Choose the Right Flowers

When it comes to flower hammering, not all flowers are created equal. Some flowers produce better results and are more colorfast than others. Choose flowers that have vibrant petals and a natural dye content, such as marigolds, pansies, and daisies.

Avoid using flowers with watery petals or flowers that have a low natural dye content, as they may not transfer much color onto the fabric.

Experiment with different flowers to find the ones that work best for your desired design and color.

Prepare the Fabric

Before you start hammering flowers on your clothing, it's essential to prepare the fabric properly. Wash the fabric to remove any dirt, oils, or chemicals that might hinder the dye absorption.

For natural fabrics like cotton or linen, you can mordant the fabric to enhance the colorfastness of the prints. Alum and iron are common mordants used in natural dyeing. Follow the instructions provided with the mordant to treat your fabric.

Ensure the fabric is damp but not wet before hammering the flowers onto it. This will help the dye transfer more effectively.

Hammering Technique

Now, let's dive into the actual process of flower hammering. Place the selected flowers on the fabric in your desired pattern or design. Make sure to arrange them face down, so the petals come into direct contact with the fabric.

Take a hammer, preferably a rubber mallet, and gently pound the flowers, transferring the natural dye onto the fabric. Be careful not to hit too hard, as it may damage the fabric.

Continue hammering until you've covered the entire design area with color. You can overlap flowers to create intricate patterns or use different flowers for unique effects.

Setting the Color

To make the flower pounding prints more colorfast and long-lasting, you need to set the dye. Carefully remove the flowers from the fabric and let the printed fabric dry completely.

Once dry, heat-set the dye by ironing the fabric. Place a thin cloth over the printed area to protect it from direct heat. Set the iron to a medium-high temperature and press firmly for several minutes.

Heat-setting helps the natural dye molecules bind to the fabric fibers, making the colors more resistant to fading and washing.

Care Instructions

To ensure the longevity of your flower pounding prints, follow these care instructions:

- Hand wash the fabric in cold water using a mild detergent.

- Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the printed area.

- Do not bleach the fabric.

- Hang the garment to dry, away from direct sunlight.

- Iron the fabric inside out, using a low heat setting.

By taking proper care of your flower hammering creations, you can enjoy their beauty for a long time.