Screen printing is a craft that we know and love well. We've seen professionals use it to beautiful effect and we think it's time you had a go yourself! Which is why we're presenting you with our own a mini 'screen printing at home' series just for you.
First up in our screen printing guide is frames. If you're a newbie to screen printing you might want to try making your own frame before you splash the cash. Alternatively, if you're a long-time screen-printer making your own frames can be both cost-effective and more freeing. This way you can make them in any size or shape you'd like for half the price.
Here's four ways you can make your own DIY frames and start screen printing at home. Looking for more tips? Check out our screen printing for beginners guide.
Want to try linocut printing? Take a look at our linocutting for beginners guide. You might also enjoy our block printing for beginners guide.
1. Embroidery hoop method
As opposed to the traditional wooden frames, some creative people have been using embroidery hoops instead. This method is really straightforward as the interlocking of the two hoops is what keeps your material's (silk, mesh, netting) tension. Rain Blanken of The Spruce Crafts has an amazing step-by-step tutorial which shows you how you can screen print your own T shirts using this method!
2. DIY wooden frames
Toni from Stitch and Pink has a fab tutorial up on her blog on how you can make your own screen printing frames from scratch. All you'll need is some wood, a saw, a drill, and a staple gun! By making your own frame you won't be restricted by size, so you can make them any dimension you see fit. Toni also has a useful blog post which shows you how to stretch your silk across the screen, which'll come in handy no matter what method you choose.
3. Photo frames
A super sustainable way of making your own screen printing frame is by recycling an old photo frame. Ashley Hackshaw's blog post shows you how you can turn mini photo frames into fab little screen printing tools.
Check out YUK FUN's top screen printing tips here.
4. Professional screen printing frames
If you're wanting no-fuss screen printing frames then there's plenty you can buy on the market. Brands like Hunt the Moon, Hobbycraft and Homecrafts sell a range of different kits and frames for every price point. This double hinged frame from Hunt the Moon allows you to safely remove your frame and wash it, which means no potential damage or smudging to your print and frame.
5. More screen printing to try
You'll find plenty of inspiration and advice on how to use screen printing right here on Gathered! Explore the technique in our screen printing for beginners article and discover the kit you need to produce your own screens and look after them well in our screen printing kit buyers guide. Looking for some screen printing inspiration? Try this DIY screen printing tea towels project or have a go at this screen printing tutorial and make a bee cushion. The cushion project shows a great alternative method of screen printing which makes use of Mod Podge to block out your design.
