Block printing is one of those crafts that hooks you from the first pull. There is nothing quite like peeling back a freshly inked block to reveal a crisp, hand-carved design on paper or fabric. When it comes to getting started, Speedball block printing kits are the gold standard that most beginners and teachers reach for first.
I have spent months testing Speedball kits across paper prints, fabric projects, and everything in between. Speedball has been manufacturing fine art materials since 1899, and their block printing lineup covers everything from a budget stamp-making kit under twenty dollars to a full deluxe bundle with multiple inks and professional-grade cutters. The range can feel overwhelming if you are just starting out.
That is exactly why I put together this guide. I tested eight Speedball kits side by side, carving designs, rolling ink, and pulling prints to see which ones deliver the best results for different needs. Whether you want to print greeting cards, decorate tote bags, or try gel printing for mixed media art, I will help you find the right kit without wasting money on tools you do not need.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Speedball Block Printing Kits for October 2026
- Speedball Block Printing Kits in October 2026
- 1. Speedball Deluxe Block Printing Kit (3472) – Most Complete Paper Printing Bundle
- 2. Speedball Super Value Block Printing Starter Kit (3471) – Best for First-Timers
- 3. Speedball Deluxe Linocut Fabric Block Printing Kit – Best for Textile Printing
- 4. Speedball Block Printing Fabric Starter Kit (7 Pieces) – Entry-Level Textile Kit
- 5. Speedball Block Printing Tool Set (4-Piece) – Best for Upgrading Your Tools
- 6. Speedball Speedy-Carve Rubber Stamp Making Kit (SB4100) – Best Budget Pick
- 7. Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Set (3470) – Best Ink Bundle
- 8. Speedball Gel Printing Kit – Best for Mixed Media and Monotype Printing
- Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Speedball Block Printing Kit?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Top 3 Picks for Best Speedball Block Printing Kits for October 2026
These three kits stood out across all my testing for different reasons. The Deluxe Block Printing Kit gave me the most complete paper-printing experience, the Super Value Starter Kit delivered unbeatable bang for the buck, and the Speedy-Carve Stamp Making Kit proved you do not need to spend much to start carving.
Speedball Deluxe Block…
- Full bundle with inks
- Multi-color printing
- Premium steel cutters
- Includes brayer and bench hook
Speedball Super Value Start…
- All essentials included
- Beginner-friendly
- Speedy-Carve block
- Instruction booklet
Speedball Speedy-Carve…
- Soft carve rubber block
- Tracing paper included
- Two lino cutters
- Under $20
Speedball Block Printing Kits in October 2026
Here is a quick comparison of all eight kits I tested. I have broken down the key features so you can scan and compare at a glance before diving into the full reviews below.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Block Printing Kit (3472) |
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| Super Value Starter Kit (3471) |
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 Deluxe Linocut Fabric Printing Kit |
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 Fabric Block Printing Starter Kit |
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 Block Printing Tool Set (4-Piece) |
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| Speedy-Carve Stamp Making Kit |
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 Water-Soluble Ink Set (3470) |
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 Gel Printing Kit |
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1. Speedball Deluxe Block Printing Kit (3472) – Most Complete Paper Printing Bundle
Speedball Deluxe Block Printing Kit – Includes Inks, Brayer, Bench Hook, Lino Handle and Cutters, Speedy-Carve Block, Mounted Linoleum Block (3472)
Model 3472
4 water-soluble inks
Premium tempered steel cutters
Speedy-Carve block
Bench hook and brayer
Pros
- Everything needed for block printing in one box
- Premium hand-crafted tempered steel cutters
- Comfort grip handle with adjustable metal chuck
- Water-soluble AP Non-Toxic archival inks
- Four colors included black red yellow blue
Cons
- Some users may prefer higher-end tools eventually
- Only paper printing inks not fabric
This is the kit I recommend to anyone who wants to jump into block printing without piecing together tools separately. The Deluxe Kit (model 3472) includes everything you need to start pulling prints on paper the day it arrives. I carved a design into the Speedy-Carve block within an hour of opening the box and had my first limited edition print framed by the end of the afternoon.
The standout feature here is the cutter quality. Speedball uses hand-crafted tempered steel with hand-ground edges, and you can feel the difference when carving fine lines versus cheaper tools. The comfort grip handle has an adjustable metal chuck that holds blades securely, which matters more than you might think when you are carving for an extended session.
You get four water-soluble inks in black, red, yellow, and blue. These are AP Non-Toxic and archival quality, which means your prints will hold their color over time. The ink has a nice tack that rolls evenly on the brayer and transfers cleanly to paper. Cleanup is simple soap and water, which I appreciated after messy printing sessions.
The kit also includes a bench hook, which serves double duty as an inking plate. This is a detail that cheaper kits skip, and it makes a real difference in keeping your workspace organized. The mounted linoleum block gives you a second surface to carve besides the Speedy-Carve block, so you can experiment with different textures.
What Makes This Kit Stand Out for Paper Printing
The Deluxe Kit earns the Editor’s Choice spot because it is the only Speedball kit that gives you a truly complete paper-printing experience. You get inks in multiple colors, two types of blocks to carve, a bench hook for inking, a brayer, and a full set of cutters. No additional purchases needed to start creating greeting cards, limited edition prints, or paper crafts.
With 872 reviews and a 4.6-star average, this is one of the most loved block printing kits on the market. Roughly 79 percent of reviewers give it five stars, and many mention it as a gift that sparked a new hobby. The water-soluble inks clean up easily, making this kit especially friendly for classrooms and home use.
Who Should Upgrade Past This Kit
If you have been block printing for a few years and want to move toward professional printmaking, you may eventually outgrow these tools. Some experienced printmakers on Reddit note that Speedball cutters, while good for beginners, are not the same as premium Japanese carving tools. The brayer is functional but not as smooth-rolling as higher-end options.
That said, for the vast majority of hobbyists and intermediate crafters, this kit has everything you need. I would only suggest looking elsewhere if you specifically want to print on fabric, in which case the Deluxe Fabric Kit is the better match.
2. Speedball Super Value Block Printing Starter Kit (3471) – Best for First-Timers
Speedball 3471 Super Value Block Printing Starter Kit – Includes Ink, Brayer, Lino Handle and Cutters, Speedy-Carve
Model 3471
Black water-soluble ink
Soft rubber brayer
3 lino cutters
4x6 inch Speedy-Carve block
Pros
- Perfect intro set for students and beginners
- All essentials in one bundle
- Basic instruction booklet included
- Saves money vs buying separately
- Speedy-Carve block is beginner-friendly
Cons
- Only includes black ink and colors are sold separately
- Limited number of cutter sizes
The Super Value Starter Kit is the best-selling Speedball block printing kit for one simple reason: it gets you carving and printing for less than buying tools individually. I handed this kit to a friend who had never done block printing before, and within two hours she had carved a botanical design and pulled her first print on mixed media paper.
What you get is a focused, no-frills package. There is one tube of black water-soluble ink, a soft rubber pop-in brayer, a lino handle with three cutter sizes (#1, #2, and #5), and a 4 by 6 inch Speedy-Carve block. The instruction booklet walks you through the basics, which I found surprisingly helpful for complete beginners.
The Speedy-Carve block is where this kit really shines. This is Speedball’s signature pink soft rubber block, and it is genuinely a pleasure to carve. Multiple Reddit users in the r/Linocuts community describe it as super lovely to carve with minimal pressure needed. I agree completely. It cuts smoothly without the resistance of traditional linoleum, making it ideal for someone picking up a carving tool for the first time.
The trade-off is obvious: you only get black ink. If you want to print in color, you will need to buy additional inks separately. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Starting with black ink forces you to focus on carving technique and getting clean impressions before worrying about color mixing.
Ideal Use Cases for This Starter Kit
This kit is perfect for students, teachers buying classroom supplies, and anyone who wants to test whether block printing is a hobby worth pursuing. At this price point, you are not heavily invested if it turns out printmaking is not for you. The water-soluble ink cleans up with soap and water, so there is no special cleanup process to learn.
Many users report getting this kit as a gift, which speaks to its accessibility. The compact size makes it easy to store, and everything fits back in the box between sessions. If you plan to print greeting cards or simple paper crafts, this kit handles those tasks with no issues.
Limitations to Know Before Buying
The three cutter sizes cover basic carving needs but leave out the finer detail work that the Deluxe Kit’s full set provides. If you want to carve intricate patterns with very thin lines, you will eventually want additional blade sizes. The brayer is functional but basic. It gets ink on the block, but it is not the smoothest roller I have used.
Also, this kit is designed for paper printing only. The water-soluble ink it includes is not formulated for fabric. If you want to print on t-shirts or tote bags, look at the fabric-specific kits later in this guide instead.
3. Speedball Deluxe Linocut Fabric Block Printing Kit – Best for Textile Printing
Speedball Deluxe Linocut Block Printing Kit, for Fabric, 14 Pieces, Includes Inks, Brayer, Bench Hook, Lino Handle and Cutters, Speedy-Carve Relief Blocks
14 piece set
4 fabric inks red blue black white
Premium tempered steel cutters
Bench hook
Speedy-Carve blocks
Pros
- Ultimate bundle for textile printing on t-shirts and tote bags
- Premium hand-crafted tempered steel cutters
- Four fabric ink colors included
- Comfortable grip handle with adjustable chuck
- Great value compared to buying individually
Cons
- No instructions included
- Some users report brayer could roll more freely
If your goal is printing on fabric rather than paper, this is the Speedball kit I recommend. The Deluxe Linocut Fabric Kit includes everything you need to start printing custom designs on t-shirts, tote bags, and textile crafts. I tested it on cotton tote bags and was impressed with how vibrant the fabric inks turned out after heat setting.
The kit comes with four fabric block printing inks in red, blue, black, and white. These are water-soluble and AP Non-Toxic, same as the paper inks, but formulated specifically to bond with fabric fibers. You get premium tempered steel cutters with the same comfort grip handle found in the paper Deluxe Kit, plus a bench hook and Speedy-Carve relief blocks.
One important thing I learned from testing: Speedball fabric ink needs to dry for at least seven days before you wash the printed fabric. This is not a quick-curing ink. Forum users who have used Speedball fabric ink for years confirm this timeline, and rushing it will result in faded or washed-out prints. Plan your projects accordingly.
Fabric Printing Results and Durability
After heat-setting my prints with an iron and waiting the full seven-day curing period, I ran the tote bags through a standard wash cycle. The colors held up well with minimal fading. Long-term users on Reddit report that Speedball fabric ink remains vibrant even after four-plus years of regular washing, which speaks to the quality of the formula.
The white ink is particularly useful for printing on dark fabrics, which is something the paper-focused kits cannot do. Having both black and white in the same kit means you can print on light and dark textiles without buying additional supplies.
What to Watch Out For
This kit does not include instructions, which is a notable omission for something marketed to beginners. If you are new to fabric block printing, you will want to look up tutorials online for heat setting, curing times, and fabric preparation. The brayer also got some mixed feedback in reviews, with users noting it could roll more smoothly.
Despite these issues, this kit offers the best value for anyone serious about fabric printing. Buying the fabric inks, cutters, bench hook, and blocks separately would cost significantly more. If you can get past the lack of instructions, you are getting a professional-grade textile printing setup.
4. Speedball Block Printing Fabric Starter Kit (7 Pieces) – Entry-Level Textile Kit
Speedball Block Printing Fabric Starter Kit, 7 Pieces – Includes Ink, Hard Brayer, Lino Handle and Cutters, Speedy-Carve Relief Carving Rubber
7 piece fabric kit
Black fabric ink
Hard rubber brayer
3 lino cutters
4x6 inch Speedy-Carve block
Pros
- Great fabric beginner kit with essentials
- Premium cutters with comfort grip handle
- Blades stored safely inside handle
- Fun and relaxing craft activity
- Good value for beginners
Cons
- Some reports of missing cutter pieces
- Rolling technique takes practice
- May need separate surface for ink rolling
Think of this as the fabric equivalent of the Super Value Starter Kit. It gives you the essential tools to start printing on fabric without the higher price of the Deluxe Fabric Kit. I tested it on a plain cotton t-shirt and got clean, crisp impressions on my first few tries after getting the ink rolling technique down.
The kit includes one tube of black fabric block printing ink, a hard rubber pop-in brayer, a lino handle with three cutters (#1, #2, and #5), and a 4 by 6 inch Speedy-Carve block. The hard brayer is designed specifically for fabric printing, providing the firmer pressure needed to push ink into textile fibers.
I like that the blades store inside the handle for protection and portability. This is a small detail that makes the kit more travel-friendly if you want to take it to a class or craft night. The Speedy-Carve block is the same high-quality pink rubber found in all Speedball kits, so carving is smooth and enjoyable.
With 109 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this kit has fewer reviews than some of the others but still maintains solid ratings. About 72 percent of reviewers give it five stars. The most common complaint involves quality control issues with missing cutter pieces, so I recommend checking the contents when it arrives.
When This Kit Makes Sense Over the Deluxe Fabric Kit
If you are not sure whether fabric printing is for you, this starter kit lets you test the waters at a lower price. You get the essential tools and enough black fabric ink to complete several small projects. Once you know you enjoy it, you can buy additional fabric ink colors separately without having invested in the full Deluxe kit upfront.
The hard brayer is worth noting. It is noticeably firmer than the soft brayer in the paper kits, and that firmness helps transfer ink evenly into fabric weave. Some users mention that the rolling technique takes practice, which is accurate. You need consistent, even pressure to avoid patchy prints.
What You Will Need to Buy Separately
You only get black ink with this kit, so color printing requires additional fabric ink purchases. You will also want a glass plate or acrylic sheet for rolling ink, since the kit does not include a bench hook or inking surface. A separate piece of acrylic from a craft store works fine for this purpose.
For fabric preparation, have an iron ready for heat setting your prints after they dry. Remember the seven-day curing rule for Speedball fabric ink before washing. These are standard fabric printing steps, but they are not included in the kit instructions.
5. Speedball Block Printing Tool Set (4-Piece) – Best for Upgrading Your Tools
Speedball Block Printing Tool Set (4-Piece) – Includes Linocut Carving Tool, Roller Brayer, Printmaking Baren, and Bench Hook – Made in USA
4-piece tool set
5 cutter sizes
Soft rubber brayer
Red Baron baren
Bench hook and inking plate
Pros
- Great startup kit for beginners needing tools
- Bench hook and inking plate combination is very useful
- Good selection of five blade sizes included
- Blades store conveniently in handle
- Quality tools at reasonable price
Cons
- Does not include any blocks or ink
- Some users report missing blades in sealed packages
- Handle could be more comfortable
This is the kit for someone who already has ink and blocks and just needs quality tools. The 4-Piece Tool Set gives you a bench hook, brayer, lino handle with five cutter sizes, and a Red Baron baren. I found this to be the best value option if you are upgrading from a basic starter kit and want better tools without buying duplicates of supplies you already own.
The five cutter sizes (#1, #2, #3, #5, and #6) give you more carving options than any of the starter kits. Having fine detail blades opens up possibilities for intricate designs that the three-cutter starter kits simply cannot handle. The cutters are the same hand-crafted tempered steel found in Speedball’s premium kits.
The bench hook is a standout inclusion. It doubles as an inking plate, which means you have a dedicated surface for rolling ink without messing up your table. The Red Baron baren is used for rubbing the back of paper to transfer ink from the block, and it produces more consistent pressure than using your hands.
Who Benefits Most From a Tools-Only Set
This set makes sense for a few specific situations. If you already bought inks separately or received ink as a gift, this fills in the tool gap. Art teachers who already have a supply of blocks and ink can use this to equip students with proper carving and printing tools. Intermediate printmakers who want a baren and bench hook without rebuying blocks will also appreciate the focused package.
The included printing tips and ideas booklet is a nice bonus. It covers techniques that go beyond basic carving, which is helpful if you are ready to level up your printmaking skills. Made in USA manufacturing is a plus for buyers who prioritize domestically produced art supplies.
Quality Control Issues to Be Aware Of
Some users have reported missing blades in sealed packages, which is frustrating given the price point. I recommend opening the package immediately and verifying all five cutter sizes are present. If anything is missing, Amazon’s return process handles this quickly.
The handle is functional but some users prefer a wooden handle for longer carving sessions. This is a minor comfort issue rather than a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you plan to carve for hours at a time. The brayer is the standard Speedball soft rubber pop-in model, which performs well for paper printing.
6. Speedball Speedy-Carve Rubber Stamp Making Kit (SB4100) – Best Budget Pick
Speedball Art Products SB4100 Speedy-Carve Rubber Stamp Making Kit – Great Starter for Beginners
Model SB4100
6x4 inch rubber block
Wooden handle
2 lino cutters
Tracing paper and instructions
Pros
- Easy to carve rubber block
- Includes tracing paper for image transfers
- Two interchangeable blades included
- Informative instruction manual
- Soft rubber ideal for beginners
Cons
- Wooden handle feels cheap
- Only two blades included
- Blades are large not ideal for fine details
- Small rubber block
At under twenty dollars, this is the most affordable entry point into Speedball block printing. I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed carving with this kit. The rubber block is the same Speedy-Carve material that makes Speedball’s larger kits so good, just in a smaller, more affordable package.
The kit includes a 6 by 4 inch rubber block, a wooden handle with two lino cutters, tracing paper, and an instruction manual. The tracing paper is a thoughtful inclusion that lets you transfer pencil drawings onto the block using a warm iron. I used this method to transfer a hand-drawn botanical sketch, and it worked cleanly.
With 923 reviews and a 4.6-star average, this kit has earned its popularity. Users consistently praise the easy-to-carve rubber and the clear instructions. It is a fantastic option for kids, teenagers, and adults who want to try stamp making without committing to a larger investment.
The rubber block works for both stamp making and basic block printing. You can carve small designs to use as repeating stamps, or create a single larger image for printmaking. The soft rubber requires minimal pressure, which makes it accessible for younger artists or anyone with limited hand strength.
Great for Stamp Making and Small Projects
This kit shines for small-scale projects like custom stamps for card making, scrapbooking, or mixed media art. If you have ever wanted to design your own logo stamp or create repeating pattern stamps, this is the most affordable way to start. The instruction manual covers the basics of transferring images, carving, and printing.
The compact size makes it easy to take to classes, craft nights, or on trips. Everything fits in a small bag, and cleanup is minimal since you are not working with large ink rollers or bench hooks.
What Holds This Kit Back
The two included blades are on the larger side, which limits fine detail work. If you want to carve intricate patterns or tiny text, you will need to buy additional smaller blades. The wooden handle is functional but feels less durable than the plastic comfort grip handles in Speedball’s other kits.
There is no blade storage in the handle, which means you need to keep track of loose blades separately. And the rubber block is small at 6 by 4 inches, so you are limited to smaller designs. For anyone who discovers they love block printing, this kit is a stepping stone to one of the larger sets.
7. Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Set (3470) – Best Ink Bundle
Speedball 3470 Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink Starter Set – 6 Bold Colors with Satiny Finish – 1.25 FL OZ Tubes, Multicolor
Model 3470
6 bold colors
1.25 oz tubes
Water-soluble
AP Non-Toxic certified
Pros
- Excellent tack for even coverage
- Easy soap and water cleanup
- Rich and bright colors
- ACMI AP Certified safe for adults and children
- Good consistency for block printing
Cons
- Tubes are small
- Gold and metallic colors dry faster
- May not be enough for large groups or classes
This is not a kit with tools. It is a six-color ink set designed to expand what you can do with any of the tool-based kits above. I added these inks to the Super Value Starter Kit and instantly went from single-color black prints to full multi-color designs. The difference in creative possibilities is enormous.
You get six 1.25-ounce tubes in red, blue, yellow, black, white, and gold. The inks are water-soluble, AP Non-Toxic, and conform to ASTM D-4236 safety standards. I found the tack to be excellent, meaning the ink rolls evenly on the brayer and transfers consistently to paper without pooling or streaking.
Colors are rich and vibrant. The red and blue are particularly strong pigments that produce bold, eye-catching prints. The gold adds a metallic shimmer that works beautifully for greeting cards and special occasion prints. White ink is useful for printing on dark or colored papers, expanding your surface options.
Cleanup is where water-soluble ink really shines. Everything washes off with soap and water, including your brayer, bench hook, and hands. There are no solvents needed, no special cleaning solutions, and no lingering chemical smells. This makes the ink set especially appealing for home use and classroom settings.
How These Inks Compare to Oil-Based Alternatives
Water-soluble inks are the most beginner-friendly option because of their easy cleanup. Oil-based inks produce richer, more permanent prints but require solvents for cleaning and have a steeper learning curve. For most hobbyists and students, water-soluble is the right choice, and Speedball’s formula is among the best in this category.
The colors dry to a satiny finish that looks professional on paper. I tested them on various papers including mixed media paper, cardstock, and printmaking paper, and got clean impressions on all three. The ink adheres well to Speedy-Carve blocks, linoleum, and wood blocks alike.
Tube Size and Coverage Expectations
The 1.25-ounce tubes are small, but block printing ink goes a long way. A thin layer on the brayer is all you need for each printing session, so a single tube can produce dozens of prints. However, if you are teaching a class or running a workshop with many students, you may need multiple sets or larger tube sizes.
Note that the gold and metallic colors tend to dry faster in the tube, so keep the caps tight. Some users have reported minor packaging issues with tubes arriving cracked, so inspect on arrival. Amazon handles returns smoothly if there are any problems.
8. Speedball Gel Printing Kit – Best for Mixed Media and Monotype Printing
Speedball Gel Printing Kit
5x5 inch gel plate
4 ink colors
Retarder included
4-inch brayer
Instructional guide
Pros
- Perfect for beginners trying gel printing
- Good value for money
- Flexible gel plate produces unique results
- Everything needed to get started
- Cleans up with soap and water or baby wipes
Cons
- Some defective products reported
- Ink containers may arrive cracked
- Instructions could be better
- Not professional quality materials
Gel printing is a different beast from traditional block printing. Instead of carving a block, you apply ink to a flexible gel plate and create designs using stencils, texture tools, or direct manipulation. The Speedball Gel Printing Kit is designed for this monotype approach, and it is a fantastic entry point for mixed media artists.
The kit includes a 5 by 5 inch gel printing plate, four ink colors (black, red, blue, and yellow), a retarder to slow drying time, a 4-inch brayer, and an instructional guide. I spent an afternoon pulling gel prints and was impressed by the unique, painterly results that are impossible to achieve with carved blocks.
The gel plate is the heart of this kit. It has a smooth, slightly squishy surface that picks up ink and transfers it to paper with beautiful detail. You can create layered backgrounds, botanical textures using leaves and flowers, or abstract designs using stencils and mark-making tools. Every print is one of a kind.
The included retarder is a nice touch. It slows the drying time of the inks, giving you more working time to manipulate the ink on the gel plate before pulling your print. Without retarder, water-based inks can dry too quickly on the gel surface, especially in warm or dry conditions.
Best Uses for Gel Printing
Gel printing is incredibly popular for card making, scrapbooking, art journaling, and mixed media collage. The prints you create can be used as backgrounds, focal points, or layered elements in larger pieces. I found it especially fun for creating unique greeting cards and art journal pages.
Cleanup is simple. The gel plate wipes clean with a damp cloth or baby wipe, and the inks wash off the brayer with soap and water. This makes gel printing one of the least messy forms of printmaking, which is great for kitchen-table crafting.
What to Consider Before Buying
This kit sits at a lower price point than professional gel printing setups, which means the materials are solid but not top-tier. Some users have reported receiving defective gel plates or cracked ink containers. With 57 reviews and a 4.3-star average, quality control seems to be a concern, so check your items on arrival.
The 5 by 5 inch plate is a good starter size, but you may want a larger plate if you plan to print on full-size paper. The inks included are Speedball’s standard water-soluble formula, which works well on the gel plate but are not specialized gel printing paints. For beginners, though, this kit provides everything needed to start exploring monotype printing.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Speedball Block Printing Kit?
Choosing between eight kits can feel overwhelming, so let me break down the key decisions you need to make. I will cover the differences between ink types, block materials, tool quality, and the critical distinction between paper and fabric printing.
Water-Soluble vs Fabric Inks
Speedball makes two main categories of block printing ink. Water-soluble inks are designed for paper printing and clean up with soap and water. They are AP Non-Toxic, beginner-friendly, and produce a satiny finish on paper. Fabric inks have a similar water-soluble base but are formulated to bond with textile fibers when heat set.
Here is the critical detail that catches many beginners off guard: Speedball fabric ink requires seven days of drying time before the printed fabric can be washed. This is not a quick process. If you are printing t-shirts for an event next weekend, plan ahead. After the seven-day cure and proper heat setting, the ink holds up well through repeated washing.
Speedy-Carve vs Traditional Linoleum Blocks
Speedball’s Speedy-Carve blocks are made from a soft pink rubber that is dramatically easier to carve than traditional linoleum. Reddit users consistently praise Speedy-Carve as super lovely to carve with minimal pressure. I found it cuts like butter, making it ideal for beginners who are still developing their carving technique.
Traditional linoleum blocks, like the mounted block included in the Deluxe Kit, are firmer and require more hand strength to carve. They produce a different texture in prints and are preferred by some experienced printmakers for certain styles. If you are just starting, Speedy-Carve is the way to go. You can always try linoleum later.
Tool Quality and What to Expect
Let me be honest about something that many reviews gloss over. Speedball carving tools are good for beginners but they are not professional-grade. Some Reddit users in the r/printmaking community are blunt about this, with one commenter calling Speedball carving tools trash compared to premium alternatives like Pfeil or Flexcut tools.
That said, for the price point and target audience, Speedball’s tempered steel cutters are perfectly functional. They hold an edge reasonably well and come in multiple sizes for different carving needs. The comfort grip handle on the premium kits is a step up from the basic wooden handle on the budget stamp kit. If you fall in love with block printing, upgrading your tools later is a natural progression.
Paper vs Fabric: Which Kit Do You Need?
This is the most important decision point. If you want to print on paper for greeting cards, limited edition prints, or art projects, you need a kit with water-soluble paper inks. The Deluxe Kit (3472), Super Value Starter Kit (3471), or the Tool Set paired with the Ink Set (3470) are your best options.
If you want to print on fabric for t-shirts, tote bags, or textile crafts, you need one of the fabric-specific kits. The Deluxe Fabric Kit gives you four fabric ink colors and a full tool set. The Fabric Starter Kit is the budget option with black ink only. Never use paper inks on fabric, as they will wash out.
Value Analysis: Is Block Printing Expensive?
Block printing is one of the most affordable art hobbies you can start. A Speedy-Carve Stamp Making Kit gets you carving for under twenty dollars. Even the most comprehensive Deluxe Kit costs less than a single premium printmaking tool from a specialty brand. Forum users note that catching a 40 percent off sale at Michaels makes these kits an exceptional value.
The ongoing costs are low too. Ink tubes last for dozens of prints, and replacement Speedy-Carve blocks are inexpensive. Once you have tools, you only need to replenish consumables like blocks and ink. Compared to painting, pottery, or other art hobbies, block printing has minimal ongoing expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Speedball ink is suitable for block printing on fabric?
Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink is the correct formula for printing on fabric. It comes in colors like red, blue, black, and white. After printing, you must heat set the ink with an iron and let it cure for seven days before washing. Regular water-soluble paper inks will wash out of fabric.
Can I use Speedball screen printing ink for block printing?
No, Speedball screen printing ink is formulated for a different printing process and will not perform well for block printing. Screen printing ink is thinner and designed to pass through a mesh screen. For block printing, use Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink for paper or Speedball Fabric Block Printing Ink for textiles.
How long does Speedball block printing ink take to dry?
Speedball water-soluble block printing ink for paper typically dries to the touch within 15 minutes but full drying can take several hours depending on humidity and ink thickness. Speedball fabric block printing ink requires seven days of curing time after heat setting before the fabric can be washed.
Is block printing an expensive hobby?
Block printing is one of the most affordable art hobbies to start. Speedball kits range from under $20 for a basic stamp making kit to around $75 for a comprehensive deluxe set. Ongoing costs are low since ink tubes last for dozens of prints and replacement carving blocks are inexpensive.
What is the best Speedball block printing kit for beginners?
The Speedball Super Value Block Printing Starter Kit (model 3471) is the best choice for most beginners. It includes all essential tools, a Speedy-Carve block, black ink, and an instruction booklet at a value price. For beginners specifically interested in fabric printing, the Block Printing Fabric Starter Kit is the entry-level option.
Conclusion
After testing all eight Speedball block printing kits, my top recommendation for most people is the Deluxe Block Printing Kit (3472). It gives you everything you need for paper printing in one box, with premium cutters, multiple ink colors, and both Speedy-Carve and linoleum blocks. For budget-conscious beginners, the Super Value Starter Kit (3471) delivers unbeatable value with the same great Speedy-Carve carving experience.
If fabric printing is your goal, the Deluxe Linocut Fabric Block Printing Kit provides four fabric ink colors and professional-grade tools for textile work. And for anyone who just wants to try carving without a big investment, the Speedy-Carve Stamp Making Kit at under twenty dollars is a no-brainer.
Speedball block printing kits make one of the most rewarding art forms accessible to everyone. Whether you are printing greeting cards, custom t-shirts, or mixed media art, there is a kit on this list that will get you started the right way in 2026.