A direct imprinting process for Step and Flash Imprint Lithography includes providing (40) a substrate (12); forming (44) an etch barrier layer (14) on the substrate; patterning (46) the etch barrier layer with a template (16) while curing with ultraviolet light through the template, resulting in a patterned etch barrier layer and a residual layer (20) on the substrate; and performing (48) an etch to substantially remove the residual layer. Optionally, a patterning layer (52) may be formed on the substrate (12) prior to forming the etch barrier layer (14). Additionally, an adhesive layer (13) may be applied (42) between the substrate (12) and the etch barrier layer (14).