Lino Print Bag

Step 1Use a pencil and ruler to draw an asymmetrical grid onto A4 paper, making sure each section is at least 5 x 7cm. Sketch a simple design into each section.
Step 2Once you are happy with your design, flip the paper over and cover the back of your grid and designs with pencil. Lay the paper, with your design facing up, onto the piece of Lino. Trace over the grid and each design, pressing down firmly. Lift the paper carefully from one corner to check the design has transferred to the Lino before removing the paper.
CleverTip: If your design includes words, tracing paper is a better way of transferring - you will need the words to be reversed onto your Lino Tile so they print the right way around!
Step 3Take the small ‘v’ Lino tool and use this to carve around the outline of each design. Adult supervision is recommended when using Lino Tools. Always keep one hand firmly on the tool and ensure your other hand stays behind the tool.
Step 4Work out which areas of the design you want to carve away. We have chosen to carve out the background. Use the large ‘U’ Lino tool to carve out large sections.
Step 5Use the small ‘v’ tool to carve out any smaller details in your design.
Step 6When your design is complete, cut out the sections of your grid. Adult supervision is recommended when using scissors. This will allow you to easily use different colours for each piece of the design.
Step 7Choose a colour of printing ink. Tape a piece of acetate onto your work surface and pour a small amount of the ink onto the surface. Use the Lino roller to spread the ink out by rolling horizontal and vertical lines. You only need to roll a square as wide as the roller to avoid any ink wastage.
Step 8Once your roller is loaded with ink, roll it over the surface of your first carved Lino piece. If you are using multiple colours on one piece, ensure you only cover the section you want printed in that colour. Ink any additional colours on the Lino piece until the design is covered. Make sure you clean and dry the roller between each colour of ink.
Step 9Put scrap paper inside the cotton bag to avoid any bleed through as you print. Place your Lino piece, with the design facing down, onto the cotton bag according to your overall design. Press on the back of the Lino firmly with your hands. Carefully peel the Lino from the bag to reveal your section of printed design.
Step 10Repeat steps 7 and 8 with each of your Lino pieces until your design is fully printed on the bag.
Step 11Allow the bag to dry completely before removing the scrap paper from inside the bag. Run a hot iron over your design. Adult supervision is recommended when using an iron. This will set your design slightly, however as we are using water-based ink, the bag cannot be washed. Since the ink may run if it gets wet, we recommend only using this bag as a gift bag or for carrying items such as books or clothes.
Step 12Your Lino Print Bag is now ready to use or gift!