The Etched Line - Printing on Fabric

Print an etching onto fabric with eco-aware print artist Hanah Williams.

In this hands-on-workshop you will achieve fine tonal qualities pertaining to the etching technique.

You will learn how to design, etch on metal and print your etching onto cotton paper and fabric.

Unlike any other methods of printing onto fabric, this process embraces the qualities that an etching holds, such as a tonal range and the ability to achieve fine lines. Discover the possibilities that etching has and how it can be used in your own practice.

You will take home a collection of prints on paper and fabric, etching plates, and the skills to continue etching in your own studio. This workshop is eco-friendly and uses the latest research in printmaking processes.

What's an etching?

A piece of metal is coated in a paint-like material called a ‘ground.’ The artist draws an image or creates marks into the ‘ground’, exposing the metal in the areas they want to be etched and then printed. The piece of metal is immersed in a salt-based solution that eats away the exposed metal, where you have created your design, producing marks and lines into the metal. After this process, the plate is inked, and printed onto paper or fabric.

About the workshop facilitator

Hanah is a print-based artist and educator specialising in etching & intaglio printmaking. She is interested in the characteristics of etching and uses repetition of print as a means of understanding the world. Hanah’s work delves into the realms of dreams, folklore and mythology, and the human connection to the natural world. Her practice incorporates the use of eco-aware etching & intaglio printmaking techniques and alternative materials and methods for creating intaglio prints. Hanah has worked as a printmaking educator for eight years at the University of South Australia, Adelaide Central School of Art and in studios throughout Adelaide, regional South Australia, USA and Mexico.

Find out more about Hanah here. 

Other things you need to know about this workshop:

• Suitable for beginners 16 years and older.
• Materials - we provide the etching materials and press, but please bring a notebook or sketchbook, pencil/pen, eraser, rubber dishwashing gloves and a bag or folio to take your prints home in (newsprint provided for interleaving).
• You are also welcome to bring along any fabric or paper that you may like to print on (note that cotton fabrics, and soft, thicker papers are best).
• Please wear an apron or protective clothing (clothing appropriate for an art workshop). Wear closed shoes. 
• Bring your own lunch. We provide tea and coffee

• If your circumstances change and you can no longer attend this workshop, please email niki.vouis@ahc.sa.gov.au before 5pm, Thursday 26 June 2025. After this time and date we cannot issue refunds.

Inclusion in the Fabrik mailing list

By registering for a Fabrik workshop or event your name and email address will be added to our contact list. This means from time to time you will receive Fabrik program updates by email. If you wish to opt out, please email the Public Programs Officer (nvouis@ahc.sa.gov.au) directly with Contact List Opt-Out in the subject heading and your full name in the message.

Image: Hanah Williams, etching on fabric.