Tutorial : Block Printing Basics - Inking and Printing on Fabric

[@AlextheENTP]

What a lovely teacher! So much useful information given in a few minutes, but there's no rushing at all, just lots of calming fun. I remember doing prints like these in high school, and I'm sooo excited to revive some of my favourite art techniques with a new perspective. Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement.

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@susanmaxwell6831]

I am a printmaker and a teacher of printmaking. Your information is great and well explained. I suggested your video for my students to watch.

[@Stitchinpost]

Awesome, thank you!

[@MsRidolfi]

This is a great tutorial. The explanations are given at a tempo that is just right. Enough detail to let you know what to do, what to avoid, and how to clean up. Everything I needed. Thank you! P.S. There's no distracting music in the background!

[@Stitchinpost]

Thanks Lisa!

[@Sdfckz]

VERY helpful, i couldnt figure out what i was doing wrong until i watched this. thank you!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it helped!

[@boscogirl]

Thank you! This was the first tutorial I’ve seen that covers how to create a well and load the beater correctly! Yes!!🙌🏻

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it helped!

[@juliebayless]

Thank you, Valori! Looking forward to getting (back, after a 50 year hiatus) into block printing. Great, detailed advice.

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful

[@dthadalluki6931]

I'm amazed to see how well explained this tutorial is. Its looks simple but the little details like the handling of brayer and where she explains cons of excess ink is wonderful.

[@Stitchinpost]

Thank you. We're happy it was useful.

[@suziedavis9675]

Thanks, Val! Great demo and inspiration! I found some blocks my daughter carved in high school art class, and I want to surprise her with a printed table runner for her upcoming birthday. Hopefully I can find the supplies locally, because I don't have time to get them via an online order.

[@Stitchinpost]

Good luck!

[@Stitchinpost]

From Val: You can’t save the ink because it dries up and does not roll out very well. I have not found a way to re-constitute the ink so it is better practice to use small amounts. Fabric is washable after two days. I have not found my ink to fade.

[@curtisbullock9739]

Great tips! The quality of the video really helped to show the amount of ink that is ideal for printing.

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elizabethpiccolo5534]

Fun tutorial! I just recently got into painting fabric, I’m still learning. Love your headband!

[@Stitchinpost]

Thank you! 😊

[@caroleseubert6810]

How excited and thankful am I to find your talented self doing these tutorials?!!! The Wells gals are super talented and super generous in sharing those talents. Gonna add your tips to my toolbox to combine printing - diy gel plates & other forms- on fabric with working up fabric strata for a variety of makes. Sweet! .

[@Stitchinpost]

Thank you so much!!

[@mguignard70]

Thank you for a clear and detailed presentation. I feel confident, I can do this after viewing your video.

[@Stitchinpost]

Thank you and you might be interested in Val's class she does on this which has a lot more detail of the process. Watch our website for an announcement in late Summer/early Fall.

[@Eiris13]

You are a great teacher! So many good tips!

[@Stitchinpost]

Thanks so much!

[@zacknconnorgaming8160]

Excellent, very clear demo of how to ink a block print.

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rosiemoss6131]

Great tutorial! I'm giving this a go for the first time today so this was so helpful to watch before hand, thankyou!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anotherlousytourist8788]

I really appreciate all the detail here! Thank you.

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ninimarini3487]

Such a great tutorial. I appreciated the details and tips learned over the years. Thank you.

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marygroft3790]

This is an excellent instructional video. She’s a very fine teacher.

[@Stitchinpost]

Thank you!

[@gingerpearson6065]

Thanks for clear instruction and helpful tips on how to avoid problems

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tanyasharadamba1264]

Thank you for every bit of this awesome explanation!👏🏼 ❤

[@Stitchinpost]

You are so welcome!

[@sojaboon6327]

Oh wow.. I actually got some really great tips out of this video! Also, I like to compare the texture of my rolled out ink to the texture of an orange peel! So when the ink on my surface/roller looks like the skin of an orange, I usually declare it ready to go!

[@Stitchinpost]

Great tip! Glad it was helpful.

[@deelicious084]

I loved this tutorial. 💖All the tips and troubleshooting. Very informative and inspirational. Thank you!✨

[@Stitchinpost]

You are so welcome!

[@catherinemiles8021]

Fantastic demonstration 😊 Thank you for sharing

[@Stitchinpost]

Thanks for watching!

[@K10jak]

Cookie cutter sheet! What a good idea!

[@Stitchinpost]

Thank you! 😊

[@bonnybrookmuggsy]

Best basic video I've seen so far on fabric printing with a carved stamp! Thank you!

[@Stitchinpost]

Wow, thank you!

[@bonniehyden962]

I had an idea! 💡 ...🤔 ...it might require special designs. Embroidery is too much time and labor. Block printing? ...but I know NOTHING beyond that term. Dear Lady, you've opened a door for me! What a great teacher you are! Methinks I really want to pursue this new skill. Do you have further videos for instruction? Thank you so very much?

[@Stitchinpost]

Yes there are a few other videos on our channel. Valori also teaches a block printing class online that you can watch for on our website.

[@bonniehyden962]

@@Stitchinpost , thank you, M'am.

[@bvp7826]

Awesome presentation, thank you♥

[@sarahanderson2268]

Great video! I was having trouble with shadowing on my prints and with your techniques, this should fix the problem. Thank you!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it helped!

[@Bvrld]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. I admire how informative, clear, and straightforward this video is. I appreciate you uploading it. Thank you! ✨

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulgoebertp]

this is so easy to understand, and full of charm, I can't wait to start making my own block prints. Thank you, Valori!

[@Stitchinpost]

You are so welcome!

[@Lele15728]

This was throughout and clear. Great video!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Crabtreesmudge]

Oh my gosh thank you this is the best tutorial ive found. i can see now what ive been doing wrong.

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it helped!

[@emilykouri9042]

Fantastic tips! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge on this.

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@noeliaordenescastillo940]

thanks a lot ❤ I really enjoyed your video. I will make sure to follow all of ur advices

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rmarie324]

This was so amazingly helpful!! Thank you :)

[@Stitchinpost]

You're so welcome!

[@hannahacena5328]

Hello! Need your advice 🥺 My paint keeps sliding off of the glass when I do this 😢 what am I doing wrong?

[@nithyasankar2103]

Same happens with my case

[@nithyasankar2103]

I feel like my rubber brayer isn't rotating while I ink it

[@ruth8315]

So brilliant and helpful, can’t wait to try! Thanks

[@Stitchinpost]

Have fun!

[@kerncraftartgraphics]

Great tutorial, very clear with the details of the ink. Thanks!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sndygskylr]

Can’t wait to do/try this. Q: why can’t you save your leftover ink in an airtight container? Q#2: is your fabric piece washable? Will the ink fade? So glad I found a really good, precise teacher♥️

[@Stitchinpost]

Thanks Sandy. Even air tight containers often dry out and the consistency of the ink really matters. It won't hurt to experiment though, you might have different results, Central Oregon is very dry. Yes you can wash it. Read your ink bottle, it usually takes a few days to cure but then you can wash as normal for the fabric.

[@lorenlash9174]

Excellent tutorial, my friend, many thanks!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you liked it!

[@DjHappyscrappin]

Very clear instructions. Thanks again 😊

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ReadingThing]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you so much!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@karenmattiazzo6639]

This was such a good tutorial, thank you! Im starting to use block printing after carving my designs and was curious to why the paint wasn't behaving well, the outline of my drawing was too thin in the middle of the line, but not on the outside of the line.. So I decided to not use the roll except to spread the paint into the transparent silicon piece, but to press the block stamp straight into the spread out paint! and it worked great too, thicker lines and all covered by the paint.. so I guess it depends on the hand pressure and expertise (I just started btw), this way I tried worked nicely, but how you taught to spread the paint was an essential tip, I wouldn't know if you hadn't told me so thanks again :))

[@Stitchinpost]

So glad it was helpful!

[@hannahpenner-smith6897]

Thank you! This is super informative and helpful!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HoliHealerz]

Very cool! Very complete and omg...I think I can do this. Thanks for making it idiot proof. 👍👍👍

[@Stitchinpost]

You are very welcome!

[@esthershuruggs430]

Thank you, great demonstration.👍🏾

[@Stitchinpost]

You're very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@susanbuckingham4981]

Thanks, Val…great video!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you liked it!

[@millie35998]

Thank you for the video! This is amazing ❤

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you liked it!

[@millie35998]

@@Stitchinpost do you heat set the ink so you can wash the fabric?

[@DurgaPrasadrao-v9q]

Top job work.🇭🇺👌🙏♥️🐦💚

[@jasoncooley1907]

Very good demonstration

[@MsOceanRiver]

Thanks for this. I've always wondered how it was done. I've had the thought to print fabric on my gel plate with acrylics mixed with Gac. Haven't tried that yet but will. 🌿

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you enjoyed the video Marna

[@lowtidelumber3107]

Very helpful. Thank you 🙏

[@richardjones7433]

Good detailed explanations.

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@feliciavanbork4204]

Loved this clear and concise video! Maybe dry off the ink knife after cleaning to prevent rusting?

[@Stitchinpost]

Thanks! The spatula is stainless steel, but it never hurts to dry it :)

[@magsstraatman7221]

This is really helpful! THANK YOU! I'm having some trouble getting crisp result, but I think I might be over-inking my block :)

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christennastamm6002]

Great, informative and I think I can do this with confidence. Going to keep it simple to start with and build my skills :) Thank you!

[@Stitchinpost]

You can do it!

[@klungelair]

If you do multiple colour print on fabric, how long you have to wait for printing the next colour?

[@Ihavetodothis000]

Fantastic Demo! Thank you. :)

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you liked it!

[@thebardens8091]

Excellent tutorial feel I can have a go now...

[@Stitchinpost]

Great to hear!

[@ameemoha5687]

Thanx alot great tutorial..Nice teacher

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you liked it!

[@abigailtryingthings]

Hi, this was so so helpful!!! Is there any way to speed up the drying process instead of letting it air dry? Have you ever used a heat gun or would you recommend it? thank you!!

[@Stitchinpost]

No safe speedy way. Even when dry to the touch the ink needs to cure.

[@HoliHealerz]

By the way, great energy!

[@Stitchinpost]

I appreciate that! Thanks

[@earth2becky]

Great demonstration and explanations!! Thank you. Question tho, is there a reason you don't save the ink you don't use? When I paint in oil, I always save my pallet in an airtight container in the freezer. Some people save it in a jar. Anyway, lots of great info today!!!

[@Stitchinpost]

This type of ink seems to dry up regardless of how you store it. Maybe you'll have better luck

[@earth2becky]

@@Stitchinpost good to know, thank you!

[@shabistankhan7152]

Thank you! A pleasant experience

[@Stitchinpost]

Our pleasure!

[@marykeane7999]

very helpful...excellent demonstration

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you think so!

[@Ghost-lt4sf]

Super duper helpful! Thank you so much!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@olvahollowell9623]

This was a great video!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DanielleGruden]

Hello! Was wondering what fabric you used for this - it’s gorgeous and was wondering where I could find it?

[@Stitchinpost]

Sorry that fabric has been out of print for quite a while.

[@ExtremistPullup]

Thanks for the tutorial, any need to prep the fabric such as iron it, or put it on a hard surface when stamping?

[@Stitchinpost]

Yes fabric should be clean and ironed. It helps the block to fully press into the fabric if you place a layer of batting underneath where you're stamping.

[@lorettaarlotta8450]

wonderful information

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you think so!

[@musikk494]

great toturial! cant wait to try it out myself! btw, do you also wash the blockstamp after use?

[@Stitchinpost]

Yes I do!

[@eliseartzs]

Hi I have a question! Can you wash the T-shirt with the print on without the print going away? If so, what is the limited heat to wash the T-shirt with the ink? Thank you so much for the tutorial!

[@Stitchinpost]

Yes you can! Read the instructions from the ink you're using. Speedball need to cure for a few days then you can wash. Higher temps will eventually fade the ink (like they do everything else). I have a set of napkins we've used weekly for years that I printed on and wash regularly - they still look good.

[@lizz7339]

Thanx for sharing these great tips

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you like them!

[@OCSKpostoj]

hey, thanks for video

[@Stitchinpost]

The type of ink used makes more difference then the type of fabric. Check your ink container for the most accurate drying times.

[@denisewarheit556]

Your prints are beautiful. I just did a speedy carve falcon on a t-shirt with speedy carve ink. Unfortunately, I was a little impatient and wore the shirt before letting it set 24 hours. Opps! That will not be my practice piece.

[@cloyjoseph8707]

Cant the bit of used ink be stored in a jar with lid to use up later or used to mix up different colors? It seems like a waste to print so little with the amount if ink you put out? What will happen to the ink besides drying out in the jar. Is there a extender to add to the ink or one to thin out for translucent look? I cant afford to waste paint, ink or other medium not used up at time of the project.

[@Stitchinpost]

Feel free to give it a try it. We find the results are not as good and the ink dries out very quickly. To conserve ink try planning multiple projects at once so you can use up the ink while it's fresh. Hope that helps.

[@Sara-qz1mg]

Hi! love the video! Was just wondering is there a way you fixated the print so it doesn't wash off? thank you!

[@Stitchinpost]

With Speedball ink, the print needs to cure for a week without washing then it will be set. Leave it out, exposed to air and that's all you need to do.

[@Stitchinpost]

It will be permanent within a couple of days of drying. You can heat set it if you want. - Val

[@mohamedkaflan5699]

Very good explanation.. Thanks a lot

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you liked it

[@jeanneecom8098]

Thanks Val that looks so fun.

[@Stitchinpost]

You're welcome Jeanne!

[@randycamp4280]

Trying not to ask a dumb question here, but if you wash the garment if and when it was dirty, wouldn't the ink print you just made wash away? I picked up some Speedball ink in a tube like yours and the clean up is with soap and water. If there is a way to not see your work disappear please share for people like me that don't know how. Your tutorial was very good! I have a couple of blocks that I wanted to try and your instructions helped me achieve that. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years. This next year has to get better I pray.

[@Stitchinpost]

Hi Randy, First off make sure you have the ink that will print on fabric (speedball makes a number of kinds of ink) The ink has a curing time of one week, then it can be laundered with no problems. I hope that helps!

[@PatsyT1959]

Once you have finished printing do you need to do anything to the fabric?

[@Stitchinpost]

The ink will set permanently in 48 hours don’t have to do a thing! I love to press mine after they dry but that is just because I love to! 🤣 Valori

[@greengal4747]

Thanks for the great tutorial. There was 2 shades of blue paint on the acrylic plate. are both the same paint or different.

[@Stitchinpost]

They are both Speedball ink for fabric, but in two different colors

[@ShellyDub1]

Is there anything you can use to mount/attach your block to? For me it’s a little tricky handling something like the circle you used in the video. Especially as I get ink on my fingers...

[@Stitchinpost]

It's not something I've tried. My only thought would be a wood block cut to size. Whatever you use, it needs to keep the block flat and able to have even pressure applied to it. Good luck.

[@Stitchinpost]

I don't use anything but I am sure you could come up with some sort of wood piece you could mount on or maybe plastic - I would make sure you can get even pressure on the block. - Val

[@cameronjgray.]

Thank you so much! This is super helpful and informative!!!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Basia007koko]

Hey , do you know how long do I have to leave the print for to dry? before I wear and wash it for the first time

[@Stitchinpost]

If you're using Speedball Fabric Block printing ink it takes 48 hours for the ink to fully set. The ink will likely be dry to touch in 24 hours but wait the full 48 to wash and wear. If you're using different ink try checking the container for their instructions.

[@mattyhou411]

Hi Val, what would happen if I want to to directly paint my design on the fabric using the fabric paint?

[@Stitchinpost]

Good question! I'll ask Val Monday when she is back from vacation.

[@Stitchinpost]

Depends on what type of paint you use. What I use for printing is to thick to paint but there are fabric paints out there.

[@CelesteKing]

I just began printing fabrics. I printed a shirt, let it dry for over a week, and it all came out in the wash. Lol! I probably bought ink that’s meant for paper. I’m obviously extremely new at this. Any advice on ink that will stay put when washing?

[@Stitchinpost]

We always use Speedball fabric ink. You can find it here stitchinpost.com/products/speedball-fabric-block-printing-ink?_pos=2&_sid=d617d91fa&_ss=r. Good luck!

[@janemiettinen5176]

First print is like the first pancake, it just wont come out right! Ive tried several different printing techniques and surprisingly its true with all of them, second print is usually also the keeper. Somebody should study this phenomenon :)

[@dthadalluki6931]

I am stuck in a problem while block printing on fabric and in need for your advice. My prints were very light on fabric. It is because of ink dry very fast or because of my hard rubber brayer. Any suggestion about how to increase drying time of ink also, could soft rubber brayer can solve this problem? I am using water based ink (black pigments,binder and thickner). Speedball inks and brayer are not available here. I have to import them. Which is costly. And i am not sure that they will solve my problem. Thanks

[@Stitchinpost]

Yes you could try a soft brayer, as for inks drying too fast I do use a transparent extender. It is made by speedball - I am thinking if you could find an extender of some sort that is water based it might help the quick drying of the inks. I wish I had better advice but I don't know any other inks that would work. When you apply the ink it is really important to be putting on thin layer of ink until you have a nice surface on your block that looks kind of like a wet stamp pad. This will help with your prints being too light. I hope this helps. - Valori

[@charlotted6247]

Can I safely iron this after it's been drying several days?

[@Stitchinpost]

Yes you can.

[@magdalenaburns5521]

Is it possible to print like this on a t-shirt or baby onesie? Would I have to use some kind of stabilizer? Great video, thanks!

[@Stitchinpost]

I wouldn’t do a stabilizer, but I would put a piece of thicker paper or cardboard between the layers of the shirt, or the onesie, so the ink doesn’t go through.

[@magdalenaburns5521]

@@Stitchinpost thanks for replying so soon. I really appreciate it!

[@SUMUstudio]

Amazing thank you! Where did you get the flower block stamp from?

[@Stitchinpost]

Val carves the blocks herself. We have other videos on how she does that if you're interested.

[@SUMUstudio]

@@Stitchinpost Great! thank you

[@bcm1993onebay]

Is the process the same for wood block printing?

[@Stitchinpost]

Sorry, we haven't tried that. Should be similar but you'd need different ink.

[@kgialoong]

Sorry what did u say u use to clean your tools with? 'Dawn' and sponge? Is that the brand of a detergent?

[@Stitchinpost]

Yes, Dawn is a brand of dishwashing liquid.

[@TheSongwritingCat]

Great tutorial. How does the ink do on thinner fabrics? For example, does it dry stiff enough to distort a chiffon sort of scarf fabric? I assume it's fine for tote bags and heavier weight cotton but I'm curious what happens if you're using the fabric for garments.

[@Stitchinpost]

Hi, Val's on vacation this week so I can't get an answer from the true expert, but while I've never tired tried chiffon I don't think the ink will distort it. The ink doesn't sit on top of the fabric it soaks in more like a dye. I'd try a sample on a small piece to be sure though.

[@Stitchinpost]

It can get a little stiff if you printed on silk or voile or something light like that. The ink sits on the top of the fibers so it will add a layer and with thinner fabric it can go through the fabric. I have printed on t-shirts and other fabrics that can be used for clothing. - Val

[@mollybeckette5882]

do you have any tips for getting ink out of the cloth? like for the stray carving marks that i didn’t want to transfer but they did anyways

[@Stitchinpost]

From Val: Ah… that is not easy to do. Possibly try and spot clean the areas but really once you print the ink is going to stay. I have gotten it on my clothes and have been able to get it out immediately with soap and water but I wasn’t trying to clean around ink that I want to stay. Not sure if that helps or not, but the extra marks are also part of the block printing look.

[@mollybeckette5882]

@@Stitchinpost i getcha, thanks for the response!

[@ColleenTempleart]

Great tutorial! Is there something else you can use other than your palm to press it onto fabric?

[@Stitchinpost]

Yes you can. You can use a tool called a baren. We don't have them in stock, but you can find one at online at Dick Blick or other similar art supply store.

[@rosefriedman2764]

Is the speedball ink food safe for kitchen towels once cured?

[@Stitchinpost]

I'm not sure. You'd need to check the packaging or the manufacturer's website.

[@karine2785]

I got great tips! Thank you so much!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@romelmadray6706]

have a question. Can ink printing be done on medium duck canvas and be archival? Should the canvas be primed with acrylic gesso? I have seen people use Lino block print for making handbags etc but not really seen in art. Also can India ink be used on a gessoes canvas or must the canvas be ungessoed. Your response and time is appreciated.

[@Stitchinpost]

Val specializes in printing on fabric so sadly we don't have the expertise to answer your questions. I hope you can find the answers elsewhere.

[@Stitchinpost]

I talked to Val about this and here's what she had to say: Gosh, I am not sure if it can be archival. You can print on canvas, I haven’t ever tried printing on canvas that has a acrylic gesso on it. I have no idea about India ink and if it can be used on canvas. I would test all of these things. Worth the experiment. I can add myself, that you wouldn't want to gesso canvas if it wasn't stretched--if you want to use it for tote bags I would just get regular cotton duck. You could pre-wash it if you wanted to make sure all of the sizing was out of it. If you're wondering if something is archival, contact the manufacturer - they should be able to give you that information. Also, in my personal experience, India Ink is too thin for printing and often runs on fabric. Finally, when I was in college (many years ago) block printing for art prints was done on archival, 100% cotton rag paper. I'm not sure what they do these days... :) ~Paige