Fabric painting is believed to be comparatively a modern and recent art form than conventional painting on canvas. However, the truth is that painting on fabrics is a practice that began as early as in 3000 BC. When Alexander visited India in 327 BC he is said to have been mesmerized by the beauty and variety of fabric painting in the country. But now through so many years it has evolved so much to become a very important division of painting.

Fabric painting is done now mostly on ladies’ tops, men’s shirts, handbags, cushion covers, wall hangings, etc. It requires the painting talent, of course, and some knowledge of mixing colours and application of heat in correct proportions. There are different methods of fabric painting like dyeing, batik painting, silk screening, block printing, etc. Each type brings out different effects to the fabric, qualifying them to be used in different ways.

Different kinds of fabric can be used for painting like cotton, silk, velvet, rayons, etc. There are purists who say that it is done best on 100% pure cotton with a tight weave. However, rayons and silk can also bring about good results. The best way to check the quality would be to try painting on a small part of the fabric before the whole roll of fabric is painted.

Here are a few factors about fabric painting that can help you do an excellent work as well as avoid loss and damage of painting materials and fabric.

• Do painting on tightly woven fabric. When the fabric is loosely woven the paint would creep through the threads when it is still wet. This reduces the intensity of the colours.

• Wash the fabric before painting. There are chances that the fabric would shrink after it is washed. If the painting is already done the shrinking can spoil the beauty of painting.

• Iron the fabric well before painting. Ironing, as you know, reduces the wrinkles that can make a mess of your painting.

• Adding fabric softener is a bad idea. Paint might seep through the threads if the fabric is too soft.

• Ironing the fabric for a few minutes after painting can help set the paint fast. Make sure the ironing is done on the opposite side of the fabric and not on the painted side.

• While painting on a top or a shirt, keep a newspaper inside the shirt to avoid the paint spreading to the back of the shirt.

Fabric painting has succeeded to become a highly sought after art form that is now practised as a hobby as well as means of living. Its affordability is one of main attraction. Not only fabric painting can be enjoyed while doing it but it can also be a way to add to your wardrobe some bright and beautiful colours.