Workshop on: “Indigo Prints”

Name of the Department: Fashion & Textiles

Name of the Activity: Workshop on: “Indigo Prints”

Date:  28th March 2025

Venue:  Printing Lab

No. of Participants:  17 (B.Sc. Fashion Design Sem II, IV and M.A./M.Sc./M.Com. Fashion 

Design Sem II)  

Description:

The Department of Fashion and Textiles, in collaboration with Connect Signal, organized demonstration on March 28, 2025, highlighting the intricate craft of Dabu Printing using natural Indigo dyes. The resource person for the demonstration was Mr. Ashok Kumar Nama, Bagru, Jaipur. This hands-on session aimed to introduce students to the rich heritage and traditional mud-resist hand-block printing technique, which has its roots in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Mr. Ashok Nama provided a step-by-step explanation of the preparation of Dabu paste and the dyeing process, offering valuable insights into this time-honored craft. Mr. Nama provided an in-depth understanding of the following steps:

1. Preparation of the Dabu Paste:

• The printing process begins with the preparation of the Dabu paste, a thick, mud-based resist.

• This paste is made by blending clay, lime, and wheat chaff, creating a consistency that adheres well to fabric.

• The paste is carefully filtered to ensure smooth application and prevent clogging of intricate designs in the wooden blocks.

2. Block Printing with the Dabu Paste:

• Students used hand-carved wooden blocks to apply the Dabu paste onto pre-washed fabric.

• These blocks, features traditional and nature-inspired motifs, which were dipped in the paste and pressed onto the fabric with precision.

• The application of Dabu paste prevents the absorption of dye in the printed areas, forming a resist that preserves the fabric's original color.

3. Sprinkling of Sawdust:

• Immediately after the paste application, sawdust was sprinkled over the printed areas.

• This step is crucial as it absorbs excess moisture, ensuring that the paste does not smudge when the fabric is handled or moved.

• The sawdust also helps create a slight texture on the printed sections, adding depth to the final design.

4. Drying and Indigo Dyeing:

• The fabric was left to dry completely to allow the Dabu paste to set firmly.

• Once dried, it was immersed in a vat of natural Indigo dye. Unlike synthetic dyes, Indigo undergoes an oxidation process, where the fabric appears greenish at first and gradually transforms into deep blue shades upon exposure to air.

5. Repeating the Process for Layered Designs:

• For multi- layered patterns artisans reapplied the Dabu paste on specific areas and repeated the dyeing process, resulting in stunning variations of blue tones and resist patterns in various forms and shapes.

6. Washing and Finishing:

• Once the final dyeing stage was complete, the fabric was thoroughly washed to remove the dried mud resist.

• The hidden patterns emerged, revealing beautifully intricate designs where the resist had blocked the dye penetration.

• The fabric was then dried and softened, making it ready for use in garments, home textiles, and accessories.    

The demonstration effectively highlighted both the artistic and technical aspects of Dabu printing, offering students valuable knowledge on preserving traditional crafts while nurturing creativity. Throughout the session, students eagerly applied their newly acquired skills, designing unique stoles and other fabric pieces. The beautiful crafted products reflected the student’s enthusiasm and dedication. 

Conclusion

The demonstration was a fun and educational experience, helping students understand the hard work and skill behind traditional Dabu printing. They learned about the process, from making the resist paste in creating beautiful indigo patterns. This activity gave them a new appreciation for this old craft and showed how it can be kept alive in modern fashion. It also inspired students to use these traditional techniques in new and creative ways.

Dr.  Sulekha Ojha

Head, Dept. of Fashion & Textiles

Dr. Aman Deep Kaur

Teacher Coordinator