Category: BLOG

Printing linoleum cut relief blocks onto t-shirts and other fabric

So since about 2012 I have been experimenting with printing on t-shirts with relief blocks.  Its been a lot of fun and usually its the only thing I can sell from my art shows.  So its my art that people can support.  I really do enjoy it and I am getting it down to a science. 

The first step is to actually carve your block.  I draw my image to the block and then trace with sharpie and carve it out.  I plan my blocks out before I carve them.  I tend to work in black and white. So my block is carved and I inked up my block with drive by black.

 This is a detail shot of what the ink is supposed to look like.  Its a bit more than what you are supposed to use for relief printing.  Almost like an orange peel consistency.

So when you get your shirt lay it out on the press and put newsprint in between the front and back of the shirt. 

  I also tuck in the sleeves and fold them in half.  Make sure they don’t go under where you will be printing or the ink won’t be as consistently printed.

You can also run it through the press to flatten it out.  Make sure you keep the printing area flat so you won’t get wrinkles.  That will ruin a printed shirt.

For larger sized shirts make sure you print 3 or 4 fingers down from the bottom of the collar and the top of the design for a front chest design.  You don’t have to print front chest.  You can print anywhere on the shirt you want. 

Mist the shirt with a spray bottle with some water.  

Put the block on your shirt carefully.  Once you set it down don’t adjust it or move it.  Leave it where it is or else it will smudge.

Crank it through the press!  Don’t use too much pressure.  A 1/4 turn more than your would for a normal lino print on paper.

A finished product!  Here it is!  It came out great and it is drying in the studio. 

Linocut printmaking is a versatile and accessible form of printmaking that has been popular among artists for over a century. It involves carving a design into a sheet of linoleum, applying ink to the carved surface, and transferring the inked design onto paper. The resulting prints can range from simple and graphic to highly detailed and nuanced, and the medium offers endless possibilities for experimentation and exploration.

Linocut printmaking has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century, when artists began experimenting with the medium as an alternative to more traditional printmaking techniques like woodcut and etching. One of the pioneers of linocut printmaking was the German artist Emil Orlik, who used the medium to create striking graphic designs that drew on elements of Japanese woodblock prints and Art Nouveau. In the decades that followed, linocut printmaking gained popularity among artists around the world, with notable practitioners including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and David Hockney.

To create a linocut print, the artist starts with a sheet of linoleum, which is a soft, rubbery material that can be easily carved with a variety of cutting tools. The linoleum can be purchased pre-mounted on a wooden block, or the artist can mount it onto a block themselves using glue or double-sided tape. Once the linoleum is mounted, the artist can begin carving the design into the surface using gouges, knives, or other cutting tools. It’s important to work slowly and carefully, as mistakes cannot be easily corrected once the linoleum has been carved.

After the design has been carved, the linoleum block is inked using a roller or brayer. The ink is spread evenly across the surface of the block, being careful not to apply too much or too little. Once the block is fully inked, a sheet of paper is placed on top and gently pressed down, transferring the inked design onto the paper. The paper is then carefully lifted off the block to reveal the finished print.

One of the great things about linocut printmaking is the range of effects that can be achieved by varying the carving technique and the ink application. By carving shallow or deep lines into the linoleum, the artist can create areas of varying tone and texture in the final print. Similarly, by applying the ink thinly or thickly, the artist can create prints that range from light and delicate to bold and dramatic.

Another advantage of linocut printmaking is its accessibility. Unlike other forms of printmaking that require expensive equipment or specialized training, linocut can be done with relatively simple tools and materials. This makes it an ideal medium for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced printmakers.

Overall, linocut printmaking is a versatile and rewarding medium that offers endless possibilities for creativity and expression. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner just starting out, linocut printmaking is a great way to explore your creativity and produce beautiful, unique works of art.