Woodblock printing is the process of printing patterns on textiles like cotton by using wooden blocks. The art of hand block-printing has been practiced for centuries in India. A process that requires steady movement and careful hand-eye coordination It is the slowest process of textile printing. Rajasthan is home to hand block printing. This technique of block printing is used in both fashion and Home Decor industry.
CARVING
Block carving is the first step in the block printing process The Artisan expertise in carving make use of tools such as small hammers, chisels and drills to carve patterns traced on the wooden blocks.
After the carving process, these blocks are dipped in mustard oil and allowed to rest for one week. This helps to prevent cracking of the blocks
FABRIC WASHING
The fabric chosen for block printing is first washed to remove all the starch. After washing and drying the fabric, the craftsman will lay the fabric on a printing table, stretching it and hold it in place with ball pins.
PRINTING
There are a couple of block printing techniques such as pigment, rapid , Indigo sole and dabu .The printer dips the block in color tray and start stamping the fabric. One artisan can print about 15 meters fabric in one day. The fabric is hanged above the table immediately after stamping to avoid over lapping of colors.
DRYING & WASHING
Once the fabric gets printed by some printing technique the fabric is dried just above the shed and once it gets dried it is send for washing and final process. In some printing techniques the fabric have to be dried in open fields under sun.
Once the fabric gets dry they are washed in open space in big water tanks dipped several times in water, all this process is done by hand by a person who is expertise in washing. No harmful chemicals are used in washing process.
Periwinkle Craft is a Home Décor & fashion accessories brand using the Hand block print technique to offer tradition hand block printed goods at affordable price.