Stamping on fabric opens up a huge range of creative and practical possibilities, from labeling children's clothing to creating custom tote bags and personalizing fabric gifts. Getting permanent, clean results requires the right tools and technique.
Which Ink Works on Fabric?
Regular dye or pigment inks designed for paper will not survive washing on fabric. For permanent fabric stamping, you need fabric-specific ink. Our clothing stamps use a non-toxic fabric ink pre-loaded into the stamp pad. Once heat set, it bonds permanently with fabric fibers and survives 40 or more washes at temperatures up to 90 degrees Celsius.
Preparing Your Fabric for Stamping
- Pre-wash the fabric if it has not been washed before. New fabric often has a finishing coating that affects ink adhesion.
- Iron the fabric flat to remove all wrinkles. An uneven surface causes an uneven impression.
- Stretch the fabric over a firm, flat surface. For garments, place a piece of cardboard inside to prevent bleed-through to the back.
The Stamping Process
- Always do a test impression on a scrap piece of the same fabric before stamping the actual project.
- For self-inking clothing stamps, the inking is automatic. For wood handle stamps, press the stamp gently onto the fabric ink pad several times.
- Position the stamp precisely and press firmly straight down. Do not rock or slide.
- Lift straight up without sliding. A sliding motion smears the impression.
- Allow to dry completely for at least 30 minutes before moving the fabric.
Heat Setting: Making It Permanent
Heat setting is the critical step that transforms a fabric stamp impression from washable to permanent.
Iron Method
Place a thin cloth over the dried stamped area. Press with a dry iron at the appropriate temperature for the fabric type. Hold for 30 seconds without moving the iron.
Dryer Method
After the ink has dried completely, place the item in a tumble dryer on the highest heat appropriate for the fabric for 30 minutes.
Creative Uses for Fabric Stamping
- Labeling school uniforms and camp gear with a child's name stamp
- Branding tote bags with a business logo
- Decorating plain cushion covers with a repeating pattern
- Personalizing tea towels as gifts
- Adding a maker's mark to craft projects
Shop Fabric and Clothing Stamps
Browse our self-inking clothing stamps for the easiest fabric stamping experience, or our wood handle stamps if you prefer to choose your own fabric ink color. All stamps dispatch within 1 to 2 business days.