Screen Printing and Block Printing on Plain Canvas Bags

Printing is the fastest way to put one design on many bags: a logo for an event, a pattern for your brand or a class project. India has a long block-printing tradition, and cotton canvas takes both block prints and screen prints well. Here is how to get clean results.

Which bag prints best?

Bag	Print quality	Best use
10 oz tote, 40 × 40 cm	Sharpest edges, even ink	Logos, detailed artwork, brand merchandise
5 oz tote, 38 × 40 cm	Good for bold, simple designs	Event giveaways, one-colour logos
Drawstring backpack, 12 × 11 inch	Good on the flat front panel	School, sports and conference kits
Pouches	Good for small motifs	Matching sets with totes

Dense canvas stops ink from spreading into the weave, which is why 10 oz gives cleaner edges. Compare in 5 oz vs 10 oz canvas.

Screen printing: step by step

1. Prepare the screen with your design, using a mesh suited to textile ink.
2. Iron the bag flat and place a board inside so the back panel stays clean.
3. Mark registration on the board so every bag sits in the same position.
4. Flood and pull the ink with one firm, even stroke of the squeegee.
5. Lift straight up and check the print before the next bag.
6. Cure with heat as your ink brand specifies: a heat press, a flash dryer or a hot iron through cloth.

Use water-based textile ink for a soft feel; plastisol ink sits on top of the fabric and needs higher curing temperatures.

Block printing: step by step

1. Choose wooden blocks with clean, deep carving.
2. Pad the table with a few layers of felt or old blankets so the block presses evenly.
3. Ink the block evenly from a padded tray.
4. Press firmly and tap the back of the block with your palm.
5. Repeat the pattern using the edge of the last print as a guide.
6. Dry and heat-set with an iron on the reverse.

Practise on a pouch or an old cloth before the first bag.

Common problems and fixes

• Blurry edges: too much ink, or the bag moved; tape the bag down.
• Patchy print: not enough pressure, or a thin fabric absorbed ink unevenly; switch to 10 oz.
• Ink on the back panel: always use a board inside.
• Print washes out: curing was too short or too cool.

Printing at scale

We supply plain blanks only and do not print. For large runs, a local screen printer can work from our blanks; WhatsApp us the quantity and bag type for a bulk quote on the plain bags. If you are starting a printing business yourself, see our existing guide to starting a canvas bag printing business in India.

Frequently asked questions

Can I print on black canvas bags?

Yes, with opaque or white-base inks. Print a white underlayer for bright colours.

What is the best ink for tote bags?

Water-based textile ink for a soft finish, or plastisol for bold, opaque colours. Follow the curing instructions exactly.

Do I need to wash bags before printing?

Usually not. If your ink brand recommends it, wash without fabric softener and iron flat.

Ordering in bulk? Message us on WhatsApp at +91 90999 99066 for bulk pricing. New buyers get 10% off with code VKART10, carts with 4 or more products get another 10% off automatically, and every order earns 5% cashback in your VantageKart Wallet. Shipping is free on prepaid orders across India.