Craft Book Review – The Complete Guide to Designing and Printing Fabric by Laurie Wisbrun

I was very lucky to receive another fabulous craft book in my Christmas stocking. I’m sure it’s no surprise to hear I’m absolutely addicted to fabric prints but you might not know that, as well as sewing, I love free-hand drawing and digital drawing/painting on the PC. I’m keen to learn how to create my own designs for printing onto fabrics.

So, on to this mouth-watering book that I now have. It’s called The Complete Guide to Designing and Printing Fabric and is authored by Laurie Wisbrun, published by Bloomsbury. I’ve now read it cover-to-cover several times as I want to absorb as much of the helpful information as possible. I think the author covers everything in such detail, in a well explained way, that it makes the mysterious world of fabric printing seem not so inaccessible to us mere mortals.

So what is covered in the book? Well, the first section is all about designing for fabric. You learn how to understand patterns, where to source inspiration and how to actually design your own patterns – this is covered by fantastic tutorials to guide you step-by-step.

The second section of the book covers fabric types and fabric printing methods, including hand printing; block printing and screen printing, as well as in-depth digital printing information.

If you want to take your new found hobby further, the third section includes plenty of helpful information on going professional. Throughout the book there are interviews with some very well known, successful designers who share their valuable experiences of professional design. I was particularly interested to read about Malka Dubrawsky and Joel Dewberry.

I think this book is a must-read for anyone with an interest in fabrics, pattern designing and digital printing. I found it really interesting and I’ve learned so much from it. I now also have a greater understanding of the awesome work created by our much loved professional fabric designers, whom I have great admiration for. I think I’m going to enjoy dabbling in this new found hobby to compliment my sewing!