Your Own Mixed-Media Compose, create, and print innovative art quilts starting from your own digital photographs! This book teaches you to alter images, print them on a variety of fibers, and accentuate them with stitching.
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Creative Image Transfer: Any Artist – Any Style – Any Surface This book has 16 mixed-media projects using TAP Transfer Artist Paper. Riley developed TAP which is able to transfer images onto any surface.
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Shiva Paintstiks (Markal in Europe) are oil paints in stick form. They can be used to color or pattern fabrics, and as a resist. * This book is currently only available used in US
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Another excellent book about creative ways to use paint sticks.
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If you want to take your original surface design to the next level with commercial printing, this book is an excellent resource.
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Another great resource if you want to learn more about creating your own fabrics. This book covers printing techniques as well as how to create patterns digitally.
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