I have always wanted to create my own block printed fabric. I wanted to make myself a pretty headscarf. I didn’t know where to start so I did some experimenting and I want to share with you my discoveries.
Experiment no. 1
First, wash the fabric to clean off any impurities that could stop the ink from adhering to the surface of the material. I experimented on some scrap linen. Once dried, I ironed it and pinned it flat to a heavy blanket that I stretched over my table.
I carved two stamp designs using soft cut lino by speedball. I haven’t used it before. It’s flexible but very plasticky. And I bought a speedball baren too so I can get some extra pressure on the prints.
I used an esdee fabric roller especially for this slippery fabric ink. Put half a teaspoon’s worth in your tray and roll it out to get the best coverage. I was too cautious to begin with, my prints were too faint. I just did everything by eye. I wasn’t too fussed about getting the pattern perfect.
What I learned about Speedball Fabric Ink
People love this speedball ink because it is safe wash until dry. It washes off with just soap! It takes about 1 week to dry and the ink is soft and flexible on the linen. I washed the fabric at 30C and it didn’t run! The smell of this ink when it is drying is horrible. It smells of chemicals!
Experiment no. 2
I played around and made myself a headband. I made stupid colour choices. I have nothing in my wardrobe that is pink and blue!
Experiment no. 3
I read about printers using caligo safe wash ink on fabric too. I thought I’d try it out.
It works so well. I used the fabric roller again and made myself a tote bag. The secret to using caligo safe wash on fabric is to let it dry completely. About 7 to 10 days. Don’t be impatient. Then you need to heat set it with an iron. Keep running the iron over it for about 5 minutes. I popped the finished bag in the washing machine at 30C and to my relief the design didn’t run! The bottom of my tote design looks messy because I spilt my drink on the bag whilst it was still wet. I can be quite clumsy.
Garden cushions
The summer is here so I made my block hand printed design into a couple of cushions. The whole process has taken ages! About 5 weekends of trying things out. Having to get reacquainted with my sewing machine didn’t help.
I used green ink on blue cotton. I know it looks white on the photos but I swear it’s baby blue! The ink did run a bit in the washing machine. I don’t think i gave the ink enough time to dry before hot pressing the design. Never mind, it’s part of the joy of learning something new.
Folk Style Linocuts By MStraccia Art 