| Bleaching on Fabric |
From "DIY Crafts"
episode DIC-144 |
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Create customized fabric with Cindy Piccoli's technique for adding patterns and designs with bleach. The results vary from white to a paler version of the fabric's original color. Cindy Piccoli is host of HGTV's Decorating With Style. For best results, experiment on small swatches of fabric before buying yardage. Materials:
Fabric (100 percent linen, cotton or silk works best)
Household bleach
Paintbrushes in a variety of sizes
Brown kraft paper and large flat work surface
Small cup or bowl
- Spread fabric out flat on kraft paper and smooth any wrinkles.
- Carefully pour bleach into a small cup or bowl.
- Dip the tip of a brush into the bleach, and "paint" the fabric with bleach. Keep the lines as clean as possible, and paint with a light touch to prevent the bleach from bleeding. The bleach may bleed somewhat, but that works to soften the design (figure A).
- Paint the entire piece of fabric with bleach in your chosen design, and allow it to air-dry. The images will start to appear immediately and will become bolder as the fabric dries.
- After the fabric has dried completely, wash it in cold water and dry it. If the fabric is silk or another dry-clean-only choice, send it to the dry cleaner (figure B).
- Bleach-dyed fabrics may be used for upholstery, slipcovers, throw pillows, bed linens, curtains, tablecloths and napkins.
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