This past year I discovered the magic that is Spoonflower. As most of us can admit, the initial concept of creating our own fabric is super exciting; however, it quickly becomes SCARY for those who have no design experience and who don’t have access to top notch programs like Photoshop. I’m here to tell you that even ‘amateurs’ like us can create a basic-yet-fabulous surface pattern using the advice and user-friendly programming at Spoonflower. Your allies: creativity, GIMP, and repeating tile options.
First things first…THINK SIMPLE. I know we all adore those seamlessly overlapping patterns, but as a beginner it’s okay to take baby steps. To be honest, some of my favorite patterns are those that provide visual simplicity, slight imperfection, and a real handmade look.
Here’s how I take a simple handmade sketch and turn it into a repeated, color pattern:
Sketch.
I begin with a pencil and then trace over the sketch with a fine point pen.
Scan.
Be sure to save the file as ‘original’ so it’s easy to relocate.
Edit.
Download GIMP. Click ‘file’>’new’ and enter 450×450 pixels/inch. Click ‘file’>’open as layer’>’original’>’open’. Click ‘layers’>’scale layer’ and enter 300×300 pixels/inch. To save your work for Spoonflower, click ‘file’>’export as’ >’name.jpg’>’export’.
*Color option: Highlight areas to be colored with the ‘wand selection tool’ and fill them in with color using the ‘paint can tool’. GIMP will provide every color option for you if you set the color square prior to using your paint can. Be sure that areas selected are completely closed to ensure the color remains in the intended area.
Upload.
Log on to Spoonflower. Follow the directions for uploading a design. Navigate to your design library and select which repeat pattern highlights your design best. Be sure to save your work! There you go!
Note: These dimensions correspond to the fabric I’m using in this tutorial. To change the size of your image you will just need to increase/decrease the dimensions accordingly. It took me three tries to get the size I wanted by saving the file, adding it to my design library on Spoonflower, and viewing it using the repeat pattern of my choice.
Only 4 days later, my beautiful Linen Cotton Canvas Ultra arrived and I dare say that the result is basic yet fabulous!
What did I do with this lovely yard of fabric, you ask? Well I turned it into a magnetic seat cushion of course! Here’s how:
Magnetic Seat Cushion
You know all of those glorious industrial metal chairs everyone is obsessed with these days?! Yes, I am the proud owner of a few myself. I absolutely love the metal; however, when my family isn’t at the table, I relocate my extras into different rooms. One is currently placed in my reading nook. I love the metal look, though for this room it would benefit from a softer, more cozy look. What better way to do so than adding a cushion, am I right? My recent addition of cotton buds into my decor inspired the design for my fabric. Next, all I had to do was create a basic cushion cover and attach magnets.
To do so, I folded the fabric in half and cut out the dimensions specific to my chair size. Using the scraps, I cut 4 small squares and sewed them to the inside of half the fabric, being sure to place 1 round magnet between the layers.
After I had my template with magnet pouches attached, I folded the fabric in half again (patternside facing in) and sewed both sides. I then turn the cover rightside out and stuffed a 1inch thick piece of craft foam (precut) inside. All that was left to do was sew the top edge and stick it to my chair!
I hope you enjoyed this twopart tutorial and good luck on all your upcoming Spoonflower adventures!
About Our Guest Blogger
Samantha is an up-and-coming blogger from Central Florida. When not maintaining her career as a speech-language pathologist, Samantha is blogging about the everyday aspects of her life as a newly-wed, career woman, and new homeowner. Her blog ‘Live Laugh Lanier’ provides a variety of posts for readers including recipes, home decor, DIY projects, beauty tips, style guides, travel tips, and lifestyle advice.
Thanks for the simple instructions, Sam. I love the finished project. Looking forward to more DIY projects from you.
Awesome! I always wanted to know how to do that. I plan to try as soon as I can
Great post! Thank you for sharing!