DDS’s Guide to top 6 Techniques in Block Printing and Fabric Dyeing
India is famously known for its printing tradition since time immemorial. There are a variety of scrumptious textile arts that are highly celebrated and appreciated within the nation, as well as globally.
The handicrafts craftsmanship is one of the popular in India while people from other countries go crazy for its one glance. Different parts of India present their creativity in distinctive styles. In addition, different textures, styles, and techniques followed that come out with innovative output.
The design and the style once wore can be easily recognized also the region of its invention. During the time of its birth, the tools were basic and undeveloped. However, with changing times and people spreading more love for this and finding it captivating, this industry uplifted swiftly.
Here, in this article, we will be sharing the top 5 Techniques in Block Printing and Fabric Dyeing that will leave a tremendous effect on you. But before that let’s peek and know more about block printing.
What is Block Printing
Block Printing is one of the ancient textile tradition; the tradition is invented and first practiced in Rajasthan. Block Printing is done by hand we have to carefully stamp designs onto fabric using intricately carved wooden clocks. It is also known as one of the simplest and easiest method in context to textile printing.
Why Block Printing is popular
- Block printing is performed accurately
- The fine detailing of prints made on the fabrics is done sharply.
- Inventing a new block with a new design is quick to go.
- Blocks are of top quality and so their durability grows.
- The sharp detailing of complex designs can be etched out in the blocks.
- The beautiful selection of colors enhances the designs.
- Block prints have been successfully worked on fabrics like cotton, silk, and sico.
- The amalgamation of different block designs in various colors on the same fabric including saree and salwar kameez is inexpressible.
The areas where Block printing is done on large scale are-
- Gujarat (Surat, Ahmedabad, Sanganer, Pethapur)
- Andhra Pradesh
- Rajasthan (Bagru)
- Uttar Pradesh (Farukhabad)
- West Bengal
DDS’s Guide to top 6 Techniques in Block Printing and Fabric Dyeing
DABU
Dabu or Daboo is invented by Rajasthan and is practiced in different villages of Rajasthan. Dabu is a mud-resisting hand block dyeing, the process involves greater difficulty, complicated, time-consuming method, a great amount of labour, and phases of washing.
China is the origin of Block printing, but it became popular in Rajasthan. It is somehow similar to batik but distinct in techniques.
Plants, Flowers, or motifs are the few common components in which block printing is practiced.
HAND BLOCK PRINTING
The Hand Block printing technique involves crafting a desired pattern or design on a wooden block, after that covering this block with ink or dye, and then stamping it carefully on the fabric. Blocks are most commonly made of wood or other than of stone. The beautiful designs that you notice in the fabric are not brushed instead done with wooden blocks. Flowers, animals, and several other designs enhance any simple fabric.
AJRAK
Ajrakh is an ancient block-printing method on textiles that originated in the present-day provinces of districts of Kutch in Gujarat and Barmer in Rajasthan.
Ajrakh printing celebrates nature amazingly. The aesthetics play a significant role in this and also the unification of motifs and colors which come together to form such delightful expressions.
DISCHARGE PRINTING
The technique is also known as Extract printing. This method is all about using a design to dyed fabric by printing chlorine or hydrosulfite, a type of colour-destroying agent with the motive to bleach out white or light patterns on the darker part.
SCREEN PRINTING
Screen printing is the process also called sometimes as serigraphy or silk screen printing, the method used in all of these is the same. Screen printing is the method of forcing ink through a stenciled mesh screen onto a flat surface to introduce a printed design. Fabric and paper are the two most common screen-printed surfaces, apart from these other are- wood, plastic, metal, and glass, but this is possible only through specialized ink. The reason why screen printing is widely used is because of its process as it creates vivid colours, even on darker fabrics.
This technique is famous in different industries and is mostly used in T-shirts, balloons, lanyards, bags, printed scratch cards, and decorative prints.
BATIK
Batik is originated in Egypt but is preferred in many countries. The process of Batik contains soaking, beating, creating patterns, and applying wax. The whole process is performed to the whole length of cloth. A spouted tool or a copper stamp is known as a cap and is utilized for this technique.
CONCLUSION
Block printing techniques are delightfully practiced in India, which is the hub of varieties of cultures, traditions, craftsmanship, and creativity. The effort and dedication required and done to get that perfect outcome are truly appreciable. The different designs and techniques that are used in block printing stand to the popular saying ‘unity in diversity as the colours and designs are very delicately and excellently handled by the professionals, and together they speak the colorful heritage of the country.