Make Magic With An Unheard Use For A Thrifted Tablecloth

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If you've ever found yourself at the thrift store staring longingly at stacks of lacy tablecloths and vintage linens, wondering how to give them new life, this magical idea could be the one you've been waiting for. While thrifted tablecloths often have stains or defects that make them unsuitable for their original use, sun printing lets you shine new light on treasured antique items, transforming them into beautiful textile art for your home.

Sun prints, also known as cyanotypes, are an early forerunner of photography. They were first created in 1842 by Sir John Frederick William Herschel, who used iron salts on paper to create prints of his notes. When exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun, the chemical reaction of these iron compounds creates a deep Prussian blue, giving us the term "blueprints." Today, modern textile artists are using this same technique to create striking prints on natural fabrics.

There are almost endless possibilities for using thrifted tablecloths to create sun-printed fabrics for home decor. Use vintage linens with various patterns and textures to create cyanotype fabrics for chair covers, placemats, and cloth napkins. Upcycle thrifted frames to make textile wall art, divide a room in style with dressing screens using lacy prints, or sew a quilt from cyanotype fabric scraps. Whether you lean toward floral designs or bold geometric patterns, anything from throw pillows to table runners can become a special accent for your home.

While the first cyanotypes were done on paper, artists have been using this method almost from the beginning. Leading cyanotype textile artists, like Kellie Swanson of KSX Art, use cyanotypes on everything from raw fabric to finished clothing. One idea is to combine the timeless appeal of thrifted tablecloths with the classic beauty of sun printing to make upcycled clothing or textiles for the home.

Whether you're making clothes or pillows, the process of sun printing on fabric starts with treating your material. Choose a natural fabric, and treat it with a cyanotype chemical solution. Although you can make your own, it's easier for beginners to purchase something like the Lariceo Cyanotype Sensitizer Kit. Lay your fabric flat and apply the solution evenly with a brush or roller, then let it dry in a completely light-free area. Once dry, arrange the lace tablecloth on top, securing it with plexiglass or pins to keep it in place.

Next, place your fabric in the sun or under a UV lamp. Before exposure to light, the fabric will be a yellowish color. When it turns bronze, it's ready to be rinsed in water to stop the chemical reaction and reveal the deep Prussian blue of your sun print. Experiment with different patterns and textures and sew them together with solids that complement the blue tones. With this fun and creative method, you can also fill your home with art you love by turning those gorgeous designs you've created using old vintage tablecloths, into unique pieces you can frame and hang on your walls.