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Design Resource
Block Prints of Bagh
The Art of Textile Printing
by
Fabric Treatment
Though fabrics like silk and georgette are now being used, most of the printing is done on cotton that comes from Bhiwandi. It is first soaked in water for about twelve hours and then suckled with legs to remove the starch. This process is called 'kharakarna'. It is then bleached and washed in 'sanchorapaani' (a mix of rock salt and water). Harara powder (obtained from a type of tree) is mixed in water and the fabric is washed in it for about five minutes. This provides it an off-white/ off-yellow tinge and also aids in strengthening the tones of black and red colors printed later. It is then dried in the sun. About two hundred pieces of fabric are made ready-to-print everyday.
