Design Preparation for Embroidery Hoop Screen Print

If one is new to screen printing, it is important to recognize that a design must be created in reverse and is, therefore, somewhat counter intuitive. Thus, the instructions that follow are based on a very simple design that looks the same, even if it is reversed. If lettering is to be screen, letters must be written in reverse; otherwise, the image will be like trying to read words in a mirror.

The simple design chosen was the outline of a dress form.

MATERIALS:
Embroidery hooped screen (see instructions in blog entry dated 5/26/2010)Paper
Heavy leaded pencil
Duct tape
Scissors

1) Sketch a design with pencil on paper.

2) Place the embroidery hoop screen on top of the sketch with the screening material touching the sketch.

3) Trace the sketch onto the screening material with dark pencil. In this example a stand shape has been added to the design after the original sketch was traced. This was drawn freehand and directly onto the screen. In the next view arrows have been drawn to add visual interest to this very simple design.

4) Cut 4" to 5" strips of duct tape. Press the strips around the entire edge of the screen and up the sides of the wooden hoop. This process creates a barrier between the hoop frame and the area that will be masked and silk screened with ink or paint. If not tape is affixed, wayward mask and/or ink may become caught between the screen and the fabric and this can compromise future screens with cross color contamination.

4) After the edges of the screen and the inside of the hoop have duct tape securely finger pressed in place, use scissors to cut away the excess duct tape that extends above the rim of the hoop. Note: Use all purpose scissors to cut the tape. Do not use good, fabric scissors.

5) Turn the hooped frame over. Once again, cut 4" to 5" strips of duct tape and affix them around the entire edge of the screen and the edge of hoop.

6) There is no need to carry the tape up this wooden side of the hoop. After the duct tape has been securely finger pressed to the screen and wooden edge of the hoop, use craft scissors to trim away excess duct tape.

7) After the excess tape has been cut away, the hoop will look like this on the reverse side:
8) Turn the hooped screen over.

9) Use fabric scissors to cut away the excess screening fabric. This may remain uncut; however, the excess material tends to become unwieldy when masking out the image.

10) . The top of the screen frame will look like this:

11) The reverse of the screen will look like this:
The embroidery hooped screen is now ready for masking. More fun lies ahead. Check back tomorrow for an update and instructions on how to mask a silk screen with ordinary exterior latex house paint.

Quilts on the Wall