Make: Projects
Cyanotype Printing on Hand Knits and Crochet
Cyanotype is a fun printmaking technique that is well-suited for printing designs on hand knits and crochet as well as other fabric. While the nature of cyanotype limits the print to shades of blue*, the deep indigo blue is beautiful prin
Materials
- Knit or crochet piece for printing
- Digital artwork
- Computer graphics program
- Inkjet printer
- Inkjet transparency film, available at office supply & photo stores
- <a href=" http://stores.photoformulary.com/-strse-…>Original cyanotype kit</a, sold at photo stores
- Measuring cup, plastic or glass
- Measuring tablespoon, plastic
- Plastic tray or small tub
- 2" foam craft brush
- White muslin scrap, or other lightweight cotton fabric, about twice as big as your knit piece
- Non-metal brayer, optional
- Rubber gloves
- Safety glasses and apron, optional – but a good idea!
- Plastic clothes hanger and clips or a drying rack
- Hairdryer or fan, optional
- Lightproof black plastic bag, optional
- Sheet of glass and backing board; a picture frame works well
- White vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
Steps
Step #1:
Next
- Choose your yarn and start knitting! Cyanotype printing is a lot more than just blue on white (nice as that is), and the same print can look vastly different depending on the color and texture of the underlying knit piece. Here are some tips for experimenting with different types of yarn, color, and stitches:
- Fiber content: Cyanotype does not print on all types of yarn equally, so be sure to test a small swatch before printing a large project. The best prints are on yarn with high amounts of cotton, bamboo, rayon, or silk. Acrylic yarn does not work because it cannot absorb the dye; however I have gotten good results with 50% cotton / 50% acrylic yarn. Wool yarns do not work well because they tend to felt up with all the washing, and the natural oils in the wool resist the dye, producing a very poor print.
- Yarn color, weight, and stitch texture: Get creative with printing on different colors of yarn. Vary the texture with thick or thin yarn, or a creative knitting stitch. The possibilities are endless and are part of the fun of cyanotype printing. Keep in mind that the rougher the texture of your knitting, the bolder you will want to make your artwork.
Conclusion
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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