Print Your Own: A Step-by-Step Guide to Block Printing at Home
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How-To Block Print at Home
Featuring Tips, Tools & a Whole Lot of Creativity
There’s something deeply satisfying about rolling up your sleeves and creating something with your own two hands—especially when the result is a beautiful, personalized piece you can actually use. Block printing, an age-old technique rooted in India’s artisan traditions, is one of those crafts that feels equal parts art and meditation.
Whether you’re printing a cotton tea towel for your kitchen, designing a tote bag that turns heads at the farmer’s market, or simply looking for a creative outlet that doesn’t involve screens, block printing is accessible, fun, and full of charm.
Here’s how to block print at home—no experience needed!
🧰 What You’ll Need:
- A wooden block print
- Fabric paint (or just acrylic paint, if you’re working on paper)
- A small sponge
-
A blank cotton item like a tote or towel
(or even paper, if you want to create greeting cards, or wrapping paper) - A scrap of fabric or paper to test the print
- A hard surface
- A foam or padded printing mat
- Iron (to set fabric paint)
-
Soft bristle brush (to clean the block)
✨ Psst… want it all in one box? Our ready-to-go Block Print Kits at Quincy & Coco include everything you need. No hunting down supplies required.
Step 1: Prep Your Work Surface
Lay your fabric flat over a semi-soft base (like a foam mat) with a hard surface underneath. This helps create a clean imprint. Tape or pin down your fabric if it tends to shift—especially if you're working on something lightweight like a tea towel.
Step 2: Sponge, Don’t Soak
Pour a small amount of fabric paint into the lid of your jar or a shallow dish. Dab your sponge into the paint and press it gently a few times to distribute it evenly.
Pro tip: You want enough paint to get good coverage, but not so much that the details of your wood block blur. Practice on a scrap fabric or paper to get the feel!
Step 3: Ink the Block
Use the sponge to dab paint evenly across the raised surface of your wood block. Avoid globs or drips—too much paint will blur the design. But, not enough paint will give a faint impression.
Step 4: Press and Print
Place your inked block where you want the design to go. Then, give it a firm press and a solid tap on top to transfer the design. Don’t wiggle it—just a clean, confident stamp.
Pro tip: Test on scrap fabric or paper first if you're nervous. It’s part of the fun and gives you a feel for how the block handles.
Step 5: Let It Dry and Set It
Once your masterpiece is complete, allow it to dry completely. Then, flip it over and iron the reverse side to set the paint (if you’re working on fabric… paper projects can skip this step). This will help make your print more durable for real-life use.
Step 6: Clean Up
Rinse your wood block with lukewarm water and a soft brush. Avoid soaking it—wood and water don’t mix well long-term! Let it dry thoroughly before storing.
Endless Possibilities 🎨
Once you’ve got the hang of it, block printing is wonderfully addictive. Your wood block can be reused over and over again to create gift tags, wrapping paper, napkins, or greeting cards. Think of it as your signature print!
Ready to Try?
Whether you’re hosting a girls’ night in, planning a creative birthday party, or just craving a little hands-on joy, block printing is a project that meets you where you are. And if you want a zero-fuss, beautifully curated starting point, the Quincy & Coco Block Print Kit is the perfect place to begin.
Each kit is designed to be beginner-friendly and includes step-by-step instructions, high-quality materials, and artisan-crafted blocks—so you can create something truly meaningful, right from the heart (and your dining table).
Have questions or want to print with friends?
We love helping with bulk orders, custom kits, or even block printing party ideas. Just reach out: info@quincyandcoco.com
Let your creativity run wild—and remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. 🖤
