Textile Printing and Its Importance in Fashion Industry

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?

The word “printing” is derived from the Latin word meaning “pressing” and implies the application of “pressure”. Textile printing is the process of applying color to the fabric in definite patterns or designs. It is a part of wet processing, which is carried out after pre-treatment of fabric or after dyeing. It is done for producing attractive designs on the fabric. Usually printing is performed on one side of the textile. Different printing methods can be applied to transfer the dyestuff and chemicals to the surface of the fabric. Textile printing is related to dyeing, whereas in dyeing, the whole fabric is uniformly covered with one color. In printing, one or more colors are applied to the fabric in certain parts only, and in sharply defined patterns. Printing is therefore called as localized dyeing. The dyes and pigments are applied locally or discontinuously.

Origin of Textile Printing:

Textile printing is thought to have found its origin in Ancient China, where people began to use woodblocks carved with designs and symbols to decorate fabric and paper. The color would go on the woodblocks and then be pressed to the material to create patterns. Colors and designs were among the most powerful commodities in Ancient China, as they accommodated distinction and recognition in terms of social status, region and dynasty. The technique spread throughout Asia and Indians, in particular, adopted it in various means for various fabrics and attires. They are still very much fond of it today, and there are many active Indian companies that continue to most block-print of garments a day.

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 Importance of Textile Printing in the Fashion Industry:

The textile business requires printing in the same way that dyeing is necessary. It requires ongoing innovation on the part of fashion designers. Fashion designers and artisans create a wide range of imaginative creations with careful consideration. Both printing and design knowledge are required for this. Currently, one can easily get a sense of what the garment would look like when printed with this by displaying the all-over printing design on the model on the computer.

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.

Using a thickening agent, the color is applied to specific areas of the cloth during the printing process in accordance with the desired pattern. As a result, the printed fabric is more appealing. Additionally, printing equipment is continually being improved to meet consumer and business demands. This allows fashion designers to finish their creations. A new area of textile printing has recently been added: 3D printing. With this 3D printing technique, it is possible to create intricate designs and garments with a high level of detail. As a result, it has easily adapted to client requirements. There may be less waste and environmental impact associated with 3 D-printed apparel. There is a large water requirement for textiles and fabrics, and air pollution is a major issue in countries with a large textile industry, like China. Many of these issues are amenable to 3D printing.

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.