If you’ve got some plain fabric and want an easy and fun way to add a bit of interest before using it, the ancient art of block printing is a great way to do it.

Make it unique

The versatile technique of block printing allows even beginner crafters to stamp unique patterns and designs onto clothing and home décor. Whether you want a modern print to add interest to your home or something more jazzy on a t-shirt or jumper, it’s a simple process for anyone to pick up.

What does block printing involve?

Block printing basically means using a hand-carved block to add designs onto a fabric. According to the Independent hand block printing is one of the oldest and simplest forms of textile printing. Patterns are carved into wood or linoleum which are then used to stamp ink on fabric.

What do you need?

You’ll need materials including paper for testing your block designs first, fabric, printing blocks, fabric paint or ink, a roller called a brayer and a craft knife. The first step is to prepare the fabric by washing and ironing it and ensuring the edges are smooth.

Once you’ve sketched your design, you can begin to transfer it onto the carving block, trying out different depths of carving to add texture. You could get ideas on the sort of patterns and colours you might want to use from craft kits like crochet blanket kits which are available from online stores such as Wool Couture.

Get printing

When the block is ready, it’s time to use the brayer to apply the paint or ink, and do a test print. Your first attempt may not be perfect, but you can experiment by adding more or less ink and pressure to get the desired effect. Then you can print on your fabric, taking your time to carefully position each mark before pressing firmly but gently.

Once completed, lay the fabric out flat or hang it for around a week to ensure the ink or paint sets before ironing on the reverse side.