HAND BLOCK PRINTING : MEANING PROCESS AND FAQS

 

Introduction

An ancient way of textile printing is hand block printing. It is a technique used for printing text, patterns, and images on textiles. This printing was originated in china near 220 AD and came to India in 12^th century.  It is also referred as ‘block printing’ or ‘woodblock printing’.

It is a method under which carved wooden blocks are used which are covered with colorful dyes and are frequently pressed on the fabric manually. By this different patterns and designs are created.  As it is a hand operated process the sharp, accurate and fine detailed prints creates a buzz among people and is still continued as a signature handicraft.

Rajasthan is popular for colorful prints of animals, birds, human, god, and goddesses. Some famous centers are Jaipur block prints, Bagru, Pali, Barmer and Sanganer.

Process

The process of hand block print may seem sturdy to you, but it is explained in simple format in following steps:

1.      Designing wood blocks

First and foremost, step to start this printing begins with designing a wooden block. A designed or print is choosing and drawn on paper.  Wood logs are flattened and painted with a white chalk paste on one side. Then a mastered craftsman traces the design deliberately on wood log. It takes one or two days to complete a single design.  Holes are grounded to avoid any air bubbles and excess use paint. At last handles are drilled.

Once the wooden blocks get ready, it is soaked in mustard oil for some days to give prints it durability and finishing.

2.      Assembling right fabric

Numerous types of fabrics are available in the market. But block print fabrics are only RFD fabrics i.e., ‘Ready for Dyeing’ fabrics. Other forms of fabrics are first converted into RFD and then used for this printing. After acquiring fabrics at this stage all the starch is removed by soaking it overnight in water to bring it in printable form.

3.      Determining dyes and colors

Different dyes are used for block printing. Commonly used colors are saffron, blue, red and yellow. Water based inks works best for wooden printing as these gives sharp finishing and stops the dye to get mixed with base colors and printed dresses. Skilled workers prepare the best mixture to give quality prints.

4.      Printing designs on fabrics

This is not easy as it seems. To get the desired results various techniques are used. Craftsman at shivalaya jaipur practices the best method to produce craving results for people.  Wooden blocks are dipped into the ink, placed at the accurate spot of fabric, and pressed with the fists. For multiple dyes multiple blocks are used replicating same process every time.

5.      Post printing

Once the process of dying is completed, fabric is left to dry out n sun. Later the fabric is ironed or steamed and it turns in ready to use situation. Graze Shivalaya Jaipur for block printed fabrics today.

Tiny variations and techniques matter to give hand block prints a unique charm. At Shivalaya Jaipur we offer a wide range of hand block printed fabric prepared by experienced and dedicated craftsman.

We deliver huge variety of hand block print dresses, cotton print fabric, marble print fabrics, kantha quilts, beach wear, girls’ night suit, women ethnic wear dress, wooden handicrafts products and much more.