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!
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!
Materials:
- Square neckerchief/bandana
- Large potatoes
- Craft knife
- Acrylic paint or fabric paint
- Paint brushes
- Paper towels
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.
Step
Use a paper towel to dab away any moisture around the stamp. It will hold the paint better this way.
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.
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.
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?!