It needs to be thin, fine, and porous; which rules out linen, cotton, and metal.
I've certainly never heard of anything being used other than polyester/nylon intended for screens, or silk historically. Legit supplies aren't really that expensive. Even if you're trying to save as much money as you can and DIY, I'd still stick to professional consumables; save the improvising for things like print tables and exposure lamps.
If you skimp where it matters (screen, emulsion, squeegee) you'll have a lot of problems that will end up costing you more in ruined prints than you'll save on equipment.
I've certainly never heard of anything being used other than polyester/nylon intended for screens, or silk historically. Legit supplies aren't really that expensive. Even if you're trying to save as much money as you can and DIY, I'd still stick to professional consumables; save the improvising for things like print tables and exposure lamps.
If you skimp where it matters (screen, emulsion, squeegee) you'll have a lot of problems that will end up costing you more in ruined prints than you'll save on equipment.
