Block Printing

Block printing is a way of printing a pattern or picture by pressing an inked block onto paper or fabric. The design is carved into the block so the raised parts pick up the ink and the cut-away parts stay clean. It's one of the oldest printing methods in the world, and it's simple enough for children to enjoy straight away.

Woodblock printing uses a design carved into a block of wood. It has a long history in China and Japan, where artists made famous woodblock prints of landscapes and everyday life.

Hand block printing on fabric is a centuries-old tradition in India, where carved wooden blocks are used to print repeating patterns onto cotton and silk.

Lino printing, or linocut, uses a soft sheet of linoleum, which is easier to carve than wood.

Rubber and foam blocks are soft, quick to cut and great for beginners and younger children. Ready-made stamps work the same way.

First, squeeze a little ink onto a smooth, flat surface such as a sheet of glass or plastic. Roll it out with a small rubber roller called a brayer until it looks even and slightly sticky. Roll a thin layer onto your block, place it face down on your paper or fabric, then press firmly all over without letting it slide. Lift it straight up to see your print. Anything on the block prints back to front, so letters need to be carved as a mirror image. Line up the next print carefully and you can build a repeating pattern. Many fabric inks are fixed with a hot iron once dry, so the print lasts through the wash.

Your Activity Leader shows you how to ink up a block and make a clean print. You'll choose your blocks, practise on paper first and try out a few patterns and colours. Once you're happy, it's time to print onto something you can take home, such as a tote bag or tea towel. Wonky prints are all part of the handmade charm.

Yes, it's a lovely craft for all ages. Using ready-carved blocks means there's no sharp cutting, so younger children can join in, and the lift-and-reveal moment never gets old. It's a nice way to explore colour, shapes and pattern together. Ink can get everywhere, so wear clothes you don't mind getting a little messy.

You might also like Screen Printing, Tie Dye and Cyanotypes.

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