Fabric Block Printing Class

With Virginia Diaz Saiki

Please bring a simple, high-contrast 4" x 6" (or smaller) image to work from. 

Turn plain fabric into a custom-printed textile in this hands-on printmaking workshop. You’ll learn the full block printing process, from developing your design to carving your blocks, and finally taking home a two-color print and custom print block. We will guide you through how to translate your image onto two separate blocks, carve with confidence, and align (register) your design so each layer prints cleanly on fabric. Using simple, non-toxic materials, you’ll gain skills you can easily repeat and continue at home - no press required. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, discover a new creative art, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make & Take Home:

• You'll make a custom, two-color block print pattern on one yard of fabric. This is perfect for future sewing projects like pillows, tote bags, bandanas or clothing. You are also welcome to bring your own pre-washed, natural fiber fabric (cotton, linen, canvas) to print on.

• You'll take home your custom carved linoleum block so you can make prints on cards, fabric, notebooks, and more.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

• Designing a two-color print from a photo or drawing

• Transferring an image to linoleum blocks

• Safe and effective carving techniques using linocut tools

• Properly inking a block for even coverage

• Hand-printing on fabric without a press

• Aligning (registering) two blocks for a multi-color print

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

• Linocut carving tools, linoleum blocks, brayers (ink rollers), barens (for hand-printing), and bench hooks.

Class Outline:

1. Design & Prep: Introduction to linocut, translating your image into a two-color design, and transferring it to the blocks.

2. First Layer: Carving the first linoleum block, mixing ink, and printing the first color onto your fabric.

3. Second Layer: While the first layer dries, you'll carve the second block and learn how to register it perfectly to print the second color.

4. Wrap-Up: Review, tips for heat-setting ink at home, resource sharing, and Q&A.

Other Class Details:

• Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

• Class Capacity: 7 maximum, 3 minimum

• Materials Provided?: Bring a 4 x 6" image of what you'd like to print.

• Age Limit: 13+. Guardian required if under 18 (info)

• Partner Ticket Available?: Yes

• Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Be prepared to get a little dirty.