Mary Benagh O'Neil of Hot Potatoes stamp company pioneered the technique of embossing velvet in 1995 and has inspired thousands of us to follow in her footsteps. Read on for all the details you'll need to try your hand at it, too--and create impressive results! Embossing velvet entails imprinting the fabric right side with a design from an "embosser"--rubber stamp, trinket or household item (corrugated cardboard never looked so elegant!)--using the heat and pressure of your iron. The motifs, their placement and overall effect is up to you. Be sure to allow just a little time and fabric for "trial and error" to perfect your technique--we guarantee you'll be an expert in no time!

To emboss velvet:

• Choose a silk, rayon or rayon/acetate velvet (or any velvet that blends these fibers). Avoid nylon, polyester or any washable velvet.
  
  
• Gather one or more of the following embossers (or discover your own alternatives) to create a design:
  
  
  • Flat-back rubber stamp with a large, bold motif; small or intricately detailed stamps with fine or shallow lines don't create strong enough impressions (see "Velvet Embossing Sources"). Note: Some glues and foam cushions used in making rubber stamps won't withstand the heat of an iron; embossing with these can ruin the stamps.
    
    
  • Fabric or trim with a raised texture, such as re-embroidered and corded laces, wide-wale corduroy and heavy mesh.
    
    
  • Semi-flat metal or otherwise heat-resistant objects like charms, chains, keys and spools.
    
    
  • Kitchen gadgets, such as a cooling rack, metal cookie cutter or meat tenderizing mallet.
    
    
  • Tool bench standards like wire, washers and bolts.
    
    
  • "Found" items from the garage and elsewhere, including corrugated cardboard (the wavy side), screen mesh and pegboard.
    
    
  • Any other item that's reasonably flat, has an interesting texture and can withstand the heat of an iron on a medium setting.
    
    
• On a sturdy surface, place the embosser design-side-up.
  
  
• Place the velvet right-side-down over the embosser, positioning as desired.
  
  
• Using a spray bottle filled with water, lightly mist the fabric wrong side.
  
  
• Using an iron set for medium heat and no steam, press the iron to the fabric directly over the embosser (Figure 1). Count to 20 and carefully lift the iron. Note: During testing, check the result; you may need to press again for 10 seconds. If your iron sole plate has steam vents, use a portion of the iron with as few vents as possible and a Teflon® pressing cloth or gently glide the iron after the first 10 seconds.
  
  
• Repeat to position and create additional impressions.
  
  
• Dry-clean items when cleaning is required. Your designs will remain intact.
  
  

• Always test your fabric and embosser first. What works for one may not work for another.
  
  
• If you're not sure about a velvet's compatibility with this technique, purchase a small amount to take home and test before investing in yardage for a project.
  
  
• Be sure your spray bottle is set to mist only; over-spraying can cause spotting on some fabrics.
  
  
• When possible, emboss garment sections before construction.
  
  
• If you're embossing a ready-made or previously constructed velvet item, test first on a similar velvet or in an inconspicuous area of the item.
  
  
• Loosely plan motif placements in advance to avoid creating "bulls eyes" over body parts to which you'd rather not call attention.
  
  
• Don't be afraid to combine motifs, for example a parrot and tropical leaf used equally or a vine motif border framing an allover floral motif. You even can combine embossed motifs with matching machine embroidered ones, thanks to Husqvarna Viking's line of stamps based on some of the company's popular embroidery card designs.
  
  

Home and Heart Accents, Dept. SN, Box 272, West Linn, OR 97068, (503) 655-9782, carries velvet embossing stamps, including Art After Dark, Personal Stamp Exchange and ZimPrints. Hot Potatoes, (615) 269-8002, www.hotpotatoes.com, carries fabric, wall and velvet embossing stamps. Husqvarna Viking sells embroidery cards and coordinating rubber stamps. Call (800) 358-0001 or visit www.husqvarnaviking.com for nearest dealer. Personal Stamp Exchange (800) 782-6748 for nearest dealer, www.psxdesign.com, stamps and project leaflets.

Subscribe More Articles Past Issues

Copyright © 1999
PRIMEDIA Inc.
All rights reserved