Why Don't You

Block Printed Fabrics

I’ve searched all my sources for block print fabrics, and none of the ones I know about have the perfect ‘navy print on a white or cream background’ that I need for a client’s drapes. Then I got to thinking…I’m pretty crafty, maybe I could get some white linen and a couple of antique printing…

I’ve searched all my sources for block print fabrics, and none of the ones I know about have the perfect ‘navy print on a white or cream background’ that I need for a client’s drapes.

Then I got to thinking…I’m pretty crafty, maybe I could get some white linen and a couple of antique printing blocks that are everywhere at flea markets, and try my hand at fabric printing.

This floral block would be very pretty with lots of white space.

We were imagining a paisley print, like this Peter Dunham fabric, but in white and navy and with more white space.

I like this paisley block or even this cheapy one.

Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing? Something like the fabric used for the curtains below would be ideal, though I know the design is more intricate than I could probably pull off:


OR! Does anyone know of a good source for fabric like this, in the same colors (I’ve checked all the usual sources for Indienne and block-printed textiles)?
Leave A Comment
Join the Conversation

53 thoughts on “Block Printed Fabrics”

  1. I love block prints. Especially this set http://www.parrotfish.co.uk/product.cfm/prod_name/Textiles%20%20%20Sarees%20Elephant%20Printing%20Block%20Set/product_id/153/category_id/14

    You might want to contact Bhavna at the
    http://anindiansummer-design.blogspot.com/

    or Rikshaw? they might be able to point you in the right direction

    http://www.rikshawdesign.com/bombay/index.html

    Wisecraft recently stenciled her curtains, different look, but she provides some tips

    http://blairpeter.typepad.com/weblog/eight_by_eight/

    I can't wait to see the outcome!

    Reply

  2. You should do them yourself – you can cut them out of wood, you can use potatoes, and even some of the stamps at stamp shops, use 2 or 3 motifs and line them up to make the board.
    Use fabric paint with your paint.
    Show us your design!
    pve

    Reply

  4. Wow! Good grief, I am all thumbs and cannot imagine launching into this process myself, lol. I am super excited to see how it comes out, please share with us! John Robshaw works in navy…just in case;)

    Besos,
    Jaime

    Reply

  5. I agree about doing it yourself, but not with an antique block. There's a book called "Lotta Prints" that is awesome and shows all sorts of stamping techniques. The cost of supplies will actually be quite low and the results will probably be better than you get can from antique block. Good luck!

    Reply

  6. No idea on the fabrics, but I love the idea of trying to block print yourself!

    I don't know much about it, but do you know about a company called Spoonflower? They're based right up the road from us and they custom print yardage for you in your design. I doubt the fabric quality is as high as what you're looking for, but it's a cute idea, nonetheless!

    Reply

  8. Ooops…it was a stencil, not a block print. But, still recreates the look you're after. ~ Inspired Living

    Reply

  10. Oh, even I haven't thought of doing this project!! If you do I'll be watching closely and following behind…and sorry, no idea where to find the fabric in the last image, gorgeous though. Good luck! Janell

    Reply

  15. wow, I'm glad to see this post. I have a project (chair) and I've been thinking along these same lines. I'm coming back later to follow up on some of the links in your comments!!! great responses.

    Reply

  16. This may be completely different from what you're looking for (probably not navy enough), but I saw this fabric yesterday when I was searching for a fabric for a client, and I immediately fell in love with it.

    http://tinyurl.com/23x9rat

    And just an FYI…if you don't already have an account with Trend, I highly recommend it. It's a division of Fabricut, but they specialize in very reasonably-priced fabrics. I've yet to see a fabric in their line that retails for over $40/yard.

    Reply

  17. Here's a Robert Allen fabric that's pretty…and CHEAP, which is very unusual for Robert Allen:

    http://www.robertallendesign.com/trade/fabric_detail.aspx?product=163584

    Another from Robert Allen that's white on navy, and again, dirt cheap!

    http://www.robertallendesign.com/trade/fabric_detail.aspx?product=184954

    Another Robert Allen, navy on white, and reasonably priced:

    http://www.robertallendesign.com/trade/fabric_detail.aspx?product=139574

    Another white on navy from Robert Allen, reasonable price:

    http://www.robertallendesign.com/trade/fabric_detail.aspx?product=139444

    If you don't have an account with Robert Allen, I'd be happy to get you the info on these.

    Reply

  18. Being the interiors guru that you are, you've probably already heard of them but..check out 'Cabbages and Roses'. The most glorious hand blocked fabrics!

    Reply

  19. You have positively read my mind. I was working on this last weekend (working in my mind that is) but decided to table it for the moment. Can't wait to see what you come up with. Love your work!

    Reply

  34. That's so weird! I was just looking at doing this to my curtains with a damask stencil or stamp. I'm a little nervous I'll botch up my linen curtains though.

    Reply
Quick Links
Explore the Blog
Shop Around
© Jenny Komenda. All Rights Reserved.
Site by