Using finely carved wooden blocks, hand block printing is an ages-old craft that imprints designs onto textiles. This tedious process requires extreme precision and skills. Blocks come in two main varieties: metallic and wooden. While metallic pieces are more expensive but offer durability, wooden blocks are carved by hand. The art is further made more diverse by methods like discharge printing, resist printing and direct block printing. Every Indian state has its distinct design, ranging from the earthy tones of Gujarat to the elaborate designs of Rajasthan. Handblock printing is a treasured textile tradition that not only preserves cultural legacy but also offers artists a stable means of income.
The fabric to be printed is prepared before the printing procedure. After giving it a thorough wash to get rid of any contaminants, the desired base colour is added. After that, the fabric is stretched taut on a printing stage to provide precise and even impressions. The artisan carefully lines the block on the fabric after dipping it into the colour. The block is pressed onto the fabric with a firm, repetitive action, leaving the intended pattern in its place. The intricate design is applied to the entire cloth by repeating this method several times. Sawdust is frequently sprinkled on the wet fabric to stop the colours from bleed. After printing is finished, the fabric is allowed to air dry. The fabric is subsequently subjected to heat or sunshine during a process known as ageing, which fixes the colours. By doing this, the colours are established and prevented from fading. The fabric undergoes washing in the last step to get rid of extra colour and sawdust. After drying and ironing, the fabric is prepared to be made into garments or various other products. The laborious method of handblock printing requires skill, patience, and accuracy. The end product is a gorgeous, unique clothing with a rich cultural history.
