4.2 To print on cloth

TECHNOLOGY

Grade 5

PROCESSING MATERIALS

Module 14

TO PRINT ON CLOTH

Background information

Another method for obtaining coloured textile fabrics is to dye the yarn with which the fabric will be woven before weaving it. The patterns that are desired are then created while the fabric is woven. Patterns can also be printed onto fabric after it has been woven.

In India patterns have traditionally been applied with pattern blocks used to stamp the colour onto the cloth. The dye (paint) is spread over the block and the stamp is then pressed onto the fabric.

Nowadays screen-printing that is done with machines is also used to apply patterns to textile fabrics.

Assignment 1

You can apply a design of your own to cloth by printing it. You will need the following:

a 20cm x 20 cm piece of cloth; fabric paint; paintbrushes; a jug of water; pencil and paper. For the printing block you will need: a thin, compact sponge (from the cleaning equipment department at a supermarket); carbon paper for tracing; a pair of scissors; a flat piece of wood (8cm x 8cm) and wood glue;

or

a 20cm x 20 cm piece of cloth; fabric paint; paintbrushes; a jug of water; pencil and paper; a large potato and a sharp knife, if you cannot obtain the above; a wooden board; fibre-tipped pens (kokis); rubber gloves; an apron for protecting your clothes and old newspapers.

Research

Assignment 2

Collect examples of simple designs that could be transferred to stamps for printing on fabric. Make drawings of at least three examples

Source:

[LO 1.2]

Design

Assignment 3

Design simple stamps that could be used for printing on fabric.

[LO 1.5]

Assignment 4

My final choice.

Circle your best effort and develop and redraw it to the correct size inside the square (5 cm by 5 cm). Make notes to explain what you regard as good and weak about at least three of your designs. Use colour and supply labels.

Motivate (explain) why this is your final choice.

[LO 1.6]

Producing

Assignment 5

You are ready to make your printing block (stamp) now. Trace your pattern onto the sponge, using carbon paper and a pencil. Cut out the design, using a pair of scissors. Paste the cut design on the wooden block, with the wood glue, and leave it to dry.

OR

Cut the potato in half on the wooden board, but try to make a very smooth cut.

REMEMBER the following to avoid cutting yourself: Hold the knife in such a way that the blade is directed away from you. Cut away from your hand. Be sure to work under adult supervision.

Draw your design onto the cut surface of the potato, using the felt-tipped pen. Cut away the superfluous surface around your design (to a depth of 1cm). The surface that remains is the printing surface and will be what you see when you print the design onto the fabric. The potato is your printing stamp.

You are ready to start printing. Lay out a couple of layers of newspaper to have a smooth surface for printing. Dampen the cotton fabric and lay it out on the newspaper. Keep it in position by means of masking tape. Paint an even layer of fabric paint onto the printing surface of the printing stamp. Place the printing surface on the fabric and press it down firmly. Lift it carefully, apply more fabric paint and continue printing.

If you want to use two colours, it is advisable to make two printing blocks, as it may be difficult to clean one block well enough to prevent paint from smudging. If you do not want to take this amount of trouble, but want to print in two colours, you should use a lighter and a darker colour and print the lighter colour first.

You could also experiment with overprinting in two colours by printing one colour and waiting for it to dry completely before reprinting with another colour and another design.

Use pinking shears to cut the rough edges of the fabric or fray them. Use the cloth as a decorative cover for a jar of preserved fruit or vegetables. Tie it down with a matching ribbon or tape.

[LO 1.8]

Evaluation

Asssessment

LO 1

Technological Processes and Skills

The learner will be able to apply technological processes and skills ethically and responsibly using appropriate information and communication technologies.

We know this when the learner:

investigates:

1.2 finds out about existing products relevant to a problem, need or opportunity, and identifies some design aspects (e.g. who it is for, what it looks like, what it is for, what it is made of).

1.3 performs, where appropriate, scientific investigations about concepts relevant to a problem, need or opportunity using science process skills:

planning investigations;

conducting investigations;

processing and interpreting data;

evaluating and communicating findings.

designs:

1.4 writes or communicates, with assistance, a short and clear statement (design brief) related to a given problem, need or opportunity that demonstrates some understanding of the technological purposes of the solution;

1.5 suggests and records at least two alternative solutions to the problem, need or opportunity that link to the design brief and to given specifications and constraints (e.g. people, purpose, environment);

1.6 chooses one of these solutions, giving reasons for the choice, and develops the idea further.

makes:

1.8 uses suitable tools and materials to make products by measuring out, cutting or separating, shaping or forming, joining or combining, and finishing the chosen material.

evaluates:

1.10 evaluates, with assistance, the product according to the design brief and given spesifications and constraints (e.g. people, purpose, environment), and suggests improvements and modifications id necessary;

1.11 evaluates the plan of action followed and suggests improvements and modifications if necessary.

communicates:

1.12 produces labelled two-dimensional drawings enhanced with colour where appropriate.