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DIY Block Print Pillows

In the past, artists had to use printing methods such as block printing to replicate an image without completely repainting it. While these methods are no longer necessary due to the capabilities of printers, block printing still creates beautiful images with a charming folk-art quality. Block printing is also an affordable alternative to more expensive printing and embellishing methods such as those created by machine. Creating beautiful designs on textiles such as pillows is simple and rewarding.

Things You'll Need

  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Lino block
  • India ink
  • Lino cutters with handles
  • Bench hook
  • Brayer
  • Inking plate
  • Fabric ink
  • Newspaper
  • Scrap fabric
  • Two pieces of fabric in desired shape and size for pillow
  • Sewing machine
  • Polyfill or other stuffing for pillow
  • Iron and ironing board
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Collect your materials. Iron the fabric and set aside.

    • 2

      Draw the design you wish to print on a piece of paper in soft graphite pencil, or directly on the lino block if the design is simple enough. Remember that your design will appear as a mirror image when you print it, so any lettering should appear backwards when you draw it.

    • 3

      Rub the soft graphite pencil on the back of the paper over the design you drew. Flip the paper so the design side is facing up and place it over the lino block. Trace the design. Check the block to make sure the image transferred.

    • 4

      Fill in the design with India ink. These parts will remain uncut, and thus appear as they will on the fabric.

    Cutting

    • 5

      Attach the beveled lino cutter to the handle. Align the bench hook on your work surface and put the lino block on the bench hook.

    • 6

      Cut around the edge of the design. Always cut away from yourself to prevent injury. Make sure to avoid cutting any filled-in areas.

    • 7

      Use the gouge tool to further cut away any parts that you do not wish to show as part of the design. Cut fairly deep to ensure a clear image.

    Printing

    • 8

      Squeeze a pea-sized amount of ink onto the ink plate. Roll over it in several directions with the brayer until it is a thin layer.

    • 9

      Place newspapers on the work surface. Lay a scrap of fabric on top to make a proof of the print.

    • 10

      Lay the block, design up, on the work surface. Roll the brayer in several directions over the surface of the block until the entire block is covered in a uniform thin layer of ink.

    • 11

      Turn the block over and press the inked side on the scrap fabric. Press firmly for a few seconds, then remove. If the results are satisfactory, move on to printing the fabric for the pillow in the same manner.

    • 12

      Remove the fabric from the paper after printing and hang to dry for 24 hours. Iron the design the next day to set the ink.

    Sewing

    • 13

      Tack the two pieces of fabric, right sides together.

    • 14

      Sew around the edges, using a 1/2-inch seam. Leave a 4-inch gap for stuffing.

    • 15

      Turn the pillow inside-out. Stuff with polyfill or desired stuffing. Hand sew the hole with a hidden stitch.

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