Simple Steps For Block Printing

Have you wanted to try block printing and don’t know where to start? Give the simple process a try.

I have used this method for years and love it. Using a gridded approach is the perfect way to get a consistent and reliable print.

Here is a list of tools needed to start block printing. You can start with just a few items. Then, add more tools as you feel more comfortable and get the hang of it.

1. Speedball Speedy-Carve Block Printing Block
2. Speedball Linoleum Cutter Assortment #1
3. Cutting Mat
4. X-Acto Blade or Box Cutter
5. Metal Ruler
6. Stamp Pad ( I love the Tsukineko brand of ink pads )
7. Kraft Paper

For all your tools and needs, check out the Speedball store on Amazon.

Let’s get started:

First you want to carve the block.

Next you grid your paper.

Then, ink your stamp and start stamping in the middle of the grid.

As you print, adjust block direction and work outwards.

Just keep going. Repeat and repeat some more. Try to keep calm and take deep breaths. If you have trouble figuring out the stamp layout and direction, all you have to do is draw the layout on the back.

Look for used items around the house to print on. Kraft paper is great because the print will really stand out on it. The large piece of kraft paper in the images is actually the back of a yearly calendar. There are two sides to the back page, so it gives you two “free and pretty” surfaces to work on. Plus, the paper is really large.

So that’s! What do you think? Have you tried the gridded approach?

Isn’t it gorgeous? Your eyes moves around the page and the print changes and molds into something new. The actual stamp is two hearts, yet it is the floral motif in the print that stands out.

For other tutorials for printing or adding designs to fabric, check out my other tutorials below:

Stencils – Using Stencils For Fabric Design

Freeze Paper Printing – Make A Half Moon Printed Pouch

Heat Transfer Vinyl – Make A Fun Canvas Pouch

Block Printing – Block Print Inspired Notebook

Great news. I recently published a blank journal on Amazon. The cover is a print I designed many years ago. Click here to see it on Amazon.