There is nothing quite like the feeling of gifting something that looks expensive but costs pennies to make. DIY stamped tea towels offer that perfect “boutique” look without the high price tag. Imagine wrapping up a set of custom, linen-style towels that look like they came straight from a high-end home store.
As a busy mom of three, I am always on the hunt for homemade teacher gifts that people actually want to use. I used to think block printing required expensive presses and an art degree. But after a few nap-time experiments, I realized how simple and satisfying hand carved stamps can be.
If you are worried about the mess, you might be asking, Does fabric block printing ink wash out? The answer is no, provided you follow my simple heat-setting trick! This tutorial for easy linocut Christmas ideas uses soft rubber blocks, so it is safe, fun, and totally beginner-friendly.
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished DIY Stamped Tea Towels, folded neatly with a sprig of rosemary and red baker’s twine, styled on a rustic wooden table with holiday greenery.]
🎁 Free Download: Holiday Shapes Template
Make this craft way easier! Click here to download my free PDF template so you get the perfect shape every time. I have included simple trees, stars, and holly leaves that are perfect for beginners.
📝 Key Materials
Before we dive into the full supply list, here are the heavy hitters you need to grab: Speedy-Carve Rubber Block (Pink), Speedball Lino Cutter, Fabric Block Printing Ink, Flour Sack Towels.
Supplies & Equipment
Consumables:
- Soft Rubber Carving Block (Pink “Speedy-Carve” is best).
- Fabric Block Printing Ink (Oil-based washable).
- Cotton Flour Sack Tea Towels (Pre-washed).
- Parchment paper.
Tools:
- Lino Cutter Tool with blades.
- Soft Rubber Brayer (Roller).
- Inking Plate (A piece of glass or an old picture frame works).
- Iron (For heat setting).
- Pencil and Paper.
How to Make Custom Block Printed Towels
Step 1: Design and Transfer
Start with a very simple design. Think of basic geometric shapes like triangles for trees, or simple circles for citrus slices. Block printing for beginners works best when you keep the lines clean and uncluttered.
Draw your design on paper first. Place your rubber block on top of your drawing and trace it. Remember the “Backwards Rule”: if you include text or specific directions, your image will print in reverse!
Step 2: Carve the Rubber Block
This is the most satisfying part of the process. We use a soft pink block instead of hard gray linoleum to save your hands from cramping.
Use the “V” shaped blade to carve the outline of your shape first. Always carve away from your body and keep your holding hand behind the blade. Once the outline is done, switch to the wider “U” blade to clear away the background rubber.
📸 [Image-2: A close-up, over-the-shoulder shot showing hands using the V-gouge tool to carve a simple Christmas tree outline into the pink rubber block.]
Step 3: Ink Your Block
Squeeze a dime-sized amount of ink onto your glass or plastic tray. Use your brayer (roller) to roll the ink out until it is smooth and even.
Listen for the “Velcro Sound.” When the ink is the right consistency, the roller will make a sticky, sizzling noise. Roll the ink onto your carved stamp, ensuring even coverage on the raised design.
📸 [Image-3: A macro shot of the rubber brayer rolling black ink onto the pink stamp, highlighting the texture of the ink.]
Step 4: Stamp the Fabric
Lay your flour sack towel flat on a hard surface. Place a piece of scrap paper underneath the fabric to catch any bleed-through.
Press the inked stamp firmly onto the towel. Apply pressure evenly with the palm of your hand, but do not wiggle it. Lift the stamp straight up to reveal your crisp print!
Step 5: Cure and Heat Set
This step is critical for flour sack towels DIY success. Let the ink dry completely for 24 hours.
Once dry, place a piece of parchment paper over the design. Run a hot iron (no steam) over the design for 3-5 minutes. This locks the ink into the fibers so it lasts through the wash.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
*Does fabric block printing ink wash out?*
No, not if you treat it correctly! The secret is the heat-setting process. Once you iron the dried ink, it becomes permanent and safe for the washing machine.
*What is the difference between rubber block and linoleum?*
Traditional linoleum is hard, brittle, and difficult to carve without heating it first. For this speedy carve tutorial , we use soft rubber blocks. They are much safer for beginners and cut smoothly like an eraser.
*How to heat set ink on fabric?*
Set your iron to the highest heat setting suitable for cotton. Turn off the steam. Place parchment paper over your dry print and iron continuously for 3 to 5 minutes to cure the ink.
*What are the safest lino cutters for beginners?*
Speedball cutters with a pull-style handle are standard. However, the most important safety tip is your technique. Always carve away from yourself and keep your non-carving hand behind the cutting blade.
Final Thoughts
I hope this how to use speedball fabric ink guide gives you the confidence to try printmaking! Once you start rubber block printing on fabric , you won’t want to stop. These towels make incredible gifts for neighbors, teachers, and family members.
Happy crafting!
Nancy
