Beginner’s Guide to Linocut

Introduction

What is linocut?

Fine art versus craft versus illustration

Tools and Materials

Cutting tools

Additional tools

Lino

Using your cutting tools

Printing inks

Papers

Your workspace

Techniques

1Draw

2Cut

3Print

4Repeat

 

Projects

1. Pattern Sampler
2. Dragonfly Quartet
3. From Photograph to Print
4. Printing Text
5. Two-tone Teapot
6. Leaf Print Wrapping Paper
7. Greeting Cards
8. Seed Packets
9. Jam Jar Labels and Lids
10. Printed Fabric Wash Bag

Templates and Motifs

Index

About Susan Yeates

Susan Yeates is an artist, author, podcast host and TEDx speaker. She has written and self-published four books including Learning Linocut (2011), an Amazon no. 1 bestseller, and Learn to Earn from Printmaking An essential guide to creating and marketing a printmaking business (2016). Susan's first title for Search Press, Beginner's Guide to Linocut, was published in 2018.

Susan obtained a fine art, printmaking degree from Loughborough University and has been teaching art courses and workshops both in person and online since 2003. She also co-runs a pottery café in Woking, Surrey. Susan’s TEDx talk, Create your mandala universe collaborate for a beautiful life, was broadcast in 2020.

Susan runs an annual 30-day sketching challenge every January through her website susanyeates.co.uk and on Instagram (@learninglinocut) and Facebook, encouraging people to develop a daily sketching habit. 

Susan lives and works in Woking in Surrey, UK, and continues to teach printmaking and sketching through online courses. Susan is passionate about inspiring others to get creative and also hosts a podcast called Creativity Talks. 

Customer review

After seeing several works of linocut art, it was something that I wanted to try, and so Susan Yeates book is a must for all those looking for a comprehensive guide. It starts right at the beginning, explaining exactly what linocut art is and its history even Pablo Picasso used linocut as part of his work. I found the section on Tools and Materials especially helpful, as walking into an art and craft shop and being confronted with so many different sizes of cutting tools, lino, papers and printing inks can be daunting, but Susan explains exactly what they are all for, thereby taking the guesswork out of what you need. Another invaluable chapter is Your Workspace - reading this chapter before beginning is a must, as it will ensure an organised and less messy way of working, and will remove any frustration when trying to produce prints. Having never tried lino cutting before, the techniques and tips make it easier to master. There are a wide-range of step-by-projects to try, using printing onto both paper and fabric, for which you could either copy the designs that Susan provides (there are templates at the back of the book) or you could use designs of your own. I found this book very inspiring as it has given me several ideas of my own which I cant wait to try and turn into linocut art.

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Customer review

For a novice like me interested in exploring a new creative pathway this was a great little book. It covers the basics well and I love the step-by-step picture instructions which guide me through the various projects. The templates at the back are also really useful if you want a quick sure fire way of making your first print a success and I love the ideas of how to use the prints beyond a simple picture print, especially using on fabric. I would recommend this book to anyone wishing to begin linocutting.

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Customer review

In the Introduction, the author mentions that the book is for people who draw a blank when asked to design. The dreaming up of what to actually make is done for them, so they can just get on with having a bash at the lino printing. The initial pages are dedicated to equipment, preparation and technique, with large example photos on each page. Descriptions are thorough, and interesting, without being overly-long. I learnt things about lino that I didnt realise I wanted to know! There were even tips on alternatives if you have arthritis. I appreciated how the author gives you lots of scope for what can be used so that youre not tied to searching for a specific (and potentially expensive) item but can use what comes to hand as long as it fits the brief. Safety is addressed, and photos of what marks each cutting tool will make on the lino. There is a suggestion for what to do with scraps. I appreciated this waste not, want not approach.

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Customer review

Lovely coffee table book just to browse through. Very informative, easy to follow with good explanations and photos. Good pictorial instruction too. You will want to have a go.

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Customer review

This is a great introduction to lino cutting if you are a complete novice or, like me, wanted a simple refresher. The book is well laid out with simple, easy-to-follow, concise and considered instructions and has some lovely visuals of each stage. I really like the accompanying hints and tips, very handy! There are a range of simple yet striking designs to try out to develop your cutting skills and some great ideas on how to use the designs, I particularly like the matching jam jar covers and labels, I will definitely be giving printing on fabric a go! It also includes a brief intro into designing cuts from your own photos, this could also work with your own artwork if you have good drawing skills. I used this book to create my own design from a quick snap I took on my phone and traced straight off the laptop screen. I think this book is a great introduction to the craft at a very reasonable price and coupled with a starter kit and some printer paper you won't break the bank on this new hobby!

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Customer review

This is a well laid out book, the author has obviously very carefully considered what to include, and, probably, what not to. This book has helped answer a lot of my questions and provided inspiration to try linocutting on my own. There are templates included to go with the projects and the author encourages you to try drawing out your own designs. Tools and equipment are explained clearly and lots of photographs back up the text. There is no pressure to buy lots of expensive equipment, although some specialist items such as a brayer are required the author also suggests using items you may already own around the house. The borders of the pages even include little designs to inspire. As usual with Search Press books the paper is good quality and the whole book has a nice feel to it.

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@naomialicec

I have to admit that it was the stunning lino print of the vintage singer sewing machine on the front cover that initially drew me towards this book but I am so glad it did as this book is fabulous! As a novice to linocuts, this book inspires and energises me to try it without feeling daunted or overwhelmed! That's the sign of a fantastic book.The book begins by explaining about linocut as a relief print before discussing the tools and materials needed including types of lino, tracing papers, cutting tools and paints.

There are then 10 projects for you to explore linocutting including a sampler, a positive/negative quartet, a vintage singer sewing machine, leaf prints and text prints. I really love the layout of the book as it is incredibly easy to navigate, the photography is stunning and the instructions are clear and inspiring. A book that goes through the process so methodically definitely makes me feel in safe hands! - I can't wait to begin making linocuts! 

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Craft Focus Magazine, Issue 71 (Feb/March 2019)

This contemporary guide shows readers how to construct beautiful linocut prints at home. The technique has undergone a resurgence in recent years and this new title by artist Susan Yeates will teach readers the basic techniques. The author explains the rudiments of linocutting and reveals how to create 10 attainable projects including greetings cards, artworks, jam labels and tea towels. Packed with useful tips and suggestions, Susan Yeates beautiful book offers a fresh take on an age-old medium.

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myshelf.com

You really dont need to know anything about lino cutting to be able to use this book it truly is for the beginner. It starts by explaining what you need and why, and showing the variety of tools and materials available. Set up your workstation, learn how to transfer a drawing or tracing and how to carve and print. All this is shown in several short chapters using plenty of staged photographs complete with tips. It is a foolproof method that takes the process step by step, helping the learner avoid the usual beginner mistakes and use the tools safely and correctly. The rest of the book contains ten projects, starting with a simple sampler where you can practise using different tips and explore the range of mark making. Discover how to make a line drawing from a photograph, explore positive and negative images, work with text and print an image using more than one colour. Use your blocks to decorate your own cards and wrapping paper, make seed packets so you can store (or give away) your harvested seeds and use fabric inks to print your own wash bag. I confess that printing on fabric was what I wanted the book for, but regardless of what type of ink you are going to use the practice projects will stand you in good stead.

I havent done any linocutting since school but this book made me go and buy a kit and take the hobby up again. Inspiring and very user friendly, this really does teach anybody (older children included) how to linocut.

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www.karenplatt.co.uk

A slim yet good guide to linocuts for beginners at a very reasonable price. Every step is explained and you will quickly be able to make prints. Try your hand at 10 projects by using the full-size templates. You can also inject your own creativity and make your own designs. Find out about linocut, materials, workspace, techniques, projects and templates. Discover how to draw, cut, print and repeat. Great step by step instructions with colour photos making it so easy to follow. Fun projects. I found the section photograph to linocut very interesting. This book covers more than just the basics, including working with text and two-tone prints, printing wrapping paper, gift tags and cards, labels, colour blends and printing on fabric. Recommended for beginners.