How to make a multi-block linocut print
with professional artist Michelle Hughes
In this course, I’ll show you how to create two- and three-colour linocut prints at home using the multi-block technique.
You’ll learn how to:
Plan a design for a multi-block linocut print.
Make a registration device (or jig) to align your blocks accurately.
Register each lino block so your colours line up perfectly in the final print.
Print your design by hand, using water-based or oil-based inks.
Create a linocut print that can be printed as an edition.
The course includes:
Online, self-paced learning — study at your own pace, from home.
Step-by-step guides and instructional videos covering every stage of the process.
Two full demonstrations showing multi-block prints from start to finish.
Helpful hints and tips to improve your printing technique.
Creative community and support — monthly Live Q&A, a private Facebook group, and email support.
Course overview
I’ll guide you through two example designs:
The designs are carved into traditional grey artist’s lino, which makes accurate registration easier, though soft-cut or easy-carve lino can also be used.
The demonstrations show one design being printed using water-based inks and another using oil-based inks. This is purely so that you can see the difference between inks.
Who this course is for
This course is ideal for learners who already know how to carve and print a one-colour linocut and want to develop their skills further.
As a self-taught linocut artist, I understand the challenges you might face when learning new techniques. My goal is to share what I’ve learned and help you gain confidence using the multi-block method, the same technique I now use for all my multi-colour linocut prints.
Welcome and lesson plan (Downloadable PDF)
Welcome to this course
Tools and Materials (Downloadable PDF)
Tools and materials
Studio tour Michelle Hughes 2021
The multi-block technique (On-screen-PDF)
Planning a multi-block linocut print (On-screen-PDF)
Planning a multi-block print from a design drawing
Registration techniques and making a registration device (On-screen-PDF)
Making a registration device
Preparing and carving lino blocks (On-screen-PDF)
Preparing lino blocks
How to check registration
Design A block 1 and 2 - Carving lino blocks guide (On-screen-PDF)
Design A block 1 - Carving lino blocks demo
Design A - Transfer block 1 to block 2 with pencil
Design A block 2 - Carving lino blocks demo
Design E, block 1, 2 and 3 - Carving lino blocks guide (On-screen-PDF)
Design E - Transfer block 1 to blocks 2 and 3 with ink
Design E - Transfer block 2 to block 3 with ink
Printing a multi-block print (On-screen-PDF)
Making a mask
Design A colour 1 and 2 - Printing guide (On-screen-PDF)
Design A colour 1 - Printing demo
Design A colour 2 - Printing demo
Design E colour 1 ,2 and 3 - Printing guide (On-screen-PDF)
Design E colour 1 - Printing demo
Design E colour 2 - Printing demo
Design E colour 3 - Printing demo
Course price
Very practical step by step instructions that were easy to follow at home. I was daunted by how to approach printing with multiple colours, but this course w...
Read MoreVery practical step by step instructions that were easy to follow at home. I was daunted by how to approach printing with multiple colours, but this course was very inspiring. Thank you!
Read LessI can highly recommend this course for both beginners and printmakers who have some knowledge. Michelle has put together a course that lays out all the funda...
Read MoreI can highly recommend this course for both beginners and printmakers who have some knowledge. Michelle has put together a course that lays out all the fundamental processes on how to make a multiblock print.The videos and pdf content is easy to understand and if you have any issues she can be contacted via email or one of the fantastic Zoom meetings that happen once a month. Thank you so much for sharing your time and knowledge over the last few months.
Read LessVery clear instructions both videos and pdfs going to watch again and then jump in and have a go. Thank you Michelle
Very clear instructions both videos and pdfs going to watch again and then jump in and have a go. Thank you Michelle
Read LessTruly enjoyed this second course, learned many things, the format is easy to follow. This course gave me confidence trying and understanding multi-block prin...
Read MoreTruly enjoyed this second course, learned many things, the format is easy to follow. This course gave me confidence trying and understanding multi-block printing. Thanks so much
Read LessThe resources are so well put together and thought through. I really enjoyed the videos and having the text and photos to refer back to.
The resources are so well put together and thought through. I really enjoyed the videos and having the text and photos to refer back to.
Read LessVery well written and easy to understand. I felt the title was very clear, especially as I jump back and forth throughout my process.
Very well written and easy to understand. I felt the title was very clear, especially as I jump back and forth throughout my process.
Read LessThe course is very clear and inspiring. I'm looking forward to the next one!
The course is very clear and inspiring. I'm looking forward to the next one!
Read LessThis course is designed for those who already know how to carve and print a one-colour linocut and want to build on their skills. If you’re new to linocut printing, I recommend starting with my Beginner’s Guide to Linocut Printing course, which covers the basics in detail.
I have shown the process of two designs from start to finish using traditional artist lino and professional Pfeil linocut tools. Linocut tools, traditional artist’s lino, water-based or oil-based printing inks, ink roller or brayer, printing paper, wooden spoon or brayer. Optional but recommended: Ternes Burton pins, stripping tabs, and black water-based printing ink for transferring your design. Full details in my course notes or read an overview in my blog: https://www.michellehughesdesign.com/post/2018/07/02/lino-cutting-equipment
General art supplies: Pencils, coloured pencils, pens, rubber, set square, steel rule, craft knife, cutting mat, inexpensive photocopy paper or newsprint, tracing paper, greyboard or thick cardboard, double-sided tape, masking tape, strong duct tape. Other useful things: Glass to roll ink onto.
Yes, you can use beginner’s tools as well as soft-cut or easy-carve lino. The same process for creating a multi-block print works perfectly with these materials.
Monthly Live Q&A: Join me in my studio for a 30-minute live Zoom session each month. Just email me for the latest dates. Email me for upcoming dates. Facebook Group: My private Facebook group is open to everyone who’s taken one of my online courses or workshops. It's a great place to share progress and ask questions. Email Support: You’re always welcome to email me directly if you have any questions.
You’ll have access to the course for one year, allowing you to study at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. I understand that life can get busy. If you need more time, just let me know, and I’ll be happy to extend your access.
I recommend setting aside two to three days to learn the process and put a simple design into practice. The exact time will depend on your design’s complexity, your working pace, and the drying time between each printed colour. With my online course, you can revisit each lesson as often as you like.
Yes, you’ll need an internet connection to access the course. All videos are available to stream, and the accompanying PDFs can be viewed on screen.
You can see examples of previous students’ work and read blog posts from my linocut printing workshops here: https://www.michellehughesdesign.com/blog/categories/linocut-workshops