Printing is a process used to reproduce text, images, or patterns on various surfaces, primarily textiles

and paper, but also on materials like plastics, metals, and ceramics. In the context of fashion design
and textiles, printing specifically refers to the method of applying designs to fabrics to create patterns,
graphics, and decorative elements.

Purpose and Applications:

• Textiles: Printing is used to create patterns, prints, and designs on fabric. This includes
everything from intricate patterns on high fashion garments to bold graphics on casual wear.
• Paper Products: In book publishing, packaging, and stationery, printing reproduces text and
images on paper.
• Other Materials: Printing can also be applied to non-textile materials such as plastics for
packaging, ceramics for decorative tiles, and metals for signage.
Printing Techniques:
Different techniques are used depending on the desired effect, the type of fabric or material, and the
complexity of the design:
1. Screen Printing:
o Process: A mesh screen is used to transfer ink onto the fabric through a stencil or
design. Each color in the design requires a separate screen.
o Use: Suitable for bold, simple designs and high-volume production.

2. Digital Printing:
o Process: Uses inkjet technology to print designs directly onto fabric or paper. Each
color is applied in a single pass.
o Use: Ideal for complex, multi-colored designs and smaller runs. Commonly used for
custom garments and small-scale production.
3. Heat Transfer Printing/Sublimation Printing
o Process: Designs are printed onto special transfer paper and then applied to the fabric
using heat and pressure.
o Use: Good for detailed designs and personalization’s, often used for custom t-shirts
and sportswear.

4. Block Printing:
o Process: A carved block is used to stamp ink onto fabric. The design is manually
pressed onto the material.
o Use: Typically used for artisanal, hand-crafted prints and small runs.
5. Rotary Screen Printing:
o Process: A continuous cylindrical screen prints designs onto fabric rolls. Suitable for
long production runs.
o Use: Effective for large-scale production with repeating patterns.

6. Foil Printing:
o Process: A metallic foil is applied to fabric using a special adhesive, creating a shiny,
reflective surface.
o Use: Adds a luxurious, metallic finish to designs.
7. Discharge Printing:
o Process: A chemical agent removes dye from the fabric, creating a lighter pattern on
the existing color.
o Use: Produces soft prints with a vintage look, typically on pre-dyed fabrics.

8. Burnout Printing:
o Process: Uses a chemical to dissolve part of the fabric, creating a semi-transparent
effect.
o Use: Adds texture and visual interest to designs.
Types of Prints
1. All-Over Prints:
• Description: Covers the entire surface of the fabric with a repeating pattern or design.
• Use: Common in garments like dresses, shirts, and activewear. Ideal for creating bold, eye-
catching designs.

2. Placement Prints:
• Description: Features designs placed strategically in specific areas of the garment, such as
the front, back, or sleeves.
• Use: Often used for focal points on garments like t-shirts or dresses where the print is a
central design element.
3. Pattern Prints:
• Description: Includes various repeating patterns such as stripes, polka dots, checks, or plaids.
• Use: Suitable for casual and formal wear. Patterns like plaid are common in shirts and skirts,
while polka dots are popular in dresses and accessories.

4. Graphic Prints:
• Description: Involves bold, often intricate illustrations, text, or imagery.
• Use: Common in casual wear, particularly t-shirts and hoodies. Graphic prints can include
logos, slogans, or artistic designs.
5. Abstract Prints:
• Description: Features non-representational, often geometric or organic shapes and colors.
• Use: Ideal for modern, artistic fashion pieces. Abstract prints offer a unique, visually
engaging aesthetic.

6. Floral Prints:
• Description: Consists of designs featuring flowers, leaves, and botanical elements.
• Use: Popular in dresses, blouses, and skirts, especially for spring and summer collections.
Floral prints range from delicate, small prints to large, bold patterns.
7. Animal Prints:
• Description: Mimics the appearance of animal skins, such as leopard, zebra, or snake
patterns.
• Use: Frequently used in fashion to add a wild or exotic touch to garments. Common in
outerwear, accessories, and even footwear.

8. Paisley Prints:
• Description: Features intricate, swirling designs that often resemble teardrop shapes or floral
motifs.
• Use: Common in scarves, shirts, and dresses. Paisley prints add a touch of classic or
bohemian style.
9. Tie-Dye Prints:
• Description: Created through a resist-dyeing technique that results in patterns of colors and
shapes.
• Use: Often associated with a casual, retro look. Tie-dye prints are popular in t-shirts, dresses,
and swimwear.
10. Camouflage Prints:
• Description: Designed to blend in with natural environments, featuring patterns of greens,
browns, and grays.
• Use: Primarily used in military and outdoor wear but also incorporated into streetwear and
fashion for a rugged aesthetic.

11. Geometric Prints:

• Description: Features shapes like squares, triangles, and circles arranged in patterns.
• Use: Provides a modern, clean look. Geometric prints are common in contemporary fashion
and home decor
12. Stripes:
• Description: Consists of parallel lines, which can vary in width and color.
• Use: Versatile for casual and formal wear. Stripes can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal and
are popular in shirts, dresses, and pants.

13. Checks and Plaids:

• Description: Includes various grid-like patterns such as gingham, tartan, or houndstooth.
• Use: Common in shirts, skirts, and outerwear. These prints offer a classic, often preppy look.
14. Houndstooth Prints:
• Description: A distinctive broken check pattern resembling a dog's tooth.
• Use: Often used in outerwear, skirts, and trousers. Houndstooth adds a classic, sophisticated
touch.

15. Ethnic and Tribal Prints:

• Description: Incorporates patterns and motifs inspired by the traditional art and textiles of
various cultures.
• Use: Adds a global or bohemian feel to garments. Common in skirts, dresses, and accessories.
Prominent traditional Indian textile and fabric prints!
1. Bandani Print
Bandhani prints, also known as bandhej or tie-dye, are a vibrant and intricate form of textile artistry
that originated in Gujarat and has been practised in India for centuries. The term "bandhani" is derived
from the Sanskrit word "bandh," which means "to tie." This technique involves tying small portions of
fabric with thread to create a resistance, which prevents certain areas from absorbing dye. When the
fabric is dyed, the tied portions remain uncoloured, resulting in beautiful and distinct patterns.
Traditional Patterns: Bandhani patterns can vary widely, from simple dots and lines to more
complex motifs like peacocks, flowers, and geometric shapes. Some common bandhani designs
include Chandrakala (moon-shaped patterns), Bavan Baug (52 squares), and Shikari (hunter) patterns,
among others.
Regional Variations: The Khatri community in Kutch, Gujarat, is famous for its intricate bandhani
work. Rajasthan is another prominent hub for Bandhani, known for its bold colours and patterns. In
Punjab, bandhani is often used in creating turbans, known as "pagri," which are an integral part of the
region's culture.
Today, designers often incorporate Bandhani prints into Western-style clothing and accessories.

2. Ajrakh Print
Ajrak print is a traditional textile art form deeply rooted in the rich heritage of the Indian
subcontinent, particularly in the regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The word ajrak comes from the
Persian word “ajar’ which means “brick”. It is known for its distinctive geometric and floral patterns,
as well as its vibrant colour palette.
Ajrak printing involves block printing, in which the prints are transferred from the woodblock to the
fabric. Predominantly, colours like crimson red and indigo with some black and white were used in
Ajrak printing. It is mainly done using natural dyes.
Ajrak holds immense cultural and symbolic importance in the Sindhi culture and is often worn during
special occasions and ceremonies.
Traditional Patterns: Ajrakh prints often feature geometric shapes, including intricate squares,
diamonds, and circles. Floral and nature-inspired motifs, such as leaves, vines, and flowers, are also
common in Ajrak designs.

3. Ikat Print
Ikat prints, often referred to as "Ikat" or "Ikkat," are a distinctive and ancient textile dyeing technique
that produces intricate and vibrant patterns. The word Ikat is derived from the Indonesian word
"mengikat" which means "to bind".
This traditional art form is a dyeing technique from Indonesia that holds a significant place in the
textile traditions of India, Central Asia, and parts of South America. Ikat textiles are celebrated for
their unique blurred designs, achieved through a meticulous process of resist dyeing.
Traditional Patterns: Ikat designs can vary widely and may include geometric shapes, abstract
motifs, or representations of nature, often inspired by cultural and regional influences. The blurred
edges of Ikat patterns create a unique and visually striking effect, making each piece of fabric one-of-
a-kind.
Regional Variations: Patola from Gujarat, India, is known for its double Ikat technique and intricate
geometric patterns. Pochampally Ikat from Telangana, India, is famous for its vibrant colours and
repetitive geometric designs.
They continue to captivate and inspire through their unique and timeless designs, creating a link
between the past and the present in the world of textiles.

4. Bagh Print
Bagh prints, a traditional textile art form of India, originated from the remote village of Bagh in the
central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. These prints are renowned for their intricate geometric and
floral designs, created through a labour-intensive block printing technique.
The process of Bagh printing involves several stages.
• Preparing the fabric: The fabric is washed and soaked in a mixture of water, rock salt, goat
dung and castor oil and washed three times.
• Pre-dying: The fabric is pre-dyed with Harara which gives a base colour and adds richness to
the dyes.
 • Block carving: Artisans carve intricate designs onto wooden blocks, with each block
representing a specific element of the overall pattern.
• Printing: The carved blocks are dipped into natural dyes, such as indigo for blue and alizarin
for red, and then stamped onto the fabric. The artisans meticulously align the blocks to create
the desired pattern.
• Dyeing: The printed fabric is left to dry and then immersed in a fixing solution, allowing the
colours to set.
• Washing: The fabric is washed to remove excess dye, resulting in the characteristic soft and
muted colours of Bagh prints.
Regional Variations: While Bagh prints are primarily associated with the Bagh village in Madhya
Pradesh, similar block printing techniques are practised in other parts of India, such as Rajasthan and
Gujarat. Each region has its distinct style and patterns.

5. Dabu Print
Dabu printing, also known as "Dabu block printing," is a traditional hand block printing technique
from Rajasthan, India that involves the use of mud resist to create intricate patterns on fabrics. This
centuries-old technique is celebrated for its unique and rustic appearance, making each piece of fabric
one-of-a-kind.
Dabu printing involves a multi-step process that requires meticulous skill and attention to detail:
• Mud Resist: Artisans mix clay, usually from a local riverbed, with natural ingredients such as
wheat chaff or gum to create a thick mud paste. This paste is applied to the fabric using
wooden blocks, stencils, or by hand in the desired pattern.
 • Dyeing: After the mud resist has dried, the fabric is submerged in natural dyes, often
extracted from plants and minerals. Common colours include indigo, red, and various earth
tones.
• Sun Drying: The dyed fabric is left out in the sun to dry, allowing the colours to set and the
mud resist to cracking.
• Washing: The fabric is washed to remove the dried mud resist, revealing the intricate patterns
created by the cracks and fissures.

6. Block Prints
Block printing is a traditional and versatile textile printing technique that has been practised for
centuries in various cultures around the world. It involves using carved wooden or linoleum blocks to
transfer ink or dye onto fabric or paper, creating intricate and repeatable patterns. Block printing has a
rich history and remains a popular form of textile decoration and artistry today.
In India, block printing has a particularly long and storied history, with regions like Rajasthan,
Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh being renowned centres for this craft.
Block printing involves several stages, including:
• Block Carving: Artisans carve intricate designs onto wooden blocks using sharp tools.
• Inking: The carved blocks are dipped into ink or dye, ensuring an even coating.
 • Printing: The inked block is pressed onto the fabric or paper with gentle but firm pressure,
transferring the design. This process can be repeated to create repeating patterns.
• Drying: The printed fabric is left to dry, allowing the ink or dye to set.
• Fixing: In some cases, a fixing agent is applied to the printed fabric to ensure durability.

7. Kalamkari Print
Kalamkari is a distinctive and ancient textile art form from India known for its intricate hand-painted
or hand-blocked designs. Kalamkari has historical references dating back to ancient scriptures like the
Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The name "Kalamkari" is derived from two Persian words: "kalam"
meaning "pen" and "kari" meaning "work," reflecting the use of pens and brushes to create exquisite
designs.
The art form flourished in various regions of India, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and parts of
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
Techniques: There are two primary techniques used in Kalamkari printing:
• Srikalahasti Kalamkari: This style involves freehand drawing and painting with a pen-like
instrument called a "kalam" or "quill." Natural dyes and pigments, often derived from plants
and minerals, are used to colour the fabric.
 • Machilipatnam Kalamkari: This technique utilises wooden blocks to create intricate
designs. The blocks are carved with precision, and the fabric is printed with these blocks.
Then, skilled artisans use brushes and pens to add fine details and colours to the printed
design.
Today Kalamkari prints have found a global audience and are incorporated into contemporary fashion,
home decor, and accessories. Modern designers use digital printing of Kalamkari designs which is
easier than traditional Kalamkari art.

8. Batik Print

Batik is a traditional textile art form known for its intricate, wax-resist dyeing technique. This
centuries-old craft has its origins in Indonesia, particularly in Java and Bali but has also been
practiced in various forms in countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, India, and parts of Africa. Batik
prints are celebrated for their vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and cultural significance.
Techniques: Batik is a wax-resist dyeing method, where hot wax is applied to specific areas of the
fabric to create a resist. These waxed areas remain undyed when the fabric is submerged in dye.
Multiple waxing and dyeing stages can create intricate multicoloured designs with complex patterns.
There are 3 types of Batiks, namely Written Batik (Batik Tulis), Stamped batik (batik cap) and Painted
batil (batik lukis).
Regional Variations: Batik has variations across countries and regions. The Javanese Batik is known
for its intricate designs and often features elaborate patterns that convey cultural and social meanings.
Balinese batik is characterised by vibrant colours and intricate motifs, often inspired by Balinese
Hindu mythology. Malaysian batik often features floral and nature-inspired designs, with each region
having its unique motifs.
9. Saanganeri Print
Sanganeri print is a traditional textile printing technique hailing from the Sanganer region in the
Indian state of Rajasthan. A type of block-printing technique, Sanganeri prints have a rich history that
has made them highly sought-after in the world of textiles and fashion.
Sanganeri print involves several labour-intensive steps, making it a time-honoured craft. Initially, they
were printed on white and off-white fabrics, however, they are being printed on various fabrics.
Traditional Patterns: Sanganeri prints are known for their intricate floral and nature-inspired motifs,
featuring delicate blossoms, vines, and leaves. The designs often have a rhythmic and balanced
arrangement, creating visually appealing compositions.
10. Shibori Print
Shibori is a traditional Japanese resist-dyeing technique known for its intricate and varied patterns.
The term "shibori" is derived from the root word "shiboru," which means "to wring, squeeze, or
press." Shibori prints are celebrated for their distinct and often unpredictable designs, making each
piece of fabric unique.
Techniques: Shibori encompasses a range of resist-dyeing techniques, each producing a different
pattern. Some common Shibori techniques include:
Itajime Shibori: Fabric is folded and sandwiched between two wooden or plastic boards, then tightly
bound with string or clamps.
Kumo Shibori: The fabric is gathered into small, regular pleats and bound at intervals, creating a
spiderweb-like pattern.
Arashi Shibori: The fabric is wrapped diagonally around a pole or pipe and then tightly bound with
string. The resulting pattern resembles rain streaks.
Nui Shibori: The fabric is stitched before dyeing, creating intricate stitched patterns. After dyeing, the
threads are removed, leaving a distinctive pattern.
Kanoko Shibori: The fabric is tied using a type of untwisted thread and the desired pattern is
achieved by varying the tightness of tying the thread.
Miura Shibori: The fabric is plucked using a needle and the section is looped twice without knotting,
which results in water-like designs.
 Assignment

Analyse and research about the trend prediction Spring/Summer 2025.

1. Make Mood Board, Colour Board For it.
2. Inspiring from the Theme SS25 create Prints from it.
3. Create those prints on the fabric using various techniques of printing.