techniques

Vegetable Block Printing

Block printing is the process of printing onto fabric or paper using a hand-cut block, usually made of wood. Carve the block, apply ink and the printing fun begins.

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08 Aug 2021

TLDR 🔗

Block printing technique is super fun and easy once you know the basics.

You can print fabric, paper or whatever, just pick the right type of ink.

Wood blocks are longer lasting so that can be printed again and again. But if you’re not creating a huge edition of prints, vegetable or fruit block is the way to go.

What's block printing? 🔗

Block printing is the process of printing onto fabric or paper using a hand-cut block, usually made of wood.

After carving the block, applying ink, then printing begins. Hence, the name block printing.

A two thousand years technique probably originated in China, where it remained the most common printing method for books and images until the 1800s.

Long time ago, block printing fabric was common, most often onto silk cloths.

It wasn’t until relatively recently that it was eventually adapted to paper.

Relief Printing is called. A raised surface covered with paint or ink is used to make relief prints.

Wood block vs other block materials 🔗

Generally, linoleum block is use but we like to be enviroment conscious so we discourage and oppose that.

To carve into wood blocks, you need a proper set of tools.

Wood carving tools can be expensive since they have two be stronger, sharper, etc.

Wood blocks are longer lasting compared to veggies so that can be printed again and again.

But if you’re not creating a huge edition of prints, vegetable or fruit block is the way to go – especially when it comes to smaller crafting projects.

You can get some useful tool set to prepare blocks here

And get the proper fabric color to make sure your work wont disapper at first wash. Or a whole 40 Colors Fabric Paint Set.

Vegetable printing 🔗

Create unique fabric prints with veggies. Veggies printing is a simple art that even small children can try out.

Block printing is a good educational activity to teach patterns and exploring the world around you. And it’s a great activity for kids of all ages.

You need only some vegetables, a piece of cloth and fabric paints to make the print.

Vegetables can be cut lengthwise or breadth wise to make beautiful patterns of flowers, leaves, etc. according to your ideas. Capsicums, onions, potatoes, mushrooms...

Potato is a favourite vegetable of many. Just like the clay and wooden blocks, you can carve things on a potato.