Calico printing is a type of textile printing that involves the use of a colorless substance that causes the pattern to appear, usually using block printing or roller printing. The spelling of this term, /kælɪkoʊ ˈprɪntɪŋ/, is based on its origins in India, where calico cloth was first produced. The "c" in calico is pronounced like a "k" sound, the "a" is short, and the final "o" is pronounced like a long "o." The word printing is pronounced with a short "i" sound, as in "pit."
Calico printing refers to the process of applying designs or patterns onto cloth using printing techniques. It is a method of textile printing that involves the creation of intricate, colorful designs on calico fabric. Calico prints are typically produced in vibrant, lively colors and are known for their ornate patterns.
The process of calico printing involves several steps. Firstly, a design or pattern is created on a paper or wooden block. This block is then dipped into dye and pressed onto the fabric, transferring the design onto the cloth. This process can be repeated multiple times to create complex and detailed patterns. Alternatively, screens with different designs can be used to apply the colors onto the fabric.
Calico printing has a long history and has been practiced in various cultures around the world. It became particularly popular during the 18th and 19th centuries in India and Europe. In the past, calico printing was done by hand using wooden blocks, but with the advent of industrialization, mechanical methods were developed to mass-produce printed fabrics.
Today, calico printing can be done using traditional manual techniques, as well as with modern digital printing technologies. It is used to produce a wide range of textiles, including clothing, home decor items, and upholstery. Calico prints are appreciated for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and cultural significance.
The word "calico" originated from the name of the Indian city Calicut (now known as Kozhikode) on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India. Calicut was a major center for the production of cotton textiles, and the name of the city became associated with the type of fabric it produced.
In the 17th century, the technique of printing patterns onto calico fabric using wooden blocks was introduced in India. These printed calico fabrics gained popularity and were eventually exported to Europe, where the term "calico printing" was coined to describe the process.
The word "printing" in this context refers to the method of applying colored patterns onto fabric using a carved block or roller. Combined with the term "calico", it specifically denotes the printing technique used on calico fabrics. Over time, the term "calico printing" became widely used to refer to the process of printing designs on various types of cotton fabrics.