Essentially, block printing is stamping an inked patterned surface on fabric to leave an impression. It can be used to create colours, patterns or styles of fabrics that are otherwise unobtainable, but quite characteristic of the country make-do ethic. For colour, fabric printing inks such as those for screen printing are suitable for most types of blocks. You can also use acrylic folk art paints mixed with fabric medium, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For very finely detailed rubber stamps, however, there are colourfast ink pads and stamping inks designed for fabric.

Then you heat-set the colour as directed to ensure the print is permanent. For the best results use prewashed, smooth-textured, 100 per cent cotton fabric with the right surface underneath – and this varies. For very detailed blocks such as rubber stamps, a smooth hard surface is essential, just as it is for paper. For many others, a slightly padded surface gives superior results. For the wooden blocks used here, a table padded with one or two layers of cotton batting and newspaper over the top was found to be ideal. As the ink often bleeds through the fabric, protect the surface adequately and set aside a largish fabric scrap for testing the techniques as you go.

To apply the colour to the block, experiment to find the best method for each one. It can be brushed with colour on a paintbrush, dabbed on an ink pad or rolled with a loaded rubber roller among others. Re-ink the block between each print and ensure there are no surplus blobs to spoil the effect. Press the block down evenly on the fabric and lift it straight off to get a clear print. If the block surface is curved, rock it a little to print the edges. If you want a repeating or all-over pattern, find ways to match one block print to the next. Try ruling a chalk line to follow, putting a mark on the block to align with the printed area or using a ruler or tape measure to place each print. And remember, hand-printed fabric isn’t meant to look machine-made!