Designs for Inks

Designs for Inks – General Directions and Step by Step for Cover Garment
Cactus Punch Signature Series
Linda M. Visnaw – Fiber Artist
- www.lindavisnaw.com
The embroideries in this pack were designed specifically to look like the elements in the design
were colored first, and then decorated using a free motion technique. This is achieved in the
following way:
The first thread color is Cotton. Using Cotton Bobbin Fill is recommended. If a color is
desired, many Heirloom threads come in a variety of colors. It is important that the thread
be fine (60 to 100 weight). It will them show enough for the coloring to be achieved but
also absorb the inks so that the thread doesn’t detract from the finished product. This first
thread will draw the design elements to be colored using Tsukineko All Purpose Inks
and/or Fabrico Markers. Do not remove the fabric from the hoop during this process.
After coloring, be sure to heat set the inks using the highest heat for the type of fabric
being used. IMPORTANT: Place a paper towel between the iron and the fabric. Return
the hoop to the embroidery machine and continue stitching out with the remaining tone on
tone variegated threads. As they stitch out, notice they will often go outside the colored
area. This is how the “free motion” effect is achieved.
Using These Embroidery Designs with Tsukineko All Purpose Inks and
Fabrico Markers
Stabilizer:
Water soluble stabilizer such as Aqua Magic and Aqua Magic Plus is recommended when
stitching out these designs. When using a lot of water to achieve a watercolor effect with the inks
and markers, it is sometime best to hoop without stabilizer. This is usually easily done with dish
towels. A product called Hoop Ease, sold by Husqvarna Viking, can also eliminate the use of
stabilizer. Another technique would be to hoop the fabric without stabilizer, color and heat set as
desired. Then place a piece of water soluble stabilizer under the hoop to stabilize the remaining
stitches.
Practice, Practice, Practice:
Following are a few techniques for using Tsukineko All Purpose Inks and Fabrico Markers. Try
the following techniques on scrap pieces of fabric. A “Coloring Book” technique was used for the
shirt pictured on the front of this package. (Step by step photos on last page) It is fast, easy and
will provide immediate success. Get comfortable and then you can go on from there. Natural
fibers are recommended. Heat setting at the highest heat possible for the fabric will make the
application permanent.
Start coloring using light tones and then move to darker colors. The inks are very potent and may
be lightened by spritzing the fabric with water before or after applying color. This works best
when using no stabilizer or when using the Hoop Ease. Adding white to the ink will also produce
lighter colors. When adding white, the colors will become opaque. It is possible to mix after
applying to the fabric. To mix before applying to the fabric, place a few drops of white on a piece
of aluminum foil and then mixed in a few drops of ink.
Brushing very lightly with the Fantastix brush of bullet will also produce a light color. The Bullet
Fantastixs work well for blending colors. Don’t hesitate to use standard artist watercolor brushes
as well.
Mixing a small amount of Aloe Vera gel with a few drops of ink will produce a medium of sorts,
which makes application, in some cases, easier. As the medium dries up on the mixing tray,
simply add a few drops of water and blend to revive the color.
Sew out samples on white fabric to practice your coloring skills before stitching out on your final
project. An excellent fabric to use is Kona PDF (prepared for dying). Or washing your fabric
without softener will also work well. You will find different weaves will produce different
effects. Cotton Dish Towels make great pallets and then great gifts.
Coloring on Dark Fabrics:
Keep in mind the ink and marker colors will be affected
by the color of the fabric. Choose an inconspicuous
spot to test the colors before applying to the entire
garment. The Opaque White really comes in handy
here.
Denim is fun to work with as well. After stitching out
the design, use a white crayon to color in the areas
which will later be colored in with ink. Now apply the
ink. Mix in a bit of white to achieve lighter hues. Heat
set when done. During this process the inks remain on
the surface of the crayon and then when the fabric is heat
set the wax melts and the color remains.
A NOTE about threads:
Even though tone on tone thread is recommended for
these designs experiment with other threads for exciting
effects. The picture here shows the sig9716, reduced in
size and stitched out in florescent threads. Also, stitching
out the white thread using a color and/or stitching out all
the threads first and then coloring can be fun too.
Enjoy!!
About Tsukineko All Purpose Inks and
Fabrico Dual Head Markers:
These are wonderful products that are truly permanent and easy to apply to a variety of surfaces
including, fabric, leather, walls, and paper. Once applied and heat set on fabric the color becomes
part of the fiber and the fabric remains soft to the touch. There is no hard residue like other fabric
paints.
The inks come in 36 colors including two which are metallic, Vegas Gold and Platinum. They
come in color sorted packages of twelve inks each. Classics, Romantic, and Rustics each include
the Opaque white. Twelve each Fantastixs Brush and bullet applicators are included plus a sturdy
Plexiglas container. Gold and Platinum inks are packaged separately. The markers come in 24
colors and are packaged in four color groups of six markers each. They are Pastel, Standard,
Sorbet, and Landscape and have brush and sharp bullet tips. Inks and markers can be used
together for stunning results.
If you are uncertain as to which products to buy first, start with the Fabrico Dual Head Markers.
We are all very used to markers and how they work. Once you have become comfortable you will
want the All Purpose Inks. The inks provide many more colors and are very economical.
For an introduction to basic coloring techniques, ask for THREADS & INKS TOGETHER … CREATING
SYNERGY. It provides and hour of instruction plus embroidery designs, organizational tools, and art work for use
with Tsukineko All Purpose Inks and Fabrico Dual Head Markers.
Shirt on Cover - Step by Step
Step1: Let your embroidery machine draw your picture. Either hoop your fabric or baste
it in the hoop. Water soluble stabilizer is recommended. Use Cotton Bobbin fill or
Heirloom Thread to stitch out thread number one.
Step #2: Outline the stitched stems and leaves with the Emerald Fabrico Marker pointed
tip. Then color in the leaves with the Kiwi Marker using the brush tip.
Step
Using a
#3:
Fantastix bullet tip applicator, color in the large flowers with Rose Pink. Then highlight
with Cherry Pink using a new applicator.
Step #4: Color in the center of the flowers
Maze, and the small flower petals Pale
Lilac.
Step 5: Return the hoop to the embroidery
machine and continue stitching the
remaining colors.
Step 6: Heat set coloring before rinsing
out water soluble stabilizer.