Textile Printing with Iron Ink

Properties & Qualities

Application

Accessories Clothing Furnishing Product

Qualities

2D Opaque

Colour

Black Blue

Sample Information

Date of Creation

April 27th, 2023

Dimensions

60 x 40 cm

Culture & Context

Block printing onto fabrics is a traditional printing process. I’ve use a carved wood block with simple shapes onto natural unbleached Linen. The linen has been treated with a mordant prior to printing to prolong colour fastness. The iron ink for this process has been made in the studio using a blend of chemical water, manutex, gallnut and iron (see previous entries.) After printing the fabric can be over dyed to create more range of coloured fabrics.

Process & Production

Iron the fabric on a printing table – my table is covered in layers of wadding so its slightly spongy this will give a better print. Pin or tape the fabric down so it stays in place but doesn’t stretch, as this will distort your print. Before using the ink mix with an electric blender to prevent lumps. Brush the ink onto a tightly made sponge or square of foam for example I use old upholstery foam. Make sure there is a tray or piece of wood to protect the table from any ink coming through the other side of the sponge. Lightly dab the block onto the sponge ensuring there is an even coverage. The first print always looks strange so have a scrap piece to test before printing onto larger pieces. Place the block ink side down onto the fabric and bang the block with the heel of your hand to ensure there is enough contact between the block and fabric. Repeat, each time loading the block with ink. As the print develops cover with plastic to slow down the drying time. This will help the ink seep down into the fabric and create a strong print. The ink will develop and darken slightly as it dries. Once I’ve finished printing I roll up in plastic and leave overnight to dry. When dry I rinse the fabric in lots of cold water.