Because it's now possible to get your own design printed onto small quantities of fabric, we all want to have a go - but where should you start?

There's a general introduction to designing, with some useful links, in the blog post Would you Like to Design Your Own fabric?

Then it's a case of deciding how to create your design.  If you can paint or draw, then that may well be the best way.  Otherwise, you need to find a way of putting colour onto paper or a screen.  Here are 22 ways you might do that, most of them suitable for those who find painting difficult!

• Using photos:  http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/20/Design-your-own-fabric-using-photos  -  using a photo as a picture on fabric
•                                 http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/14239/Create-a-Design-Using-Photos  -  using a photo to create a design
• Using software:  http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/22/Design-your-own-fabric-using-your-computer  -  a simple design created in Excel
•                                      http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/328/Creating-a-design-with-pattern-filled-shapes   -  using Photoshop Elements
•                                      http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/2709/Create-a-simple-design-using-free-software   -  using Paint.net
•                                     http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/176/Design-your-own-fabric-using-Inkscape  -  using Inkscape, vector shareware 
•                                      http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/12542/Create-your-First-Fabric-Design  -  perhaps this should be first! Going through the basics, creating a simple design in Paint.net
•                                      http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/13857/Basic-Design-Alterations  -  making simple changes to the above design
• By hand:   http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/28/Design-your-own-fabric-by-hand  -  copying an image by hand
•                        http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/2777/Fun-Kids-Activity-and-Design  -  spatter prints; a good one for the whole family  
• Using a scanner:   http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/35/Using-your-scanner-to-create-a-design  -  a way to create a design using objects (eg flowers, leaves, feathers)
• Using Feathers:  http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/2968/Feather-Design  -  a different way to use feathers; another good family activity
• Using stamps:  http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/611/Create-a-fabric-design-using-rubber-stamps  -  one of my  favourites! Use rubber stamps to create a design.  You could, of course, use them straight onto                             fabric, using fabric paint instead of the usual ink pad.  However, they are prone to not turning out well.  This way, you can discard any less-than-perfect images and just use the good ones.  You can also rearrange them until you're happy with the layout.
• Using text:  http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/683/Designing-with-text
•                            http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/839/Designing-with-text---following-a-path  -  slightly more complicated design
• Using paper:   http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/2024/Designing-for-beginners---Create-a-Design-with-Paper-  Shapes  -  creating a design using paper shapes
•                                http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/2547/Designing---Variation-on-a-Theme  -  this isn't actually using paper, but copying the above method on the computer
•                                http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/2025/Designing-for-Beginners---Using-Paper-Cutouts  -  using  paper cutouts.  There are some lovely laser cut shapes and designs which can make a great fabric                                      design
•                                http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/4185/Create-a-Fabric-Design-Using-a-Papercut  -  make a paper  cut design with which to create a fabric design
• Using embroidery:  http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/12008/Design-Tutorial---Using-Embroidery  -  create your design in embroidery
• Using sun-print paper:  http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/346/Creating-a-design-with-sun-print-paper  -  with sun-print paper you can create an image of decorative objects,  Use the print to create your                                                            design.   This is another favourite of mine, and also suitable for children
• Border print:  http://www.printmepretty.co.uk/10417/Design-a-Border-Print  -  last, but not least, how to create   a border print

You may also need to check up on details about size, colour and using repeats.

I hope these ideas will spur you on to creating a masterpiece of fabric design!  If you have other ideas, please share them below, or get in touch if you'd like to write a tutorial.