Even though I live in the greater Los Angeles area—where access to designer fabric is practically a zip code perk thanks to the downtown district and beyond—the recent announcement that Joann is closing many of its stores has me a little shook. For those of us who rely on their aisles of fabric and craft supplies for last-minute inspiration (and let’s be honest, therapy), it feels like the end of an era. But instead of panicking, I’m choosing to see this shift as an opportunity. What if this is actually the perfect moment to stop searching for the right fabric and start creating it ourselves? In today’s post, I’m breaking down exactly how you can design and print your very own custom fabric—no design degree or mega budget required. And yes, it’s easier than you think.
How to Design Your Own Fabric (Step-by-Step)
I’ll never forget it.
A few years ago, I was chatting with a friend about trying to find the perfect fabric for a DIY project. I had this colorful African-inspired look in mind—vibrant, bold, and stylish—heavily influenced by a famous designer’s collection I had recently drooled over.
“I just wish I could find something even remotely close to this,” I sighed, showing her a photo.
She laughed and basically crushed my dreams right there, telling me, “Good luck! That designer obviously had that fabric custom-made. There’s no way you’ll find anything close to it off the shelf.”
Ouch.
And, truthfully, she wasn’t completely wrong. I did find a fabric that gave off the right vibe, and it worked for the event, but it wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned. That experience stuck with me and got me thinking: Is creating your own custom fabric really that impossible?
Spoiler alert: It’s not. In fact, it’s surprisingly simple — and nowhere near as expensive or complicated as you might think.
Today, I’m walking you through how you can make your very own custom fabric (without needing a design degree or a celebrity-sized budget).
Let’s dive in!
Get More Design Vibes:
How to Make Your Own Custom Fabric
Yes, Print-On-Demand Fabric Is a Real Thing (And It’s Awesome)
Gone are the days when custom fabric printing was reserved for big-name designers and businesses placing thousand-yard orders. Thanks to modern print-on-demand services, you can upload a design today and have your unique fabric shipped to your doorstep next week.
Some incredible companies offering this magic include:
They let you choose the fabric type (cotton, linen, polyester—you name it), upload your design, preview it, and order by the yard. No crazy minimums, no corporate accounts needed, and no selling your soul to afford it.
Custom fabric printing is no longer out of reach—it’s literally a few clicks away.
Step-by-Step: How to Create Your Own Custom Fabric Design
Here’s exactly how you can turn your idea into reality:
1. Design Your Pattern
Option A: DIY your pattern
If you have a creative itch, you can easily whip up a pattern using a free and easy tool like Canva.
Canva has tons of templates, fonts, elements, and colors you can mix and match without needing any graphic design skills. Trust me—you can create a professional-looking pattern even if you still call yourself “creatively challenged.”
Need ideas for what to design?
- A favorite quote or mantra
- Lyrics from a song that makes you dance every time it comes on
- A funny saying you’re known for
- A beautiful Bible verse or poem
- Abstract shapes or your kid’s doodles (yes, really—they’re adorable in fabric form!)
Option B: Use a pre-made design
If designing from scratch sounds like pure torture, don’t sweat it. Sites like Creative Fabrica and Creative Market offer gorgeous, ready-to-use patterns you can buy for just a few dollars.
Pro tip: Make sure the license allows you to use the design for personal projects!
2. Upload and Order Your Fabric
Once you have your design file (preferably saved in a high-resolution format like PNG or JPEG), head over to one of the print-on-demand sites:
- Upload your design.
- Choose your fabric type.
- Adjust the scale (do you want the design tiny and repeating, or big and bold?).
- Order the amount you need.
They’ll print it, cut it, and ship it straight to your doorstep.
It’s basically modern magic.
3. Make Something Fabulous
Now that your custom fabric is in hand, the real fun begins!
Here’s what you could make:
- Throw pillows to jazz up your couch
- Table runners and placemats that make every meal feel fancy
- Curtains that scream “designer” (but whisper “DIY”)
- Upholster a thrifted chair or ottoman
- Cute tote bags or zipper pouches
- Custom fabric wall art (just stretch it over a frame!)
The possibilities are endless—and SO much more meaningful because you created the fabric yourself.
But Wait…Is It Expensive?
Not really!
Prices vary based on the fabric type and quantity, but it’s often comparable to what you’d spend at a good fabric store for designer prints. Plus, think about it: this is a one-of-a-kind piece tailored exactly to your style. No regrets about “settling” for almost-right again.
Final Thoughts: Big Style, Small Budget
I’ll be honest, thinking outside the box like this has been a total game-changer for me.
We don’t have to settle for what’s available on a shelf. We can create exactly what we want—and do it without blowing our budgets.
Custom fabric printing puts the designer power in YOUR hands. It’s affordable. It’s easy. And it’s another way to design a home (and life) that we love, using creativity instead of cash.
So next time you hear someone say, “Oh, that’s impossible,” just smile.
You know better now.
Want to remember this? Pin “Affordable Ways to Design Your Own Fabric” to your favorite Pinterest boards!
