The following project was done to understand the process of Ajrakh block printing and the series of steps followed to get the final design.
ABOUT THE CRAFT
Ajrakh is a block-printed textile that is resist-dyed using natural dyes, including indigo and madder. It is made by Khatris community in Kutch, Gujarat and is distinguished by its color- blue with red - and its complex geometric & floral patterns. There are two types of Ajrakh printing: Single sided (ekpuri) and Double sided (bipuri).
Traditional 'Ajrakh' involves various stages of dyeing and resist printing using natural dyes and mordants, each stage taking days to finish. The process is as follows:
INSPIRATION BOARD
INITIAL MOTIF EXPLORATIONS
BUILDING ON MOTIFS
FINAL PRINT EXPLORATIONS
PRINT #1
Layer 1: Khariyanu
Layer 2: Kat
Layer 3: Gach
Layer 4: Indigo Dyeing
Layer 5: Vichharnu
Layer 6: Rang
Block size: 7" by 7"
Block 1
Block 2
Block 3
PRINT #2
Layer 1: Khariyanu
Layer 2: Kat
Layer 3: Gach
Layer 4: Indigo Dyeing
Layer 5: Vichharnu
Layer 6: Rang
Block size: 7" by 7"
Block 1
Block 2
Block 3
PRINT #3
Layer 1: Khariyanu
Layer 2: Kat
Layer 3: Gach
Layer 4: Indigo Dyeing
Layer 5: Vichharnu
Layer 6: Rang
Block size: 7" by 5"
Block 1
Block 2
Block 3
SOURCE (About the Craft)
https://www.dsource.in/resource/ajrakh-printing/ajrakh-process/stages-dyeing-and-printing
https://www.india1001.com/blogs/1001_crafts/10703197-ajrak-printing-the-story-of-ajrakpur