- 1). Draw a design on tracing paper with a pencil. Alternatively, trace a design from another source. Avoid adding a lot of small details that will be hard to carve.
- 2). Place the tracing paper sketch on the printing block, with the drawing side down. Rub the tracing paper with a pencil eraser or your fingernail to transfer the pencil's graphite to the block. Remove the tracing paper. Use a pencil to fill in any areas on the block that did not transfer legibly.
- 3). Cut around your image with a razor blade, leaving at least 1/2 inch of space on all sides. Carve around your image with linoleum tools. Carve away from yourself. Be careful to keep your other hand out of the way--linoleum tools are quite sharp!
- 4). Do a test print on a scrap of paper or fabric. Apply fabric ink to your block with a paintbrush or brayer. A brush is fine for small blocks and stamps, but a brayer allows you to roll an even coat of ink or paint on a large block. Press the inked side of the block down on the test surface. Apply firm, even pressure to the back of the block.
- 5). Look at the printed image to see if you need to make any corrections or carve additional areas.
- 6). Ink up your block to print on your tea towel. Follow the same procedure you used for your test print. Rinse your block off with water if the paint or ink starts to feel dry or sticky.
- 7). Follow the fabric paint manufacturer's direction regarding setting your paint on the tea towels. Many fabric paints require heat setting with an iron.
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