Surface Design with Mustard and Discharge

Surface Design on Fabric

Surface Design with Mustard

Tape fabric to work surface.  Shake the mustard container and apply it directly to fabric.  After completion of the design, let the mustard set for 30 minutes or until it is nearly dry.

Rinse fabric with warm water until all the mustard is dislodged and the water runs clear.  Immerse fabric in 10 qts of warm water and 1 cup of vinegar.  Agitate the fabric to remove the excess mustard.   Seal the wet fabric inside a microwave-safe plastic bag and heat on 50% power for 5 minutes.  Watch the fabric carefully so it will not scorch.  Line dry, then press with an iron to further set the design.

FYI – There are 2 ways to set color: heat and chemical.  Heat setting is usually done by ironing but can sometimes be done in the microwave.  Clothes dryers do not get hot enough.  Chemical setting can be done by adding white vinegar to the dye bath.  You can use both methods.

Discharging

Method One

Supplies: Cleanser with bleach (Soft Scrub)

            A plastic cup

            Plastic utensils

            Foam brush

Pour cleanser into cup.  Apply cleanser to fabric that has been secured to a surface. Let it almost dry.  Rinse with water and soak in water with anti-chlor.  Wash this out and dry.

Method Two

You can use this method for stamping.  Make a thicker paste by mixing cleanser with powder cleanser such as Ajax.  Make it thick but not dry.  Using a foam brush, apply the cleanser paste to your stamp.  Use a plastic utensil to smooth it out to about 1/8” thick.  Apply to the fabric using firm pressure.  Keep it in place for a couple of minutes.  Let this almost dry.  Rinse in plain water, then water with anti-chlor. 

Make sure your fabric is completely rinsed before putting in the anti-chlor.  Bleach and anti-chlor react and make a noxious smell.

Wash this out and dry.

Method Three

Supplies: Bleach

            Spray bottle

            Black fabric

            Assortment of objects

            Plastic gloves

            Vapor respirators

Mix bleach in spray bottle with water using about 50/50 solution.

Lay fabric on prepared surface (This is best done outside). You can place it on plastic, concrete, etc.

Secure by putting rocks or pins on corners.

Lay objects on fabric.  You may use leaves, flowers, rocks, or any natural items.  Other items may also be used.  Anything that has a distinctive shape and does not react to the bleach will also work. Make a pleasing arrangement with the items you have chosen.

Gently spray with bleach solution.

It will react quicker in the sun.  This process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Rinse with water then put in anti-chlor bath.

Rinse and dry.

Method Four

Cut or tear pieces of tissue paper.  Make sure that it is the type that bleeds. You can test this by using a small piece.  Wet the tissue paper and place on a paper towel.  If the dye transfers to the paper towel, it will work.

Wet your white fabric with a 20% vinegar solution.  This will help make the color permanent.