Traditional to Digital Printing
When we think of textile printing, the first thing that comes to our mind is rich history and varied cultures. It’s an age-old practice that has taken the fashion industry by a storm. It allows artisans to express their creativity and convey messages. From ancient methods to cutting-edge technology, the evolution of textile printing has been quite fascinating. Though technology seems to have taken over many aspects of textile printing, the rich tapestry of cloth printing still exists.
Through this blog, we wish to take you on a fascinating journey of traditional to digital printing.
Traditional Textile Printing Techniques
The evolution of fabric/textile printing can be traced back to the ancient civilisations. While India was the hub of textile printing, countries such as Egypt and China also used various traditional methods to adorn their textiles. They laid the groundwork of textile printing. Artisans often used ingenious methods to give fabrics intricate designs and embellishments.
Block Printing
Block printing is a century-old art. It’s been revered all over the world for its intricate design and meticulous craftsmanship. As the name suggests, this method involves carving designs into wooden blocks. Ink is smeared on these blocks and then pressed onto the fabric. This age-old technique dates back to thousands of years. Block printing has its origin in China, Egypt and India. With block printing, repeated patterns and intricate details could be created. It was not just popular for apparel but home linen too. In India, block printing went on to becoming an art form popularly known as “Ajrakh”.
Tie-Dye
Another ancient textile printing technique is tie-dye. In this technique, parts of the fabric are tied in unique ways to prevent dye absorption while the rest of the fabric gets dyed. Tie-dye is famous in Asia, Africa and South America. Another method similar to tie-dye is resist dyeing. Wax is used to resist dye on certain parts of the fabric. When it comes to tie-dye, each culture has its own unique approach. Each culture tells a different story. In Indonesia and India, it’s popularly referred to as Batik and Ikat.
After the traditional printing era came in the industrial revolution. This marked a significant turning point for cloth printing. The advancements in technology led to efficient and consistent production. These developments were mainly seen in Europe and Asia.
The Industrial Revolution
Roller Printing
Roller printing was invented in the 18th century in England. The process involved engraving designs onto cylindrical rollers. The fabric was simply passed through the rollers and the design would keep getting printed continuously. The production was not just high-speed but also consistent. Compared to traditional methods, manufacturers were able to produce large batches of printed fabric quicker thereby making it more accessible to the masses.
Screen Printing
Screen printing originated in China and gained popularity during the 20th century. In this method, a mesh screen is used to transfer ink onto the fabric. With screen printing, vibrant designs and intricate patterns can be achieved. Though this method of printing gained popularity during the industrial revolution, its versatility to produce bold graphics is appreciated even today. Today, it is used for commercial as well as artistic applications.
The Now & The Future
From traditional printing techniques to the industrial revolution, textile printing has surely come a long way. However, beyond this came an era where modern innovations became the order of the day. Though traditional methods have not completely become obsolete, the remarkable advancements in textile printing are now preferred.
Also, digital textile printing techniques also focus on sustainability. They are more environmentally-friendly compared to traditional printing techniques. Since fewer chemicals and water is used, there is less waste generated and the pollution is lesser too.
Modern Innovations in Fabric Printing
Digital Printing
Digital printing has surely revolutionised the garment printing industry. Designs can be printed directly onto the fabric using inkjet printers. This technique is incredibly flexible allowing custom designs and small-batch production. It is ideal if a large inventory has to be created. Designers can also create unique, personalised pieces.
Sublimation Printing
In sublimation printing, dye is transferred onto the fabric using heat and pressure. This method best works on synthetic fabrics such as polyester. It’s also popularly used in sportswear, and home textiles. It’s a modern printing method producing vibrant, long-lasting colours.
3D Textile Printing
The rise of sustainable fashion has encouraged the use of water-based inks and eco-friendly dyes. 3D textile printing is a new innovation in fabric printing. Textured fabrics can be created with three-dimensional patterns. Also, smart textiles are a new era. Sensors and conductive materials are being embedded into garments in order to make them interactive.
Conclusion
From traditional to digital textile printing, we’ve surely come a long way. From the ancient block printing methods to the latest digital technologies, each advancement is testimony to the rich tapestry of textile and fabric production. We at Vogue want our students to uphold this tradition and legacy. Thus, our fashion and apparel design course curriculum includes various modules of fashion – from history to modern-day innovations.
