Linocut Printing on T-shirts for YouTube Merch

Here's my step by step on how you can create your own YouTube merch by linocut printing on T-shirts. They can be hand-printed, cured and ready to post on the same day!

Recently, I designed my own linocut print for my first ever YouTube merch. My channel is all about DIY, so this felt more fitting than selling tees through Teespring.

You can find a fuller tutorial here: https://thecarpentersdaughter.co.uk/diy/linocut-pr...

Supplies

Ipiccy (free online editing software): https://ipiccy.com/

A4 Tracing paper: https://amzn.to/38Je5tT

A4 Clipboard: https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

2B pencil: https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

Japanese cutting tools for wood and lino: https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

Softcut lino: https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

Lino cutting set: https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

Permaset Black Aqua screenprinting ink: https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

Permaset Supercover White screenprinting ink: https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

Essdee sponge roller (MY 2ND FAVOURITE): https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

B&Q mini 2.5" roller: https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

Textile roller TECHNICALLY MY LEAST FAVOURITE ROLLER: https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

Icing sugar rolling pin: https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

Clothes steamer: https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

Clothes rail: https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

Omnigrid board: https://amzn.to/2HMfwvU

Hairdryer Non-steam iron or heat tunnel

Step 1: Tracing Your Image.

First, you need your own artwork. This could be a hand drawing or something you've taken a picture of and turned it black and white.

Here, I have a print out facing the correct way, which I then attached to a clipboard and fixed tracing paper on top. Then drew around the image with a 2B pencil.

If you have a pencil drawing on paper already, then skip to the next step.

Step 2: Transfer Your Drawing to Lino

Now place your drawing or traced out drawing face down on the lino you are planning to carve out of.

Secure with masking tape, and rub over everywhere with the back of the spoon. Keep checking every now and then to see if it has fully transferred, making sure you haven't moved your image or lino. (The masking tape helps).

Step 3: Carve Out Your Pattern.

First, you'll see that I coloured in the areas I didn't want to carve, with a marker pen. This was to ensure I didn't get confused.

Then using the lino cutting tools, carve out the outline of your image with the finest tool initially. For larger areas, use a slightly bigger tool, like a gouge.

If you want to cut out your shape, it's easier to carve around the edge first, before cutting with scissors.

Step 4: Inking Your Finished Linocut

Now it's time to ink your linocut. Here, I'm using a foam roller and an ink tray with Permaset. Permaset isn't quick setting until you blast it with a hairdryer, so I have time here to roll ink on my pattern.

Roll the ink in every direction until fully covered, but keep baby wipes at hand just in case you get it on your work surface, fingers and carved out areas that may transfer.

Step 5: Press Down on Your Fabric

Here, I've laid a pure cotton t-shirt out and placed some card inside to prevent ink running to the other side.

Then line up your design on the t-shirt (or hoodie or tote bag), then roll on the back with an icing sugar roller for pressure. Again, in every direction.

Step 6: Reveal Your Print

Now slowly peel off your linocut to reveal your image.

Step 7: Hair Dry

Now blast with a hairdryer to remove all moisture. Note, in this canvas bag, I sandwiched padding inside as the superfine fabric needs it for a better transfer, unlike tees that are already quite soft.