An alternative to embroidery, especially for large-scale projects like tapestries, standing screens and pianoforte backs - was to paint a design on fabric. Satin, silk and velvet were most commonly used for fabric painting. This art seems to have vanished with the Victorians, perhaps because we rarely use such large "canvases" today. However, the incredibly beautiful patterns in these articles could be applied to any number of modern projects!

Painting on Satin and Silk (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1880)

Tapestry Painting, by Fred Miller (Girl's Own Paper, 1880)

Practical Hints on Tapestry Painting (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1881)

Velvet Painting, by Mrs. Randolph-Lichfield (Girl's Own Paper, 1881)

How to Paint Upon Silk and Satin, by Blanche C. Saward (Girl's Own Paper, 1883)

Lustra Painting, by Blanche C. Saward (Girl's Own Paper, 1883)

"The art of painting flower, fruit, and arabesque designs in metallic and powder colours upon velveteen, Roman satin and linen fabrics."

How to Paint a [Velvet] Mantel Border, by Fred Miller (Girl's Own Paper, 1885)

Pianoforte Fronts and How to Decorate Them, by Fred Miller (Girl's Own Paper, 1885)

Screens and Screen-Painting (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1886)

Painting on Textiles (Demorest, 1888)

Table Scarf with Bronze Painting, by Lida and M.J. Clarkson (Ingalls' Home Magazine, 1888)

Painting on Scrim or Bolting Cloth with Watercolors (Needle & Brush, 1889)

Screen-Painting in Oil Colours, by Fred Miller (1889)

Tapestry Painting, by Fred Miller (Girl's Own Paper, 1889)

French Tapestry Painting, by Maude Haywood (Ladies' Home Journal, 1892)

How to Paint Velvet in Oil Colours with a Pen, by Priscilla Harrison (Girl's Own Paper, 1895)

A Pretty Pianoforte Back, by Fred Miller (1897)

A beautiful Fred Miller pattern that could be applied to many projects.

A Painted Silk or Satin Pianoforte Front, by Fred Miller (1898)

You may not wish to cover the legs of your piano, but this gorgeous design by artist Fred Miller could be used in so many ways!