(Exhibition text in English)
Printing on fabric is a complicated process. There are several different techniques.
Block printing, the oldest technique, uses a carved pattern on a block as a stamp.
Roller printing was the most common printing technique of the early 20th century. The pattern was engraved on a copper roller, one for each colour. The repeat size was limited to the circumference of the roller. Thousands of metres of fabric had to be produced for the print to be cost-effective.
Screen printing was introduced in Sweden in the 1940s. It allowed for fabrics with larger repeat sizes and more complicated patterns to be printed in smaller quantities.
Rotary printing is the most common printing technique today. It is fast, efficient and uses curved printing plates attached to a cylinder containing colourants.
Digital printing on fabric is becoming increasingly common. It simplifies the printing process and thereby reduces the costs.