Turning linocut printing into a functional piece that everyone will be jealous of. This tutorial takes linocut printing one step further, showing you how to print on tote bags.
Background
The physical qualities of linocut, including bold contrast, graphic clarity, and tactile process, make it especially well-suited for printing on textiles like tote bags. In relief printing, ink transfers from the raised surface of the carved block and sits on top of the fabric rather than absorbing into it. This creates rich, opaque impressions with a slightly dimensional quality. Carved lines remain crisp, solid shapes hold their visual weight, and the texture of the fabric becomes part of the final image.
Unlike digital printing, which produces uniform results, linocut preserves the physical interaction between the artist, the block, and the fabric. Variations in pressure, ink coverage, and the weave of the tote bag create subtle differences in each impression. There are not mistakes, but evidence of the handmade process, reflecting the movement of the artist’s hand. This gives each tote bag a sense of individuality, making it feel like an object that was made rather than manufactured.
The carved block can also be reused, allowing artists to create multiple prints from the same surface and produce small editions while preserving the uniqueness of each print. Historically, relief printing has been used not only for fine art but also for textiles and everyday objects because of its adaptability and efficiency. Printing on tote bags continues this tradition, transforming a functional object into something expressive and personal.
What You’ll Need
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Plexiglass for rolling ink
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Tote bag (100% cotton)
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Cardboard, matboard, or scrap paper
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Baren, wood spoon, or hand burnisher
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Scrap paper or fabric for test printing
Handy Notes
Always Use Cardboard: Place a piece of cardboard inside the tote every time you print. This prevents ink from bleeding through to the other side and keeps the fabric flat.
Use Fabric-Safe Ink: Regular block printing inks can fade, crack, or wash out over time. Fabric-safe inks are designed to adhere to fibers and remain vibrant after washing. I use the Speedball Ultimate Fabric and Paper Block Printing Kit; it has great coverage and it’s reliable.
Applying Ink: When printing on tote bags, I apply a thicker layer of ink than I would on paper. Fabric is more absorbent, and a little extra ink ensures the print comes out bold and vibrant.
Test Before Printing: Always pull a test print on scrap fabric or paper before touching your final tote bag. This helps you check pressure, alignment, registration, and color.
Re-Ink Between Prints: If you’re printing multiple totes, make sure to reapply ik between each one. Consistent inking keeps every print looking bold and clear, rather than faded and uneven.
Use Masking Tape or a Pencil to Mark Placement: Lightly mark where you want your design on the tote using a pencil or masking tape. This helps with alignment and ensures your prints are centered.
Multi-Color Designs: Let each layer dry completely. Patience is key when layering colors. Allowing the previous layer to dry prevents smudging, color blending, or uneven transfers.
Let’s Get Printing
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Prepare Your Workspace: Lay your tote bag flat on a clean, sturdy surface. Smooth out any wrinkles and make sure it’s positioned exactly where you want the design. Insert a piece of cardboard, chipboard, or scrap paper inside the bag, underneath the printing area, to prevent ink from bleeding through to the other side. You can also tape the bag lightly at the edges to keep it from shifting while printing.
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Test Your Print: Before printing on the tote, pull a test print on scrap paper or fabric. This helps you check ink coverage, pressure, and registration. It also gives you a chance to see how the design will read at the final scale and avoid any surprises in your final piece.
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Ink the Linocut Block: Roll out a thin, even layer of fabric ink on a smooth surface like plexiglass or a palette. Use a brayer to apply the ink evenly to your linocut block. The surface should look glossy but not thick or puddled; too much ink can smear, and too little may leave gaps in the print.
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Position the Block: Carefully place the inked linocut face down onto the tote bag where you want the design to appear. Take a moment to make sure it’s straight, centered, and aligned with the bag’s edges. If you like, you can lightly mark placement with a pencil ot create a grid using masking tape for guidance.
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Apply Pressure: Using a barren, wooden spoon, or your hands, apply firm, even pressure across the entire block. Work slowly, paying attention to the edges and corners so that the ink transfers evenly. For larger designs, you can lift and check small sections to ensure complete coverage.
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Lift the Block Carefully: Peel the linocut block straight up to reveal the print. Avoid shifting or sliding the block while lifting to prevent smudging. If you notice small missed areas, you can touch them up with a small brush or stamp carefully.
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Let it Dry: Allow the ink to dry completely on a flat surface. Drying time will vary depending on the type of fabric ink used. Some inks may require heat setting with an iron or heat press to make the print permanent and washable (always check the manufacturer’s instructions
We hope you enjoy your brand new, handmade tote bag and that you learned a thing or two from this tutorial. You can find this and more in our independent publication Hands at Work that takes an inside look at the St. Petersburg, FL, creative community.
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We also offer private group workshops for anyone interested in learning linocut printmaking, bookbinding, or creative journaling, just like this. Perfect for friends, families, team events, and special occasions. Email us at DovetailStudioFL@gmail.com for more information.
