Block printing is done by sketching a design, carving that design into a wooden block, applying ink or dye to the carved block, and then stamping the block onto fabric.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Design Creation and Preparation:
- Sketching: The design is first sketched on paper. This initial sketch serves as a guide for carving.
- Tracing: The design is then traced onto the wooden block.
- Wood Selection: Traditionally, softwoods like pear or sycamore are often used because they are easy to carve.
2. Block Carving:
- Carving the Design: Skilled artisans carefully carve the design into the wooden block using various tools like chisels, gouges, and knives. Precision is crucial to ensure the final print accurately reflects the intended design. The areas that are to be printed are left raised, while the rest of the block is carved away.
- Multiple Blocks for Multiple Colors: If the design requires multiple colors, a separate block must be carved for each color. This requires meticulous planning to ensure accurate registration (alignment) of the different colors.
3. Fabric Preparation:
- Washing & Pre-treatment: The fabric is thoroughly washed to remove any sizing or impurities. It may also be mordanted, a process which helps the dye bind permanently to the fibers. Mordants can be natural substances like alum or tannic acid.
4. Dye Preparation:
- Mixing Dyes: Natural or synthetic dyes are mixed according to the desired color and consistency. Natural dyes are derived from plants, minerals, and insects.
5. Printing Process:
- Applying Dye to the Block: The carved wooden block is dipped in dye or the dye is applied using a pad or tray. The block must be evenly coated with dye.
- Stamping the Fabric: The block is then carefully aligned and pressed firmly onto the fabric. The printer applies even pressure to ensure a clear and consistent print.
- Repeating the Pattern: This process is repeated across the fabric, carefully aligning each impression to create the desired pattern.
- Multi-Color Printing: When using multiple blocks, each block is applied in succession, allowing the previous color to dry before applying the next. Precise alignment is crucial here.
6. Post-Printing Treatment:
- Drying: The printed fabric is allowed to dry thoroughly, often in the sun.
- Washing: The fabric is washed again to remove any excess dye and to set the colors.
- Finishing: Further finishing processes, such as steaming or calendaring (passing through rollers to smooth the fabric), may be applied to enhance the fabric's appearance and feel.
Differences from Weaving: Block printing is distinct from weaving, where patterns are created by interweaving different colored threads during the fabric's creation. In block printing, a pattern is applied to an existing piece of fabric.
In essence, block printing is a labor-intensive, handcrafted process that produces unique and beautiful textiles.
