An ink-block stencil (the design) is applied to a woven mesh panel. This stencil forms an open area through which ink can be transferred and pressed onto the chosen garment.

Screen printing can be likened to a stencil method of printmaking. Ink is forced into the mesh openings by a flat-edged blade or squeegee and by wetting the substrate, the design is imprinted onto the garment during the squeegee stroke.