Better understanding aspects of our screen printing
Have you ever wondered about what processes are involved behind the beautiful patterns on your favourite Jaipur Joy screen print? Well, we have built a lovely connection with the printers who screen print our fabric, and on a recent trip to Jodhpur we got to see up close the cottage industry at work. Let's delve into the world of fabric printing and the talented individuals who bring these designs to life.
So how is fabric screen printed?
Screen printing fabric is a highly skilled process that involves creating a stencil (or screen) for each colour in the design. These screens are very large and are designed to fit exactly the width of the 40 metre long table. The cotton fabric is pinned to the table in preparation for the printing to start. The screen is then placed into a specific location on top of the fabric, guided in by metal notches along the side of the table, and ink is applied on the top of one end of the screen. There are two artisans who stand on either side of the table ready to start using the screen to apply the ink onto the cloth. The ink is forced through the screen onto the fabric, by the use of a flat wooden panel which pushes the ink across the screen evenly in one long sweeping movement. The one printer reaches across into the middle of the screen and hands over the wooden panel to the other printer who takes over the long sweeping motion until completing the full screen. This is repeated twice to ensure the ink penetrates evenly and clearly, creating the desired pattern. The screen is used to print the full length of the 40 metre table until completed. This process is then repeated for each colour in the design, resulting in a vibrant and detailed print.
Who are the printers behind the scenes?
The printers who screen print our fabric are skilled artisans who have honed their craft over years of practice. They have a keen eye for detail and a steady hand to ensure that each print has the full impact. There is the colour master ji who has all the experience of preparing the different shades of colour for printing using ISO free dyes and inks. There is also the screen master ji who has the skills to make the new screens in all the different colours required for the design. These individuals work with us to create new screens using some of our own designs and help to bring our creative visions to life. It is a truly rewarding process.
What environmental impact is there?
Any printing unit will always have environmental issues around water which is contaminated by the printing process. Some units in India are better than others in tackling these issues. We are proud of the efforts our printers have made to create a solution to these issues within their printing unit, with purpose-built channels that take the used water into tanks that are then taken to a plant enzyme industrial water unit nearby for recycling. This effort has helped to prevent any contaminated water entering into local water supplies.
Slow fashion at work.
Our connection with the fabric printers goes beyond just receiving a finished product. Having a deeper understanding of what pressures our printers face, helps us to anticipate what our printers are up against. For example, how the weather effects the printing and work force pressures like the timings of Indian festivals and the wedding season. By paying the price that our printers set for us we are able to show our appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into delivering each print.
Next time you admire a beautifully printed dress or shirt by Jaipur Joy, take a moment to think about the talented individuals who made our prints.
Jaipur Joy - for a more joyful way to be in the world.