fabric block-printing (upcycled linens, part II)

Marsden Brown
Mar 6, 2024
1 min read

Updated: Apr 23, 2024

Give old linens new life with fun new patterns and colors!

(video tutorial, part 2/2)

Materials:

Fabric to print on, like:
- Old dish towels
- Thrifted napkins
- Plain pillowcases
- Boring T-Shirts
Fabric paint, like:
Sponge brush or old kitchen sponge
Protective surface to place under fabric, like:
- cardboard
- old cutting board
- silicone mat
Iron for heat-setting the paint

Our Note: Tea towels, dish towels, dish rags, hand towels - whichever you use and whatever you call it, picking these over paper towels in the kitchen and around the house is a great way to reduce landfill waste. Paper product waste makes up over 40% of the trash in U.S. landfills (source), so the reusable option is a better bet for the planet (even taking into account the water cost of washing said towels). These hard-working linens get a lot of stains and rips; dyeing, mending, and revamping them can extend their life without sacrificing style.