Essdee fabric block-printing ink, 100 ml

Print a repeating leaf pattern on a cotton bag or your own design on a cushion cover. Essdee Fabric Block Printing Ink is a thick, water-based ink for lino and block printing on fabric. The heat-set print feels soft to the touch. You receive one 100 ml tube in your chosen colour, rather than a five-colour set.

Choose your colour and materials

Choose black, white, red, blue or yellow. Colours in this range can be mixed together. Make a small test mixture, for example with white for a lighter tint, and record the proportions if you want to repeat a pattern. For best results, 100% cotton is recommended; a coarse weave can give a less even print. Use a suitable carving block and fabric ink roller, such as Essdee MasterCut and the Essdee Fabric Printing Roller. Block, roller, tools and fabric are needed separately.

Print your own pattern

Design a simple shape with clear printed and unprinted areas. Lettering prints in reverse, so allow for this when carving. Roll a small amount of ink evenly on an ink tray, then apply a thin layer to the raised parts of the block. Make a test print on a scrap of the same fabric first. Press evenly without sliding the block, then lift it carefully. Place cardboard or paper between layers of bags and other layered textiles to prevent ink soaking through. For a repeating pattern, mark the spacing before printing.

Dry, heat-set and care

Let the print dry completely. Drying time depends on ink thickness, fabric and conditions. Then iron the reverse of the image for 4 minutes without steam, moving the iron across the whole design. Check beforehand that the fabric can be ironed. Once heat-set, wash at up to 40 °C within the fabric’s care instructions. Wash and iron from the reverse; repeated washing can fade the design. Clean tools after use with soap and water, and do not leave a roller soaking.

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