Block printing - a beginners guide
Block printing may have its roots in third century China, where it was originally done exclusively on silk cloth, then later on paper for printing things like religious texts and calendars, and with incarnations that are as intricate, detailed and beautiful as any printing you’ll see. But it’s also one of the simpler and most satisfying of crafts to master as a beginner. As I discovered when I took up my lovely friend Margaret’s invitation to have an informal workshop with her using the blocks and inks she has amassed over several years of honing her expertise.
Put simply, block printing is the process of printing patterns onto surfaces using engraved blocks either dipped in, rolled or dabbed with, special ink. The blocks are most typically made of wood, though they can also be lino, and whilst you certainly can carve the patterns yourself, particularly with the lino versions, you’re much better off as a beginner buying ready-cut blocks. Leave the self-carved ones as something to aim for further down the line!
What you’ll need to get started
Once you have a selection of blocks - which can be bought from craft shops, on-line suppliers and unexpected places like antique and bric-a-brac shops. Most people build up their collection over time - you need to decide whether you’re printing onto paper or fabric before getting the appropriate type of ink. Fabric inks, like THESE ONES we used, can be set into the material using a hot iron, so the pattern doesn’t fade or wash out. This type of ink is best applied using a sponge, so you’ll need a selection of those, like THESE, and a tray, like THIS, to squeeze or pour the ink onto (consider this rather like an artist’s pallet board). Finally you’ll need a piece of foam to rest your fabric on, some fabric scraps to practice on, and some kitchen towel and a damp cloth to help keep your hands and the table clean, and you’re good to go.
(You can buy the basics in a kit like ONE OF THESE, which certainly helps to give it a try in a quick and easy way)
Ready to get going with the block printing equipment
I decided I wanted to try printing something for each of my little gang of grandgirls, so found some inexpensive cotton tops for the bigger three - aged between three and one - at Uniqlo ( I didn’t want to risk messing up on something costly) and a three-set of frilly collared all-in-ones for the three month old (three chances to get it right!) from M&S
Tops for the grand-gang ready to be printed on
Under Margaret’s watchful eye, I started off experimenting with the printing technique on paper and found it to be very simple and straightforward. Dab the block with not too much ink, place gently but decisively in the position you want it, press firmly on the top of the block, then remove cleanly.
My first block printing efforts
Two key learnings at this stage - it helps to remember that the blocks come out back to front on the surface you’re printing on, especially, ahem, when it comes to letters. And if you press too hard, the edges of the design will smudge rather than be crisp.
I then progressed onto the fabric scraps, which is where I started to experiment with the colours and patterns I wanted to use on the finished items. And getting the hang of exactly how hard I need to press the blocks onto the foam block to get a clean print each time.
I was pretty nervous about using my fledgling printing prowess for real, but reassured myself as I lined up the first of the baby vests that I had two more if it all went terribly wrong, and that noone would ever need to know if I messed up.
Which, to my surprise and relief, I didn’t. Here’s how my first attempt went:
My first block printed project, stage by stage
Bolstered by my beginners-luck, I cracked on with the designs for the three bigger girls tops. Obviously I wasn’t going to get away without making any mistakes, but that’s the joy of anything hand/home made, the lack of perfection makes it all the more precious (well that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!)
Block print design taking shape
The three hours it took to learn, practice and print my projects whizzed by in what felt like the blink of an eye, and I was properly thrilled with the results
Margaret sharing my delight with the finished items
as, I’m delighted and relieved to say, were the grand-girls and, importantly, their mums. Phew!
The only problem now is that I’m thoroughly hooked, so I’m either going to have to persuade Margaret to let me come round a LOT more often, or start amassing my own block printing paraphernalia. I think you can guess which one of those options is most likely. Here’s a clue: you can relax Margaret
