method #3
fi gure 8 fi gure 9
T
his is a super low-tech method of screen printing that is also a lot
of fun and works well as an art activity with children. It’s worth
exploring, especially if you have a limited budget.For this technique, assemble an embroidery hoop (I used a 7" one), fat quarter or so of
Speedball screen printing fabric (110 mesh) or a sheer polyester fabric, a paintbrush, Mod
Podge®, a foam brush, and screen printing ink.
TIP: Wooden embroidery hoops can be preserved by coating them with polyurethane.embroidery hoop
DIRECTIONS
- Cut the screen fabric about 3" larger
than the hoop—a 10" square will cover
a 7" hoop.
TIP: I use Speedball screen printing fabric
because it’s fairly inexpensive, produces reliable
results, and is durable. You can use an open
weave polyester fabric if you prefer, but may need
to experiment with diff erent weights/types of
fabric to fi nd one that works best for you. - Place the screen fabric in the hoop and
gently stretch it taut. - Using a paintbrush, create a design or
pattern with the Mod Podge on the
inside of the screen. The Mod Podge will
block the mesh of the screen, so only the
unpainted areas will print. Work slowly
and use an even layer of Mod Podge.
Allow the screen to dry completely.
TIP: Suspend the hoop on the edges of some
paint jars so it can dry from both sides. (fi gure 8) - Place the hoop on the fabric, dip a foam
brush into the paint, and paint over the
screen. (fi gure 9)
TIP: Vary the quality of the print by applying
heavy or light pressure with the foam brush. For a
more solid print, apply pressure to the side of the
brush without paint on it. - Continue printing, as desired.
- When you are done, remove the fabric
from the hoop, wash it out with water
and hang it to dry.
Often when people think of screen
printing, they think of neatly manicured
posters with perfect edges. That’s not how
I use this technique. I love to experiment
and enjoy seeing the variety of color,
texture, and line that can be made by
changing the paint, pressure, and repetition
of the screens. In fact, I always keep some
scrap fabric close by when I’m printing to
remove the excess paint from screens—it
can create the most interesting fabric of the
day. Just think—excess paint that would
have been wasted now has a wonderful life
as an exciting print.Enjoy learning and working with these
techniques. When you’re comfortable with
the process, experiment to fi nd the printing
method that best suits your artwork.
Screen printing has the potential to create
incredible texture. The sky’s the limit!screen printing
want to know more?
Go in depth with Lynn
on her Quilting Arts
Workshop™ video,
“Th ermofax Screen Printing
Essentials,” now available at
shop.quiltingdaily.com.Thermofax Screen Printing Essentials
with LYNN KRAWCZYKQuilting Arts workshop™
For Fabric, Paper, and Mixed-mediaFilmed on the Set of Quilting Arts TV