Learn how to print on fabric with this step by step DIY tutorial. These homemade fabric labels are easy to make and adds a unique detail to an otherwise plain bottle. You can also spice up your table, invitations, framed art, and more!
Originally published November 1, 2012 and updated April 16, 2021 with fresh content.
I enjoy adding little details to make even the simple things feel special. I spiced up the apple cider bottle with a fabric label, a technique I’ve used for invitations, cards, framed art and more.
I love fabric projects – they add a hint of texture making anything and everything feel special, like this Fabric Pin Board.
With that in mind, this is a step by step tutorial to help you incorporate the charming texture and vintage style of fabric into all your table settings and home decor. There are so many fun ideas you can use this project for!
How to Use Printed Fabric
The potential for this project is infinite! A few ideas on how I have used this project:
- Table numbers on wine bottles for a wedding.
- Labeling jars in your kitchen for your pantry staples such as flour and sugar.
- Label signature cocktails, or Homemade apple cider or Homemade Pear Cider bottles.
- Add design and interest to your flower vases or coffee canister.
- Label to organize laundry detergents in your laundry room.
- Label homemade gifts such as sugar scrub or this housewarming gift.
- Use for anything organization. Making pretty labels helps keep spaces organized and easy for other family members to help out too.
Supplies for Fabric Labels
- Buckram Fabric
- Tea (optional for coloration)
- Spray adhesive ( Do not use not Elmer’s. Unfortunately, it’s the only brand I haven’t had luck with.)
- Card Stock
- Paper Cutter or Scissors
How to Print on Fabric
For an authentic fall look, I dyed my fabric (buckram) by placing it in a baking dish and soaking it in a cup of tea for a half hour. I then removed it and allowed it to dry.
Using a spray adhesive, I glued the fabric to a piece of card stock…anything that traditionally runs through your printer. Allow to dry for a minute or two.
Using a paper cutter, cut the fabric/card stock so that they are a perfect fit for one another. Insert your “paper” so that the image will print on the fabric side.
Remove, allow to dry for a minute and cut to desired size.
Remove fabric from card stock.
I wanted to fray the edges a little. To quickly achieve this look, just pull one thread at a time with a pair of tweezers.
Using your spray adhesive, adhere to your object. While there are a lot of steps to this project, it truly only takes 10-15 minutes!
This pretty little label will spice up my signature cocktail presentation for Thanksgiving! Visit here for my fall table settings.
I also made this label for my signature raspberry cocktail. I used the same process as before and I love how it turned out!
I’d love to see what you create with this easy DIY tutorial! Leave a comment below!
More DIY Projects
- Create a gardening gift basket with free printable gift tags.
- Photo Vases for Mother’s Day and any occasion!
- Make Salt Dough Ornaments – It’s an easy fun project that even the kids can fully participate in. We like to make extras to gift and use as gift tags.
- DIY photo coasters are the perfect gift to for Mother’s Day.
DIY Fabric Labels
Ingredients
- Buckram Fabric
- Tea optional
- Spray Adhesive
- Card Stock
Instructions
- If choosing to dye fabric, place it in a baking dish and allow to soak in tea for 30 minutes. Removed it and allow it completely to dry.
- Using a spray adhesive, glue the fabric to a piece of card stock (or firm paper, anything that traditionally runs through your printer.) Allow to dry.
- Using a paper cutter, cut the fabric and card stock so that they are a perfect fit for one another and will run through your printer.
- Insert your paper/fabric into your printer so that the image will print on the fabric side.
- Allow the ink to dry for a minute or two.
- Using clean hands, carefully remove the card stock from your fabric.
- Cut your fabric to the size desired.
- Spray the back of the fabric with your spray adhesive (outdoors) and adhere to project.
Tips
- Do Not use Elmers Glue for Spray Adhesive.
- Use Spray Adhesive Outdoors.
- Tea is optional and is used to dye fabric.
- Make sure your hands are clean when separating fabric from the paper. Any glue and dirt on your hands will transfer to the fabric potentially smudging your design.
- To fray the edges, pull one thread at a time with a pair of tweezers.
Awesome share!!
How lovely it is!! It seems quite easy to create your own masterpiece for your loved ones.
I had applied the same procedure for making a pillow cover that I gifted to my sister.
everything given in the above stuff is lovely..
I love this – can you please tell me a little about the buckram? I live in the UK and it seems to come in stiff narrow rolls. How wide is yours?
I can purchase it by the yard, so a standard 3′ width, but as long as you can get it wide enough to fit your printer, you’re good! Most printers can even run envelope sized paper. Just cut your fabric slightly larger than you want your project to be & your card stock to match. Enjoy!