Essdee Softcut is an easy-to-use alternative to linoleum for relief printmaking. Beginners and younger users will appreciate that Softcut is easier to carve, even with beginner-level tools that are not as sharp as pro chisels. Experts will appreciate its durability under repeated printing and washing, and its resistance to crumbling and breaking.

Softcut has a few other advantages to note: you can draw on it with a pencil, making it easy to plan or transfer your designs to the block. Because the material is stretchy, it’s less likely than lino to break off at hard corners. But, for the same reason, it’s not as suitable for fine detail as traditional lino or wood carving blocks.

Available in packs of two or bulk packs of ten blocks. Made in the United Kingdom.