How to Make a Lino Print Stocking

Download and print the two templates below onto A4 photocopy paper in black and white. Once printed cut along the black line with scissors or a paper trimmer, you can trim directly around the circle shaped template.

Each template should be A5 sized and fit perfectly onto one piece of Lino per template.

Template Download 1.pdf

Template Download 2.pdf

Flip the floral template over to the non-printed side, and using a pencil scribble across the entire back of the design.

Tape the template, with the side covered in pencil touching the lino and the printed side facing you.

Using a pencil, trace across the entire floral design. Add lots of thick, heavy pressure and this will transfer the graphite underneath onto the piece of lino.

Directly trace around the circle template onto the second piece of lino, holding it in place as you draw – don’t worry about this being perfect, it should have a nice irregular shape!

Remove the template once fully transferred.

Now begin carving the floral design! Using a lino cutting tool with interchangeable blades, start with the smallest tip to cut around the outline of the design.

Use a push and scoop motion. It doesn’t take much pressure it cut deep into the surface.

Safety Note! It's important to keep the hand that's not cutting, behind the blade - this will steady the lino in place and ensure you don't accidentally cut into your hand.

Continue to change through the blades to cut away the fine details and use the largest blade to cut away all the excess round the outside.

We are cutting away the original colour of the lino and leaving our pencil marks in tact – these are the bits that will be printed.

Safety Note! It's important to keep the hand that's not cutting, behind the blade - this will steady the lino in place and ensure you don't accidentally cut into your hand.

Repeat the process on the second piece of lino. Cut and trim around the circle shape.

Safety Note! It's important to keep the hand that's not cutting, behind the blade - this will steady the lino in place and ensure you don't accidentally cut into your hand.

Squeeze white block printing ink into a printing tray and using an ink roller, spread the ink across the tray in multiple directions until there is an even coating of colour across the roller.

Top tip: Block printing ink has a thick texture and only a small amount is needed. It might take a few minutes to roller into a smooth consistency.

Time to print the first layer! Roll ink across the smooth side of the circle shaped lino, making sure an even layer of colour is achieved.

Carefully place the circle ink side down onto the stocking, using your hands add lots of pressure to transfer the ink from the lino to the linen.

Re-ink the stamp and repeat across the full stocking in an irregular pattern, rotating the shape each time.

Top tip: Use a clean roller to add even pressure across the lino to create the most even print.

Time to print the second layer! Roll ink across the cut side of the floral lino, making sure an even layer of colour is achieved.

Since this layer is more intricate, try a test print on scrap paper and if there are any imperfections trim these away with the lino cutting tool.

Once happy with the design, place the lino ink side down onto the stocking and using your hands add lots of pressure to transfer the ink onto to the linen.

Re-ink the stamp and repeat across the full stocking in an irregular pattern, rotating the shape each time.

Allow 24 full to dry and enjoy using your hand-printed stocking every year!

Add a stuffed letter charm to personalise a stocking for every family member.