Page 19 - HAND EMBROIDERY ARTISAN_TT

Handicrafts & Carpets Related Theory for Exercise 1.1.07
Hand Embroidery Artisan - Introduction to Hand Embroidery

Block printing

Objectives: At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• explain block printing
• list the uses of block printing
• describe the process of block printing in sozni embroidery.

Block Fig 2

A very finely carved walnut wood block lays the base
for a finely embroidered shawl. Most workshops vast
collection of blocks that are used for decades. Different
blocks are used for printing the borders and the centre.
The master craftsman carefully prints the design using
blocks. Printing is done in such a way that just an imprints
remain for embroidery. Chemical ink is used for printing
after which embroidery is done on the printed design.
(Fig 1)
Fig 1 1 Design: Create a detail design on paper
2 Carve: Engrave the design onto wooden walnut block.
3 Prepare: apply a thin layer of oil or wax to the block
to prevent the fabric from sticking.
4 Prepare ink: prepare ink for printing.
5 Print: Apply ink to the blocks press them onto the
fabric.
6 Stitch: stitch the design onto the fabric using a small,
sharp needle. (Fig 3)
The first textile-printing technique (making impressions)
was that using blocks with raised printing surfaces, Fig 3
which were inked and then pressed on to the fabric. By
repetition, the image from a single block builds up into a
complete design over the fabric area.
Uses
Block printing is used to make patterns and designs on
fabric. These fabrics are used to make apparels such as
shawls, coats, rumaals, caps and other textile materials.
Process

The process of block printing in sozni embroidery involves Sozni embroidery is a labour intensive process that can
the following steps: (Fig 2) take months or years to complete. The final product is
luxurious piece of wearable art that is prized around the
world a unique feature of sozni embroidery is that the
back of the fabrics mirrors the design on the front.

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