Exploration of Innovative Techniques in Printed Textile Design

Abstract

This work explores innovative techniquesin printed textile design as means of introducing creativity and providing new and varied ways of decorating textile materials. The trend in fashion is dynamic and as such, people's preferences for fabrics keep revolving. This therefore gives an urgent call for the need to explore various methods of printing, since these are the possible ways to respond to the fabric needs of these new trends in textiles design. Art studio-based research design was used under which exploration and experimental methods were adopted in the execution of these works. Some innovative techniques applied includespray printing, local sponge and broomsticks printing,twigs block printing,marble printing,bottle (Acripuff/Acrilex) printing, brush printing, lace transfer and fabric painting, A number of ground-breaking printing techniques were achieved byblending and varying existing techniques as well as exploring with different kinds of materials and tools.These include brushes, flowers, leaves, grasses, sponges, lace fabrics, bottles, squeegees and screens.The new techniques were employed to print sample fabricsout ofwhich some were sewn into garments.The study revealed that if existing textile-printing techniques are creatively blended or varied, they could give interesting results in printed textile designs that could provide unique handcrafted printed fabrics to consumers and take over this niche market.This research work shows the need for further inquiry into exploring more techniques for textile printing especially among textile students and small-scale textile designers.