How to make a linocut print

Linocut printing (or lino printing) is a printmaking technique that dates back to the early 1900s. Back then linoleum floor sheets were used to create the printing plate, but nowadays there are more user-friendly options available. Lino printing is a fun technique that is easy enough for even a novice to use! There are so many possibilities when you learn how to make a linocut print and create amazing artworks using different colours, patterns, mark-making, reduction printing (creating multiple printing plates out of a single sheet of lino), layering of prints and more. In today’s blog post we will be showing you an easy way of creating a lino print by hand, without the use of a printing press. We will be demonstrating using the Schmincke water-based lino ink in Ultramarine blue.

What you will need to make a lino print:
– a sheet of lino (we have used the soft, grey/black kind)
– pencil and permanent marker
– lino cutting tool
– lino ink
– brayer (hard rubber roller)
– sheet of glass (or something similar)
– paper
– metal spoon (such as a soup spoon or table spoon)

Lino printing is a fun and accessible way to create bold, graphic artworks, but preparation and clean-up are just as important as the printing itself. Always protect your work surface with newspaper, scrap paper or a plastic sheet, and wear an apron or old clothes since ink can stain. Have a damp cloth or wet wipes nearby for quick clean-ups. When you’re finished printing, clean your rollers, blocks and tools straight away with warm soapy water if using water-based ink, or follow the manufacturer’s directions for oil-based inks. Proper care ensures your tools last and your workspace stays manageable.

Clever Tip: Turning Lino Printing into Profitable Market-Ready Textiles

If you’ve got lino printing skills, textiles are one of the most cost-effective ways to turn your art into income. A single carved lino block can be reused endlessly to print repeat patterns on fabric like tablecloths, runners, napkins, or cushion covers. All you need are blank textiles, fabric inks, and a simple printing station, and suddenly you’ve got a whole home décor line that feels unique, handmade, and higher-end than mass-produced goods. You could even mix and match blocks to create seasonal designs (Christmas, Easter, spring florals) and offer limited “runs” to keep customers coming back. What’s thrifty here is the reusability—once you carve a block, it’s an asset that keeps generating income with every pull on fabric.

Beyond textiles, you can carve smaller blocks into stamps and sell them as DIY tools for crafters who want to make their own wrapping paper, gift tags, or journals. At markets, set up a stall that shows both your finished products (cushions, cloths, printed bags) and interactive demos—people love seeing the process and will often buy more when they’ve watched the work being done. You can stretch profits by combining lino prints with upcycled or thrifted fabrics, turning old linens into fresh, hand-printed products. Clever extras include offering custom “print your own tea towel” experiences at your stall, or bundling products together (like a cushion + set of coasters) to increase spend per customer. With a bit of creativity, lino printing lets you multiply one skill into a whole eco-friendly, affordable product range that stands out in markets.