Hand Block Printed Fabrics, hand block printing in India

Hand Block Printed Fabrics: how to create it?

Hand block print, also known as “woodblock printing,” is an ancient art form of India and got huge popularity in India, China, and many other East Asian countries.

This ancient printing technique uses a hand-carved teak wood block dipped in Dye and stamped on cotton fabric or silk. The result that comes out is really unique, different from all the other fringes. Best handblock printing in India are a traditional handicraft of India with a long history.

Types of hand block print:

There are two types of block printing methods used for India:

• Pigment dyeing, which is mainly used on white-based fabrics and sits on top of the fabrics and
• Reactive Dyeing- It is used in dark-colored fabric because here, the Dye reacts with the fabric then changes the base color of the fabric.

Block printing is an ancient art form in Rajasthan where mainly natural colors are used. So, it is an eco-friendly procedure. Rajasthan is the main hub of this printing artwork. Rajasthan is known all over the world for this block printing industry, but it is now being done in the country. Block Printed Sharee, dupatta, salwar kameez, home decor, including bed sheets, curtain, cushion cover, table cloth, etc., are popular worldwide. Block printing fabric is extremely demanding popular among those who always prefer uniqueness. In fact, these gorgeous fabrics are one of the popular home decors in the world.

Cotton cloth is mainly used for block printing. Since Rajasthan is its source and an important center, the designs of block printing, especially those originating in Rajasthan, are considered to be different and the best from all other print.

The Santana region near Jaipur is famous all over the world for its fine hand block printing. In the past, behind the popularity of handblock printing manufacturer was the patronage of the royal family. Now Santana has become the main center for Hand Block Table Cover printmaking and export. Stylized leaves like sunflower, rose, narcissus, daturas, rudraksha, orch, and motif Santana block prints like small flowers can be seen on the fabric.

The main printed items include saris, bedsheets, scarves, salwar-kameez, curtains, scarves, and printed yards (moving fabric material). At present, block printing is being done by bringing the original material from Jaipur, mainly cotton voile, the primary material for making ‘latha’ sheets.

The elaborate work always needs an expert hand, so you should cut the mirror images blocks to print the asymmetrical Mughal style designs. Though Sanganer is renowned for creating the most exemplary block printed textiles on off-white or pastel backgrounds, today, a wide variety of block print designs are created with dark and pale grounds.

Santana Hand Block has received unique recognition in the production of textiles and furniture across the country and abroad.

The Process: Pigment Dyeing

Step: 1

Carving the Block

At first, the master block maker prefers motifs or designs engraved on pieces of wood. Usually made of teak, this wooden block is oiled then the craftsman carefully removes the block.

The design is often a classic Indian motif in traditional block printing, usually influenced by the region’s nature, animals, customs, etc. These motifs are typically geometric patterns, animal or plant forms. They use traditional blocks as well as contemporary geometric designs.

Step 2:

Base Dye

Designers take base fabric white or other light colors. Design on cotton clothes became lovely; they colored the base fabric and printed him to prepare the block. Colorful clothes are always more, so white clothes are taken. Then Dye is done through the reactionary dye process with an additional range.

Step 3:

Mixing the Color

To design every cloth, the Designer made a color palette. They use universal Pantone colors as references, which is very effective. The natural colors they use come from a few different colors. Those colors are carefully matched with the desired Pantone color. Creating more colors in this color is also an art.

Step 4:

Preparing the Fabric

The next step is placed on a flat table, and then it is stuck firmly on the table with the pins. The result is easy to print blocks. The minor variations of Indian block pints can make clothes so special, do not see it. But note that the print is not uneven, then it may be started from the beginning again.

This block is used in a mainly built wooden table during printing. The table is usually 6 meters in length, 50 inches wide, and at least ten levels of jute fabric, a blanket layer, and a thick cotton sheet above it tied it tightly in all directions. All these levels allow printing the block on the material correctly and accurately.

Due to its gorgeousness, handblock printings jaipur is gaining huge popularity all over the world. Now, these fabrics are sold in the world market not only in the middle east.