Fabric Fun – Part 1

I was into sewing long before I started paper crafting so when I see a beautiful piece of patterned paper whether it is paper or digital, I often think it would be so cool to have a piece of fabric to match.  There are some great products out there that allow me to do just that and I have finally gotten around to doing some experimenting with them.

Today I have an embellishment idea and a gift bag project using printable fabric to show you.

SUPPLIES

• PhotoFabric 100% Cotton Twill Roll
• INK JET PRINTER/INK
• DIGITAL BACKGROUNDS/ELEMENTS – I USED THE FOLLOWING: BUTTONS – [Jenna's] Day at the Zoo Kit, Bohemian Rhapsody Scrapbook Pack; GIFT BAG- Fancy Bags Template Set, Fru Fru the Kit
• COVER BUTTONS (You can also use an I TOP Brad maker for these if you have one)
• EMBROIDERY FLOSS, NEEDLE, THREAD, FABRIC GLUE, BRADS, EYELETS, CROPADILE (or eyelet setter), 1/8th
• INCH HOLE PUNCH

There are several types of printable fabric including cotton, and silk, I have chosen the cotton twill for these projects because of the nice texture and weight.  It is available in both iron on and plain.  For these projects make sure to get the plain, paper backed fabric NOT iron-on.

BUTTONS

Buttons for covering are available in a variety of sizes and can be found in both flat and bubble shapes. Since you have the ability to make your digital elements any size you want you can customize them to fit your project.

I like to plan ahead to conserve my fabric so I will assemble the elements I will be using for several projects in photoshop on an 8.5X11 in page.  I make a variety of sizes around the size of my button and then print them off on paper so that I can compare the design on the size of the button.  You may want the design to roll over the edges of the button or just lay on the surface – you will see this further on down in my pics. Once I know what I want I will then go ahead and print them on the fabric sheet.

I think they really retain their color and design well on this brand of fabric and you can see the nice texture.

There is a circle guide on the back of the button container that shows the size of the circle necessary to cover the button.  This was used to cut around my element. The fabric’s paper backing was peeled off.

This is the key to getting a nice, flat, professional looking button.  Don’t panic if you don’t do much sewing, this is real easy, just run a plain in and out stitch along the edge of the circle. The color of thread doesn’t matter as it will be covered up.

Place the top of the button into the circle and pull the thread to gather it around the button. Turn it over and adjust the image as necessary to center it.  Knot the thread and cut off the excess.

Snap the back of the button into place, sometimes this can take a little muscle or the help of a spool of thread (see the back of the button box).  If you want a flat look on your project, the shank of the button can be clipped off with a pair of wire cutters.

You can get different looks by adjusting the size of the image around the button. They can be used on cards, scrapbooks, and lots of sewing projects.  Wouldn’t that lion look cute on a pair of kid’s overalls?

GIFT BAG

It is so nice to make your own gift bags and this is a way to make one that is a bit more long lasting than the paper ones.

Using the Fancy Bags Template and digi paper I made the bag just as I would if I were making it out of paper but printed it on the fabric sheet.  If you need some tips on how to use templates and digi paper check out THIS post.

The template was cut out and the paper backing removed.

An iron was used to press the fabric at the fold lines of the template.

Fabric glue was used to assemble the bag as per the template instructions.

You can use a bit of fray check along the edges to prevent the fabric from fraying or you can add a little embroidery as I did.

A Cropadile was used to add a couple eyelets to the flap.

A ribbon was attached to the inner part of the bag and aligned with the eyelets. I sewed the ribbon but it could be glued as well. Set the bag aside for a few minutes to make  a flower embellishment.

I printed out some flower from the FRU FRU kit on the fabric in a few different sizes.

Using the layers of the flower as a guide, several different layers were cut.  Holes were punched in the center and the layers assembled.

And a brad was placed through the center.  Fray check could again be used on the edges but I liked the shabby look and furthered it by crumbling the petals in my hand.

The flower/brad was threaded through a hole in the flap and the ribbon was pulled through the eyelets and tied.

Check back on Wednesday for Part 2, when I will show you an inexpensive way to make some digital fabric wall art.

Thanks so much for stopping by, have a good one!

Other Articles by jknath:

• Birdhouse Gift Box and Card - May 5th, 2013
• Vintage Pin - April 5th, 2013
• Bunny Purse - March 8th, 2013
• Rocket Valentine - February 4th, 2013
• Moose Treat Container - January 14th, 2013