painting on silk

[pattanger]

Newbie here. I have 3 yds of nutmeg colored silk charmeuse that I want to print/paint a repeat pattern on in black dye prior to cutting out a pattern for a blouse. Can I use noflow and then paint the dye with a brush? Will the dye take where the fabric has noflow? Must I stretch the silk? I haven't the space to stretch 3 yds of 45" wide goods. The alternative is to sew first and paint the finished garment?
Thanks,
pat

[shelley]

I would make up the garment first and then immerse dye BUT be sure that the thread you use will take the dye too.