The Fashion Design students of Modern High School for Girls participated in an immersive eco-printing workshop organized by Resham Shilpi, a government-run textile enterprise under the Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises & Textiles, Government of West Bengal from 23rd to 25th June,
2025. The workshop aimed to introduce students to sustainable textile practices by utilizing natural dyes and local flora to create botanical prints on fabric. Students engaged in identifying and collecting various plant materials, including leaves and flowers, to be used in the eco-printing process. This hands-on activity enhanced their understanding of the local biodiversity and its application in textile design.
The workshop emphasized the use of natural dyes extracted from plant materials. To fix these dyes onto fabrics, mordants such as iron and alum were employed. These substances bind the natural pigments to the fabric fibres, ensuring colourfastness and durability. Students prepared silk and cotton fabrics by soaking them in mordant solutions. This pre-treatment is crucial for achieving vibrant and lasting prints.
Participants meticulously arranged collected leaves and flowers on the pre-treated fabrics, considering design aesthetics and colour outcomes. Using the Japanese technique known as Hapazome, students hammered the plant materials onto the fabric, transferring pigments and creating detailed botanical impressions. After arranging and hammering, fabrics were tightly rolled and secured. These bundles were then steamed, allowing the natural dyes to penetrate the fabric fibres, resulting in unique and organic patterns.
The workshop culminated in a display of the students’ eco-printed fabrics, showcasing a range of designs inspired by nature. Participants expressed a deeper appreciation for sustainable practices and the potential of natural materials in fashion design.
The knowledge and skills acquired from this workshop equip students to incorporate eco-printing techniques into future projects, promoting sustainability in fashion. Potential applications include creating eco-friendly garments, accessories, and home textiles, aligning with global trends towards environmentally conscious design.
This workshop not only provided practical experience in eco-printing but also instilled a sense of environmental responsibility among the budding fashion designers of Modern High School for Girls.
