Tutorial : Block Printing Basics - Inking and Printing on Fabric

Valori Wells from the Stitchin' Post shows you how to ink and print on fabric with a hand-carved block.
Block Printing Basics PDF - stitchinpost.com/products/blo...
Block Printing Kit - stitchinpost.com/products/beg...
Inks - stitchinpost.com/products/spe...
Roller - stitchinpost.com/products/spe...
Speedy Carve - stitchinpost.com/products/spe...
Lino Cutter - stitchinpost.com/products/lin...
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We’re so happy you’ve found our channel and hope you enjoyed the video. Thank you for the support and for making it possible for us to share our expertise, inspirations, and ideas with the maker community.
Stitchin’ Post was founded in 1975 by Jean Wells in Sisters, OR. Jean, and her daughter Valori, still own and run the shop as a maker's mercantile offering quality supplies for many crafts and fiber arts. We believe in customer service, education, and supporting both our local and the maker communities. We’re also the founder of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show and Quilters Affair.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@ReadingThing]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you so much!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kerncraftartgraphics]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DjHappyscrappin]

Very clear instructions. Thanks again 😊

[@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!

[@esthershuruggs430]

Thank you, great demonstration.👍🏾

[@Stitchinpost]

You're very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Lele15728]

This was throughout and clear. Great video!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deelicious084]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

You are so welcome!

[@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!

[@bonnybrookmuggsy]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

Wow, thank you!

[@lorenlash9174]

Excellent tutorial, my friend, many thanks!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you liked it!

[@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!!

[@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.

[@tanyasharadamba1264]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

You are so welcome!

[@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!

[@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.

[@anotherlousytourist8788]

I really appreciate all the detail here! Thank you.

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zacknconnorgaming8160]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Eiris13]

You are a great teacher! So many good tips!

[@Stitchinpost]

Thanks so much!

[@emilykouri9042]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hannahpenner-smith6897]

Thank you! This is super informative and helpful!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeanneecom8098]

Thanks Val that looks so fun.

[@Stitchinpost]

You're welcome Jeanne!

[@ruth8315]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

Have fun!

[@marygroft3790]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

Thank you!

[@catherinemiles8021]

Fantastic demonstration 😊 Thank you for sharing

[@Stitchinpost]

Thanks for watching!

[@jasoncooley1907]

Very good demonstration

[@elizabethpiccolo5534]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

Thank you! 😊

[@gingerpearson6065]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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.

[@shabistankhan7152]

Thank you! A pleasant experience

[@Stitchinpost]

Our pleasure!

[@susanbuckingham4981]

Thanks, Val…great video!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you liked it!

[@kahliakontoolas2834]

Thank you! This was such a helpful video : )

[@Stitchinpost]

You're so welcome!

[@noeliaordenescastillo940]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Ghost-lt4sf]

Super duper helpful! Thank you so much!

[@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!

[@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

[@olvahollowell9623]

This was a great video!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thebardens8091]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

Great to hear!

[@Ihavetodothis000]

Fantastic Demo! Thank you. :)

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you liked it!

[@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!

[@HoliHealerz]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

You are very welcome!

[@lizz7339]

Thanx for sharing these great tips

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you like them!

[@bhavanarastogi9061]

Lovely!

[@thekangapress6616]

fantastic!

[@richardjones7433]

Good detailed explanations.

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@K10jak]

Cookie cutter sheet! What a good idea!

[@Stitchinpost]

Thank you! 😊

[@karine2785]

I got great tips! Thank you so much!

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marykeane7999]

very helpful...excellent demonstration

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you think so!

[@Ka-ly8oi]

Thank you, very informative.

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HoliHealerz]

By the way, great energy!

[@Stitchinpost]

I appreciate that! Thanks

[@grimgardentv8051]

very helpful, thank you so much!

[@Stitchinpost]

You're welcome!

[@samirahandam7331]

Very helpful

[@ameemoha5687]

Thanx alot great tutorial..Nice teacher

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you liked 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!

[@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!

[@lorettaarlotta8450]

wonderful information

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you think so!

[@darussianping61]

great tut

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad it was helpful

[@roxannewheeler]

Thank you!❤️

[@Stitchinpost]

You’re welcome 😊

[@mohamedkaflan5699]

Very good explanation.. Thanks a lot

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you liked it

[@bluestar.8938]

Thank you : )

[@ethelperera6400]

Thank you

[@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!

[@daljeetkaur1837]

Very beautiful thank you sister

[@Stitchinpost]

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it

[@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.

[@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.

[@wren3164]

thank you

[@Stitchinpost]

Glad you enjoyed the video

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@musikk494]

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

[@Stitchinpost]

Yes I do!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@JBURTENSHAW]

Very helpful tutorial, thank you! Can I ask if you know if this new Speedball ink is non-toxic? Thanks...

[@Stitchinpost]

It doesn't say non-toxic on the tube, so I'm guessing it's not. To know for sure you'd need to check Speedball's website. 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

[@danieladelpozo1989]

Great video! Very informative and clear. I just have a question, at the end do you clean the stamp and the roller with water?

[@Stitchinpost]

I clean my blocks and rollers with a little dawn dish soap and warm water. Sometimes I also use a sponge or brush.

[@danieladelpozo1989]

@@Stitchinpost thank you (:

[@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

[@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!

[@ThisSideUp3000]

she looks like the cool aunt

[@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 :)

[@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

[@klungelair]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@hidegrl]

Thanks for the great tutorial! Does the round flower looking block have a name? I have been fascinated by that design and I am looking for the block. Thanks in advance =)

[@Stitchinpost]

The block doesn't have a name. I did include the design into my Block Printing Pattern. - Val

[@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

[@MissLinn95]

This was so helpful! Is it possible to get good prints with white ink on a darker fabric though?

[@Stitchinpost]

Yes you can! It's one of Val's favorite ways to print. Make sure you get opaque white ink though. You can find it here stitchinpost.com/speedball-fabric-block-printing-ink

[@Stitchinpost]

I use the Opaque White on darker fabrics, it is a thicker ink and you have to make sure you have good thin layers of ink on the block. takes a little practice but you can get good results.- Val

[@ellenfrazer7581]

🌞🌞🌞

[@sandyfrancsak148]

When block printing should you use an iron to set the paint Thank you

[@Stitchinpost]

No need. Just wait for it to fully dry.

[@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!

[@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!

[@terrineiman1946]

What kind of roller do you use with the ink? Is it foam, or more of a solid material?

[@Stitchinpost]

Val uses a rubber brayer. This one to be specific stitchinpost.com/speedball-soft-rubber-brayer

[@nailaahmadUK]

Hi, how do you heat set the ink? What do you suggest to make it permanent?

[@Stitchinpost]

It will be permanent after two days. But you set with iron if you want.