
I often use the largest size to carve out larger areas, so it goes a little faster. Next, using your carving tools, choose the size lino cutter attachment you want to use. Step 2: Get familiar with your tools and know when to use what attachments, etc. This will ensure the ink from the marker doesn’t come off onto your fabric or paper while printing. You want to use a permanent marker, as opposed to any other kind of marker or pen. That way, you know exactly what to cut and what you don’t want to cut. Use a permanent marker to draw the design directly onto the carving block. The first step for block printing is coming up with a design.
#Blockblock printing how to
How to Block Print Fabric Step 1: Create a design and draw it onto your linoleum block.
fabric block printing ink OR water soluble printing ink for paper. Let’s jump in…īasic Materials for Block Printing Fabric Personally though, I love printing on fabric, so today’s tutorial is all about block printing fabric. It wasn’t until hundreds of years later when it was eventually adapted to paper, which is now probably the most widely used material for block printing. Interesting fact: Initially, block printing fabric was the norm – most often being printed onto silk cloths. Originating in China, where it remained the most common printing method in East Asia for books and images until the 1800s. It’s a technique that has been around for more than two thousand years. After the block has been carved, ink is applied, and then it is printed. Which opens up a lot more possibilities for printing, right?! Click through to get started.īlock printing is the relief process of printing onto fabric or paper using a hand-cut block, made of wood or linoleum. So, if you learn how to block print fabric, you’ll also know learn how to print on paper. The only difference is in the type of ink you’ll use and in some cases the ink drying times. From the tools you’ll need to the steps for going from a blank linoleum block to a finished, block printed piece of fabric.Īnd one more thing… The steps for block printing fabric vs block printing paper are really similar. If you’re just starting out, this guide will show you everything you need to know to get started with block printing. So, today I’m sharing the complete guide to block printing fabric for beginners. This printmaking technique is super fun for printing on fabric, once you know the basics. But it took some getting used to before I felt really comfortable and confident in what I could create with this new skill. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to block print fabric, bookmark this post! It’s easier than you think.īlock printing was one of my favorite techniques to experiment with in my printmaking classes in college.