Traditional Printing Techniques in India

Over the centuries, India is known for its rich tradition and culture. Its rich heritage, art and handicraft have been popular enticing people from across the globe. Among these, traditional printing has its unique space in India. Beautifully designed fabric like Hand block printed cotton dress materials, etc. with unique, traditional techniques looks very adorable.
 

An interesting thing here is that there are many different techniques of textile printing in India. Moreover, they are still prevalent in various regions since ages and are in great demand worldwide.

 

Let’s have a look at the various traditional printing procedures used in India.
 

•    Hand Block technique
 

One of the oldest, this process is also the simplest and slowest of all printing techniques. In this method, a wooden block is prepared having some design drawn on it. A block-cutter carves out the block that has the appearance of a flat carving with the design standing out.
 

Once finished, the printer applies colour to the block and firmly presses it on the fabric. This step is repeated to make the second impression. Here, the printer takes care to see that it imprints exactly with the first.  Every succeeding impression has to be made in precision with the preceding one until the length of fabric is fully printed. Then, the fabric is wound over drying rollers allowing the print to dry. If the pattern comprises of numerous colours, the fabric is printed first throughout with one colour, dried, and then printed with the next.
 

Hand Block technique is a slow process. However, it is capable of yielding highly artistic results. The results are very unique and are unobtainable by any other technique. And for this reason, hand printed dress material are very popular in Indian women.

•    Stencil Printing
 

Another popular method is the art of stencilling on fabrics that has been practised from the time of Japanese. Gradually, it gained popularity that led to the increase in the employment in Europe during the late 19th century for certain classes involved in decorative work on woven goods.
In this technique, a pattern from a sheet of thin metal or stout paper is cut using a sharp-pointed knife. The uncut portions that represent the part are left uncoloured. The sheet is then laid on the fabric and colour is applies using brushes through its interstices.

•    Calico Method
 

Fabric used for calico is well-bleached to avoid stains and other serious defects during subsequent operations. The dyes used in this method are printed on pure bleached cloth. However, all the patterns that contain rose, alizarine red and salmon shades are brightened considerably by the presence of oil. Very few colours are affected by it.
 

The cloth is brushed to free it from flocks, loose nap, and dust that get accumulated while storing. It is also sheared frequently by being passed over rapidly revolving knives arranged spirally round an axle. This, in turn, speedily and effectually cuts off all knots and filaments leaving the cloth clean and perfectly smooth. Then, it is wound onto a beam, and mounted on the machines.
 

•    Screen Procedure
 

This textile printing methodology is the most common technology today. It is carried out in two forms: rotary screen and flat (bed) screen method. A blade (squeegee) is used to squeeze the printing paste through openings in the screen onto the cloth.
 

•    Digital Textile Procedure
 

Often referred to as direct-to-garment, or digital garment printing, digital methodology is a process of printing on textiles using specialized, modified inkjet technology. This type of mechanism on cloth is also possible with an inkjet printer using fabric sheets with a removable paper backing. These days, a majority of inkjet technology manufacturers are able to provide specialized products designed for direct printing on fabric, both for sampling as well as bulk production.
 

Other methods include silk, woollen, artificial fibre, Perrotine and machine printing.
 

Aarav Fabricators are renowned manufacturer, exporter and supplier of exclusive Hand block printed cotton dress materials in India. The range of our cotton fabrics can be availed at industry leading price and varied design patterns and customized colours.

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