This week’s tutorial is about block printing. Block printing
is an ancient method of creating a print onto fabric or paper as a singular
motif or as a repeat. Wood blocks have been carved for thousands of years and
the blocks themselves are works of art.
This beautiful wood block is Indian and would generally
be used on wonderful Indian cotton.
Blocks have been used to create detailed works on paper. For
multiple colors, a separate block needs to be carved for every color. In
printing, each color is applied separately, so registration points are made so
that each color is aligned properly to sit next to its adjoining color with no
space between.
Now, for a simple lesson on block printing just one color
onto fabric. We use a linoleum block to easily carve our design into. Trace a design onto the block, and using
carving blades specifically made for linoleum blocks, carve around the design
and into the lines to create a relief.
Mix the color that you want to use on your block. SpeedballTM
now has a wonderful ink that doesn’t emanate the fumes of typical inks
and requires just five days to “cure”. Color is mixed on a glass plate so that
the roller used to apply the ink to the fabric or paper has plenty of room to
roll across the ink.
The ink is rolled onto the relief that was carved from the
linoleum block. The ink needs to be quite heavy on the block.
The block is then applied to the fabric and a mallet is used
to “hammer” the print onto the fabric.
Turn the fabric and block over so that back of the fabric is
facing up and peel back the fabric from the block.
Hang in a place out of
sunlight to “cure” for five days. Press the fabric with a dry warm (not hot)
iron, and you’re ready to use your beautiful block printed fabric!
To see examples of block printed fabric, please see my Lara
line of pillow covers in my Etsy shop, StudioLizzy.
Be sure to check out today’s Facebook page:
www.facebook/cynthiacavanaugh05.
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