How to: Super Easy Cyanotype Printed Hoodie

We all love our comfy clothes! ‘Don’t be fooled, this looks much more complicated than it really is! ‘Trust me, you can do it; make your own easy cyanotype printed hoodie.

What are Cyanotype prints?

Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that creates beautiful blue-toned prints using a light-sensitive solution and sunlight or UV light (as I’m using here). It was invented in 1842 by Sir John Herschel. This technique not only adds a personal artistic touch but can also merge vintage photographic art with custom fashion. It’s eco-friendly, creative, and perfect for wearable art enthusiasts. I’ve had much fun printing on fabric, and also denim clothes.

1. Prepare Your Workspace

• Work in a dimly lit space (low UV exposure) to prevent premature exposure of the cyanotype chemicals.
• Cover your work area with a plastic sheet or garbage bag to protect surfaces.

Here’s how to mix a basic cyanotype solution:

Safety First:

• Wear gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals.  
• Work in a well-ventilated area.  
• Store chemicals properly in airtight containers, away from heat and light.

Materials:

• Ferric Ammonium Citrate: (Green crystals)
• Potassium Ferricyanide: (Red crystals)  
• Water
• Three separate containers (glass or plastic) for mixing
• Measuring cups or spoons
• Measuring scale
• Stirring spoons/sticks
• Gloves and eye protection
• Face mask (optional)
• Brown glass or light-proof bottles for storage

Tip; I marked the jar so adding the water is easier.

Prepare Solutions Individually:

Solution A (Ferric Ammonium Citrate):

• Measure out 25 grams of Ferric Ammonium Citrate.
• Add distilled water to a container until the total volume reaches 100ml. (TIP; premarking the vessels makes measuring easier)
• Stir well with a spoon/stick until the crystals are completely dissolved.

Solution B (Potassium Ferricyanide):

• Measure out 10 grams of Potassium Ferricyanide.
• Add distilled water to a separate container until the total volume reaches 100ml.
• Stir well until the crystals are completely dissolved.

Combine Solutions:

• In a third container, combine equal parts of Solution A and Solution B.
  • For example, if you used 100ml of each solution, mix them together to make 200ml of the combined cyanotype solution.
• Stir gently to ensure thorough mixing.  

3. Prepare the Hoodie

• Wash the hoodie to remove any fabric finishes or sizing. (Do not use fabric softener)
• Allow it to dry completely.
• Lay the hoodie flat on a smooth surface. Place a piece of cardboard or plastic inside to prevent the solution from seeping through to the other side.

4. Paint the Hoodie with Cyanotype Solution

• Using a brush or sponge, evenly apply cyanotype solution to the area of the hoodie that you want to print on.
• Work quickly to avoid streaks.
• Allow the hoodie to dry completely in a dark area (or use a blow dryer on cool settings in a dark room).

What makes this so easy is the freedom of the basic design shape. It is meant to be pretty rustic and not so perfect. Choose a shape or motif that speaks to you and that you like. I chose an ampersand, peace sign, leaf, heart and initials. The outer edge is not perfect either, even some drips look intentional.

It is important that the fibre content is mostly cotton; natural fabrics. These hoodies are 50% cotton/50% polyester and took colour great. The denim I have printed sometimes had a small percentage of spandex which did not make much difference.

Every fabric has its own density of thread so test to see how much bleed you may have. It will still work but you will have to take that in account if there is a lot of bleed. Keeping the brush not too full also helps limit bleeding. Other natural fibres can also be used like linen or rayon.

5. Arrange Your Design

• Place your design elements (leaves, stencils, or transparencies) on the coated area.
• Secure the objects with small weights, transparent plastic or sheet of glass if necessary to keep them flat against the fabric.

The botanical specimens were dried and pressed so they lay quite flat. These were printed using my Cyanotype exposure lamp indoors so it made the process so much easier that carrying outside.

6. Expose to Sunlight or UV Light

• Watch for the colour change: the coated area will shift from greenish-yellow to a deep bronze color, indicating it’s ready. I did eventually enlarge my box for making these hoodies.
• Place the hoodie under a UV light source (or direct sunlight). I used my Exposure light that I made with a cardboard box. Exposure time will vary depending on light intensity but typically ranges from 5 to 20 minutes.

Peek through the top and check the progress, waiting until it has turned a bronze/grey colour.

I especially love that the design is quite fail-safe. The placement is not that vital and it has quite the graffiti look. Perhaps other objects would be your choice; be creative. Use lace, film negatives, or whatever makes interesting silhouette shapes.

7. Rinse the Hoodie

• Carefully remove your design elements.
• Rinse the hoodie in cool water until the water runs clear. This will reveal the signature blue print colour of the cyanotype process.
• To intensify the blue, leave the hoodie in a water bath with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes.
• Squeeze or spin out the water and hang to dry.

Why make it stressful to create perfect prints that look too commercially made?! I’m happy to share if you’d like one of your own!

A ‘B’ for my ‘Bee’! What do you think? Be gentle when washing in phosphate free detergent. Do not use alkaline soap.

With all that is going on in this world I wish you all peace and happiness… Where better than from nature can we be inspired and find comfort?! Enjoy these instructions…

If you’d like to join me I have a few hoodies (and Denim Pieces) available for you!