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Make It! Potato Stamped Neckerchiefs

by on Apr 18, 2018

In case you haven’t noticed, the 60s are BACK! Well, they’ve been back, but I’m loving how more and more 50s/60s/70s fashion pieces are coming back in style, including the neckerchief. A neckerchief can be made out of any square fabric, and in this case, I stamped plain bandanas with homemade potato stamps to create unique statement neckerchiefs that I can pair with my outfits this spring and summer! You may have made potato stamps as a kid, and I’m here to tell you that they are NOT just for kids. Make your own unique patterns on fabric and keep costs extra low!

Sheets of colorful papers are layered on top of each other.

I made three patterns to show you how varied potato stamp designs can be. The triangle shape is probably the easiest because it is simple straight lines, and you can line the triangles along the edge of the neckerchief or in a random pattern all over the fabric. The hardest is probably the lined pattern simply because it can be difficult to carve in between each line. Mix it up with different patterns – you can get two stamps out of each potato. I think the blue one is my favorite!

Blue, white and yellow napkins next to two brown potatoes, a white cap, two paint brushes and four small containers of paint.

Materials:

Someone cutting into half of a potato with an art knife.

Step

Cut the potatoes in half. Use the craft knife to cut your desired pattern into the cut end of a potato. Then carve away the sides so that only your pattern is raised about 1/4 inch, like a traditional stamp. 

A woman using a potato for a craft process.

Step

Use a paper towel to dab away any moisture around the stamp. It will hold the paint better this way.

Kids party idea's "potato stamp".

Step

Use the paintbrush to apply paint to the stamp. Avoid pressing the potato into the paint – this may collect too much paint. 

Step

For best results, test the stamp on paper before stamping the fabric. This allows you to make any additional cuts as needed.

Hand holding a potato over yellow paper with two small bowls nearby.

Step

Lay down papers or paper towels on a flat surface to protect it, and then lay the neckerchief fabric on top. Reapply paint to the potato stamp and start stamping! Reapply paint between each stamp. 

Note, you can wash the paint away if you want to switch colors, but it may be difficult to remove all of the paint. Instead, I recommend making multiple stamps if possible.

Four cut potatoes with carvings in them, three white carvings and one black carving.

 Step

Allow to dry completely before moving. At this point, you can iron out any creases in the fabric as long as the painted side is face down. 

What pattern will you make with potato stamps?!

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