In my last post I mentioned that I had recently purchased a copy of Print Pattern Sew by Jen Hewett. This is a beautifully illustrated spiral bound book that delivers exactly what its title says. There are excellent instructions on how to cut and print blocks. She includes designs for blocks which you can trace and use if you choose. There is a whole chapter on creating and printing repeat patterns—a skill critical for surface design for textiles. And finally there are full size paper patterns so you can sew a variety of simple but classic outfits, as well as some other items, from fabric that you’ve printed.
(NOTE: To save paper, the printed patterns sometimes overlap. You will need to trace the pattern onto Swedish Tracing Paper-Sewing Transfer Paper or Pellon 380 Easy Pattern and use traced pattern for cutting your fabric. If you sew clothes, it’s great to have one of these products on hand. I used the Swedish Tracing Paper all the time. It allows me to trace and use multiple sizes printed on commercial tissue paper patterns. The tracing paper is sturdy and can be reused multiple times).
Book cover
I used the yard of Kaufman Essex Linen I printed with maple seeds in my last post to make the Cross-Body Bag from the pattern in the book. It calls for 1 1/2 yards but I only printed 1 yard. I decreased the size of the pieces for the bag to 15 x 17 1/2 inches and cut the straps 6 inches wide instead of 8 inches. I accidentally cut 2 short straps pieces so I used the extra strap piece to make a matching zipper bag. I still have with a good sized remnant (18 x 18 plus inches) which I can use to make something else.
I’m so pleased with the way that this block-printed cross-body bag turned out. The finished size is 13 3/4 x 15 inches. A tablet and whatever else you need will easily fit in this bag.
If you are interested in learning to block print your own fabrics, I highly recommend Jen’s book!
Notice: This blog is not monetized: I do not use affiliate links. When there are links in a post, they are to give credit to another creative person, because I like or have used a product, or to help the reader easily find supplies for a project.