Introduction:
Printing has added a new dimension and diversity to the textile industry. The fabric is dyed, printed and finished before it is made. At present, the importance of printing is very high in the garment industry. Different types of designs are printed on any fabric which brings out the taste of the people. The world’s textile printing is also changing rapidly in line with human tastes. Customers are demanding a variety of color and design variations. Therefore, textile printing is constantly changing in response to their demands.
What is Textile Printing?
Textile printing is a process where a specific pattern or design is created by applying color to the fabric. To put it more simply, printing is also the process of decorating a fabric by applying different color patterns or designs on a finished product.
At present printing is done in many advanced ways but the beginning of printing was not so advanced. The Chinese were the first to engrave on wooden blocks and started printing cloth. At that time only red and blue colors were used for printing. But at present about 12-15 colors are used in printing.
There are many types of printing. Those are:
- Block Printing
- All Over Printing
- Flock Printing
- Glitter Printing
- Batik Printing
- Sublimation Printing
- Foil Printing
- Rubber Printing
- Roller Printing
- Screen Printing
- Stain Seal Printing
- Pigment Printing
- Transfer Printing
- Digital Printing
The journey of roller printing began in the late seventeenth century. This method allows to print different color designs on any fabric at the same time. Screen printing was introduced in the late eighteenth century, a few years after roller printing. The latest invention of the printing press is the Digital Printing Machine (Digital Printing Machine).
Processing of Textile Printing:
First the fabric has to be prepared for printing. Then have to prepare the printing paste for printing. Now you have to print the fabric. When printed, the fabric is allowed to dry. Then the printed dye / pigment have to be allowed to be fixed. Finally wash is done as needed.
The steps of printing are:
Fabric Preparation
↓
Printing Paste Formation
↓
Printing
↓
Drying
↓
Steaming & Curing
↓
After Treatment
The Importance of Textile Printing in the Fashion Industry:
Just as there is a need for dyeing in the textile industry, there is also a need for printing. Just as there is a need for dyeing in the textile industry, there is also a need for printing. Fashion designers have to constantly innovate or work on it. Fashion designers and artisans create many creative designs with their thoughtful thinking. For this they have to know about design as well as printing. Nowadays, by displaying all over printing design on the model on the computer, one can easily get an idea of what the garment will look like when printed with this. But nowadays fashion designers are not able to take their place in apparel fashion due to lack of knowledge about printing technology. However, it is expected that fashion designers will cross the borders of the country and occupy an international place.
The dyeing process usually involves dyeing all fabrics. The importance and necessity of printing is much higher as any design can be done as per one’s wish. So the use of printed fabrics is as high as the demand. At present, textile engineers are also developing innovative methods keeping in mind the needs of the customers so that they can meet the needs of the customers by keeping the cost right. In the printing process, the color is applied to certain parts of the fabric according to the specific design with the help of thickening agent. As a result, the printing fabric is more attractive. Printing machines are also constantly being developed to meet the needs of customers and entrepreneurs. Through this, fashion designers are able to complete their designs.
Currently, 3D printing has been added as a new sector in textile printing. This 3D printing method provides complex designs and ability to achieve a high level of detailed details with fashion and clothing. As a result, it has easily become customer’s needs. 3D printed clothing may also be environmentally friendly and can also waste less. Lots of water needed for textile and fabrics; Air pollution is also a big concern of air pollution in textile manufacturers like China. 3D printing can solve many of these problems.
Conclusion:
For a designer, textile printing offers all kinds of benefits so that his designs can be beautifully presented to the buyer or consumers. The result is his designed garments that have the ability to easily attract customers. So the importance of printing is essential to take the fashion industry to a much higher peak. Apart from this, it is hoped that the field of textile printing will be further expanded in the future if we can present various types of designs to the customers by utilizing creative ideas.
References:
- https://textilelearner.net/textile-printing-methods/
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/textile/Printing
- https://www.apparelsearch.com/definitions/miscellaneous/textile_printing.htm
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textile_printing
Author of This Article:
Nazifa Tabassum
Dept. of Clothing and Textile
Govt. College of Applied Human Science, Dhaka
Email: [email protected]
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Editor of Fashion2Apparel. She is a fashion designer and ex-lecturer in Fashion Designing. She wants to spread fashion knowledge throughout the world.
Textile printing is a process of applying designs, patterns, or images onto fabric surfaces using various techniques. It is a popular method for adding decorative elements and artistic touches to textiles, making them visually appealing and unique. Textile printing allows for a wide range of designs, colors, and effects, enabling the creation of eye-catching fabrics for various purposes.
There are several methods of textile printing, including:
1. **Screen Printing:** Involves using a mesh screen to transfer ink onto the fabric. Different screens are used for each color in the design, allowing for multi-color patterns.
2. **Digital Printing:** Utilizes specialized inkjet printers to directly apply the design onto the fabric. Digital printing offers high precision and vibrant colors, making it suitable for complex and detailed patterns.
3. **Block Printing:** Involves carving designs into wooden or metal blocks and then using these blocks to manually stamp the fabric with the ink.
4. **Rotary Printing:** Uses cylindrical screens to print continuous patterns onto the fabric as it moves through the machine.
5. **Heat Transfer Printing:** Involves printing the design onto a transfer paper and then using heat to transfer the ink onto the fabric.
Textile printing allows for customization and personalization, making it a popular choice in the fashion, home decor, and textile industries. It is used to create various products, including clothing, curtains, upholstery, beddings, and more. With advancements in printing technology, the possibilities for intricate and innovative textile designs continue to expand.