Block Printing....

  A zoomed in detailed drawing of an ikat pattern (watercolour pencils, coloured ink)

Taking inspiration from the book 'From Print to Stitch' by Janet Edmonds I thought it would be a great idea to create a block print from this drawing...

 

Above (left) the block print created onto a thin piece of card with raised sections of foam board shapes from the original drawing. To enhance detail I added thin textures, for example sequins, thin string and rice. To add more line to the piece I scored and peeled away sections of the foam board, any peeled away section will be picked up by the ink. Above (right) is the outcome onto fabric, adding colour to the varnished block print isn't easy as you need to use a cloth to spread ink into all the hard to reach areas. You can never really get neat areas of colour when using a cloth, however care when applying the ink is needed (ensuring the ink isn't too sparse or blobby). The above print was printed through the etching press (this did flatten the foam slightly)

Left is the same block print however inked up using a roller. As you can see this can easily be repeated and lined up to create a repeatative pattern, just like ikat patterned fabric.

Stitching into the fabric will enhance the print, pattern and colour!