BHG.COM/DIYMAGAZINE DO IT YOURSELF Winter 2020 91
BLOCK PRINTING Trace
and cut circles from
a carving block, then
carve deep lines into
them using a linoleum
carving tool. Following
dye manufacturer’s
instructions, add sodium
alginate thickener to liquid
dye or use a fabric paint
(we used Jacquard Textile
Color). Using a paper plate
and a brayer, roll paint
evenly onto circles. Press
circles onto pillow cover,
alternating the pattern
and rinsing the block as
needed. Let cover dry, and
wash.DYE PAINTING For a watercolor look, brush fabric
dye onto white pillow covers. Combine hot water,
salt, and dye powder in cups, following the dye
manufacturer’s instructions. Experiment mixing
colors to achieve desired shade. Spray pillows or
pillow covers with a water-soda ash solution
(1 gallon to 1 cup); let sit 20 minutes. Using narrow
and wide brushes, paint circles or stripes in varying
sizes in a fluid motion. After dye sits for several
hours, rinse in cold water until water runs clear.DYE REMOVAL A little
bleach goes a long way.
Using a small brush,
“paint” dots randomly
onto a dark fabric pillow
cover. The longer the
bleach sits, the whiter the
dots will be. Repeat the
process several times to
achieve a nice combo
of white and light blue
dots. When finished, rinse
pillow cover thoroughly to
remove bleach.