The Beauty of Handmade: Our Screen Printing Process

Every metre of Ink & Spindle fabric tells a story. Long before it becomes a cushion cover, a lampshade, curtains or a blind, it begins as a carefully considered design, hand-printed with care in our Abbotsford studio. Screen printing is at the heart of what we do, a process that’s both timeless and tactile, celebrating the beauty of slow design.

From Sketch to Screen

Each design starts with an idea. Native flora, subtle landscapes or organic textures are worked up, often on paper with ink, paint or pencil into patterns that reflect our love for Australia’s environment. These are digitally manipulated into repeat designs. Once finalised, the artwork is transferred onto a fine mesh screen, a tool that allows us to build layers of colour and pattern onto the fabric with precision.

Ink, Fabric and Flow

We use water-based inks mixed in-house to achieve a soft, earthy toned palette that feels right at home in any space. The ink is carefully pulled across the screen with a squeegee, pressing colour into the fibres of the fabric. Unlike digital printing, this method leaves subtle variations. We love the small marks of the handmade that make each piece unique.

A Slow and Intentional Craft

Screen printing by hand is a rhythm. It is led by the sound of the squeegee gliding, the pause to realign the screen, the drying time between layers. It’s a process that resists speed. Instead it invites presence and intention, reminding us why we chose to create textiles in this way. 

Why It Matters

In a world of mass production, handmade processes like screen printing carry weight. They connect us to the craft and to the environment. Our fabrics aren’t just decorative, for us they embody values of sustainability, creativity, and care.

Next time you see an Ink & Spindle piece in your home, know that behind the pattern is a story of hands at work, printed with purpose and a deep respect for the process.