I have thought about stenciling on fabric to make drapes for my dining/living room. There are some beautiful ones out there. I really like some of these morraccan stencils. Has anyone ever done a large project like this and were you successful and would you do it again?

It can be done. It is a lot of work. Before you buy all the fabric to make the drapes I would buy a small amount and do a sample and see if it works the way you envision, and to see if the amount of work it will take will be worth it to you.

I haven't done any fabric stenciling but it seems like that would involve a huge time factor and expense. Not sure if the stencil paint would ble*ed around the edges or not. May have to use a product to prevent that from happening.

Have you looked for any fabrics that might work?

It has been a long time since I have done any fabric stenciling, but I remember one thing-there is somethig to add to the paint for fabric. Can't remember what it is called, but Michaels or Hobby lobby will know. and best on fabric to do a few coats, and start very lightly.

I have never done a large stenciling project such as drapes but have stenciled on fabric. I made cushion covers and small pieces that I framed. After stenciling I did some embroidery on them to embellish.

There is no problem with stencil paint blee*ding around the edges if it's done correctly. When that happens it's usually because people are in a hurry and don't poun*ce off the brush enough and use too much paint.

Agree with cocok about it being a lot of work. What you might do is plan the stencil so you break the design down into more than one stage and you can stop when you are tired of doing it. Even a border at the top or bottom of your drapes or along the inner edge would probably look fine.

quote:

Originally posted by homebody4:
It has been a long time since I have done any fabric stenciling, but I remember one thing-there is something to add to the paint for fabric. Can't remember what it is called, but Michaels or Hobby lobby will know. and best on fabric to do a few coats, and start very lightly.

I recently did some stenciling and the product I used was called fabric medium. You will want to launder the fabric first to remove any sizing so the paint will adhere better. My project was small, just a border around a tablecloth, and it took a long while to finish.

Sounds work intensive but when it is what you want... Everyone else has given good advice. I am in the simplistic phase of my life and wouldn't take it as you know from reading some of my postings. I can't even get myself up to sewing on trim which really is easy.

I have not done this, but here is a link to a blogger who has. It's a tutorial and a time breakdown on how long the process takes. The only addition I would make is using the fabric medium added to the paint which she states she did not use. I like the end product. It can give a room a customized look. Good luck.

http://southernhospitalityblog...thern+Hospitality%29

Paintlady, thank you for the very informative link.

One other thing, if you are using a large stencil you should consider stencil adhesive. My project was small but the larger stencils are difficult to keep flat. I believe they make an adhesive specifically for fabric.

Thanks everyone and PaintLady, I have seen that tutorial and I did know about using medium. I was just curious to see if anyone here had done it. I liked that Ikat design but I have a very patterned area rug so I think this stencil might lend itself to it better and looks a little bit easier. This is a good tutorial too. I would definitely get the stencil adhesive if I were to try it.
http://www.homestoriesatoz.com...ballard-designs.html

Think the poster meant something called fabric medium to add to acrylic paints for them to be used on fabrics. Hope that is the correct description.

Only fabrics I have done are t-shirts. Didn't last as long as I would have hoped. They did get a lot of washing and use, so not a factor in what you want to do.

The medium keeps the fabric from being too stiff were the paint is applied.

Good luck. Do agree about testing.