Block printing onto fabric is one of the most satisfying and accessible ways to create genuinely unique textile pieces — and the Essdee Fabric Lino Printing Kit contains everything needed to get started with no additional purchases required. Carefully assembled by Essdee, a British manufacturer with decades of experience in printmaking materials, every component in this kit has been specifically selected or developed for fabric printing rather than simply repackaged from a standard paper lino kit. That distinction matters — fabric printing has specific requirements that standard lino printing equipment does not always meet.
The centrepiece of the kit is Essdee MasterCut — a soft, flexible, easy-to-carve synthetic block material that cuts cleanly and smoothly with far less effort than traditional lino, making it accessible for complete beginners while still delivering the precision and detail that more experienced printmakers need. Three sheets are included: one at 150x100mm for larger designs and two at 100x100mm for smaller motifs or pattern repeat work. The two included lino cutters — a No.1 for fine detail and outline work, and a No.4 for clearing larger areas — cover the range of cuts needed for most designs, all fitted into the aluminium-ferrule lino handle provided.
The ink is the element that most specifically distinguishes this as a fabric kit. The 100ml pot of Essdee Fabric Block Printing Ink is a highly viscous, water-based ink specially formulated to bond with textile fibres. Applied to fabric and heat-set with a dry iron, it produces a bold, vivid print that is soft and flexible to the touch and will withstand regular machine washing at up to 40°C. The Essdee Fabric Roller — 100mm wide and made with an absorbent formulation that picks up and transfers fabric ink far more effectively than a standard hard rubber brayer — applies the ink evenly to the block surface before printing. The ink tray, printing blanket, and instruction booklet complete the kit.
For best results, print onto 100% cotton fabric — t-shirts, tote bags, cushion covers, tea towels, and scarves all work particularly well. Fabric with mixed fibres or synthetic content will produce less consistent results.
Kit contents: 1x 100ml Essdee Fabric Block Printing Ink (black), 3x MasterCut sheets (1 @ 150x100mm, 2 @ 100x100mm), 2x lino cutters (No.1 and No.4), 1x lino handle with aluminium ferrule, 1x 100mm fabric printing roller, 1x ink tray (240x200mm), 1x printing blanket, 1x instruction booklet.
What fabric is best for lino printing with this kit? 100% cotton gives the best results — the ink bonds cleanly to natural cotton fibres and the print is bold, clear, and durable after heat setting and washing. Mixed fibre and synthetic fabrics produce less consistent results. Pre-wash and iron the fabric before printing for the cleanest surface.
How do you make the print permanent on fabric? Once the ink has dried for a few minutes after printing, iron the back of the printed fabric on a dry, non-steam setting for approximately four minutes. This heat-sets the ink, making it wash-resistant and permanent. Once heat-set, the fabric can be machine-washed at up to 40°C.
Is MasterCut easier to carve than traditional lino? Yes — MasterCut is a synthetic material specifically designed to be significantly softer and easier to cut than traditional lino. It requires less pressure and produces cleaner cuts with less effort, making it more accessible for beginners and more comfortable for extended carving sessions.
Can different colours be used? Yes — additional colours of Essdee Fabric Block Printing Ink are available separately and can be intermixed to create custom shades. Print with one colour, allow to dry and heat-set, then overprint with a second colour for multi-colour designs.
Is it suitable for children? The lino cutters are sharp tools and are not suitable for unsupervised use by young children. The kit is recommended for adults and older children with supervision. Always carve away from the body and keep the spare hand behind the blade.
