The Art of Hand Block Printing: A Step-By-Step Guide.

The Art of Hand Block Printing: A Step-By-Step Guide.
5 min read

 

The method of printing designs with carved wooden blocks is known as hand block print. Basically, handblock printing was invented in China but now sanganeri print fabric has a global name. 

 

It is the oldest, most basic, and slowest process of textile printing. Hand block printing is a time-consuming procedure. It is, nevertheless, capable of producing extremely aesthetic effects, including some that are impossible to achieve with any other approach.

 

Block printing is indeed an unique and entertaining printmaking technique that could be employed to create stunning motifs on paper or cloth. Previously, block prints were created using wooden blocks, although the phrase is now frequently used to apply to lino printmaking as well.

 

Do you have a desire to  learn how to do block print onto material? Hand-block-printed cloth, beloved for its quirky personality and brilliant colors, is a perfect way to bring life to your house as warm air rises, and it's simple to make yourself.

 

And you know hand block print fabric can be sewed into everything from elegant napkins for outdoor dining to a unique sink skirt, and the lino print may be saved for future imaginative interior design projects..

 

Whenever it regards patterns, the basic ideas may look spectacular when reproduced or turned in multiple orientations to create geometric shapes.

 

Step 1 - Make wooden blocks 

 

Block prints are frequently created with carved wooden blocks. The Chhipa Society of Rajasthan is home to the bulk of India's block craftsmen, designers, and printers. Block carving, like so many other handicrafts in India, is the initial stage in the block printmaking procedure and has been practiced since ancient times. 

 

To carve intricate designs into wooden pieces, the block-carving artists utilize instruments such as tiny hammers, cutting tools, and drills. While you still can carve them yourself, it might be difficult if you aren't used to cutting wood. The excellent thing is that fully prepared wooden boards are available for purchase.

 

These blocks are immersed in mustard oil following cutting and left to cool completely for a week. This works to protect the blocks from breaking when exposed to dry environments. In order for the woodwork to breathe, the carving cut small cracks into the bits of wood. This also prolongs the durability of a wooden plank by several decades.



Step 2 - Prepare blocks for printing 




Following the carving procedure, dye is added to the skin of the plank of wood using a ‘sieve.' Before applying the wooden wedge to the cloth, it is gently rubbed against the color palate.

 

If you're going to block printed on textile, you'll need to employ a fabric-safe block stamping ink. Another method for block printing cloth is to utilize fabric-safe ink pads. Block printing utilizing ink pads works best for little lino pieces. If you're working with bigger blocks, you'll definitely wish to use inkin.

 

Squeeze a tiny streak of ink across the surface of the acrylic panel palette. Then, using the thick rubber roller, smooth the ink off. Spread the ink out across the ground of your palettes a little before spreading it over your imprint in tiny strokes again until the stamped pattern is completely covered. If the linoleum board is over-inked, you may lose part of your style's small details while printing. 

 

Step 3 - Prepare fabric for printing 



The cloth picked for hand block printing will be first cleaned to eliminate all starch. Saree lengths, for example, generally need dyeing. This is performed before the printing process. The artisan will put the material on a stamping table, spreading it all around the full length and holding it in position with small pegs for hand block printing.

 

Step 4 - Print the fabric 



Block printing requires a specific process in order to achieve the wanted effects. Printing always starts from the left to the right. To balance out the hue on the platter, a board of wood is employed. The artisan adds the block to the cloth after dipping it in a strong outline coloring. This is continued all the way down the depth and length of the cloth.

 

Next, regardless of how you painted your wooden dowel, turn it over. Then, carefully and equally place the inked pattern face down into cloth or paper. Then, upright, peel the imprint off from the cloth. 

 

Remember if you are beginners then practice it on a paper sheet.

 

Step 5 - After printing 



When the hand block-printing procedure is finished, the artisan sprinkles small saw dust over the moist dye to keep the pattern from smearing. The cloth is then exposed to sunlight to air. Block printing onto cotton and silk textiles may be done using a variety of colors. Dyes that are majorly used for cotton material name indigo sol, pigment dyes, and fast dyes. Classical block printing tones include mustard, black, brown, orange, and red.



India has now become a hub of hand block fabric and you should customize one. If you are looking for a hand printed fabric collection, then you must visit fabriclore and their exclusive collection.

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