But in addition to the many uses, there are also many production methods for fabric printing, from manual to digital. Below is a summary of these methods, followed by an in-depth breakdown of each process.

SUMMARY

PROCESS

In the case of a single image, a flatbed printer can be used to print precisely where the image needs to be. This is used for printing on pre-shaped fabrics, such as clothing or pillow cases. Depending on the ink, the fabric may need to be treated beforehand with an ink-receptive coating. Dye sublimation is another digital option for single images. An image is infused into polyester material using a printed image on transfer paper, and a heat press.

For large scale fabric printing, such as multiple yards of a repeated pattern for sale, a flatbed or roll-based inkjet printer may be used to imprint synthetic or natural fiber textiles (cotton, polyester, silk, nylon) with a tiled image. This is how most rolls of quilting fabric available at fabric stores was created. Smaller, full coverage images such as banners and flags for business advertising are often created using this method, as well.

A newer option that allows anyone with an inkjet printer to print on fabric is paper-backed fabric sheets. The paper makes the fabric rigid enough to pass through an ordinary printer, and can then be peeled off and discarded. Cotton, bamboo, and silk fabric papers are currently available.

At KeenART Media, we can reproduce any print on an adhesive fabric that can be affixed to indoor and outdoor surfaces and is water- and wrinkle resistant, wind tested, and reusable.

COMMON USES

• Large scale production of textiles for resale (quilting)
• Logos and designs on clothing
• Business signage and advertising

PROS

• Less waste than traditional methods - no transfer papers, only as much ink used as required (excess ink is stored).
• High print speeds result in high profit margins.
• Easier to customize than some traditional methods.
• Better for small print runs, due to shorter setup/preparation time.

CONS

• The printable width of the fabric will depend on the printer, but is usually limited to 60".
• Color fastness is uncertain in fabrics that must be washed repeatedly.
• No white ink, so areas of white will instead be the color of the fabric.
• Inks may be more expensive than dyes/inks used in other methods.

PROCESS

Once the mesh frame is completed, it is laid over the fabric (with space between the mesh and the fabric) and the ink is place on top. A rubber squeegee moves the ink across the screen. Where the unblocked mesh is (the image), the ink will reach the fabric. Everywhere else, it will remain on top of the screen. This screen can be reused over and over for multiple pieces of fabric.

Depending on the desired outcome, the layers of ink may be left to dry between colors, or a wet-on-wet approach may be taken to achieve some blending.

COMMON USES

• T-shirts,
• Beyond fabric, used for printing on vinyl or plastics (decals, balloons, electronics).
• Thick film technology

PROS

• Techniques such as foil, flocking, or glitter can be used.
• Many finishes of ink or additives, such as gloss, puff, metallic, suede.
• The result is professional and high quality.
• Lasts through wash cycles.

CONS

• A lot of set up and preparation is required.
• Not practical for small quantities.
• High resolution/photographic images do not work well.

PROCESS

Color, in the form of inks, dyes, or paints, is painted or drawn into the cut out sections of the stencil. Usually, a small stencil is used as a repeated pattern across a length of fabric. Though this process is usually done by hand, stenciling machines do exist that pass portions of fabric beneath a metal stencil, applying a coat of ink or paint over the stencil at each pass. These machines were intended for single-color patters only.

Depending on the type of ink or dye used, a stenciled image may hold up well to wear and UV exposure, and retain its color through multiple washes.

COMMON USES

• Children's crafts
• T-shirts
• Small upholstery projects

PROS

• Used for various materials, including plastics and paper.
• Gives items a handmade, personal touch.
• Stencils themselves can be inexpensive or made at home.

CONS

• In order for the stencil to remain as one piece, thin ties must connect any cut out portions.
• Impractical for large orders.
• Some bleeding beneath the edge of the stencil is common

PROCESS

Block printing is the earliest known type of fabric printing, and is still used in many countries and for handmade individual projects. Once the image has been transferred to the fabric, the block can be re-inked and used again and again. Extremely detailed images are possible and depend on the skill of the designer. Single-color images are most common, but different colors can be applied to different parts of the block, or additional colors can be added to the single-color print afterwards.

A block printing machine called the Perrotine was invented in 1834 that could cover larger areas at faster speeds. It is still used in some factories, primarily in Europe.

COMMON USES

• Hand-printing wraps and shawls in certain countries.
• T-shirts or small patters on other clothing fabrics.
• Small scale upholstery projects.

PROS

• Can be used for very simple or very intricate designs.
• If dyes are used, color fastness is achievable.
• It is a traditional, ancient method still applicable today.

CONS

• Extremely time consuming.
• Paint application to both the block and the fabric must be even and regular.
• Heavy textures may not print well because paint cannot reach dips in the fabric.

PROCESS

The most common coatings are wax, starch, or mud, which stick to the fabric during the dyeing process, and is washed or melted off once the dye is dry. A chemical agent may also be applied in more modern practices of this method. Alternately, sections that are not to be dyed may be clamped, tied off, or stitched over during the dyeing process and removed after. Once the fabric is dry, some resistant coatings can be reapplied to dye other sections.

COMMON USES

• Tie-dying
• Batik fabric prints
• Shawls, tapestries, and clothing

PROS

• The fabric is infused with the colors, instead of the inks sitting on top.
• Produces unique results on every piece.
• Set up and preparation can be simple.
• Materials are generally inexpensive.

CONS

• Impractical for large scale production.
• Identical reproductions are extremely difficult to achieve.
• Dyes can be messy and damage other clothing, tools, etc.

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