What do I need to know about painting on garments or other fabrics when using the One Stroke™ Technique?

Preparing Garments:
Wash and dry the garment according to manufacturer's instructions before painting. This will remove sizing and excess dye and guard against shrinkage after painting. Do not use fabric softener. Iron the garment so it's smooth.

Using and Placing Patterns:

1. It's a good idea to plan the placement of the pattern before you transfer it to the garment. Pin the pattern where you'd like it to go. Try the garment on and observe in mirror to achieve ideal placement.
2. Trace the original pattern onto tracing paper with a pencil or pen.
3. To transfer, place the item to be painted on your work surface and lay the traced pattern in position on project. Slip transfer paper between pattern and item. Trace pattern with stylus to transfer it.

Using a Shirtboard:
Place a cardboard shirtboard inside the garment so you'll have a firm surface for painting and your paint won't bleed through to the back of the garment. Use masking tape to fasten excess fabric to the back of the shirtboard, out of your way. Your painting surface should be taut and flat, but not stretched out of shape. You can make your own shirtboard by cutting a piece of cardboard large enough to fit inside the garment. Cover the cardboard with plastic wrap.

If you prefer not to use FolkArt® Fabric paint, you can create your own fabric paint using regular FolkArt acrylic colors.
Mixing FolkArt Acrylic Colors with Textile Medium When Painting with One Stroke™:
Mix 1 part FolkArt® Textile Medium and 1 part FolkArt® Acrylic paint as directed on the FolkArt® Textile Medium label.

Testing Your Fabric:
Each fabric takes paint a little differently. Some fabrics require more paint; for others a little will be enough. Before painting your design, apply a little bit of paint in an inconspicuous part of the garment, such as a seam allowance or hem. If that's not possible, use a clean paint brush to dab a small amount of water on the fabric to see how the fabric absorbs it.

Heat Setting Your Painting:
Let painted garment dry 24 hours. Place a pressing cloth over painted design. Iron 30 seconds over pressing cloth with iron on highest appropriate setting for fabric.