This course provides a foundational knowledge of printing in the textile industry. It provides an overview of the range of printing techniques and technology used to create colour and interest in textiles and garments. The course explores the evolution of printing on textiles and takes a close look at the key technologies used for commercial printing applications.
There is a particular emphasis on printing on wool and wool-blend fabrics and a focus on some of the technical aspects that must be considered when selecting and using particular print technologies on these fabrics.
In a world of growing awareness of the need for sustainable, environmentally friendly practices, new innovations in the printing space are continually being developed, providing opportunities for creative expression; some of these are covered in this course.
By the end of this course you should be able to:
- describe the most common printing methods and technologies used in the commercial textile printing industry
- outline, at a high level, the impact the physical and chemical attributes of various fibres and fabrics have when selecting suitable print methods and colourants
- provide a high-level overview of the history of textile printing technologies
- outline the key processes required to prepare textiles for various printing applications
- appreciate the key elements of the design and production process for a range of print technologies
- differentiate between the different printing methods used for wool and other fibres and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each method
- outline the key impacts of textile printing on the environment and discuss how the textile industry is addressing some of these impacts.
- An introduction to textile printing
- The raw materials of textile printing
- Screen printing
- Heat-transfer printing
- Digital printing
- Other printing techniques and technologies
- Textile printing and the environment
Module: 7
This first module offers a high-level overview of the textile printing industry and explores the evolution of a range of important printing techniques and technologies. It provides an insight into the design and production processes of the printing process.
This module looks at the key aims of textile printing and explores the impact of fibre and fabric type on the printing outcome. It looks at the range of colourants available for printing and the applications for which they are most suited.
Screen printing is by far the most common method of applying colour and design to textiles. This module takes a close look at flat-bed and rotary printing and explores the advantages and disadvantages of this popular printing method.
Image Source: Longina Phillips Designs
Digital printing is continually evolving and rapidly becoming the printing method of choice where quality and flexibility is required. This module provides an overview of digital printing and presents the advantages, disadvantages and current developments in digital printing.
