Block-printed cushion covers can be seen in many households and sophisticated interior spaces. A cushion cover can be understood as a decorative fabric designed to protect and cover a small pillow or a cushion. These cushion covers are available in innumerable beautiful patterns, designs, sizes, and numbers, so the buyer can choose according to their requirement.
Many households prefer beautifully block-printed cushion covers to enhance their interior setting and introduce a touch of themselves to it. One can give a touch of Indian tradition and art through printed upholstery fabrics like cushion covers in many creative ways.
What Is Block Printing?
Block printing is an old art form practiced using a curved wooden block to print designs on fabrics or papers. Also known as wood-block printing or hand-block printing, this art is prevalent not only in the cushion covers industry but also in other fabrics like suits, sarees, curtains, etc. The origin of block printing can be traced back to China during the Tang dynasty ( 618 - 907 AD). It is observed that India has a long history of using block printing, especially on textile materials. Jaipur is one of the many cities in Rajasthan that is famous for using block printing beautifully and vibrantly. This art of stamping fabrics using wooden or metal craft blocks is also used to depict many religious themes and cultural motives in India.
Over the centuries, India has developed many types of designs used in block printing, including Sanganeri Print, Bagru Print, Dabu Print, Ajrak Print, Gamthi Print, etc. The most famous Kalamkari Print is one of the most complex block printing techniques that grew in Andhra Pradesh, inspired by the art of storytelling. Many artisans used to portray stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata on fabrics and paper through kalamkari print. Nowadays, all these techniques and designs are mixed to create thousands of patterns that are used to make things like sarees, suits, and block-printed cushion covers.
The Process Of Making Block Printed Cushion Covers
Making a block-printed cushion cover is a very long and delicate process that involves several steps. Each step is to be performed with precision and skill.
The following are the important steps to create block-printed fabrics like cushion covers.
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Carving The Block
The most important step in creating an appealing and beautiful design is to carve the design into a block of wood. Artisans or master block carvers, who are experts in carving patterns by hand, carefully carve the design on the block. These patterns and designs include several geometric shapes, floral patterns, and sometimes animals and humans, too, according to the creativity and intent of the artist. One cushion cover may require more than one block to achieve the multicolored effect.
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Printing
One of the many available block printing techniques can be used to print the design on the fabric. After coating the block with ink or dye, a roller called a brayer is used to distribute the ink evenly over the surface of the block to ensure even printing on the fabric. The block is pressed under controlled pressure on the fabric. At times, more than one block can be used on the same fabric to ensure multicolor patterns.
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Drying
During each step of making the block-printed cushion covers, dry open fields under the sun are required. Interestingly, most of this work has to be stopped in the monsoon months because there is no sun to dry the patterns and fabric.
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Dyeing
After the fabric is printed, the fabric is dyed in various colors. Material found in our surroundings, like flowers, leaves, spices, and even some metals, is used to make dyes for this step. Vegetable dye is most popular for block-printing cushion covers and other fabrics.
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Washing and Finishing
The last process of making block-printed cushion covers is washing the fabric by hand for a finished touch. The process of making block-printed fabrics is done by repeating the process of printing and dyeing the fabric to get the design colors and result that we want. Hand washing also ensures gentle treatment of the fabric.
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Final step
After the fabric is ready, it is cut into various sizes to make a good variety of block-printed cushion covers before it is sent to the market for sale.
Benefits Of Block Printed Cushion Covers
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Natural fabric and dye make the block-printed cushion covers friendly and sustainable.
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The industry of making block-printed cushion covers is also used to support the livelihood of many traditional artisans all over India.
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Every piece of a block-printed fabric is distinguished from the other because of the handcrafting done by various artisans. Unique pieces are produced this way.
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A wide variety of designs are available, such as floral patterns, geometric, and abstract prints.
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A personal and traditional touch is added to interiors when block-printed cushion covers are used in any room.
How To Care For Block-Printed Cushion Covers
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Hand washing
Use a gentle, bleach-free, and enzyme-free washing powder or liquid to wash the fabric in cool or lukewarm water. Rinse the fabric properly and avoid wringing. It is best to wash the block-printed cushion cover on the reverse side so the color doesn’t fade.
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Machine washing
Always use a gentler cycle in the machine and a mild detergent for these sensitive fabrics. Avoid strong detergents like bleach or hard chemicals, and block printed cushion covers to prolong the durability of the fabric.
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Ironing
Block-printed fabrics require extra care during ironing. You can set the iron to low or medium heat and iron the fabric on the reverse side for the best result. You can also use a thin cotton fabric between the iron and the fabric to protect the delicate prints. Do not use steam as it can cause color bleeding.
Where To Use Block Printed Cushion Covers?
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Block-printed cushion covers can enhance the living room by adding comfort to sofas, armchairs, and couch cushion covers, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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They also use them in bedrooms as bed decor or in other seating areas
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Outdoor places like patio furniture and garden seating can also be upgraded using block-printed cushion covers.
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People use them to add color and comfort to office and study areas
Conclusion
Using block-printed cushion covers and other fabrics adds a touch of cultural heritage and traditional charm to many households. Symbolizing traditional craftsmanship combined with artistry and creativity in the making, each cushion cover is appealing in every indoor setting. The timeless ability of beautifully block-printed cushion covers to add beauty, character, homeliness, and color to living spaces has always been appreciated.
FAQs:-
How Do I Wash Block Printed Cushion Covers?
Manually washing these cushion covers is the best. However, if you are machine washing, use a mild cycle and a bleach-free detergent.
What Are Some Popular Trends In Block Printed Cushion Covers?
Some popular patterns are florals, ethnic prints, geometric prints, etc. You can also incorporate a modern style by mixing and matching other textures to create a design that defines you.
Can I Use Block Printed Cushion Covers In My Office?
Yes, you can use block-printed fabrics in office areas. Many people add attractive and shaped block-printed cushions to their study and office areas to add a sense of homeliness.
