Linocut printing on fabric is a fun and creative way to make your own unique designs. Whether you want to create custom t-shirts, tote bags, or pillowcases, this guide will help you get started. We will cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right fabric and ink to printing techniques and heat-setting the ink for durability. Let’s dive in!

Choosing the Right Fabric and Ink

Fabric: The best fabrics for linocut printing are natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk. These fabrics absorb the ink well and provide a smooth surface for printing. Avoid synthetic fabrics as they may not absorb the ink properly, leading to poor results.

Ink: Use fabric ink or textile ink for linocut printing on fabric. These inks are designed to adhere to fabric and remain flexible after drying. They come in many colors and are available in most art supply stores. Avoid regular linocut inks as they may crack or wash out when used on fabric.

Preparing the Fabric

1. Wash the Fabric: Before you start printing, wash your fabric to remove any chemicals or sizing that may be on it. This helps the ink adhere better to the fabric.
2. Iron the Fabric: After washing, iron the fabric to remove any wrinkles. A smooth surface is essential for a good print.
3. Set Up Your Workspace: Lay your fabric flat on a clean, hard surface. Place a piece of cardboard or a cutting mat under the fabric to protect your work surface and prevent the ink from bleeding through.

Printing Techniques

This is a quick and basic guide for the steps of linoprint. For a more detailed step-by-step guide read this post.

1. Carve Your Linoblock: Choose a design and carve it into your linoblock. Remember, the design will be reversed when printed, so plan accordingly. Use carving tools to create clean, sharp lines.
2. Ink the Linoblock: Use a brayer (roller) to apply a thin, even layer of fabric ink to the linoblock. Roll the ink onto a flat surface first to ensure an even distribution on the brayer before applying it to the linoblock.
3. Test Print: Do a test print on a scrap piece of fabric to check the ink consistency and design. Adjust the ink or carving if necessary.
4. Print on Fabric: Carefully place the inked linoblock onto your fabric. Apply even pressure with your hands or a baren (a flat, round tool) to transfer the ink. Be careful not to move the block while pressing to avoid smudging.
5. Lift the Linoblock: Gently lift the linoblock off the fabric to reveal your print. Let it dry completely before handling.

Heat-Setting the Ink for Durability

Heat-setting is essential to make the ink permanent and washable. Follow these steps:

Check Ink Instructions: Read the instructions on your fabric ink to determine the recommended heat-setting method and temperature. Some inks don't require heat-setting.

Iron Method:

• Place a piece of parchment paper or a cloth over the printed area.
• Set your iron to the appropriate temperature for your fabric type.
• Iron the printed area for 3-5 minutes, moving the iron constantly to avoid burning the fabric.

Oven Method:

• Place the printed fabric in an oven-safe tray.
• Set the oven to the temperature recommended by the ink manufacturer (usually around 300°F or 150°C).
• Bake the fabric for 3-5 minutes, ensuring it does not touch the sides of the oven.

Project Ideas

Custom T-Shirts: Create your own custom t-shirts with unique designs. Follow the steps above to print your design on the front or back of the shirt. Experiment with different colors and patterns.

Tote Bags: Design stylish tote bags for shopping or carrying books. Choose a sturdy cotton or canvas bag and print your design on one or both sides.

Pillowcases: Add a personal touch to your home decor by printing designs on pillowcases. Use soft, smooth pillowcases for the best results.

Conclusion

Linocut printing on fabric is a wonderful way to create personalized items. With the right materials and techniques, you can make beautiful and durable prints on a variety of fabrics. Follow this guide to get started and explore your creativity with custom t-shirts, tote bags, pillowcases, and more.

My favorite materials:

• My all-time favorite ink is oil-based ink by Speedball (I dive deeper into the reasoning in this post). 
• My favorite ink roller is by esdee. If you're printing on fabric the best ones are soft and medium soft ones since it can pick up more ink. 
• As for the lino blocks I use different ones for different purposes. For little background details like stars I use cheap floor linoleum, for ultra-detailed designs I use hard lino blocks. 

Happy printing!

P.S. You can find some of my printed outfits in my shop section of this website :)