easy screen printing d.i.y. part two!

5. practice run

okay, so the glue is completely dry...
[it should be clear with absolutely no white spots}
now we need to see if the screen works!

lay your screen on a flat surface with a piece of paper under it.
using a very small amount of ink (we're talking quarter size!) spread it around with your brush on a washable surface or something you can throw away.
{i like using tupperware lids because paint easily washes off}
weigh down your screen so it doesn't slip while your painting on the ink.
i just used the mod podge bottle because it was heavy :)
now start painting!
remember you can always do another coat (carefully) so don't overdue it with the ink.
i tried a few different portions of ink so trust me when i say less is more!
now you have your test print!
slowly, with steady hands peel off the screen so you don't smudge the paint around...
and voila!
do you like it? are there spots you missed?
if so, rinse the screen with warm water and dry with a paper towel.
then you can go back and paint more glue as necessary.
repeat until your desired effect is mastered.


6. the real deal

alright let's prepare our fabric for printing!

make sure you're using a clean, dry and flat surface.
if your fabric has layers (like a t-shirt) place cardboard directly behind the layer where you will be printing.
if it's a single layer you should still have some barrier between the fabric and the surface.
{messes happen! take it from the master.}

set out everything you need in front of you to make it as simple as possible.
including paper towels just in case!

{i'm doing headbands first}

lay your fabric with barrier as flat as possible.
no bumps, lumps or folds anywhere in sight.

lay your screen down onto the fabric and position it where you want it.
play around with the positioning until it feels right.
now we're going to repeat everything we did with the practice print except this time put your game face on.
(i already printed a couple color layers on before which is why there's an image already on my fabric)
again, peel the screen off sllloooowwwwly with both hands so you don't smudge and there you have it-
a one-of-a-kind screen printed item!
remember to always rinse off your screen after you use it so you can use it again and again!
also read the instructions on your fabric paint carefully.
most paints allow machine washing.
enjoy!

{if you have any questions about the process feel free to ask!}

xo,meggers

easy screen printing d.i.y. part one!

{let's get started!!}

supplies you'll need:
*embroidery hoop* make sure it's big enough so your design isn't cramped around the edges
*gauze fabric* any sheer white fabric will work, but keep in mind the smaller the holes the better the print.
*fabric paint* screen printing ink can be pricey so for smaller projects like this any fabric paint will work just fine.
*water resistant glue* i used mod podge, but there are many out there.
*a sharp pencil* for tracing your design. i use mechanical pencils because they are always sharp.
*sponge brushes* enough so you can have some for painting the glue on and some for the ink.
*your stencil* the less detail the better so you don't have a hard time creating the screen.
*blank paper* to test your screen on when it's done. better to be safe than sorry!

1. choose your design:
a lot of computer programs give you the option of resizing your images (including microsoft word) and making an image all black.
make your image the proper size for your embroidery hoop and print it out in black.
you have just made your stencil design!

2. assemble your screen:
stretch your gauze over the inner hoop of the embroidery hoop and press the outer hoop firmly on top.
as you tighten the screw pull the gauze taut all around the edges.
make sure t0 screw it in as tight as you can and continue pulling the fabric until it is tight and flat.


now trim off the excess gauze.


3. trace your stencil:
flip your hoop around so the flat gauze is closest to the table.
tape down your design to the table and place the screen over the top.
don't press too hard with your pencil while you trace the design onto the screen.
it's important that you only trace what you want to be printed.


4. apply the glue
after you have traced all your black lines flip the hoop over so the flat gauze is farthest away from your table.
paint the mod podge on all the areas where you DO NOT want your ink to print.
that's called the negative space.
you can use a sponge or a paint brush- whatever your comfortable with as long as you get a good cover all over the screen.
this can get messy so be sure to put down some newspaper to avoid drips.
take your time and make sure it's done right!
read the label on the glue to make sure you let it dry long enough.
mine said 15 mins, but because the surface is so large i would recommend 12- 24 hours.



for part 2 i will be showing you how to prep and print your design onto fabric.
i'll be doing scarves and headbands, but you can use whatever you want.
t-shirts are always a good choice! :)

stay tuned! i'll be back soon for part 2!

xo,meggers