Digital Textile Design, Publishing (2012) PDF

DIGITAL
TEXTILE
DESIGN
SECOND EDITION
Copyright © 2012 Central Saint
Martins College of Art & Design,
The University of the Arts, London.
First published in Great Britain in 2009.
Second edition published in 2012 by
Laurence King Publishing in association
with Central Saint Martins College of
Art & Design
This book has been produced by

Central Saint Martins Book Creation,
Southampton Row, London,
WC1B 4AP, United Kingdom
Laurence King Publishing,

361–373 City Road, London,
EC1V 1LR, United Kingdom
T +44 20 7841 6900
F +44 20 7841 6910
[email protected]
www.laurenceking.com
All rights reserved. No part of this

publication may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopy, recording, or any
information storage or retrieval system,
without permission in writing from
the publisher.
ISBN: 978 1 78067 002 7

A catalog record for this book is
available from the British Library.
Text by Melanie Bowles

and Ceri Isaac
Additional text for chapter 6
by Amanda Briggs-Goode
Tutorial 20 by Kenny Taylor
Design by Eleanor Ridsdale Design
Cover: Deja Abati, www.dejaabati.com
Melanie Bowles dedicates this book to

Eve, Maya, and Ben
Printed in China
LAURENCE KING PUBLISHING
DIGITAL
TEXTILE
DESIGN
SECOND EDITION
MELANIE BOWLES AND CERI ISAAC

CONTENTS:
INTRODUCTION 7
CHAPTER 1
TEXTILE DESIGN AND PRINT
IN THE DIGITAL AGE 9
CHAPTER 2
DIGITAL DESIGN TUTORIALS 23
CHAPTER 3
PATTERNS AND REPEATS 87
CHAPTER 4
INTRODUCTION TO ILLUSTRATION 121
CHAPTER 5
DIGITAL CRAFT 141
CHAPTER 6
TECHNOLOGY FOR DIGITAL
TEXTILE PRINTING 167
GLOSSARY 187
RESOURCES 189
INDEX 190
CREDITS 192
6 TEXTILE DESIGN AND PRINT IN THE DIGITAL AGE
INTRODUCTION
Digital technology is changing the face of textile design, from
methods of creating and presenting designs to the ways in which
they are realized. Working in a digital environment, designers
are afforded more time to experiment, explore, and create,
while manufacturing technologies offer innovative new printing
solutions. This practical and inspirational book examines a
new era of textile design and features clear tutorials and case
studies revealing how digital techniques are being employed in
the fashion, interior design, and home furnishings industries.
The development of digital printing onto fabric is changing

printing methods and removing the restrictions that textile
designers have traditionally faced: freed from concerns about
repeat patterns and color separation that are key considerations
in screen and roller printing, designers are able to work with
thousands of colors and create designs with a high level of
detail. There is also greater freedom for experimentation, as
one-off production is now possible as well as small print runs
and prints engineered specifically to fit within a garment.
Software programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

present the perfect platform for textile design. These have
become the industry standard tools for textile designers, offering
them the freedom to work with both bitmap and vector-based
imagery, manipulate drawings and photography, and create
accurate details and graphic effects.
While digital printing allows a rich mix of layered imagery, the

surface and tactile qualities associated with some methods of
traditional printing can be lost: as a result designers are finding
ways to put these qualities back into the fabric using techniques
such as overprinting and embellishment, and this combination
of digital and handcrafted techniques has even created a new
hybrid craft.
Whatever your interest in textiles—whether you are a student

or professional, designer or producer—you will find this to be
an essential and comprehensive guide to an exciting new field
that is pushing the boundaries of textile design.
INTRODUCTION 7
8
1
TEXTILE DESIGN
AND PRINT IN THE
DIGITAL AGE
NEW DIRECTIONS
IN TEXTILE DESIGN
As the most significant advance in fabric-printing technology
since the invention of the silk screen, digital textile printing
is bringing about a revolution in textile design. Designers are
seeking inspiration from previously unexplored sources, and
a new visual language for surface design is starting to evolve.
The cross-disciplinary use of graphics software, digital

photography, video, and special effects by a hybrid generation
of young designers is creating a new look for printed fabrics.
Fashion designers such as Issey Miyake, Hussein Chalayan,
and Comme des Garçons have continued to utilize and adapt
digital design and production technologies and are breaking
new ground with the creation and use of highly innovative
prints that make little reference to traditional patterns: florals
have been reinvented through the use of photography, and
geometric designs as the focal point of a garment have been
given a futuristic edge by designers such as Jonathan Saunders.
The process is now widely used in runway fashion collections
today, through the use of large engineered or placement prints
where the artwork is tailored to fit the structure of the garment.
Designers working in other areas such as costume, theater,
interior, and product design are also finding it easier to involve
themselves in the creation of surface designs for their work.
The accessibility of this technology through the use of service
bureaus also makes it possible for artists and designers who do
not have specialist knowledge of textile printing to design and
produce their own fabrics and decorative surfaces.
The use of digital print has rapidly established itself within

fashion and textile design, although, due to its high production
costs, the major creative developments are to be found in the
mid- to high end of the fashion and textile design industry (as From top to bottom:
demonstrated by the range of examples shown in this chapter). Danish designer Dorte Agergaard
But already it is drawing together disciplines such as textiles, places everyday objects in
unusual contexts for her
fashion, and interior design, changing the way that designers
furnishing range.
work. Increasingly, the integration of print is becoming
as vital to the designer’s vision as the form of the garment Mark Van Gennip, "Ink Storm"
or product itself, due to the immediacy and spontaneity (2008): In this experimental
of digital tools. work, the post-print process
was interrupted to create an
organic digital print.
This chapter looks at the impact of this new technology on
textile design and explores the work of both well-known The design on Trust Fun’s "Glory
and emerging designers who are using computer-aided design Scarf Money Bag" was created
and digital print to their full potential throughout a wide range using fractal software. Each
design is a mathematically
of applications.
valid fractal based on a unique
equation and cannot be replicated.
10 CHAPTER 1: TEXTILE DESIGN AND PRINT IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Clockwise from top:
Alexander McQueen, F/W 10:
Skulls and bones are the basis
for these technically brilliant
digital prints, which cover the
entire garment.
Basso & Brooke, "Madame Brun,"

F/W 09: Digital design creates a
new contour for the figure.
Mary Katrantzou’s S/S 11

trompe l’oeil print collection
"This Is Not a Room" creates a
three-dimensional interior view
with garment shapes inspired by
lampshades and fringing.
Jonathan Saunders’s F/W 11

collection, inspired by 1940s art
deco design, features an elegant
and sophisticated use of digital
design and print.
NEW DIRECTIONS IN TEXTILE DESIGN 11

DIGITAL TEXTILE PRINTING
The digital printing of textiles grew out of reprographic
technologies originally developed for paper and signage
printing, and it now offers the same advantages to the textile
industry that digital production affords the paper- and banner-
printing businesses. For individual designers and hobbyists
it is analogous to the rise of desktop publishing, albeit more
costly. Technology was slower to emerge in the textile industry
because of the need to develop suitable inks and large-format
printers specifically designed to accommodate woven as well
as stretchable cloth. With the emergence of large-format digital
textile printers, such as the Mimaki in 1998, and then the
release of industrial-scale printers in 2003 by companies such
as Konica, Minolta, Reggiani, Robustelli, and Dupont, there is
now the potential for major changes in the textile and fashion
industries in terms of increased speed and long run capability.
The introduction of the Isis printer by Osiris in 2008 means that
the speed of inkjet printing machines may begin to rival that of
traditional rotary screen printing.
Digital printing has perhaps four main advantages over

traditional printing: speed of translation of the design onto
the fabric; the ability to print intricate details and millions of
colors; the possibility of producing very large-scale images;
lessened impact on the environment. Traditional methods of
printing based on processes similar to stenciling—including silk
screen, woodblock, and gravure—first require that a separate
template for each color be made, and for the image to then be
built up in stages as each color must be laid down separately.
The more colors, the more expensive and time consuming
the process, so the number of colors is limited by practical
considerations, often placing considerable restraints upon the
designer. Repeated patterns are the norm in industrialized
traditional textile printing, and very large-scale images are also
impractical as the size of the design is constrained to the exact
measurements of the template.
Digital printing means that there is virtually no limit to the

kinds of images that may accurately be reproduced using inkjet
technology. It is this exciting advantage that has paved the way
for the new styles of design that are explored in this chapter.
From top to bottom:

Prada’s S/S 10 ready-to-wear
collection featuring faded
postcard beach scenes evoked
the nostalgia of summer
holidays.
Hussein Chalayan’s S/S 09

collection was based on crushed
cars, meticulously painted and
then digitally printed to retain the
painted detail.
Christopher Kane's 2011 Resort

collection takes to the skies with
this "Galaxy" print dress.

A NEW VISUAL LANGUAGE
Historically, the introduction of new technology does not
usually result in an immediate change in design styles. Initially,
design for any industrial application continues to follow the
style associated with the preceding technology; the first
automobiles, for example, were designed to resemble horse-
drawn carriages. Change only begins to occur once practitioners
come to understand the potential of a new technology and are
comfortable with it.
Heat-transfer printing aside, the introduction of inkjet printing

for textiles has meant that textile designers are now able to
catch up with graphic designers by exploring the possibilities
of computer-aided design (CAD). The early design styles that
resulted from the introduction of digital imaging were often
obviously computer-generated; the focus was on displaying
technology for its own sake rather than using CAD as a tool
for achieving a more sophisticated visual effect. A more mature
style of digital textile design is now evolving due to increased
experimentation by designers, who are creating designs based
on scanned or digitally photographed subjects, facilitating
effects such as trompe l’oeil as well as graphic and illustrative
styles that are only possible using computerized drawing and
manipulation tools. Designers are also beginning to combine
digital print with traditional techniques to create a new digital
craft, which is explored in Chapter Five.
DIGITAL SURFACE DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY

The use of photography first became noticeable in textile
design in the 1960s and 1970s, when dye-sublimation (or heat-
transfer) printing onto synthetic high-polymer content fabrics
such as polyester first became prevalent. As software packages
that could manipulate imagery, such as Adobe Photoshop, were
not yet available, designs tended to be based on photomontage
or collage, such as the ubiquitous “disco” shirts of the 1970s.
Being able to manipulate and transform an image digitally

means that incorporating photography into textile design is now
much more sympathetic to the nature of cloth as a material.
Cloth comes to life in a way that paper does not: it moves,
reflects light, and is often transparent or highly textured.
Photographs formatted as if for printing onto paper can make a
stark and incongruous statement when translated onto fabric.
Designing a textile often involves a very different sensibility
from that inherent in pure photography. On paper, photographs
are usually intended as narrative documents, whereas the
Couture designer Ralph Rucci hybrid use of photography in textile design has begun to create
used dramatically large scale in a very different style in which the image is subtle or abstracted.
his F/W 09 collection.
A NEW VISUAL LANGUAGE 13

Nicolette Brunklaus is a Dutch
designer who makes very
clever use of digital print in her
line of home furnishings. This
hugely enlarged photograph of
cascading blonde hair is used
as wallpaper that is somehow
oddly reminiscent of landscape
wallpaper of the 1960s and
1970s.
Paul Smith is a pioneer of digital

surface design, using inkjet prints
in both his menswear and
womenswear collections.
The majority of his digital textile
designs are photographic in style,
such as this daffodil-print dress.
Showroom Dummies, a group of

British designers headed by Abigail
Lane, use digital imaging as the
focal point for their work. This
British company produces an eclectic
range of products that spans home
furnishings and clothing. Their
signature print, shown here, of clouds
and flies against a blue sky is both
surreal and humorous.

Above: This design is a
collaboration between Ceri
Isaac and Hitoshi Ujiie. An
object was specially created and
photographed, and then the motif
was isolated, abstracted, and
layered transparently to form
the design.
Left: Ceri Isaac's work uses

photographs or textures that
are reminiscent of traditional
patterns and are not too obviously
computer generated. This pattern
of birds in flight was made by
taking motion stills from video
footage by Martin Stumph and
collaging selected areas together
in Photoshop. The colors were
also enhanced in Photoshop.

GRAPHIC AND ILLUSTRATIVE STYLES
As the generation that has come of age in the digital era,
many young and emerging textile designers have begun to use
digital prints in their collections. For some it provides a natural
foundation for the conceptualization of their work, and they
seamlessly integrate their other design skills as graphic and
illustrative artists into the creation of each piece of work.
Mary Katrantzou’s F/W 11

collection features opulent
prints of birds, florals, and mosaic
formations. The print dictates the
shape of the garment, giving a
new silhouette.
Katie Eary used digital printing in

her powerful and striking F/W 10
menswear collection.
Stefan Sagmeister’s "Darwin

Chair" (2009/10) utilizes a free,
swinging structure that includes
about 200 sheets of attached
prints. As the top sheet gets
dirty, the user simply rips it off,
thereby transforming the chair’s
appearance.
Lucinda Abell’s talent as an

illustrator is apparent in the
beautifully drafted fairytale
images and intricate floral designs
she created for her graduation
fashion collection.

TROMPE L’OEIL
Trompe l’oeil, a French expression that translates as “trick of
the eye,” is used to describe extremely realistic imagery created
to give the illusion that the depicted objects really exist, instead
of being what they really are—a two-dimensional image. This is
a style that lends itself especially well to digital design.
Danish designer Dorte Agergaard

recreates everyday objects in
interior spaces using trompe l’oeil.
For this "hair cut" shirt, created for

her MA collection, London College
of Fashion graduate Jula Reindell
plays with our perception of a
two-dimensional surface.
Imogen Houldsworth’s "Private

View" collection features a subtle
illusion of cracked paint.

DESIGN ADVANTAGES
Joan Truckenbrod is an artist at
the Art Institute of Chicago who
has been creating computer-
generated images since the
As we have already touched upon, digital textile printing has
1970s. She was among the
some major advantages over traditional printing methods in first artists to explore digital
design terms. These are: immediacy; the ability to print intricate fabric printing as a fine art form.
details and millions of colors as well the possibility of printing Her digitally printed image of
images on a much larger scale; being able to create customized swimming fish was floated in
Brush Creek, Kansas City.
products and engineered designs.
The immediacy of digital tools in the rapid transformation of

ideas into finished garments is crucial in the high-speed world of
fashion. Experimentation and the evolution of a concept through a
process of trial and error is an essential part of the creative process,
and digital print is the perfect tool to facilitate this.
Prior to the introduction of inkjet textile printing, with the

exception of heat-transfer printing onto polyester-based fabrics,
it was not possible to translate the millions of colors required
to reproduce all the nuances of images such as oil paintings,
watercolors, or photographs onto natural-fiber fabrics. Printers
such as the Mimaki TX2 are capable of printing much finer lines
than is possible using traditional rotary screens (see Chapter
Six), and millions of colors may be used in a single image.
In addition to the design advantages offered by digital printing,

inkjet textile printing is significantly more eco-friendly than
traditional rotary and flatbed silk-screen methods. According to
some estimates, digital printers consume 50 percent less energy
than traditional rotary screen-printing machines. There is also
less wastage of materials as less dye or pigment is used in
laying down the image than in traditional industrial methods,
and water is saved as there are no screens to wash.
LARGE-SCALE PRINTS
With traditional printing techniques, repeats were constrained
to the size of the pattern block, the size of the screen, or the
circumference of the roller, thus limiting the scale of the pattern.
By eliminating the screen, digital print has transformed textile
design, and the designer’s decision to use a repeated pattern is
an aesthetic choice rather than a technical necessity.
The use of digital tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator in

conjunction with the ability to print on a larger scale makes it
easier to create designs that fit the pattern piece for a garment
exactly. Such designs are known as “engineered” or “placement”
prints. All the pattern pieces containing the print may then be
grouped together as “a lay plan” that is ready to cut and sew.
This technique can also be taken one step further—into the
realm of custom design.
Michael Angove's exquisite
bespoke Chinoiserie wallpapers
are printed digitally. "Dill" is a non-
repeating panorama printed in
England on traditional wallpaper.
The design was built from
specialized 3-D scans of plants.

ENGINEERED PRINTS
LAY PLANS An “engineered” or “placement” print is designed to fit the
pattern pieces of a garment exactly. When the pattern pieces
are assembled, the image or repeated design flows continuously
In his F/W 07/08 collection, Hussein Chalayan
around the form of the garment without being broken by the
experimented with scanning and digitally
seams. These digitally tailored garments are perceived as being
manipulating the fabrics used in his ready-to-
more luxurious because of the high levels of cost and time spent
wear collection, creating a trompe l'oeil effect
in producing them. Designers such as Tristan Webber, Hussein
that captured the textures of the weave. Once
Chalayan, Jonathan Saunders, Basso & Brooke, and Alexander
these textures and patterns were digitized,
McQueen have all applied engineered print techniques using
they were overlaid as transparent layers and laid
digital textile printing.
out as geometric shapes within the engineered
pattern pieces, creating an unusual harmony.
The fact that digital tools make it easier to create an engineered
print is a very exciting prospect for fashion and textile designers
Chalayan’s prints are emblematic of his overall
alike, as both digital print and digitally fitted garments can be
ability to fascinate by removing what has
brought together. Designers may use geometric designs that
inspired him from its original context and then
follow the form of the body to enhance the sculptural effects of a
reconstructing something new. Below is the lay
garment’s cut. Engineered prints may also be used more subtly
plan containing the printed pattern pieces used
to highlight elements such as cuffs, collars, and bodices.
to create the garments; below at right are the
garments as seen on the runway.
Alexander McQueen’s spectacular

S/S 10 collection pushed the
boundaries of what digital print can
offer, with beautiful snake and reptile
prints cleverly engineered to create
amazing garments.
DESIGN ADVANTAGES 19
LARGE- AND SMALL-SCALE CUSTOMIZATION
Digital printing is ideally suited to the creation of limited- CUSTOMIZED JEANS
edition designs that are customized to suit the tastes of an
individual client. The addition of body scanning, as well as the
introduction of software that automatically generates pattern For its centenary celebration in 2006/7,
pieces based on the scanned data, streamlines the process of researchers at the London College of Fashion
placing a printed design exactly within a garment. collaborated to explore how state-of-the-art
technology could be used to create a one-of-a-
A body scanner digitally captures measurements to create a kind garment. The idea was to design one-off
virtual three-dimensional model of an individual’s body. This fitted and digitally printed jeans, and the project
means that not only is a tape measure no longer necessary when integrated 3-D body scanning, automatic pattern
fitting a client, but also that many more measurements are taken generation, digital printing, and digital embroidery.
than would be practical when performing a fitting by hand. The project explored how the technology could be
Department stores such as Selfridges and Harrods in London used to streamline the process of engineering the
and Bloomingdale’s in Los Angeles now provide this service. print onto the garment, as well as testing the
accuracy of matching an image across the seams.
While digital printing can be used to make one-off fitted designs,
the technology can also be used for mass customization.
Companies such as Nike use the Internet as a vehicle for
mass customization, providing customers with the ability to
individualize and “build” a product by allowing them to choose
certain options. If the choices are limited to certain colors and
design elements, however, then the result will not be unique.
Other companies such as Cloth construct one-of-a-kind pieces
of upholstered furniture by digitally printing an image sent to
them by the client.
Above: Image of the

Manhattan skyline by Ceri
Isaac printed onto jeans.
Right: The lay plan showing

the pattern pieces.
Austrian company Wexla have a

modular shoe system that allows
for both mass customization and
a personalized product. Customers
choose from a variety of shoe bases
and uppers and may even upload
their own image to be printed.
This footstool by Cloth has been

personalized with the customer's
own photographs.
Above: Specialist software enables

the embroidered areas to match up
with the printed design.
Left: Still from an animated virtual

runway. This digital "try-on" software
meant that the concept for the jeans
could be tested on an avatar before
the design was finalized.

FASTER PRINT TIMESCALES
The fashion world moves at an extremely fast pace, and SPONTANEOUS FASHION
designers such as Paul Smith now have the added pressure of
creating two collections for every season. Originality is crucial
and it is hardly surprising that top designers are increasingly British designer Hussein Chalayan has used
attracted to the possibilities that new technology has to offer in digital print to great effect in many of his
generating ideas for their collections. Digital design and printing collections. Since his graduate collection, when
are the perfect tools for high-speed fashion, as it is possible to he began to experiment with garments that move
deliver ready-to-wear fabric the same day, depending on the independently of the body, his name has become
quantity required. synonymous with digital print technology.
The speed with which fabric may be produced, together The print for this dress from his S/S 07 "1011"
with the accessibility of design technology, is closing the gap collection is not quite what it first appears. The
between the textile design industry and its clients—the fashion design evolved from a photograph that one of
and interior designers. In the West, the making of most printed Chalayan’s assistants took of the mannequin and
and decorative textiles was historically the domain of specialist muslin for the dress while documenting the design
master craftsmen, their expertise acquired through many years process. Chalayan and his team saw the potential
of practice and apprenticeship. The textile and tailoring trades, to create a print from the slightly surreal imagery.
although entirely dependent upon each other, were seen as
separate professions. In catering for their wealthier clients, The figure in the photograph was isolated from
some designers would have commissioned special fabrics to its background, subtly recolored in Photoshop,
suit their whims, but, for the most part, printed fabrics were then put into repeat, before being digitally printed.
bought from merchants stocking standard types of cloth. Digital Viewed from a distance, the print resembles a
print technology is changing this. traditional floral design, but when viewed closer
up it reveals itself to be an entirely different motif.
This is an excellent example of the immediacy
that digital printing affords.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
A degree of separation between textile design and fashion is
still the norm today. The current system of textile production
supports the mass consumption of cheap goods and so reinforces
the distance between the fashion and textile designer. Also, as
fashion designers generally have higher profiles than textile
designers, textile designers are sadly rarely credited alongside
the name of the fashion designer who has used their design.
At the mid- to high end of the market, digital design and

printing is rapidly closing the gap between textiles and fashion.
Digital textile printing technology is advancing rapidly and has
the potential to aid the creation of higher-quality goods. It may
be hoped that, as digital design blurs the boundaries between
professions such as fashion, textiles, and interior design, the
consumer will come to value quality rather than quantity, and
so move away from throwaway fashion and its harmful effect
on the environment.
Close-up detail of the

image that has been
printed onto the finished
fabric. The fast turnaround
enabled by digital printing is
transforming design methods.
21
2
DIGITAL DESIGN
TUTORIALS
INTRODUCTION
Jemima Gregson’s design “New
Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator together offer a perfect York, New York” was created in
platform for textile design. While the bitmap-based Photoshop Photoshop and digitally printed
onto cotton canvas.
gives you the freedom to edit and manipulate drawings and
photographs, the vector-based Illustrator enables the creation
of accurate graphic drawings and effects, such as streamlined
shapes and sharp geometrics. Photoshop is programmed in
such a way that an image is made up of a mosaic of individual
colored pixels; the software itself does not automatically
recognize shapes unless they have been separated out by the
user. Motifs that are significantly enlarged, for example, will
eventually lose their integrity and become “pixelated” so that
fine lines appear jagged. The total number of pixels over an
area is called the resolution, and this determines the quality
of the image.
Illustrator creates a graphic image from a series of points, lines,

curves, and shapes. Sophisticated and high-quality artwork and
graphics can be created with the wide range of drawing tools
on offer. Once an image is created it can be scaled indefinitely
without degradation. It is possible to design solely using
either Photoshop or Illustrator, or to work between the two—
either way, they offer a perfect toolkit for textile design. The
introduction of the digital stylus pen has also given fluidity to
the action of drawing with the computer so that it is now more Marie O’Connor achieves a moiré
akin to drawing by hand. effect through digital manipulation.
Originally designed for the graphics industry, these tools are now
leading textile designers along different avenues of creativity
and extending the range of design possibilities available to
them. Previously, designers were required to hand render
their ideas and designs, which was often a time-consuming
process, but working within a digital environment has speeded
up this task. This allows more time for experimentation and
exploration, thus freeing up the designer’s imagination. Because
these programs are now recognized as standard tools for textile
designers, it is essential to acquire the skills to use them with
confidence. With perseverance, designers will learn to use
them intuitively, making them just as important as paint and
brushes have always been. This chapter offers inspiration by
demonstrating the wealth of possibilities that these programs
give to the textile designer. With a series of step-by-step
tutorials focusing on particular techniques that are relevant to
textile design, amply illustrated with work by both students
and established designers, this chapter is aimed at students
who have already acquired a basic knowledge of Photoshop
and Illustrator. It begins by looking at the skills and tools that
underlie all good digital textile design, including research and
drawing, the use of the scanner, the digital stylus pen, and the
incorporation of photography.
Rowenna Wilcox has fun with

this paper-chain shirt from her
collection “Lilian.”
24 CHAPTER 2: DIGITAL DESIGN TUTORIALS

Claire Thorpe designed her
fashion collection “Ballet
Mécanique” entirely in Illustrator.
Her inspiration came from the
mechanical patterns found in
Meccano toys and also in the
work of Eduardo Paolozzi, which
she then translated into graphic
patterns. Thorpe’s designs
illustrate the crisp, clean lines
that can be achieved using this
vector-based program.
25
GETTING STARTED
When working digitally, the designer is faced with a vast array
of options and it is all too easy to get carried away choosing Kitty Joseph’s collection “Color
Immersion” was inspired by the
between the technical effects and filters that are available at
play of light on the Thames River
the click of a button. Consequently, it is vitally important to in London.
develop and explore ideas thoroughly before starting to work
on the computer.
The starting point for a design can come from one of many
sources. It might be a highly personal thought or experience
that you want to express visually, or it might come from a
commercial brief. Wherever it comes from, thorough research
of the subject is essential, and the process can take you on
an exciting and stimulating journey; one that may lead you to
explore historical periods, other cultures from around the world,
or contemporary design trends. You may even find inspiration in
other creative disciplines such as fine art, literature, science, and
music. Once a theme is established, the next stage is to gather
material to help get the design underway. This can be anything
from photographs, sketches, and drawings to found objects. It is
important not to underestimate the amount of material needed;
design work has now become a very sophisticated mix of graphic
imagery, drawing, photography, pattern, texture, and motif. The
more research, the greater the wealth of material you will have
to work with, allowing your ideas and concept to develop
fully. Explore ideas around the theme and collect anything that
relates to it, gathering the material in a sketchbook to track the
development of ideas and primary research. This sketchbook
can then be referenced throughout the design process, and it
can also act as a basis for discussion with your peers.
While you are researching your theme, you also need to

keep the context for your design in mind and research the
market. Historically, textile design has always had a very close
relationship with fashion, whether for clothing or interiors,
and so an awareness of contemporary trends is crucial. In our
consumer society, buyers are constantly seeking the next new
look. As a textile designer you need market awareness to stay
on top of the game in this competitive field.
Beatrice Moys created designs for

her “Building Blocks” collection by
constructing wooden patterns.

Anjali D’Souza’s travels to Egypt
were the inspiration for her
“Futuristic Traveller” collection.
Catherine Frere-Smith is
inspired by traditional English
garden florals and nature.
INTRODUCTION 27
SCANNING
Once you have gathered together all your material, you then
need to assemble it into a form that you can work with digitally.
Many of your items will be in two-dimensional form—such as
drawings and photographs; others may be three-dimensional—
such as buttons, textured fabrics, and trimmings. All of these
elements can be scanned.
The scanner is an exciting tool for textile designers and has opened
up a wide range of options for assembling imagery, allowing
nondigital elements into the digital workspace. Designers, who
are often magpies by nature, are able to experiment with real
objects and imagery that they have collected, collaging them
into designs that have a tactile quality and can also be highly
personal, humorous, charming, and quirky.
Before you start scanning, it is important to know the final print

output in dots per inch (dpi), as this determines the resolution
required. Ideally, you should scan at the same dpi as the final
output, and at the same dimensions as you wish to use the scan
in your design. For a textile designer, the final output will
usually be a collection of designs that are printed onto fabric or SCANNING QUALITY
paper—usually 11 x 17 (tabloid) to 17 x 22 inches in size. To
guarantee a high-quality image at this size, it is best to scan
your raw materials at 300 dpi. From 8.5 x 11 to 17 x 22 inches:
Scan your work at 850 dpi;
If you are outputting the design onto a length of fabric, you need your 17 x 22 inch artwork will be 300 dpi.
to take more care. Textile designers often work on a large scale
and may unwittingly create complex documents with file sizes From 8.5 x 11 to 22 x 34 inches:
that are too large to manage. One way to overcome this, if you Scan your work at 600 dpi;
are working in repeat, is to just give the printer the repeat unit. your 22 x 34 inch artwork will be 300 dpi.
The printer will then use a specialist repeat program to fill the
unit across whatever length of fabric that you require. Giving From 8.5 x 11 to 34 x 44 inches:
the repeat unit alone to the printer means that the document Scan your work at 1300 dpi;
size is likely to be manageable, especially as the printer will your 34 x 44 inch artwork will be 300 dpi.
usually request artwork at between 200 and 300 dpi.
When working with a large-scale placement or engineered

design for fabric, you need to take extra care to maintain a
balance between a high-enough resolution and a manageable NOTE ON COPYRIGHT
document size. If you find your final artwork document When scanning imagery for use in your designs, it is essential to be aware of
copyright issues. Copyright is a form of intellectual property protection. It applies to
becomes too large for your computer to manage, you will have
artists’ original work such as paintings, illustrations, photographs, maps, and any other
to lower the resolution of the image gradually, while assessing work of craftsmanship. Scanning opens up a wide range of design opportunities and
the quality of the output. can sometimes be used as a quick design tool for copying and editing your work, but
you must be aware that you should not scan other people’s artwork as it may be
File sizes generally become large when you scan in objects that copyright protected. Either use your own material to avoid infringing on copyright
or be sure to use copyright-free imagery.
are subsequently enlarged by a significant amount. In order to
maintain the best photographic quality, scan objects at high
resolution, so that when the object is reproduced at 100 percent
in your design it is output at the required dpi. The box opposite
provides the general rules that will allow you to reproduce
good-quality imagery for print.
If your artwork is too large for the scanner, you may need to
take it to a specialist bureau. A more complicated, but less
expensive, alternative is to scan the work in sections and piece
them together in Photoshop.

Kitty Joseph needs time and
patience to create her intricate
and complex collages from
hand-colored paper. Once she has
scanned her collages, however,
she uses the speed of the
computer to manipulate, compose,
color, and edit her artwork further.
The ability to preserve her images,
once saved, gives her the freedom
to experiment with color and
layout without destroying her
original artwork.
DRAWING
Drawing, sketching, and mark-making have always been solid
starting points for design work. They are even more important
in the digital age, in ensuring that work is original and that
the designer’s unique “handwriting” is not lost, but instead is
enhanced, by the computer.
By starting with a beautiful set of drawings, you can scale,

compose, and arrange them into a design collection using the
basic transform tools in Photoshop. There is still skill involved
in editing and assembling the drawings and merging them
sensitively so that they do not simply look pasted together.
Having a thorough understanding of the tools in Photoshop will
allow you to choose the best method of selecting a drawing or
motif and thereby retaining the feeling of fluid and sensitive
artwork. Tools range from the Magic Wand tool (used to select
flat colors) to more advanced tools, such as the Mask tool (used
to select photography) or the Pen tool (used to draw accurately
around an area and cut it out).
The detail and tone of Hana

Kitazaki’s beautifully fine hand-
rendered drawings are captured
perfectly by digital printing in her
collection “The Magic Flute.”

To replicate the softness and sensuality of the originals, Rosie MacCurrach uses
the Quick Mask tool to select her drawings; she also feathers the edges so that the
images blend softly together. Finally, she prints her designs onto silk, a fabric that
allows her to maintain the delicate marks and blends present in her original drawings.
The computer allows Victoria

Purver the freedom to translate
her paintings onto fabric without
losing any of the beautiful
qualities achieved with her brush
marks and drawing. She does not
have to make color separations
to screen-print them; instead
she translates them directly onto
fabric through digital printing. Her
aim is to keep the sensual feel
of the paintings when they are
transferred onto cloth.
INTRODUCTION 31
Deborah Vesey combines hand
painting with a conceptual
approach to maintain a
spontaneous look for her
digital collection.
Rowenna Wilcox’s collection

“Lillian” is based on her
grandmother’s favorite
ornaments.

Brian Barrett’s inspiration for
his “Classical/Contemporary
Romantic” textile collection
derives from vintage objects and
antiques, including taxidermy. He
looks at how collecting objects
can harbor memories of the
past and create new emotional
attachments. Barrett created his
own take on a traditional floral
repeat that, on first viewing,
is timeless and familiar. But by
subtly weaving unconventional
imagery into a traditional layout,
the design took on a new meaning
and narrative. The result is an
intriguing mix of the bizarre and
the familiar that creates a new
look for textiles by mixing old and
new methods in the design and
print process.
Henry Muller created a woven

effect for his menswear collection
“The Outer Face,” digitally printed
onto heavy canvas.
INTRODUCTION 33
THE DIGITAL STYLUS PEN
The introduction of the digital stylus pen has given artists the
freedom to draw, paint, and sketch with a computer, in much
the same way as if using traditional materials. You can draw
directly onto a graphics tablet with the pen, or trace over an
image, or even draw on the screen. Once mastered, the pen
becomes an intuitive drawing tool, allowing the same freedom
of movement and sensitivity as a traditional pen or brush. For
the textile designer, the pen allows a sensitive and sensual
approach to design and is a worthwhile investment. A pressure-
sensitive stylus pen can also give depth to your lines, for a
more natural way of drawing and rendering. In Photoshop you
can even “harness” the numerous paintbrushes to it, allowing
you to create effects ranging from subtle watercolors to bold
line drawings. In Illustrator, the pen allows a high degree of
dexterity and control when drawing.

Melanie Bowles finds that using the stylus pen gives
her the precision she needs to design in Illustrator. Her
background in embroidered textiles influences not only
her design aesthetic, but also how she uses the computer
as a design tool. Bowles finds she can achieve the same
dexterity with the stylus pen as with the embroiderer’s
needle, replicating the intricacies of fine stitchwork found
in historical embroideries. Bowles uses the pen to draw
streamlined shapes, build up motifs, and create subtle
blends. She is able to create elegant, graphic designs
by directly tracing from found or drawn imagery onto
the screen with the pen. When printed onto silks, these
designs become fluid and sensual.
INTRODUCTION 35
PHOTOGRAPHY
Textile designers often make good photographers, having an eye
for detail, texture, and color. It is no surprise, therefore, that with
the ability to print high-quality photographic detail digitally,
many students are now integrating photography into design.
Photography is an immensely useful medium for the textile

designer, whether used directly in the design work or as a
means of researching and collecting reference material. It can
also be useful to draw and trace over photographs in Photoshop
or Illustrator as a quick way of achieving an image outline.
The compact size of digital cameras means that many artists and
designers use their cameras like sketchbooks or diaries, and are
able to build up archives of imagery that they can access when
needed. This approach is preferable to downloading images
from the Internet because it avoids running into any copyright
issues and, of course, the work is unique and personal.
Once you have imported your images into Photoshop you will find
a huge number of options to help you adapt your photographs.
Melanie Bowles and Kathryn

Round gave a vintage dress a
second life by photographing it
and digitally printing it on silk
crêpe de Chine.
Alexa Ball’s womenswear collection

“Holiday Memories” incorporates
childhood vacation photographs
in complex pattern formations to
achieve a quirky, nostalgic design.

Croatian-born Nada Herceg
demonstrates the creative use
of photography in her textile
collection “Kaleidoscope.” Here, she
arranged everyday objects and
then photographed them through a
kaleidoscope, creating these amazing
pattern formations. She edited them
further by putting them into repeat
and printing them digitally onto silk,
allowing her to maintain their rich,
photographic qualities.
INTRODUCTION 37
Emma Stone uses a complex
combination of photography,
scanning, drawing, and collage
techniques to create elaborate
and personal textiles.
Working digitally opened up a

whole new world for illustrator
and designer Emma Stone. It has
allowed her to engage with a
world of fantasy and surrealism.
Her textile collection “Recollection”
is based on sentimental objects,
memories, and collections from
her family history and aims to
reinvent forgotten pieces.

Temitope Tijani plays with
caricatures of family members in
Photoshop, demonstrating how
much fun it can be to integrate
photography into design.
Inspired by the Aurora Borealis,

designer Deja Abati digitally
creates stunning light effects.
He adds pleating to give more
movement to the fabric.
Jemima Gregson exploits her

love of fashion, photographing
treasured pieces and placing
them back onto a garment.
She enhances her photographs
digitally and places them carefully
onto specific areas of clothing.
The result is witty, glamorous,
and sexy.
INTRODUCTION 39
TUTORIAL 1
USING FILTERS IN
PHOTOSHOP
There are numerous filters in Photoshop and the choice can
seem overwhelming. Filters come in and out of fashion and
can make your work look obviously “Photoshopped” and
too familiar. But, if they are carefully integrated into your
design work, they can add some amazing and subtle effects.
Overuse of filters can confuse a design, so be clear from the
start about what you want to achieve. You can apply a filter
to the whole image or to a selected area. On these pages are
just a few examples of favorite filters. Use RGB images, as
some filters do not work with CMYK.
Melanie Bowles’s design “The

Brockwell Rose” is created from
photographs of the rose garden
in her local park; the design is put
into a half-drop repeat. You can
apply filters to a repeat unit to
break up the traditional look of
a design.

OK
Cancel
Cutout
Number of Levels 8
Edge Simplicity 7
Edge Fidelity 3
COLLAGE
Here the Cutout filter is used to add a collage effect to the original photographs.
When you choose a filter, a dialog box will open, giving you several options.
Experiment by moving the sliders to get your desired effect. In the bottom left
corner of the image window, you can zoom in and out of the design.
OK
Cancel
Colored Pencil
Pencil Width 5
Stroke Pressure 15
Paper Brightness 4
COLORED PENCIL
The Colored Pencil filter in Artistic filters was applied to give a bold, vibrant
drawn effect. Altering Pencil Width, Stroke Pressure, and Paper Brightness gives
a batik effect.
Smart Blur
OK
Cancel
100%
Radius 100.0
Threshold 100.0
Quality: High
Mode: Normal
SOFT
With the Blur filter, you can soften the edges of a design.
USING FILTERS IN PHOTOSHOP 41

OK
Cancel
Grain
Intensity 24
Contrast 27
Grain Type: Horizontal
VINTAGE
To create a vintage effect, try adding a Grain texture (Filter > Texture > Grain).
Select Grain Type: Horizontal.
Color Halftone
Max. Radius: 15 (Pixels) OK
Screen Angles (Degrees): Cancel

Channel 1: 108 Default
Channel 2: 162
Channel 3: 90
Channel 4: 45
POP ART
The Color Halftone filter is found in Pixelate filters and simulates the effect of
using a halftone screen on each channel of the image. For each channel, the
filter divides the image into rectangles and replaces each rectangle with a dot.
Pointillize
OK
Cancel
100%
Cell Size 20
PIXELATE
To pixelate the image and break it up further, go to the Pixelate filter and select
Pointillize.

OK
Default
Stained Glass
Cell Size 13
Border Thickness 4
Light Intensity 3
EMBROIDERED EFFECTS
The Stained Glass filter is in Texture filters and will transform an image into cells
to give a stitched effect.
Wave
Number of Generators: 5 Type: OK

Sine:
Min. Max. Triangle
Cancel
Wavelength: 1 40
Square
Min. Max.
Amplitude: 167 306
Horiz. Vert.
Scale: 66 % 100 %
Randomize
Undefined Areas:
Wrap Around
Repeat Edge Pixels
ABSTRACT DISTORTION
The Wave filter is found in Distort filters. This, along with other Distort filters,
will give you numerous options with which to abstract and distort a photograph
or image into an instant textile design that has fluidity and movement.
Posterize
Levels: 4 OK
Cancel
Preview
SILK-SCREEN EFFECT
Using the Posterize command (Image > Adjustments > Posterize) will give a
photograph an instant silk-screen effect.
USING FILTERS IN PHOTOSHOP 43

TUTORIAL 2
CREATING COMPLEX
COLOR BLENDS
Emamoke Ukeleghe’s collection “My Family Album” captures
the essence of her ethnic background. Her inspiration comes
from the journey her family made from Nigeria to England
in the mid-1980s. Based on this childhood experience, she
has created a collection of digital prints for scarfs and panels
that showcases a new contemporary ethnicity.
Ukeleghe replaces the traditional techniques of hand-

dyed batik used in African textiles with digital media.
Working in Illustrator, she recreates simple geometrics
and blends them to give them a rich and exotic feel. Her
designs are dynamic, exciting, and reminiscent of ethnic
textiles, retaining the luminosity of batik printing but
with a contemporary twist.

STEP 1 STEP 2
In Illustrator, select the Polygon tool from the Tool Window > Stroke.
panel. Holding down the Shift key, click and drag to Apply a stroke (Weight: 2 pt) in a contrasting color.
create a polygon.
STROKE
Weight: 2 pt
Polygon tool
STEP 3 STEP 4
Copy and paste the polygon, and Window > Align.
change the scale of the copied polygon The Align panel will appear.
to 25 percent.
Object > Transform > Scale.
Select both polygons.
TRANSFORM ALIGN PATHFINDE
Align Objects:
Distribute Objects:
Distribute Spacing: Align To:

0 cm
Horizontal Align Center

STEP 5
Vertical Align Center
Select Vertical Align Center and Horizontal Align
Center to centralize the polygons.
STEP 6 STEP 7
Apply a new Fill and Stroke color Select the Blend tool in the toolbar. Double-click
to the central polygon. it to reveal the Blend Options dialog box. Choose
Specified Steps and enter “10.”
Blend tool
Blend Options
Spacing: Specified Steps 10 OK
Orientation: Cancel
Preview
STEP 8
Place the Blend tool in the middle of the polygon;
drag it to the outer edge and your blend will
appear. It’s worth experimenting with the options
the Blend tool offers to get different effects.
CREATING COMPLEX COLOR BLENDS 45

STEP 9
Now create a tile with the polygon. To position it
accurately, go to the View menu and select Snap to
Point and Smart Guides. Position the pointer on the
left-hand anchor point and drag it to the right.
STEP 10
Holding down the Shift and Option/Alt keys, drag
the tile across until it snaps into place and leaves
a copy. The cursor will turn white when it has
snapped to point.
STEP 11
Repeat this action to tile
four polygons.
STEP 12 STEP 13
View > Outline. Window > Attributes.
With the Pen tool, draw a central diamond, A dialog box will appear. With your diamond
clicking on the anchor points as a guide. selected, select the Show Center icon. This will
show the center of the diamond.
DOCUMENT INFO ATTRIBUTES
Overprint Fill Overprint Stroke
Image Map: None Browser
STEP 14 URL:
View > Outline.
Make a copy of your diamond, change
its scale, and place it in the center of the
first diamond.
Show Center icon

STEP 15 STEP 16 STEP 17
Fill and Stroke both diamonds with contrast colors. Now apply a blend to the diamond. Now to put the design unit into repeat in
Photoshop:
Select the design unit in Illustrator.
Edit > Copy.
Create a new document in Photoshop.
Edit > Paste.
STEP 18 STEP 19
A dialog box will appear. Select the Another dialog box will appear.
Paste As Pixels option, and click OK. Click Place.
Paste Adobe Photoshop
Paste As: Place the files?

OK
Smart Object
Cancel
Pixels
Donʼt Place Cancel Place
Path
Shape Layer

View > Rulers > Show Rulers. Bring down horizontal and vertical guides to the Select the Crop tool from the Tool panel and, using
View > Guides > Show Guides. center points of all four polygons. the guides, crop the unit.
Crop tool

Select > All. Edit > Define Pattern. Create a new document.
Name the pattern and press OK. Edit > Fill > Pattern.
Pattern Name
OK
Name: New Ethnic 1
Cancel
CREATING COMPLEX COLOR BLENDS 47

TUTORIAL 3
BUILDING FLORAL MOTIFS
“Making Flowers” is a collection of digital prints created by

Melanie Bowles. With Illustrator she creates clean, graphic
florals that give her work a striking, contemporary look.
This tutorial shows you the principles of creating flowers in

Illustrator by making a basic petal, and then duplicating and
rotating it to build up a complex flower. You can build up
ornate patterns from the basic design. The possibilities are
endless for the textile designer who wishes create a fresh,
bold floral look.

STEP 1
Reveal a grid on your Illustrator document page
to help you create the basic petal shapes.
View > Show Grid.
Work in the Outline mode to create petals.
View > Outline.
Now use the Pen tool to create your petal shapes.
STEP 2
View > Preview.
Fill your shapes with black.
Select one petal.
Edit > Copy.
STEP 3 STEP 4
Open up a new document, and again Now build the flower up.
reveal the grid. Window > Info.
Edit > Paste. With the petal selected, select the Rotate tool
from the Tool panel, and place it at the bottom
of the petal.
Hold down the Option/Alt key and rotate the petal
(this will make a copy of your petal as you rotate it).
Rotate tool
BUILDING FLORAL MOTIFS 49

Rotate
STEP 5
To enter an accurate angle for your petal to rotate, OK
with the Rotate tool still selected, place the Angle: 22.5
reference point at the bottom of the petal. Now Cancel
press Option/Alt and click, and the Rotate dialog
Options Copy
box will appear. Enter an angle that is a division
Objects Patterns
of 360 degrees. Click on the Copy button, and a Preview
second petal will appear.
STEP 6
Once you have placed the second petal correctly,
you can build up the other petals to complete the
flower. Press Command + D; this keyboard shortcut
will repeat the last command.
Once you have a complete flower, group the
petals together.
Object > Group.
STEP 7
Now apply a color fill. Copy and paste several times
to build the flower up, changing the scale and color
of each copy.
STEP 8
Window > Align.
Select Vertical Align Center and Horizontal Align
Center.
TRANSFO ALIGN PATHFINI
Align Objects :
Vertical Align Horizontal Align

Center Center
STEP 9
With the Rotate tool, rotate the flowers.
Alter the transparency of the petals to give an
impression of depth.
Finally, group the completed flower.
Object > Group.

STEP 10 STEP 11
Draw a line and a circle for the stamen. The flower is complete.
Object > Group. Object > Group.
Now copy and rotate the stamen, using the same
method as for the petals.
STEP 12
Create more flowers using the same techniques,
selecting different colors and sizes of petals.
BUILDING FLORAL MOTIFS 51

TUTORIAL 4
CROSS-STITCH EFFECTS
Claire Thorpe devised this effective technique in

Illustrator to fill motifs with cross-stitch without even
touching a needle.
This tutorial demonstrates how to create a cross-stitch

from a motif of your choice.

STEP 1
In Illustrator, select the Line tool from the
Tool panel.
Draw a 45-degree line by holding down the
Shift key while clicking and dragging.
Line tool
STEP 2
Go to the option bar at the top of the screen. Click
on the Link icon between the Width and the Height.
Enter 0.08 in (0.2 cm).
0.8293 in 8.1594 in 0.08 in 0.08 in
STEP 3 STROKE GRADISI TRANSP
Go to the Stroke panel and enter Weight: 2 pt. Weight: 2 pt

Select Cap: Round Cap and Corner: Round Join.
Cap:
Round Cap
Corner: Limit:
Round Join
Align Stroke:
Dashed Line
dash gap dash gap dash gap
STEP 4
Axis
Select the cross. Double-click on the Reflect tool in OK
Horizontal
the Tool panel to open the Reflect dialog box. Vertical
Cancel
Select Vertical and enter an Angle of 90 degrees. Angle: 90 Copy

Click Copy.
Preview
Options
Select both lines. Objects Patterns
Object > Group.
Reflect tool
Move
STEP 5
Position
Press the Return key to open the Move dialog box. Horizontal: 0 in
OK
Enter -0.11 in (-0.27 cm) in the Vertical field. This Cancel

Vertical: -0.11 in
is the measurement from the center of the cross to Copy
the center of the repeated cross. (In this case it is Distance: 0 in
Preview
-0.11 in. If your cross is bigger, the measurement to Angle: 0
your repeated cross will be larger, depending on the Options

gap you want between them.) Objects Patterns
Click on Copy, and the second cross will appear.

Press Command + D repeatedly to build up
a vertical line of crosses.
CROSS-STITCH EFFECTS 53
Move
STEP 6
Position
Select the vertical line of crosses. OK
Horizontal: 0.11 in
Press the Return key to bring up Vertical: 0 in
Cancel
the Move dialog box. Enter Copy

Distance: 0 in
0.11 in (0.27 cm) in the Horizontal Preview
Angle: 0
field and click on Copy.
Press Command + D repeatedly to Options
Objects Patterns
build up horizontal rows of crosses.
Your cross-stitch grid is now complete.
File Edit Object Type Select Ef

STEP 7 New... ⌘N
Create a new layer and place it New from Template... ⇧⌘N
underneath your stitch grid. Choose Open... ⌘O
a motif you wish to work from. Open Recent Files ▶
Browse in Bridge... ⌥⌘O
File > Place.
Go back to the stitch grid layer. Share My Screen...
Device Central...
Select > All.
Color the stroke gray. Close ⌘W
Save ⌘S
Lower the Opacity to reveal the ⇧⌘S
Save As...
motif template. Save a Copy... ⌥⌘S
Save as Template...
Save for Web & Devices... ⌥⇧⌘S
Save Selected Slices...
Revert F12
Place...
Save for Microsoft Office...

Export...
Scripts ▶
Document Setup... ⌥⌘P

Document Color Mode ▶
File Info... ⌥⇧⌘I
STEP 8
Now carefully color individual
stitches and build up the motif
(select groups of stitches by holding
down the Shift key). Once colored,
select all the stitches and raise the
Opacity back to normal.

STEP 9
Select one of the grid stitches.
Select > Same > Stroke Color.
All the stitches of that color will be
selected. With this method you can
recolor your design or delete any
stitches you wish to.
Type Select Effect View Window Help

All ⌘A
All on Active Artboard ⌥⌘A
Deselect ⇧⌘A 100
Reselect ⌘6
Inverse @ 300% (CMYK/Preview)
Next Object Above ⌥⌘]

Next Object Below ⌥⌘[
Same ▶ Appearance
Object ▶ Appearance Attribute
Blending Mode
Save Selection... Fill & Stroke
Edit Selection... Fill Color
Opacity
Stroke Color
Stroke Weight
Graphic Style
Symbol Instance
Link Block Series
CROSS-STITCH EFFECTS 55
TUTORIAL 5
ENGINEERED PRINTS
“Jemima’s World” is an inspirational fashion collection by

Jemima Gregson, based on her love of vintage costume
jewelry. Jemima places photographs of her jewelry onto the
garment shapes in Photoshop to create a stunning trompe
l’oeil effect, which also shows the exceptional photographic
qualities that can be achieved with digital printing. The
garment shapes are digitally printed onto silk satin using a
Mimaki TX2, and then made into a garment.
This tutorial demonstrates the process of engineering a print

onto a garment shape using Photoshop.

STEP 1 STEP 2
Scan your pattern pieces at 300 dpi, starting Reposition the top front section of the garment on
with the front. You will have to do this in several the canvas by moving it to the top.
sections. Once they are scanned, paste the sections
together in Photoshop.
STEP 3 STEP 4
Image > Canvas Size. Now increase the canvas size to fit the complete
In the Canvas Size dialog box, alter the Width and garment shape.
Height measurements sufficiently to allow you to Image > Canvas Size.
paste in the bottom section of the garment. Change the Width to 200 percent.
Once this is done, flatten the image. Click OK.
Layer > Flatten Image.
Canvas Size Canvas Size
Current Size: 71.9M Current Size: 71.9M

OK OK
Width: 10.92 inches Width: 10.92 inches
Cancel Cancel
Height: 25.59 inches Height: 25.59 inches
New Size: 71.9M New Size: 143.9M

Width: 10.92 inches Width: 200 percent
Height: 25.59 inches Height: 100 percent
Relative Relative
Anchor: Anchor:
Canvas extension color: Background Canvas extension color: Background
STEP 5
Select the garment piece with the Marquee tool.
Copy and Paste.
Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontally.
Piece the two shapes together so that they match up.
Flatten the image.
ENGINEERED PRINTS 57
STEP 6
Select the Pen tool, and the Pen tool option bar Pen tool
will appear. Select the Fill option with black as the
foreground color in the toolbar.
Fill option
Pen tool option bar Auto Add/Delete Style: Color:
STEP 7
Carefully trace around the garment using the Pen
tool, to create a series of anchor points around
the garment shape. Use the Convert Point tool (in
the Pen tool menu) to create the curves around
the neck and armholes. It may take some time and
practice until you are happy with the results.
STEP 8 LAYERS ADJUSTM MASKS

When you use the Pen tool, a shape layer will
Normal Opacity: 55%
appear in the Layers panel. Change the Opacity of
this layer to reveal the pattern shape so you can
Lock: Fill: 100%
trace over it.
Shape 1
Background
STEP 9
Continue to draw around the garment shape with PATHS
the Pen tool until it is complete. When you use the
Pen tool, you create a new path. Go to the Paths Shape 1 Vector Mask
panel to see your new path. Click on the menu
button at top right to reveal the drop-down menu.
Save your new path so you can edit or select it at
any time.

STEP 10
Repeat the entire process with the back sections of
the garment.
STEP 11
Arrange a selection of costume jewelry onto a
mannequin covered in black material. Using a
digital SLR camera and studio lighting, photograph
the mannequin at the highest possible resolution.
This will allow the image to be reproduced at the
maximum size with no compromise in quality.
STEP 12
You could also photograph some extra jewelry
against a black background to add to the
mannequin jewelry.
STEP 13
Open up the front garment shape. Your path is
drawn but you need to make it into a selection
so you can start to paste your jewelry into the
pattern piece.
STEP 14 PATHS
On the Paths panel, highlight your path and click
the Path Selection icon at the bottom of the panel. Shape 1 Vector Mask
This will create a selection for you to paste your
jewelry into.
STEP 15 Path Selection icon

Open up the mannequin photograph.
You may wish to brighten the jewelry.
Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast.
Alter the sliders to adjust the tonal range until you
are happy with the effect.
Select > All.
Edit > Copy.
STEP 16 STEP 17
Now open up the front garment image. Merge the shape layer and the jewelry layer using
Select the garment shape. the Merge Visible command in the Layers panel
Edit > Paste Special > Paste Into. drop-down menu.
With the new pasted-in layer selected, select the
Move tool and position your jewelry to fit into
the garment shape.
LAYERS ADJUSTM MASKS
Scale it to fit.
Edit > Transform > Scale. Normal Opacity: 100%
Lock: Fill: 100%
Layer 1
Shape 1
Background
STEP 18
With the Clone tool, carefully clone the necklace to
make it continue around the neckline.

STEP 19 STEP 20
Open the extra photographs, and select items with Now go back to the garment shape and paste on
the Lasso tool. Edit > Copy. new jewelry.
Edit > Paste.
Merge the new layers as you go.
Lower the Opacity of the jewelry layer so that it
reveals the pattern piece beneath.
Continue to add more images to build up the design.
STEP 21
Once you have completed the front, use the
same techniques to complete the back and cuffs.
When they are all finished, flatten the layers.
Now open a document with a Width of 55 in (140 cm)—
the width of fabric on the digital printer—and a
Height of 59 in (150 cm). Set the Resolution to
200 dpi.
Open each garment piece.
Select > All.
Edit > Copy.
Go to your new fabric length document and paste
the garment piece on.
Edit > Paste.
Paste all the garment shapes and arrange them
across the final document.
STEP 22
Once the shapes are placed, flatten the layers. Now
you are ready to prepare the document for printing.
TUTORIAL 6
SEQUIN EFFECTS
“You Can’t Hurry Love” is a fashion collection created by

Tennessee-born Katie Irving Jones. The collection is intended
to elicit a sentimental attachment, and draws inspiration
from nostalgic heirlooms that Katie incorporates into her
designs. She recreates vintage embellishments using digital
techniques in Photoshop.
This tutorial demonstrates how to create a sequin motif. Once

the technique is mastered, it can be applied to any design.

STEP 1 STEP 2
Scan a sequin at 300 dpi and open the image Add a lens flare on the corner of the sequin to give
in Photoshop. it an extra twinkle.
Select > Image > Adjustments > Levels. Filter > Render > Lens Flare.
Adjust the shadow and highlights by moving
the sliders in the dialog box.
STEP 3 Brush Name

Select the sequin with the Magic Wand tool. Set the
Tolerance in the option bar to 30 and select an area OK
Name: sequin brush
around the sequin. Cancel
Edit > Cut.
Cut away the background. Select the sequin with
the Marquee tool.
Edit > Define Brush.
Name the sequin and press OK.
STEP 4
Make a drawing of a heart and banner and scan it
into Photoshop. Create a new layer.
Select the new sequin brush.
In the Brush Options panel, change the Opacity to
93 percent and the Size to 70 pixels.
STEP 5
Select black as the brush color and “stamp” around
the outline of the heart in black sequins, by clicking
once to apply each.

Now add a slight shadow to this layer to give it a Normal Opacity: 100%
three-dimensional effect.
Click the Layer Style icon at the bottom of the Lock: Fill: 100%
Layers panel.
black sequins
Background
Layer Style icon
SEQUIN EFFECTS 63
STEP 7 STEP 8
In the Layer Style menu, select Drop Shadow. Create a new layer.
A dialog box will appear. Select the sequin brush and choose a
Change the Opacity and the Distance values to dark red color.
create a soft shadow. Stamp inside the heart as shown.
Layer Style
Drop Shadow
Styles OK
Structure
Blending Options: Default Blend Mode: Normal Cancel

Drop Shadow Opacity: 37 %
New Style...
Inner Shadow
Angle: 30 Use Global Light Preview
Outer Glow
Inner Glow Distance: 14 px

Spread: 0 %
Bevel and Emboss
Size: 5 px
Contour
Texture Quality
Satin Contour Anti-aliased

Colot Overlay
Noise: 0 %
Gradient Overlay
Pattern Overlay Layer Knocks Out Drop Shadow
Stroke
STEP 9
Create a new layer.
Fill the rest of the heart with the sequin
brush colored bright red.
You should now have four layers.
Turn the Background layer off and merge
the visible layers.
Line tool option bar
Weight: 3 px Style: Color:
STEP 10 STEP 11
Next, create the stitches that appear to fasten each The Line tool option bar will appear at the top of
sequin to give the hand-sewn effect. This is a fairly your screen. For Weight, enter 3 px. Select a color
time-consuming process, but is still a lot quicker for the stitch. Now draw in every stitch, working on
than actually sewing them! each separate layer. Make them slightly irregular to
Select the Line tool from the Tool panel. achieve a truly hand-sewn effect.
Make sure the Fill option is selected in the Line tool Your sequins are now complete. Fill in the background
option bar. layer with white and flatten the image.
Layer> Flatten Image.
Fill option

STEP 12
Next you need to create the “LOVE” lettering.
Scan your chosen lettering into Photoshop.
STEP 13
Use the same technique as before to stamp
around the lettering with the sequin brush,
varying the scale of the brush.
STEP 14
Once the lettering is complete, flatten the
layers and cut it out with the Marquee tool.
Edit > Copy.
Open the heart motif.
Edit > Paste.
Position and adjust the lettering with the
Transform tools to fit inside the banner.
STEP 15
Finally, add an extra glow to the finished
heart motif.
Filter > Render > Lens Flare.
STEP 16
Print the design onto opaque transfer
T-shirt paper through a desktop inkjet
printer. Carefully cut the motif out and
press it onto your fabric with an iron or
heat press.
SEQUIN EFFECTS 65
TUTORIAL 7
PHOTOMONTAGE
Photomontage is the technique of combining photographic

elements together to create new compositions. The
introduction of Photoshop has made achieving a
photomontage effect faster and easier. There is now a trend
toward combining illustration, graphics, and photography
to create complex designs.
Creating a photomontage in Photoshop depends on

developing a theme and having a collection of visually
strong photographs to work with. Once you have these,
you need to select elements from them and start to build
new configurations. You will need to work with the more
advanced selection tools to achieve the best edge quality.
The most effective tool for selecting areas of photographs
is the Quick Mask tool. By using the Airbrush to make
selections, you can also achieve soft edges; this tool is
easiest to control with a stylus pen.

STEP 1
Open your source image in Photoshop (make sure
it is in RGB, as you will apply a filter later). Click on
the Quick Mask icon located at the bottom of the
Quick Mask icon
Tool panel.
STEP 2 Quick Mask Options
Choose a soft airbrush (using the Brush tool option Color Indicates:
OK
Masked Areas
bar) and paint over the image you want to mask. Selected Areas Cancel
To change the color of the mask and transparency,
Color
double-click the Quick Mask icon to open Quick
Mask Options. Opacity: 50 %
Brush tool option bar
Mode: Normal Opacity: 100% Flow: 100%

127
STEP 3
Switch the foreground color to white to use the
Mask Eraser tool. Select a small, soft brush and start
to clean up the edges of the mask.
Foreground
color
STEP 4
Click on the Quick Mask icon to exit Quick Mask. The
area outside of the mask will now be selected.
STEP 5
Now select the pansy.
Select > Inverse.
STEP 6
Open a new document.
Edit > Copy.
Edit > Paste.
PHOTOMONTAGE 67
STEP 7
Continue to build a posy from the photographs
you have, using the same Quick Mask process to
select a flower from your photograph. Copy and
paste the flowers and arrange them into a posy
with the Move tool.
STEP 8
Turn the background layer off and merge
the visible layers.
STEP 9
To achieve a collage effect, apply the Cutout filter.
Filter > Artist > Cutout.
Experiment with the levels until you are happy
with the result.
STEP 10
Open a new document sized 0.4 x 0.4 in (1 x 1 cm)
and create a spot.
STEP 11
Define > Pattern.
Name the spot pattern and press OK.
STEP 12
Select the background layer.
Edit > Fill > Pattern.
Find your spot.
STEP 13
Finally, scan in another image and copy and paste
it into the center of the design.

Good photography and careful
selection of areas is the basis of
creating successful photomontage
designs. This group of photographs
by Daisy Butler formed the basic
elements of her design. The
photographs are all 300 dpi to
maintain a high-resolution image.
PHOTOMONTAGE 69
TUTORIAL 8 The Brush panel is one of the most versatile tools for textile
design in Photoshop. It allows you to create your own custom
BUILDING A BRUSH brush from almost any mark or motif, and then paint freely
with it. Designs can be created instantly using your custom
PALETTE brush, or the brush may just be a useful tool to add your own
elements to a design.
The inspiration behind this whimsical textile collection, by

Korean-born Hong Yeon Yun, came from childhood memories
of her garden. Her designs are mainly produced using brushes
created in Photoshop from her drawings.
The Brush panel in Photoshop affords the same fluidity and

spontaneity that painting does. This, combined with Hong’s
quirky drawings, adds a magical element to her work. The design
shown here is made up from 23 brushes produced in Photoshop;
by layering the brushes and changing their scale, rotation, and
scattering, she has created a rich and complex collection of
designs that maintain the lyrical feeling of her drawings.
This tutorial demonstrates how to use brushes and also shows

how to create a basic half-drop with the design.

STEP 1
First, create the series of brushes that you will
use to produce your design. You may choose
a motif for each brush from a shape you have
drawn in Illustrator or from a drawing scanned
into Photoshop. Either way, it is best if the initial
motif is black to allow maximum definition when
you come to customize it. If you are following the
tutorial exactly, you may wish to scan in the motifs
shown here.
STEP 2
In Photoshop, use the Magic Wand tool to select a
motif. (In this case, the butterfly.)
STEP 3
Edit > Define Brush Preset.
Name the brush and press OK.
Your new brush will be saved in the Brush panel.
Create a whole series of brushes in the same way.
Brush Name
OK
Name: Butterfly
Cancel
313
STEP 4 BRUSH PRESETS

Open the Brush panel. Size: 120 px
Windows > Brush.

Within this panel you have endless choices
for editing your brushes. Do this by adjusting 468
the various sliders; it is worth experimenting

303
with these options to see the effects that can
be achieved. 132
229
135
63
131
223
161
109
70
STEP 5
Open a new document and a new layer. With the
tree-trunk brush (or one of your own brushes),
choose a color and size and paint a tree trunk by
clicking once.
Open another new layer. This will give you the

chance to try a few effects, deleting and remaking
layers until you are satisfied.
BUILDING A BRUSH PALETTE 71

STEP 6 STEP 7
Choose the leaf brush from the Brush panel and Select the Scattering option. Adjust the Scatter,
select Shape Dynamics. Change the Size Jitter and Count, and Count Jitter.
Angle Jitter.
Size Jitter
BRUSH BRUSH
Brush Presets Size Jitter 33% Brush Presets Scatter Both Axes 480%
Brush Tip Shape Brush Tip Shape

Control: Pen Pressure Control: Off
Shape Dynamics Shape Dynamics
Minimum Diameter 0%
Shape Dynamics
Count 8
Scattering Scattering
Texture Tilt Scale Texture

Count Jitter 50%
Angle Jitter Daul Brush Daul Brush
Color Dynamics Color Dynamics

Angle Jitter 38% Control: Off
Transfer Transfer
Noise Control: Off Noise
Wet Edges Wet Edges

Roundness Jitter 0%
Airbrush Airbrush
Smoothing Smoothing
Control: Off
Protect Texture Protect Texture
Minimum Roundness
Flip X Jitter Flip Y Jitter
STEP 8 BRUSH
Brush Presets Foreground/Background Jitter 67%

Select Color Dynamics. Select a foreground and
background color in the Tool panel. Adjust the Brush Tip Shape
Control: Off
Shape Dynamics
sliders in the Color Dynamics dialog box. Hue Jitter 25%
Scattering
Texture
Saturation Jitter 0%
Finally, determine the Opacity by clicking on Color Daul Brush
Color Dynamics
Dynamics and moving the Opacity slider. Your leaf Brightness Jitter 0%
Transfer
brush is ready; start scattering the leaves.
Noise Purity 0%
Wet Edges
Foreground color
Airbrush
Smoothing
Protect Texture
Background color
STEP 9
Continue to scatter the leaves until the tree
is complete.
Fill the background layer with a color.
STEP 10
Create a new layer and select the flower stem
brush. Select the Shape Dynamics option and
slightly change the Angle Jitter. Paint the flower
stems, changing the scale as you go if you wish.

STEP 11
Create a new layer for the flowers. Again, change
the foreground and background colors to change
the color effects in the Color Dynamics option.
STEP 12
Build up the flowers to surround the tree.
STEP 13
Create a new layer and scatter some hearts around
the tree.
LAYERS ADJUSTMENTS MASKS

STEP 14
Nomal Opacity: 100%
Now that your design is nearly complete you will
have several layers. Turn the background layer off Lock: Fill: 100%
and flatten the visible layers. You should now have
two layers: the background layer and the design Blue Flowers
layer. Save a copy of the image with a new name.

Hearts
Orange Flowers
Pink Flowers
Tree
Background
Nomal Opacity: 100%
Lock: Fill: 100%
Korean Garden copy 2
Background
STEP 15
Create another new layer and place it under the
design layer. Add other motifs to fill in the spaces.
Do not let any of the motifs go over the edges of
the design.
STEP 16
Now go to the background layer and change the
color if you wish.
Finally, flatten the image.

STEP 17
The next stage is to put the design into a simple
half-drop repeat.
Select > All.
Edit > Copy.
STEP 18 Offset
Filter > Other > Offset.
Horizontal: +10 pixels right OK
Move the Vertical slider to cut the image in half.
(Ensure Wrap Around is selected.) Cancel
Vertical: +808 pixels down
Preview
Undefined Areas
Set to Transparent
Repeat Edge Pixels
Wrap Around
STEP 19
Go to the Tool panel and make sure the Background color
background color is the same as your
design background color.
Canvas Size
STEP 20 Current Size: 5.29M

OK
Width: 3.90 inches
Image > Canvas size. Cancel
Height: 5.27 inches
Highlight the middle box on the left-hand side Current document height
New Size: 10.6M
of the Anchor grid. Width: 200 percent
Change the Width to 200 percent. Height: 100 percent
Relative
Anchor:
Canvas extension color: Background
STEP 21 STEP 22
View > Snap To > All. Edit > Paste.
Snap your design into position. Flatten the layers.

Image Size
STEP 23 Pixel Dimensions: 18.9M
OK
Your half-drop repeat is now complete. If you wish Width: 2980 pixels Cancel
to change the unit size, go to Image > Image Size.
Height: 2216 pixels
Auto...
Document Size:
Width: 9.93 inches
Height: 7.39 inches
STEP 24 Resolution: 300 pixels/inch
Select > All. Scale Styles

Edit > Define Pattern. Constrain Proportions
Name the pattern and press OK. Resample Image: Bicubic
Pattern Name
OK
Name: Korean Garden.tif
Cancel

TUTORIAL 9
TEXTURED EFFECTS
Claire Turner’s collection is a quirky mixture of screen-

printed fabrics and digital prints. She combines digital
photography with her lovely freehand drawings. Her grass-
printed dress (above right) is an example of an allover texture
print, and shows how effective a photographic print can be.
This technique can also be useful for creating a background
onto which you can apply images or motifs.

STEP 1 STEP 2
To create a textured grass repeat, take a good- With the Marquee tool, select a section
quality photo of a patch of grass and open it of the image.
in Photoshop. Image > Crop.
Image > Image Size.
Jot down the pixel size of your image.
Image Size
Pixel Dimensions: 1.43M OK

Width: 708 pixels
Cancel
Height: 708 pixels
Auto...
Document Size:
Width: 3.93 inches
Height: 3.93 inches
Resolution: 180 pixels/inch
Scale Styles
Constrain Proportions
Resample Image:
Bicubic (best for smooth gradients)
Filter Analysis 3D View Window Help Offset

STEP 3 Offset ⌘F
Filter > Other > Offset. Horizontal: 354 pixels right OK

Convert for Smart Filters Refine Edge...
In the Offset dialog box, divide the Horizontal and

Filter Gallery... Cancel
the Vertical pixel image sizes by two and enter the Lens Correction... ⇧⌘R Vertical: 354 pixels down
new values. Liquify... ⇧⌘X
Vanishing Point... ⌥⌘V Preview
Artistic ▶ Undefined Areas

Blur ▶
Brush Strokes
Set to Background
▶
Distort ▶ Repeat Edge Pixels
Noise ▶
Pixelate ▶ Wrap Around
Render ▶
Sharpen ▶
Sketch ▶
Stylize ▶
Texture ▶
Video ▶
Other ▶ Custom...
Hight Pass
Digimarc ▶ Maximum...
Minimum...
Browse Filters Online... Offset...
STEP 4
Your image will be cut into four and flipped round
so the outside of the image is in repeat. You will
see a seam appear.
Seam
STEP 5
To mend the seam between the repeat sections,
you can use Content-Aware Fill. This will copy and
color-match data from another part of the image to
fill in a selected area.
Select the Lasso tool from the toolbar and select
Lasso tool
an area of the seam.
Edit > Fill > Content Aware. Click OK.
Repeat this process until the seam has been
completely mended.
TEXTURED EFFECTS 77
STEP 6
Content-Aware Fill is a quick and easy method to
mend seams between sections of a repeat. You
can also use the Clone tool to mend any individual
areas. The Clone tool will copy one area to another
using the Brush tool.
Select the Clone tool and choose a brush, size, and Clone tool
opacity—the airbrush will give a softer and more
forgiving effect. Choose an area you want to clone
and press the Alt/Option key to set the copy target
point. Move the Clone tool onto the seam and start
mending the seam.
STEP 7
One you are happy with your mended seam you
can put the unit into repeat. At this point you can
change the unit size.
Image > Image Size.
Change the unit of measurement to percent and
adjust as required.
Pattern Name
STEP 8
Edit > Define Pattern. OK
Name your design unit and press OK. Name: Grass repeat unit.tif
Cancel
STEP 9 Fill
Open a new document.
Contents
Edit > Fill. OK
Select Pattern and find your design unit under Use: Pattern
Custom Pattern. Cancel
Check your repeat for any obvious seams or lines Custom Pattern:
of patches. If you see any you can go back to the
original unit and amend, then remake your pattern Blending
until you are satisfied.
Mode: Normal
Opacity: 100 %
Preserve Transparency

CREATING A GOOD REPEAT
When putting a textural design into repeat, the aim is to create
a continuous pattern. There should be no clumsy interruptions
that stand out and make a design look awkward. After a few
attempts it should be perfectly possible to create repeats where
the repetition of the unit is not apparent unless the viewer really
searches for it. Rhythm and balance are the key to a good repeat.
The photograph on the right was the starting point for this
example. The largest possible area, containing only the shells,
was cropped and put into a half-drop repeat (see page 96). A half-
drop is the best method for disguising the joins of textural repeat.
In this process the seams are blended using the Clone tool.
The best method for checking your repeat is successful is to

reduce the file size and tile-out as large an area as possible (at
least two units across and down), then stand back and see if
any unintentional patterns emerge.
BAD REPEAT GOOD REPEAT

This example is not as successfully crafted as it could be. This is because certain In this example of a successful repeat, some of these same shells were carefully
elements, such as the emptier patches of sand and the diagonal line of larger selected, copied, and repositioned around the unit and finally blended into the
white shells, stand out too obviously. One way of avoiding this is to scatter any background so that they were more evenly distributed. Some were also rotated
eye-catching elements so they do not line up and so that the eye moves around so they look like slightly different motifs.
the design rather than focusing on an isolated element.
CREATING A GOOD REPEAT 79

TUTORIAL 10
CREATING A COLOR
PALETTE
Color is one of the most important elements in creating a

successful textile design, and it is essential that the designer
is a confident colorist. Textile designers often have to design
with a season in mind and follow color forecasts, but there
are plenty of sources of inspiration for building color palettes.
A movie of the Broadway musical West Side Story was

designer Andrea Patterson’s starting point for her winter
womenswear collection. Set in New York, the musical
centers around rival teenage gangs of different ethnic and
cultural backgrounds. The urban tones of gritty city life
mixed with flashes of jewel brights gave the designer a rich
palette to work with, but it was also the mood, atmosphere,
tension, and passion of the movie that she wanted her
designs to evoke.
This tutorial shows how to extract a color palette from a

photograph, create a geometric pattern, and apply coloring
effects and filters to create a sense of mood and atmosphere.

STEP 1
Open your photograph in Illustrator.
Select > All.
Object > Create Object Mosaic.
Object Type Select Effec

Transform ▶
Arrange ▶
Group ⌘G
Ungroup ⇧⌘G
Lock ▶
Unlock All ⌥⌘2
Hide ▶
Show All ⌥⌘3
Expand...
Expand Appearance
Flatten Transparency...
Rasterize...
Greate Gradient Mesh...
Greate Object Mosaic...
Greate Trim Marks
Slice ▶
Path ▶
Blend ▶
STEP 2
A dialog box will appear. Choose how many
tiles you want vertically and horizontally. In
this example 25 have been selected.
The tiles will be grouped; you will need to
ungroup them.
Object > Ungroup.
STEP 3
Select a series of tiles from the mosaic that
represent a color grouping you like.
Edit > Copy.
Edit > Paste.
Select individual tiles and, with the Eyedropper tool,
move across the mosaic and select and drop colors
to create a palette. Alternatively, you could use a
combination already together in the mosaic.
CREATING A COLOR PALETTE 81

STEP 4 SWATCHES BRUSHE SYMBOL
Here the designer has created two separate
palettes from the mosaic that capture the mood
she wants to evoke. To create a new palette, open
up the Swatches panel if it is not already visible.
Window > Swatches.
Delete colors from the Swatches panel. Now
highlight the individual tiles from your selected
colors and click on the New Swatch icon at the
bottom of the panel to create new swatches.
New Swatch icon
STEP 5 New Swatch... Save Swatches as Library

Click on the menu button in the top right-hand New Color Group...
corner of the Swatches panel to reveal the drop- Duplicate Swatch
Save As: West side story.ai
down menu. Scroll down to Save Swatch Library as Merge Swatches
AI. Name your new swatch palette. This will now be Delete Swatch Where: Swatches
saved and you can access it at any time from the Ungroup Color Group
Swatch Library. Select All Unused
Cancel Save
Add Used Colors
Sort by Name
Sort by Kind
Show Find Field
Small Thumbnail View

Medium Thumbnail View
Large Thumbnail View
Small List View
Large List View
Swatch Options...
Spot Colors...
Open Swatch Library

Save Swatch Library as ASE...
Save Swatch Library as AI...
STEP 6 WEST SIDE STORY

Open the Swatches panel and find your saved color
palette in the Swatch Library.
STEP 7
Open up a new document.
View > Show Grid.
View > Snap to Grid.
View > Smart Guides.
With the grid as a guide, begin to draw a cube.
Your points will snap to the grid.

STEP 8
Once your cube is complete, select the whole cube.
Object > Group.
In the View menu, deselect Snap to Grid and select
Snap to Point.
STEP 9
Select the cube, with the Selection tool placed
directly on the far left anchor point. Hold down the
Shift key and the Option/Alt key and drag and copy
the first cube until it snaps into place on the right-
hand anchor point of the cube and leaves a copy.
When the double arrow goes white it has
snapped to point.
STEP 10
Press Command + D to repeat the last command
and duplicate your cube.
Build up a row.
STEP 11
Once you have a row, ungroup the cubes so you can
color individual sides with your color palette.
Object > Ungroup.
When your row is colored, regroup the cubes.
Select > All.
Object > Group.
STEP 12
Select the row and, holding down the Shift and
Option/Alt keys as before, duplicate the entire row
this time. Continue until you have built up a unit
of cubes.

STEP 13
Use a Clipping Mask to tidy up the edges of your
design. Using the Rectangle tool, draw a rectangle
(with no Stroke or Fill) over the design.
Select > All.
Object > Clipping Mask > Make.
Save your design. Export it as a TIFF file.
File > Export.
ADDING FILTERS AND EFFECTS

There are many effects and filters that can be used in Photoshop, but Andrea
wanted to maintain the color and energy of the musical that initially inspired her.
Her aim was to give the design a sense of movement and rhythm that the dance
scene evokes.
TRANSPARENT OVERLAYS
STEP 1
Open the design in Photoshop and duplicate the
layer twice.
Layer > Duplicate Layer.
Select the second layer.
Edit > Transform > Scale.
Enlarge the layer. Alter the Opacity in the Layers
panel to reveal the underneath layer. With the Move
tool, slightly shift the layer across to reveal the
layer beneath.
Normal
STEP 2 Dissolve
With this layer still selected, click on the drop-down Darken

menu at the top left of the Layers panel to reveal Multiply
Color Burn LAYERS ADJUSTM MASKS
the Blend Modes. Linear Burn
Darker Color Normal Opacity: 100%
On Layer 3, apply the Hue blend to heighten the
color. Experiment with the Opacity in the Layers Lighten Lock: Fill: 100%
Screen
panel to enhance the effects of transparency Color Dodge
Linear Dodge (Add) Background copy 2
and movement.
Lighter Color
Overlay Background copy

Soft Light
Hard Light
Vivid Light Background
Linear Light
Pin Light
Hard Mix
Difference
Exclusion
Subtract
Divide
√ Hue
Saturation
Color
Luminosity

MAKING WAVES
Flatten all the layers.
Filter > Distort > Wave.
Alter the sliders in the Wave dialog box until you
are happy with the effect.
Wave
Type:
Number of Generators: 269 OK
Sine
Cancel
Triangle
Min. Max. Square
Wavelength: 624 943
Min. Max.
Amplitude: 5 268
Horiz. Vert.
Scale: 1 5 % Randomize
Undefined Areas:
Wrap Around
Repeat Edge Pixels
COLOR BLENDS
Here, a different color palette has been used to
create the cube design.
After exporting your design to Photoshop, again

duplicate the layers, changing the Scale and
Opacity in the Layers panel, and add the Blend
Modes settings Difference and Lighten to create
the effect shown on the left.
Finally, flatten the image and apply the Liquify

filter to create fluidity and color blending.
Filter > Liquify.

86
3
PATTERNS AND
REPEATS
87
PATTERNS AND REPEATS
IN DIGITAL TEXTILE
DESIGN
Artists and designers have always been inspired by both the repeat unit is large enough to contain enough elements with
natural and man-made textures and patterns that surround which to work. This may be accomplished by joining several
them, and repeating patterns have formed the basis of most images together to form the unit that will then be repeated.
surface design in the decorative arts. It seems that we are All of us have seen this type of repeat in the textures often
instinctively drawn to designs that mimic the rhythms found used in kitchen Formica or linoleum, based on photographs of
in nature. marble, for example. In the case of a floral, a balanced rhythm
can be created by rotating and mirroring motifs until the overall
If a design is hand painted or drawn then the pattern may be effect is fluid and the eye is not distracted by a rigid structure.
made to change continuously, in the same way that ripples in A balanced distribution of negative space is also crucial.
water vary, and yet also seem to follow a predictable structure.
In traditional mechanized printing, however, this kind of By using digital techniques and “stepping out”—or tiling—
randomization is not possible and the exact repetition of motifs your design in repeat on-screen, prior to printing, you have
is an intrinsic part of the process. The introduction of digital the option of rectifying any visual mistakes such as tracking.
printing means that such rigid repetition is no longer necessary. If tracking does occur, then you should rework and retile the
But there are still sound aesthetic and practical reasons for repeat until you achieve a balanced effect.
putting a design into repeat.
There are two types of repeat structure used to lay out a design so CREATING REPEATS IN PHOTOSHOP
that, once printed, it will form a continuous length: the block or AND ILLUSTRATOR
tile, and the half-drop repeat. It may not seem obvious at first, but all Putting your design into repeat is the final stage of preparing
surface designs that have been printed by traditional mechanical your work for production. It is vital that you understand repeat
methods fit into one of these two structures. Examples of tiled structures and how they can change the look of a design, and the
repeats include checkerboards, plaids, and stripes, while half- different approaches that can be explored. Prior to the introduction
drops include polka dots, diamonds, and ogees, as well as the of software such as Photoshop, repeats were created by tracing
familiar pattern in which bricks are often laid. or photocopying the original artwork, cutting up the page, and
collaging or retracing motifs to work across the seam. Once
An obvious and intentional geometric structure is part of the the repeat unit was deemed successful, the design would be
very nature of a plaid or diamond design. In the case of more recreated by painting or photocopying. The methods explained
organic patterns, such as floral or textural designs, where the in this chapter for creating a repeat digitally follow the same
designer does not intend to lay out the motifs geometrically, a principles, although they are obviously far less time-consuming.
successful repeat is one that is not obvious, but instead creates
an illusion of randomly scattered motifs or unbroken texture Even though Photoshop and Illustrator were not created for
(see page 79). Such textural designs tend to be more meditative textile designers, there are many methods for creating repeats
and restful to the eye, in contrast to patterns in which the repeat using these programs. Photoshop offers a painterly approach
structure is intended to dominate the design, making a bold to design work; for example, the Clone Stamp tool may be
statement. Both styles can be equally pleasing. used to maintain the hand-drawn or photographic qualities of
an original design. The tools can help when mending any of
A skilled repeat artist is able to put an organic design based the seams that are inevitably created during the repeat process,
on pebbles or woodgrain together in such a way that a viewer which must be done with skill.
who is not searching for the repeat unit will not be aware of it.
In an example of a repeat that has not been well constructed, a Illustrator, on the other hand, is a vector-based program and
particularly bright pebble might perhaps stand out from the rest the software maintains a mathematical “memory” of elements
as it was repeated, drawing the viewer’s eye to this one element so that they never become distorted during manipulation. It is
and destroying the illusion of a natural surface. easier to set up groups of motifs in Illustrator than in Photoshop
so that they may all be moved or manipulated together. Accurate
This problem, known as “tracking” within the surface design and complex graphic patterns and constructions can be built in
industry, where an unintentional stripe or diagonal has been this program, providing an infinite range of possibilities.
created, can be resolved by scattering copies or variations of
noticeable elements in a design in such a way that they appear This chapter presents tutorials designed to explain the basic
to be randomly placed and equally balanced with other similar principles of setting up block and half-drop repeats in both
motifs or colored areas. An important factor in carrying out Photoshop and Illustrator; examples include stripes and plaids.
this randomization is to make sure that the initial size of the Once you have mastered the mechanical processes in both
88 CHAPTER 3: PATTERNS AND REPEATS

Vicki Murdoch created an
eccentric textile collection for
furnishing her 1969 caravan, the
owner of which is her cat! She
is inspired by retro prints of the
era. Repeat patterns are intrinsic
to her design process and allow
her designs to work together in
harmony with their somewhat
bizarre surroundings.
programs they should become second nature, allowing you to

concentrate on designing and constructing successful repeats.
Photoshop is better suited to organic, painterly, or photographic
designs, while Illustrator works well with geometric and hard-
edged styles.
Specialist textile design software geared for production and the

preparation of designs for traditional print production, such as
AVA, Pointcarré, and Lectra, does exist and will be covered more
fully in Chapter Six. Many of these systems have the advantage
of providing functions for creating repeats that are considerably
faster and more sophisticated than off-the-shelf packages such
as Photoshop and Illustrator.
PATTERNS AND REPEATS IN DIGITAL TEXTILE DESIGN 89

TUTORIAL 11
PHOTOSHOP REPEAT:
BASIC BLOCK REPEAT
The quickest way to make a basic block pattern in Photoshop

is with the Define Pattern function. This simply puts a motif
into repeat and stores it in the Pattern Library for you to use
at any time.

Image Size
STEP 1
Choose a motif and resize the unit to the Pixel Dimensions: 8.12M
required size. Here the image was scaled Width: 1360 pixels
down to 0.8 x 0.8 in (2 x 2 cm).
Height: 2088 pixels
Image > Image Size.
Select > All. Document Size:
Width: 4.53 inches
Height: 6.96 inches
Scale Styles
Resample Image: Bicubic

STEP 2 Edit Image Layer Select Filte
Edit > Define Pattern. Undo ⌘Z
Name your new pattern and press OK. Step Forward ⇧⌘Z
Step Backward ⌥⌘Z
Fade... ⇧⌘F
Cut ⌘X
Copy ⌘C
Copy Merged ⇧⌘C
Paste ⌘V
Paste Special ▶
Clear
Check Spelling...
Find and Replace Text...
Fill... ⇧F5
Stroke...
Pattern Name
Content-Aware Scale ⌥⇧⌘C
Puppet Warp OK
Name: Flower
Free Transform ⌘T Cancel
Transform ▶
Auto-Align Layers...
Auto-Blend Layers...
Define Brush Preset...

Define Pattern...
Define Custom Shape...
Purge ▶
Adobe PDF Presets...
Edit Image Layer Select Filt

STEP 3 Canʼt Undo ⌘Z
Open a new document or select the shape you Step Forward ⇧⌘Z
want to fill with your new pattern. Step Backward ⌥⌘Z
Edit > Fill.
Fade... ⇧⌘F Foreground Color
Background Color
Cut ⌘X Conten Color...
OK
Copy ⌘C
Use: √ Pattern
STEP 4 Copy Merged ⇧⌘C Cancel
History
Paste ⌘V
In the Fill dialog box, select Pattern.
Paste Special ▶ Black
Clear 50% Gray
Blendin
While
Check Spelling... Mode: Normal
STEP 5 Find and Replace Text... Opacity: 100 %
Click on Custom Pattern to reveal the patterns
Fill... ⇧F5 Preserve Transparency
stored in the Pattern Library. The last pattern
Stroke...
shown will be the one you have just made.
Fill
Puppet Warp
Free Transform ⌘T Contents
OK
Transform ▶
Use: Pattern
Auto-Align Layers... Cancel
Auto-Blend Layers... Custom Pattern:

Blending
Define Pattern...
Define Custom Shape... Mode:
Opacity:
Purge ▶
Preserv
BASIC BLOCK REPEAT 91

TUTORIAL 12
PHOTOSHOP REPEAT:
BLOCK REPEAT WITH
OFFSET FILTER
You can create an easy block repeat by defining your design
unit as a pattern. However, if your design is not a simple,
flat motif and has texture, you will see a seam appear.
By offsetting the design you can carefully mend the seam
and avoid any ugly lines passing through the repeat. The
mending of a seam can take time and patience, but it is an
important part of the process of achieving a beautiful and
natural pattern.
This tutorial demonstrates a

floral painting being put into
a repeat. The painting is built
up with layers of acrylic paint,
and it is crucial to maintain the
feel and quality of the painting
in the mending process.

Offset
STEP 1
Open the artwork in Photoshop and apply the Horizontal: -1141 pixels right OK
Offset filter. Cancel
Filter > Other > Offset.
In the Offset dialog box, ensure that Wrap Around Preview
is selected. Divide the Horizontal and the Vertical

Undefined Areas
pixel image sizes by two and enter the new values.
Set to Background
Click OK.
Repeat Edge Pixels
Wrap Around
STEP 2
Your artwork should now be cut into four and flipped
so the outsides of the design will match edge to
edge. However, seams now run through the design.
Mode: Normal
73
STEP 3
You need to carefully mend the seams, using any
tools you think are appropriate for the job. Here, the
Clone tool is used to retain the painted textures.
Select a soft brush option to avoid creating hard
edges. Paint and draw back into the seams using
the Eyedropper tool for color-matching. You can also
copy and paste parts of the design to rebuild an
area around the seams. Clone tool
The Spot Healing Brush tool will copy the texture
from a selected area and match it to the color and
tone of the area you are mending.
With Content-Aware Fill, you can copy and color-
match data from one area of the image to fill in
another selected area. The selected area changes
to match the area around it and fills in the selection
with actual image detail.
STEP 4
Once you are happy with your mending you
can offset again (steps 1 to 3) to check the
repeat unit.
Finally, flatten the artwork.
STEP 5
Before you define the pattern you can change
the unit size.
Image > Image Size.
Pattern Name
STEP 6
Edit > Define Pattern.
OK
Name: ophilia 1.tif Name your pattern and click OK.
Cancel
BLOCK REPEAT WITH OFFSET FILTER 93

TUTORIAL 13
PHOTOSHOP REPEAT:
SIMPLE HALF-DROP
MOTIF
This tutorial shows a simple method for creating a
half-drop if you have a motif you wish to put into repeat.
As the motif is self-contained, there are no seams to mend
and no need to use the more complex method for making
a half-drop repeat shown on page 96. You can use this
method to create simple patterns that you can store in your
Pattern Library.

Image Size
STEP 1 Pixel Dimensions: 642.1K OK
Open your motif in Photoshop.
Width: 390 pixels Cancel
Select > All.
Heighr: 562 pixels
Edit > Copy. Auto...
Document Size:
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 1.87 inches
STEP 2 Resolution: 300 pixels/inch
Image > Image Size. Scale Styles

Write down the pixel measurements. Constrain Proportions
STEP 3 STEP 4
Filter > Other > Offset. Image > Canvas Size.
In the Offset dialog box, ensure that Wrap Select the middle box on the left-hand side of the
Around is selected. Divide the Vertical pixel Anchor grid.
image size by two and enter the new value. For Width, enter 200 percent.
Click OK.
Offset Canvas Size
Current Size: 642.1K

OK
Horizontal: 0 pixels right OK Width: 3.3 cm
Cancel
Height: 4.76 cm
Cancel
New Size: 1.25M
Preview Width: 200 percent
Height: 100 percent

Undefined Areas Relative
Anchor:
Set to Background
Repeat Edge Pixels
Wrap Around
STEP 5
You have already copied the original motif.
Edit > Paste.
Position the new motif next to the first.
Flatten the image.
STEP 6
Change the size of the motif if you wish.
Image > Image Size.
Fill
STEP 7 STEP 8
Edit > Define Pattern. Open a new document. Contents
OK
Name your pattern and click OK. Edit > Fill. Use: Pattern
Cancel
Cick on Custom Pattern and
Custom Pattern:
Pattern Name
find your new pattern.
Blending
OK
Name: Half Drop Flower.tif Mode: Normal
Cancel
Opacity: 100 %
SIMPLE HALF-DROP MOTIF 95

TUTORIAL 14
PHOTOSHOP REPEAT:
HALF-DROP REPEAT
The half-drop is the most complex repeat you can do in

Photoshop. The process is straightforward, but you will
need patience to mend the seams so that they flow with the
design to achieve a fluid repeat. In this tutorial, Victoria
Purver’s floral painting Ophilia is used to demonstrate a
half-drop repeat.

STEP 1
Open your image in Photoshop.
View > Snap To > All.
STEP 2
Select > All.
Edit > Free Transform.
Notice the crosshairs that appear to mark the
central point of your design.
STEP 3
View > Rulers.
Drag a guide down so it clicks into place over
the crosshairs.
Press Escape.
STEP 4
Select your design.
Edit > Copy.
Deselect the design.

Image > Canvas Size. Click OK. You will see the canvas size is Edit > Paste.
Select the middle square at the bottom of the doubled in height. Flatten the image.
Anchor grid.
Change the Height to 200 percent.
Canvas Size
Current Size: 11.8M

OK
Width: 7.77 inches
Cancel
Height: 5.9 inches
New Size: 23.6M

Width: 100 percent
Height: 200 percent

Relative
Anchor:
HALF-DROP REPEAT 97
STEP 8
Now you need to carefully mend the seams, using
any tools you think are appropriate for the job.
Here, the Clone tool is used to retain the painted
textures. Select a soft brush option to avoid
creating hard edges. Paint and draw back into
the seams using the Eyedropper tool for color-
matching. You can also copy and paste parts of the
design to rebuild an area around the seams.
The Healing Brush tool will copy the texture from a
selected area and match it to the color and tone of
the area you are mending.
With Content-Aware Fill, you can copy and color-
match data from one area of the image to fill in
another selected area. The selected area changes
to match the area around it and fills in the selection
with actual image detail.
STEP 9
Select > All.
Edit > Copy.
It can help to copy and paste other design elements
during the process. For example, the red flower on the
right-hand side was only half an element in the design
work and would otherwise have been quite hard to
complete using standard Photoshop tools.
STEP 10
Image > Canvas size.
Set the Width to 200 percent so that the canvas
doubles in width.
Canvas Size
Current Size: 23.6M

OK
Width: 7.77 inches
Cancel
Height: 11.8 inches
New Size: 47.2M

Width: 200 percent
Height: 100 percent

Relative
Anchor:

STEP 11 STEP 12
Edit > Paste. Duplicate the new pasted layer. Drag this so the
Move the pasted image so the top snaps bottom snaps onto the guide line. Flatten the layers.
into place along the guide line.
STEP 13 STEP 14
Now mend the seams as before. Image > Image Size.
Note the pixel size.
Image Size
Pixel Dimensions: 47.2M

OK
Width: 4660 pixels Cancel
Height: 3540 pixels
Auto...
Document Size:
Width: 15.53 inches
Height: 11.8 inches
Scale Styles
Canvas Size
STEP 15 STEP 16 Current Size:47.2M

Width: 15.53 inches
OK
Cancel
Filter > Other > Offset. Image > Canvas Size. Height: 11.8 inches
New Size: 23.6M

In the Offset dialog box, select Wrap Around. Divide Select the middle square at the bottom Width: 100 perrcent
the Horizontal and the Vertical pixel image sizes by of the Anchor grid. Height: 50 perrcent
Relative
two and enter the new values. Click OK. New seams Change Height to 50 percent. Anchor:
will appear that, once again, you will need to mend.
Offset
Horizontal: +2330 pixels right OK
Cancel
Preview
STEP 17
Undefined Areas
Your design is now in a half-drop unit.
Set to Background
Repeat Edge Pixels At this point you may alter the image size.
Wrap Around This is the unit that you can give to a digital
print bureau to print out in repeat.
Pattern Name
STEP 18 Name: ophilia. tif

OK
Cancel
Select > All.
Name the pattern and press OK.
Open up a new document to see the repeat effect.
Edit > Fill.
Select Pattern and find your new pattern.
HALF-DROP REPEAT 99
TUTORIAL 15
PHOTOSHOP PATTERN:
GINGHAM
This tutorial shows how to create the eternally popular

gingham pattern. Once created, it can be filled with
any color and changed in scale. It may be used alone or
incorporated into a design. However it’s applied, it adds a
charming, fresh element to a design.

STEP 1
Open a new document in Photoshop at size
2 x 2 inches (5.5 x 5.5 cm).
Preferences
General Guides OK
STEP 2
Interface
Adjust your grid settings.
Color: Cyan Cancel
File Handling Photoshop > Preferences >
Performance Style: Lines Prev Guides, Grid & Slices.
Cursors
Transparency & Gamut Smart Guides Next A dialog box will appear. Set a Gridline every
Units & Rulers
Color: Magenta
0.2 in (0.5 cm), and set Subdivisions to 1.
Guides, Grid & Slices
Plug-Ins
Type
Grid
Color: Custom Gridline Every: 0.2 inches STEP 3
Style: Lines Subdivisions: 1 View > Show > Grid.
View > Snap To > Grid.
Slices
Line Color: Light Blue Show Slice Numbers
STEP 4 STEP 5
Select the Pen tool from the toolbar. Click on the Paths palette to see the paths
Use the Pen tool to draw alternating squares, using you have created.
the grid as a guide to create a checkerboard effect. Click on the Selection icon at the
The anchor point should click automatically to the bottom of the palette to make your path
corner point of each grid square. a live selection.
PATHS
Work Path
Pen tool
STEP 6
Edit > Fill. Selection icon
Choose black as the foreground color.
GINGHAM 101
STEP 7 STEP 8
Drag horizontal and vertical guide lines Use the Pen tool draw a central five-by-five square.
0.2 in (0.5 cm) from the edge of the design. Make it into a selection in the Paths palette.
Edit > Fill > Foreground Color.
STEP 9 STEP 10
Use the Pen tool again to draw and fill in the corner Now, with your guide lines as your guides and,
three-by-three squares and, as before, select them. using the Crop tool in the Tool palette, crop your
Fill the squares with white. design. You have now created the unit for your
gingham pattern.

Fill
STEP 11
Contents You could now simply select the black and color it
OK
Use: Foreground Color as desired. The following method shows a two-tone
Cancel
effect for a woven look.
Custom Pattern:
Blending
Select the gingham and fill with white.
Now select it again, and fill with your desired color.
Mode: Normal
However, in the Fill dialog box change the Opacity
Opacity: 80 % to 80%.
STEP 12
Use the Pen tool to draw the central square. Select
it and fill it with the same color but with Opacity set
to 100%.
Fill
Contents
OK
Use: Pattern
Cancel
Custom Pattern:
Blending
Mode: Normal
Opacity: 100 %
STEP 13
Now your gingham is ready. You can change its size
using the Image Size dialog box to vary the scale.
Image > Image Size.
STEP 14
OK
Name: Red Gingham Select > All.
Cancel Edit > Define Pattern.
Name your pattern and click OK.
Create a new document.
Edit > Fill.
Select Pattern and find your gingham.
GINGHAM 103
TUTORIAL 16
PHOTOSHOP PATTERN:
CREATING STRIPES
You can create simple or sophisticated stripes in Photoshop

and store them in your Pattern Library for later use.

STEP 1
Open a new document. The one shown here is
2.4 x 4.7 in (6 x 12 cm).
View > Rulers.
Select a long, thin area with the Marquee tool.
STEP 2
Fill the selected area with color using the Paint
Bucket tool. Continue to build up stripes across the
area using this method.
STEP 3
Complete your stripes.
Select > All.
STEP 4
Name your stripe and click OK.
Pattern Name
OK
Name: Stripe 1
Cancel
Fill
STEP 5
Contents
Open a new document. OK
Use: Pattern
Edit > Fill. Cancel
Select Pattern and find your stripe. Custom Pattern:
Fill the new document with your new stripe.
Blending
Mode: Normal
Opacity: 100 %
CREATING STRIPES 105

TUTORIAL 17
ILLUSTRATOR REPEAT:
BASIC PATTERN
SWATCH
Illustrator offers a simple method of constructing a patterned

tile. This tutorial explains how to make a block and half-
drop tile that can be used to create striking patterns. Working
with vector graphic motifs, you can create a library of pattern
swatches to use in designs such as patchwork. You can also
create different color variations.
STEP 1 STEP 2
Create your motif. If it has several elements, group To create a simple block tile, place the motif in the
them together. center of a square, and select both the square and
Object > Group. the motif.
Name your motif.

To create a half-drop tile, draw a square to place Copy and paste your flower into Using the Selection tool, select the center of
your motif in. Check the View menu and make sure the square. the flower and drag it over the left-hand corner
Snap to Point and Smart Guides are selected. View > Outline. of the square. It will snap into place and crosshairs
will appear.

STEP 6
Duplicate the flower. Place one in each corner of the
square, and add another one in the center.
STEP 7 Edit Object Type Select Effect

Undo ⌘Z
View > Preview. Redo ⇧⌘Z Fill
Select your filled square. Cut ⌘X
Edit > Paste in Back. Copy ⌘C
Paste ⌘V
With the square still selected, set Stroke and Fill Paste in Front ⌘F
to “None” to create a bounding box. Paste in Back ⌘B Stroke
Paste in Place ⇧⌘V
(If you are already using a transparent square, Paste on All Artboards ⌥⇧⌘V
this step is unnecessary.) Clear None
Find and Replace... ⌘I
Find Next
Check Spelling... ⌘I
Edit Custom Dictionary...
Define Pattern...
Edit Colors ▶
Edit Original
Transparency Flattener Presets...

Tracing Presets...
Print Presets...
SWF Presets...
Perspective Grid Presets...
STEP 8 Color Settings... ⇧⌘K

PATCHWORK Assign Profile...
Select the square and patterns.
Keyboard Shortcuts... ⌥⇧⌘K
Your pattern will appear in the Swatches panel.
Once your swatches are made, save them in the
Swatch Library for future use.
STEP 9
Create a shape and fill it with your new swatch tile.
Experiment with the Transform tools to change the
pattern rotation and scale.
Object > Transform > Rotate.
Object > Transform Scale.
Make sure you have the Patterns option selected
and Objects and Scale Strokes & Effects deselected.
Scale
Uniform
OK
Scale: 50 %
Cancel
Non-Uniform
Copy
Horizontal: 50 %
Preview
Vertical: 50 %
Options
Scale Strokes & Effects
Objects Patterns
BASIC PATTERN SWATCH 107

TUTORIAL 18 There are an infinite number of ways to create a geometric
tile in Illustrator. This tutorial shows how to create a classic
ILLUSTRATOR PATTERN: diamond pattern. By coloring individual diamond shapes you
can build a variety of designs that can be saved in the Swatch
DIAMOND PATTERN Library. Once created in Illustrator, you can save the swatches
and use them as pattern tiles in Photoshop.

Open a document in Illustrator. Now go to the View menu and deselect Snap to Position the pointer on the left-hand anchor
View > Show Grid. Grid. Select Snap to Point and Smart Guides instead. point and begin to drag it to the right. Hold down
View > Snap to Grid. the Shift and Option/Alt keys to constrain and
Use the Pen tool to draw a diamond with equal leave a copy. The cursor will turn white when it
sides. The anchor points will snap to the grid. has snapped to point.
Outline ⌘Y
Overprint Preview ⌥⇧⌘Y

Pixel Preview ⌥⌘Y
Proof Setup ▶
Proof Colors
Zoom In ⌘+
Zoom Out ⌘-
Fit Artboard in Window ⌘0
Fit All in Window ⌥⌘0
Actual Size ⌘1
Hide Edges ⌘H
Hide Artboards ⇧⌘H
Show Print Tiling
Show Slices
Lock Slices
Hide Template ⇧⌘W
Rulers ▶
Hide Bounding Box ⇧⌘B
Show Transparency Grid ⇧⌘D
Hide Text Threads ⇧⌘Y
Hide Gradient Annotator ⌥⌘G

Show Live Paint Gaps
Guides ▶
Smart Guides ⌥⌘U
Perspective Grid ▶
Show Grid ⌘쥶
Snap to Grid ⇧⌘쥶
Snap to Point ⌥⌘쥶
New View...
Edit Views...
STEP 4
Repeat this action with the keyboard shortcut
Command + D to build up a row of four diamonds.
Here, the pattern has been dropped into a

fashion illustration by Daisy Butler.

Once your row of four diamonds is complete, select Select all the diamonds. Start at the top left-hand Select individual diamonds and color them to create
the top anchor point on the left-hand diamond and, diamond’s anchor point and, holding down the a pattern.
holding down the Option/Alt key, drag it until it Option/Alt key, drag it until it snaps into place with
snaps into place with the right anchor point of the the bottom row’s left anchor point. Continue to build
same diamond. Repeat until you have a row of a fifth row of diamonds.
three diamonds.

View > Outline. Select the Rectangle tool from the Tool palette. Select the rectangle and all the pattern elements.
Window > Attributes. Set Stroke and Fill to “None.” Draw a rectangle, Edit > Define Pattern.
With all the diamonds selected, click the starting from the center point of the top left-hand Name your pattern and click OK. Your pattern will
Show Center icon to display the center point diamond and ending at the center point of the appear in the Swatches palette.
of the diamonds. bottom right-hand diamond.
DOCUMENT INFO ATTRIBUTES
Overprint Fill Overprint Stroke
Image Map: None Browser
URL:
Show Center icon
DIAMOND PATTERN 109

PATTERN VARIATIONS
Once you have your diamond unit, you

can make an infinite number of different
diamond formations by selecting and
changing the fill colors.
Save each pattern as a swatch,

draw a rectangle, and fill it with
the new swatch patterns to create
different effects.
Using the Pen tool, create a diagonal

line from the center points in the
outside diamond, and apply a dash
to the stroke. This will give a stitched
effect reminiscent of the classic
Argyle pattern.

PUTTING ILLUSTRATOR PATTERN Once you have made your pattern tile, save it in the Swatch
FILES INTO PHOTOSHOP Library so you can use it again. You can also save it in the
Photoshop Pattern Library for use in a Photoshop image.

In Illustrator, open your saved swatches from the Drag your pattern out. Select the rectangle.
Swatch Library. View > Outline. Object > Create Trim Marks.
Select the bounding box. Save the file.
If the pattern is grouped, Object > Ungroup.
Select the bounding box.
Edit > Copy. Deselect everything.
DIAMOND 1 Edit > Paste in Front.
STEP 4 STEP 5
Open Photoshop and then open your Illustrator Click OK and your pattern tile will open.
pattern file. An Import PDF dialog box will appear. At this point you can change the image size.
Alter the resolution to 300 pixels/inch. Image > Image size.
Import PDF
Select: Page Options

Pages Images Name: Diamond pattern
Crop To: Bounding Box

Anti-aliased
Image Size: 24.9M

Width: 21 cm
Height: 29.7 cm
Mode: RGB Color
Bit Depth: 8 bit
Suppress Warnings
1 of 1 page(s) selected
Thumbnail Size: Fit Page Cancel OK
Pattern Name STEP 6

Select > All.
OK
Name: Diamond pattern Edit > Define Pattern.
Cancel Name your pattern and click OK.
You can now apply your tiles to a Photoshop file.
DIAMOND PATTERN 111

TUTORIAL 19 This tutorial shows you how to create a traditional plaid
design that can be used by a print or weave designer. A
ILLUSTRATOR PATTERN: plaid is constructed through the threads of the loom; the
warp is set up vertically and the weft horizontally. We will
PLAID PATTERNS work with the same method, but using Adobe Illustrator.
To give your plaid more pattern and texture we will first

create some diagonal stripe pattern tiles. Once you have
created a pattern tile you can then alter it with any of
the Transform tools, and by also creating different color
variations you can then build up plaid and check designs.
Rectangle
STEP 1
Use the Rectangle tool to create a
Options
OK 0.4 x 0.4 in (1 x 1 cm) square.
Width: 0.4 in
Cancel
Height: 0.4 in
Rectangle tool
Preferences
Smart Guides
STEP 2
Display Options OK Illustrator > Preferences > Smart Guides.
Cancel Set the Construction Guides to 45° Angles.
Color: Green
Check the View menu to make sure Smart Guides
Alignment Guides Anchor/Path Labels Previous
and Snap to Point are on.
Object Highlighting Measurement Labels Next
Transform Tools
Construction Guides: 45º Angles
45 135
Snapping Tolerance: 1 pt
STEP 3
Set Stroke and Fill to “None.”

STEP 4
View > Outline.
Select the Pen tool and drag it across the square
until it hits the 45-degree line. Now draw a line
diagonally across the square.
View > Preview.
Give the line a 3 pt black stroke.
STEP 5
Use the Selection tool to grab the diagonal line.
Drag it toward the right-hand corner of the square,
holding down the Shift and Option/Alt keys to
constrain and copy it.
Do not release the mouse button or the keys until
the cursor goes white; this means the line has
snapped into place.
Repeat for the left-hand corner line.
STEP 6
Select all three lines to change the
stroke color.
STEP 7 Edit Object Type Select Effect

You can alter the background color and the Undo Attribute Changes ⌘Z
stroke color. Select the three lines and choose Redo ⇧⌘Z
a new stroke color. Select the square and fill it
with a new color. Cut ⌘X
Select the square. Copy ⌘C
Edit > Copy. Paste ⌘V
Edit > Paste in Back. Paste in Front ⌘F
This will still be selected; set Stroke and Fill Paste in Back ⌘B
to “None.” Paste in Place ⇧⌘V
Paste on All Artboards ⌥⇧⌘V
Clear
New Swatch
STEP 8 SWATCHES BRUSHE SYMBOL
Swatch Name: Blue Diagonal OK
Select > All.
Edit > Define Pattern. Color Type: Process Color Cancel
Name your pattern and click OK. Global
The new pattern tile will appear in the Color Mode:
Swatches palette.
C 0 %
M 0 %
Y 0 %
K 0 %
PLAID PATTERNS 113

STEP 9
Draw a rectangle and fill it with your swatch.
You can change the scale:
A dialog box will appear.
Under Options, select Patterns. All the other options
should be deselected.
Now change the Uniform Scale percentage.
Scale
Uniform
OK
Scale: 50 %
Cancel
Non-Uniform
Copy
Horizontal: 50 %
Preview
Vertical: 50 %
Options
Scale Strokes & Effects
Objects Patterns
Reflect
STEP 10
To build up a basic diagonal plaid: Axis
Object > Transform > Reflect. OK
Horizontal
Select Vertical Axis and the Patterns option, Vertical Cancel
and then click Copy.
Angle: 90 º Copy
With this new box selected, open the
Transparency palette.
Options Preview
Window > Transparency.
Objects Patterns
Lower the Opacity to create a weave effect.
STEP 11
Create some different color variations and save your
swatches to the Swatch Library.
PLAID 3

Rectangle
CREATING A PLAID WITH THE STEP 1
Options
DIAGONAL PATTERN TILE Open a new Letter-size (A4) document in Illustrator.
Width: 0.4 in
OK
Double-click on the Rectangle tool, and the
Cancel
Rectangle dialog box will open. Enter a Width of Height: 11.4 in
0.4 in (1 cm) and a Height of 11.4 in (29 cm). Fill

your rectangle with the new diagonal pattern fill.
Move
STEP 2
Select the new rectangle. Press Return and Position
OK
Horizontal: 0.8 in
the Move dialog box will appear. Cancel
Vertical: 0 in
Enter a Horizontal Position of 0.8 in (2 cm).
Copy
Select the Objects option and press Copy. Distance: 0 in
Preview
Press Command + D repeatedly to complete Angle: 0 º
the row.
Options
Objects Patterns
STEP 3
Fill alternate rows with a different color.
Rectangle
STEP 4
Complete the horizontal rows using the same Options
OK
Width: 8.3 in
method. Create a rectangle with a Width of
Cancel
8.3 in (21 cm) and a Height of 0.4 in (1 cm). Height: 0.4 in
Enter a Vertical Position of 0.8 in (2 cm)
in the Move dialog box.
STEP 5
Select alternate rows and change the
Opacity in the Transparency palette to
achieve a woven effect.
STEP 6
Create a new layer. On this, create a new grid
with a fill color 0.2 in (0.5 cm) in width.
STEP 7
Turn off the top layer to reveal your new check.
Select all and open the Pathfinder palette.
Window > Pathfinder.
Select the Exclude icon, which excludes the
overlaps and cuts them away.
STEP 8 LAYERS ARTBOARDS

Now turn the top layer back on and begin to Layer 1
experiment with colorways by adding a background
Layer 2
and changing the color of the block grid. Try creating
other tiles in different colorways for more options.
2 Layers
PLAID PATTERNS 115
TUTORIAL 20
ILLUSTRATOR PATTERN:
HALF-DROP
This floral design, created in Illustrator using various

shapes and drawn with a Pen tool, is set inside a
square box, which is useful if you wish to make a
half-drop repeat.
View Window Help

STEP 1 Outline ⌘Y
In the View menu, click on Smart Guides and on Overprint Preview ⌥⇧⌘Y
Snap to Point; a tick should appear next to each. Pixel Preview ⌥⌘Y
Also show rulers. Proof Setup ▶
View > Rulers > Show Rulers. Proof Colors
Zoom In ⌘+
Zoom Out ⌘-
Fit Artboard in Window ⌘0
Fit All in Window ⌥⌘0
Actual Size ⌘1
Hide Edges ⌘H
Hide Artboards ⇧⌘H
Show Print Tiling
Show Slices
Lock Slices
Hide Template ⇧⌘W
Rulers ▶
Hide Bounding Box ⇧⌘B
Show Transparency Grid ⇧⌘D
Hide Text Threads ⇧⌘Y
Hide Gradient Annotator ⌥⌘G

Show Live Paint Gaps
Guides ▶
√ Smart Guides ⌘U
Perspective Grid ▶
Show Grid ⌘
쥶
Snap to Grid ⇧⌘
쥶
√ Snap to Point ⌥⌘
쥶
New View...
Edit Views...

STEP 2
Drag some guides from the rulers until they snap
into place on the top and bottom of the square
design. It is important to find the center of the
design using the Smart Guides.
STEP 3
To create a half-drop repeat, duplicate the design
and align it next to the original so that the box
edges are touching and the vertical alignment is
on the center guide.
You can duplicate using the Copy and Paste
commands found in the Edit menu, and use
the Align palette found in the Windows menu.
Alternatively, select and hold the object with the
mouse, then press Option/Alt+Shift and drag the
object away to automatically duplicate it.
If you drag from the corner edge of the box, the
Smart Guides will snap to the edge of the original.
STEP 4
Duplicate and align the design again, with
the bottom of the new box aligned with the
center guide.
HALF-DROP 117
STEP 5
Drag some vertical guide lines to snap to the left
and right sides of the design. Use the Ungroup
command in the Object menu as many times as
possible to ungroup all the objects.
Object > Ungroup.
Delete all the color boxes and make another box
to fit the guide edges.
Edit > Copy.
STEP 6
Select the new box.
Object > Arrange > Send to Back.
Object > Lock > Selection.
Make sure the box is still selected.
Edit > Paste in Front.
Object Type Select Effect View Window Help

STEP 7 Transform ▶
The top box should still be selected. Arrange ▶

Basic Style:
Object > Path > Divide Objects Below. Group ⌘G
Ungroup ⇧⌘G Tuto
This will cut the excess design outside Lock ▶ 0 5
of the boxed area. Select and delete the Unlock All ⌥⌘2
Hide ▶
excess design. Show All ⌥⌘3
Expand...
Expand Appearance
Flatten Transparency...
Rasterize...
Create Gradient Mesh...
Create Object Mosaic...
Creare Trim Marks
Slice ▶
Path ▶ Join ⌘J
Blend ▶ Average... ⌥⌘J
Envelope Distort ▶
Outline Stroke
Perspective ▶
Offset Path...
Live Paint ▶
Live Trace ▶ Simplify...
Text Wrap ▶ Add Anchor Points
Remove Anchor Points
Clipping Mask ▶
Compound Path ▶
Divide Objects Below
Artboards ▶ Split Into Grid...
Graph ▶
Clean Up...

STEP 8
You should be left with something similar to this
example.
Object > Unlock All.
Group all the objects together. At this point you can
scale your repeat unit.
Then drag the entire design into the Swatches
panel. You will see your floral design appear in
the panel. SWATCHES
STEP 9
Test your design by creating a larger box and filling
it with your new swatch.
HALF-DROP 119
120 CHAPTER 4: INTRODUCTION TO ILLUSTRATION
4
INTRODUCTION
TO ILLUSTRATION
XXXXXXX 121
INTRODUCTION
TO ILLUSTRATION
Textile designers need to present their collections, once designs are for heavy wools and knits, for example, then you
designed, in a context that enables others to understand them. might consider a collage medium to give a sense of weight.
This usually means depicting the designs on a garment or an Alternatively, if your designs are intended for lightweight silks
interior. This takes the designs to another level by putting or chiffons then you could consider working with transparent
them into a realistic environment and giving the collection paint effects to suggest movement and fluidity.
a sense of place. Lately the industry has seen the arrival of
a wealth of exciting new fashion illustration techniques, due Finally, if you are designing textiles intended for fashion, you will
partly to advances in digital technology. This has opened up need to develop a style of figure drawing. Most textile designers
not just a whole new medium, but also a fresh way to approach who are not fashion designers tend to panic at the thought of
the subject. figure drawing. But, equipped with their sensual and sensitive
drawing skills, they can soon find a confident approach to
Illustration is no longer a literal interpretation of textile designs. fashion drawing. A good way to overcome any barriers is
Instead, illustrators are playing with a world of fantasy and through life drawing; developing sketches and line drawings of
illusion, creating a mood and ambience in which viewers can the figure in various media that can then be drawn upon at a
lose themselves. The sensual and decorative approach that later date. Photography is also a useful medium with which to
a textile designer has to offer is an excellent starting point. experiment. Photographs can be traced by hand or digitally and
By combining drawing, painting, collage, and photography, are a helpful way to start an illustration. Tracing should not be
designers can produce exciting and energetic work that can considered as cheating, especially for textile designers who are
explore a narrative, giving their design work another dimension. not used to working with the figure. Once you have traced an
outline you can apply your own illustrative style as you develop
More often than not the computer is used only as a medium the artwork.
to assemble drawings and design work before collaging them
together. The most successful illustrators include some form of At what stage you apply digital techniques to your illustration
personal “handwriting” in their work. The best starting point is up to you. It may be that you use the computer simply to
is often a sketch, painting, or drawing in which the designer manipulate and assemble your drawings using Photoshop, or
experiments with mood and artistic style. Books and magazines you may wish to give your work the kind of very computerized
can be a great source of inspiration and it is also important style that Illustrator can offer.
for the designer to keep up with trends—not only in fashion
but also in graphic styles. Most of your inspiration will tend to This chapter includes basic tutorials showing techniques
come from your original textile collection though, and from this in both Photoshop and Illustrator that you can adapt and
you will probably have established a theme and have already develop in your own work to create an individual and personal
developed an idea of how you want to portray your designs. illustrative style.
Your style of illustration and the media you choose to use

will also be influenced by the style of garment for which your
designs are intended, as well as the weight of the fabric. If your
Previous page:
This illustration was created by Chae
Young Kim for her “Camouflage Kitchen”
dress, the concept being to create
a “future vintage” by giving objects
from the 1960s and 1970s a modern
expression. After photographing
her garment on a mannequin, she
superimposed it onto a background
created in Photoshop. The images
were enhanced with lighting effects
and filters.

Chae Young Kim used a
complex mix of effects to
create this stunning fashion
illustration, “Kaleidoscope.”
The inspiration came from
the reflection and distortion
of color in glass. She used
Photoshop filters to achieve
the lighting effects and mood
of her original design theme.

Amy Isla Breckon places her
beautiful hand-rendered
drawings in a realistic context.
Photoshop allows her to mix
drawings and photography to
blend the real with the unreal.
Here, the combination of an
elegant hand-drawn figure with
the rustic woodland setting of
the photograph creates a dark
but sophisticated mood and
is perfect for showing off her
animal-inspired prints.
Jennis Li Cheng Tien artistically

manipulates and distorts photographs
by overlapping filters in Photoshop to
create digital paintings such as “es_cape.”

Holly Holmes maps her designs on
garment illustrations to coordinate her
geometric collection “Repeaticities.”
Pauline Fernandez’s rich illustrations

evoke the magical and playful mood
that she wishes to convey in her
designs. Working with a range of
photographic imagery, Photoshop allows
her to place her designs into a surreal
and unusual context. She works with
a complex mix of filters and lighting
effects to build depth, luminosity, and
atmosphere. Although her actual textile
designs do not dominate here, it does
not seem to matter, as the narrative of
her illustration cleverly conjures up the
mood of her work. This is perhaps more
exciting than a literal interpretation.

TUTORIAL 21
DISPLACEMENT MAPS
In this tutorial, we texture map a design onto a garment using

the Displacement filter in Photoshop. The Displacement filter
will realistically place a design on an irregular surface. For
example, a draped pattern can give the illusion of real fabric.
You will need two images: the image you wish to warp (the
design) and the image you want to warp onto (in this case,
a skirt).

Duplicate Image
STEP 1
To create the displacement map, duplicate Duplicate: Open image Maya.tif OK
your image.
As: Skirt Map
Image > Duplicate. Cancel
Give your duplicate image a different name Duplicate Merged Layers Only
from your original image.
STEP 2
Convert the duplicate image to grayscale.
Image > Mode > Grayscale.
Save the grayscale image in Photoshop (PSD) or
TIFF format so Photoshop can identify it and use it
as a displacement map.
Return to your original color image.
STEP 3
Use the Pen tool to draw around the skirt and
create a path.
Pen tool
Once you have created the path, you can edit it
with other Pen tools, found in the Tool panel. The
Pen tool in Photoshop replicates the Pen tool in
Illustrator. It can take a bit of getting used to, but
it is worth getting to know as it can be an accurate
selection tool.
Pen Tool P
Freeform Pen Tool P
Add Anchor Point Tool
Delete Anchor Point Tool
Convert Point Tool
There are also two useful Path tools located in Your path will appear in the Paths panel. Save MINI BRID LAYERS CHANNELS PATHS
the Selection tool menu: the Path Selection tool the path using the Paths panel drop-down Save Path...
Work Path Duplicate Path...
enables you to move the whole path; the Direct menu, then click on the Path Selection icon at
Delete Path
Selection tool will let you move a single anchor point. the bottom of the panel. This will make the path
a live selection. Make Work Path...
Make Selection...
Path Selection Tool A Fill Path...
Stroke Path...
Direct Selection Tool A
Clipping Path...
Path Selection icon
DISPLACEMENT MAPS 127

STEP 4
Open your design; in this case, it is a repeat unit.
At this point you can rescale the pattern to the
proportions of the image you wish to fill.
Image > Image Size.
Create a pattern with your unit.
Pattern Name
OK
Name: Rose repeat.tif
Cancel
STEP 5
Open a new document and fill with your pattern.
Edit > Fill.
Select Pattern and find your design.
Select > All.
Edit > Copy.
MINI BRID LAYERS CHANNEL PATHS HISTORY
Normal Opacity: 100%
Lock: Fill: 100%
Background
File Edit Image Layer Select Filter Analysis 3D View Window Help
STEP 6 Undo Copy Pixels ⌘Z
Now go back to your original image and Step Forward ⇧⌘Z
Layer Step Backward ⌥⌘Z
select your path.
Edit > Paste Special > Paste Into. Fade... ⇧⌘F ge Maya.tif @ 17.3% (RGB/8) º
Maya.tif d Open image 2.tif Open image Maya.tif @ 17.3% (RGB/8) º
Cut ⌘X
Copy ⌘C
Copy Merged ⇧⌘C
Paste ⌘V
Paste Special Paste In Place ⇧⌘V
Clear Paste Into ⌥⇧⌘V
Paste Outside
Check Spelling...
Find and Replace Text...
Fill... ⇧F5
Stroke...

Puppet Warp
Free Transform ⌘T
Transform ▶
Auto-Align Layers...
Auto-Blend Layers...

Define Pattern...
Define Custom Shape...
Purge ▶

Preset Manager...
Color Settings... ⇧⌘K

Assign Profile...
Convert to Profile...
Keyboard Shortcuts... ⌥⇧⌘K

Menus... ⌥⇧⌘M

STEP 7
Your pattern is now pasted into your skirt selection.
You can still rescale the pattern if you need to.
With your new pasted layer selected, choose
Edit > Transform > Scale.
STEP 8 Displace
Now it is time to use the displacement map. Horizontal Scale 10 OK
Filter > Distort > Displace.
The Displace dialog box will appear; accept the Vertical Scale 10
Default
default options and click OK. Displacement Map:
Photoshop will ask which image you wish to use as Stretch To Fit
the Displacement Map. Tile
Select your grayscale image.
Undefined Areas:
Wrap Around
Repeat Edge Pixels
You will see the artwork bend slightly, but it will To reveal the folds of the skirt underneath the
still look flat. pattern, go to Multiply in the Layers palette.
MINI BRIDGE LAYERS CHANNELS PATHS HISTORY
Multiply Opacity: 100%
Lock: Fill: 100%
Layer 1
Background
DISPLACEMENT MAPS 129

TUTORIAL 22
TEXTURE MAP AND

LINE DRAWING
This tutorial demonstrates how to texture map your design

onto a fashion illustration using basic Photoshop tools. The
key to fashion illustration is to have a strong vision and create
an ambience. Here, Katie Hoppe’s design work is inspired
by folklore and romantic imagery. Her use of color is rich,
evocative, and exotic. She demonstrates how important it is
to have a body of original drawings and objects as a palette
to work with.
Begin by selecting a fashion image featuring a simple

garment that a more complex design can fit into, and create
a black line drawing as a template. You can incorporate other
drawings and scanned imagery to give the illustration depth
and texture.
Brightness/Contrast
STEP 1
Scan your line drawing and open it up in Photoshop. Brightness: +14 OK
Cancel
Contrast: +55 Preview
STEP 2
Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast.
Move the sliders to achieve a good definition.
STEP 3
Clean up your image, using the Eraser tool to
rub out any stray lines.
Join up any gaps between the outlines in order
to make complete shapes to paste your design
work into.

STEP 4
Use the Magic Wand tool (tolerance set to 50)
to select a section of your black line.
Select > Similar.
Select all the black lines.

Edit > Copy. Normal Opacity: 100%
Edit > Paste.
A new layer will appear. Lock: Fill: 100%
Turn the background layer off to reveal

your new layer. Layer 1
Background

Open up your design work. Return to your fashion illustration. Use the Magic A new layer will appear. Use the Move tool
Select > All. Wand tool to select the main part of the dress. to move the design around.
Edit > Copy. Edit > Paste Special > Paste Into. Edit > Transform.
Scale or rotate the design to fit better within
the garment.
LAYERS ADJUSTM MASKS
Lock: Fill: 100%
Layer 2
Figure 1
Background
New Layer... ⇧⌘N

Duplicate Layers...
Go back to the original design and select a section Delete Layers...
Delete Hidden Layers
to paste into the sleeves using the Paste Into
command. It is important at this stage to manage Lock: Fill: 100% New Group...
New Group from Layers...
your layers, as you can end up with too many.
You should have five layers. Turn off the Layer 2 Lock Layers...
background layer and line-drawing layer. With one
Convert to Smart Object
of the design layers highlighted, click on the menu Layer 3 Edit Contents
button in the top right-hand corner of the Layers
Layer Properties...
palette and a drop-down menu will appear. Select Blending Options...
Layer 4
Merge Visible to flatten the layers. Edit Adjustment...
Create Clipping Mask ⌥⌘G

Layer 1
Link Layers
Select Linked Layers
Background
Merge Layers ⌘E
Merge Visible ⇧⌘E
Flatten Image
TEXTURE MAP AND LINE DRAWING 131

STEP 10
To incorporate added texture, scan in a sequin trim
and open it up in Photoshop.
Select > All.
Edit > Copy.
Return to your fashion illustration with the figure
drawing layer selected. Use the Magic Wand tool to
select the sleeve.
Edit > Paste Special > Paste into.
A new layer will appear.
Use the Transform tools to fit your design to the
shape of the sleeve. Repeat the process with the
other sleeve.
STEP 11
Again, it is important to manage your layers. Turn
off the background layer and the line drawing layer.
With one of the design layers highlighted, click on
the menu button in the top right-hand corner of the
Layers palette and select Merge Visible from the
drop-down menu to flatten the layers.
Lock: Fill: 100%
Dress
Layer 2
Layer 3
Layer 4
Layer 1
Background
STEP 12
You should now have three layers. With the figure
drawing layer selected, paint in the figure by
making selections with the Magic Wand tool
and filling them with color.
LAYERS ADJUSTMI MASKS
Lock: Fill: 100%
Layer 2
Layer 1
Background

Now the figure is complete. Think about adding Create a new layer and shift it behind all the other Edit > Fill > Foreground Color.
a background. layers. Fill with your chosen color.
LAYERS ADJUSTMI MASKS
Lock: Fill: 100%
Layer 4
Layer 1
Layer 5
Background
STEP 16
Open up some drawings that you can paste into the
background. Here, the bird was selected with the
Magic Wand tool and copied and pasted onto the
illustration, then colored in.
STEP 17
To create the button tree, scan in a tree-trunk
silhouette, select it with the Magic Wand tool and
paste it into the background.

STEP 18 STEP 19
Scan in some buttons. Use the Pen tool to carefully Go into the Paths palette, and make sure
draw around the buttons, creating curves around the path you have just created is active by
the edges. clicking on it to highlight it.
Click on the Path Selection icon to make the
path into a live selection.
Select > Inverse.
PATHS
Work Path
Path Selection icon
STEP 20
Copy > Paste.
Use the Move tool to arrange the buttons.
Duplicate the button layer to build up the
button tree.
Merge the button-tree layers to create one layer,
as before.

STEP 21
Select and copy some line drawings and paste them
into the background. Color them white and lower
the Opacity in the Layer palette to add decoration
and ornamentation to the fashion illustration.

TUTORIAL 23
CREATING GRAPHIC
SILHOUETTES
This tutorial demonstrates how to place a print design into
context for display purposes. The example shows a simple
stripe being placed into a basic fashion figure illustration.
The following sequence demonstrates how to create a figure

template in Illustrator and then how to place a pattern into
the template in Photoshop.

STEP 1
Create a new file in Illustrator.
File > Place.
Choose the photograph you wish to trace to create
your figure template.
Once the photograph has been placed, open the LAYERS New Layer...
Layer 1 O New Sublayer...
Layers palette and lock the layer. The will prevent Duplicate쥶 Layer 1
쥶
Delete Selection
the photograph being moved during tracing.
Options for쥶Layer 1쥶
Open the Layers menu by clicking on the menu icon
Make/Release Clipping Mask
in the top right-hand corner of the palette. Select Enter Isolation Mode
New Layer to create a new layer. Exit Isolation Mode
Locate Object
Merge Selected
Flatten Artwork
1 Layer Collect in New Layer
Release to Layers (Sequence)

Release to Layers (Build)
Reverse Order
Template
Hide All Layers
Outline All Layers
Lock All Layers
Paste Remembers Layers
Panel Options...
STEP 2
Using the Pen tool, draw around the outline of
the figure. You will need some knowledge of the
Pen tool to create and control curves. You will also Pen tool
need to know how to cut paths using the Scissors
tool and use the Direct Selection tool to join the
paths together (this is to separate the drawing into Scissors tool
different sections, ensuring that each section is
closed so it can be filled with a color).
CREATING GRAPHIC SILHOUETTES 137

STEP 3
Now create a new layer below the illustration and
place a rectangle, filled with a color, to emphasize
the illustration.
LAYERS
Layer 2 O
Layer 3 O
Layer 1 O
3 Layers
SWATCHES
STEP 4 STEP 6
Now working on the figure layer, you can select Open Photoshop and create a new Letter-size (A4)
parts of the garment and figure and fill with color. document. From your Illustrator document, copy
and paste each layer of your illustration into your
Photoshop document, as well as your simple stripe
pattern. Name your layers (you should have four).
STEP 5
Next, open a new Illustrator document and create
a simple stripe for your pattern (see Tutorial 16,
LAYERS CHANNELS PATHS
page 104).
Lock: Fill: 100%
Stripe
Figure
Background Color
Background
STEP 7
The stripe pattern may appear too large, in
which case you can reduce it to the appropriate
scale by selecting the stripe layer and choosing
Edit > Transform.
STEP 8
To select the area you wish to apply the pattern
to, select outside the pattern area with the Magic
Wand tool.
Select > Inverse.
To create a pattern swatch, choose
Pattern Name
OK
Name: Stripe
Cancel

LAYERS CHANNELS PATHS
Normal Opacity: 68%
Lock: Fill: 100%
Pattern Fill
Stripe
Figure
Background Color
STEP 9
Create a new layer and draw a square marquee over
the part of the garment you wish to fill with your
stripe.
Edit > Fill > Pattern.
Find your stripe pattern. Reduce the Opacity of the
layer to reveal the garment.
STEP 10
Now you need to make your stripe follow the
contours of each section of the garment.
To do this, use the Free Transform tools. Choose
Edit > Transform > Rotate to rotate your stripe to
follow the direction of the garment section.
Choosing Edit > Transform > Warp will put a grid
around the pattern. You can warp the grid so it
bends with the contours of the garment.
STEP 11
Go to the illustration layer and with the
Magic Wand select the part of the jacket you are
working on. Now go to the pattern fill layer.
Edit > Copy.
Edit > Paste.
Turn off the pattern fill layer. Your pattern fill will
be now in the jacket section. Repeat steps 8, 9, and
10 on each section of the garment.
CREATING GRAPHIC SILHOUETTES 139

140
5
DIGITAL
CRAFT
141
DIGITAL CRAFT
The introduction of new technology in the 21st century is
impacting on many different areas of our lives and is developing
at such a rapid pace that it is sometimes difficult to keep up. For
the “digital generation,” technology has become second nature.
For the designer rooted in traditional processes, technology
is no longer possible to ignore. Some designers see it as a
challenge to introduce new digital methods into their work,
while others are fiercely protective of their tradition and craft.
This chapter looks at whether it is possible for a designer to

maintain the “hand” quality of their work while using new
technology. The first part of the chapter, “Combining old and
new,” looks at how designers are finding ways to reintroduce
traditional handcrafting skills into their work. The second
part, “Desktop digital textiles,” examines how designers are
taking advantage of the immediacy and hands-on approach of
desktop printing to create a new craft tradition. Should the new
skills that are being developed with digital design and print be
recognized as a new craft skill, rather than just a mechanical
process? This is for you to judge. But the potential for creativity
using new technology is clear from the wealth of work shown
in this chapter.
COMBINING OLD AND NEW

Working in a virtual environment with a mechanical output
seems to make the creator keenly aware that the personal
identity of the work is in danger of being lost. There is also
a need for a textile designer to have a physical relationship
with the cloth and this can become even more apparent when
working in a digital environment. Above: Clara Vuletich scans
vintage patchwork pieces
and digitally prints them
Many designers are disappointed with the “flat” outcome of a
onto cotton/hemp, thereby
digital print; the surface and tactile qualities created by traditional preserving and enhancing
print methods are often lost. For some it seems too easy to heirloom textiles.
print at the press of a button without physical effort, and the
speed of the digital print process almost seems to compel the Right: Collaged digital prints
integrated into a Burberry jacket
practitioner to work extensively on a fabric to slow down the
by Claire Canning.
process. The result is that some designers are now finding ways
to put back these tactile qualities into the creation of fabric,
and into the fabric itself by physical intervention such as over-
printing and embellishment.
142 CHAPTER 5: DIGITAL CRAFT

Digital printing can appear flat,
but once the fabric is made into a
garment, it can come to life again.
Claire Canning experiments with a
combination of traditional screen-
printing and digital techniques,
adding depth by layering, collaging,
bonding, and cutting. The rich
photographic qualities that can be
achieved with digital print give a
playful, storybook narrative to
Claire’s work.
Above: For her conceptual blouse

“Found by the Sea” (2009), Shelly
Goldsmith used dye sublimation
to emboss pressed plant samples
from London’s Natural History
Museum Herbarium on a reclaimed
garment interior.
Left: Melanie Bowles and Sarah Dennis

created “The Wallpaper Dress” by
scanning and then digitally printing
a sample of vintage wallpaper onto
linen, which they then embellished
with embroidery.
Dominique Devaux creates rich

digital prints inspired by her love This chapter looks at a range of techniques that can be combined
of jewelry and antiques. She with digital print to re-engage the designer with the cloth, in
adds metallic foiling to give them order to create beautiful and innovative surfaces. These range
texture and light. from screen-print methods, such as devoré, discharge printing,
flocking, foiling, and laminating, through dye techniques
such as shibori, to fabric manipulation, embellishment, and
embroidery. Many of these techniques have, until recently,
only been explored by couturiers, fashion designers, and textile
artists due to the cost of digital print.
However, now that many established art institutions have a

digital textile print facility, there is a wealth of experimental
textile work emerging from colleges and universities, and
professional, small-scale designers are also taking up this newly
emerging craft. Much of this work is very experimental and in
its early stages of development, but the examples here show the
rich effects that can be achieved.
COMBINING OLD AND NEW 143

HAND PAINTING AND DIGITAL PRINT
Hand painting or drawing onto fabric is the most immediate
method of adding depth to a digital print. Because of its
simplicity this technique is sometimes ignored, but its
spontaneity can complement the mechanical process of digital
printing and also make a design much more personal. There are
many fabric pens available that can produce a very good effect,
including glitter, pearlized, and puff pens.
Zoe Barker scans her beautiful floral

paintings and then prints them
digitally onto silk. She paints into
the fabric by hand to add an extra
layer to her work.
Dominique Devaux’s collection

“Exotic Paradise” is based on her
love of exotic birds and florals and
inspired by childhood memories
of the Caribbean. Dominique
has embellished the fabrics with
hand-painted foil glitter, creating
light and reflection and bringing
the digital print to life. Bands
of brightly colored silks give a
contemporary and exotic appeal,
and the juxtaposition of real
jewelry, sewn over photographic
images of the same jewelry,
adds another layer. The result is
a highly effective, sensitive, and
sensual approach to digital design.

SCREEN PRINTING AND DIGITAL PRINT
Screen printing is a fast method of combining digital prints
and traditional print techniques; color is positioned in a
design using screens. There are several chemical recipes for
silk screening, and the most suitable ones for combining with
digital print are: pigment printing, devoré, discharge printing,
and the application of adhesive for flocking and foiling. The
screen print has to work not only in harmony with the design,
but also within the limitations of the fabric and print quality.
Achieving the desired results can require much testing, and
you will need a good knowledge of print techniques and an
awareness of the health and safety issues involved.
Here, Emamoke Ukeleghe digitally

printed a design of text with a
hand-drawn pattern onto cotton
satin, and then used a screen-
print method to overprint with
peach pigment.
As a designer, Ukeleghe crosses

between the textile traditions of
Nigeria and East London, merging
digital techniques with traditional
techniques to create a fusion between
old and modern, ethnic and Western.
In the bag on the right, entitled “Purpose,
Wisdom and Enlightenment,” she digitally
printed stripes onto cotton drill and then
overprinted broken stripes in peach. In
the bag on the left, “Laces,” she made a
large-scale drawing of shoelaces with
black ballpoint pen, and then digitally
printed the drawing onto cotton.
In her powerful textile collection

“Belonging(s),” Ukeleghe uses
digital print combined with
pigment screen-printing. Her
inspiration came from issues
surrounding displacement, and
each piece tells a personal story.
Here, a circular pattern was
digitally printed onto cotton satin
then overprinted with blue and
white pigments. By including a
photograph of a family member,
she integrates a personal memory
into her work.

DEVORÉ AND DIGITAL PRINT
In devoré printing, a chemical paste is applied to a blended
cellulose-protein fabric. When heat is applied, the paste burns
away one of the fiber types to leave a transparent area. Many
digital print bureaus supply pretreated fabric specifically for
the devoré process, such as silk/viscose satin and silk/viscose
velvet. The chemical paste is applied to the fabric, either by
hand or by screen printing, in the areas that are to be burned
away. This can be done after digital printing has taken place.
A heat process is then used to burn away the pattern areas to
reveal a sheer, translucent area of fabric. The devoré process
is time consuming and labor intensive, but the results can be
beautiful. It should be approached with caution, and health
and safely guidelines followed, as strong chemicals are used in
the process.
Once the fabric has been put through the devoré process, the
base color of the fabric is revealed. This area can be cross-dyed
to reintroduce color into the cloth. Cross-dyeing works well
with the devoré process as it stands out on the fiber that has
not been burned away. If you used a screen to apply the devoré
paste, you can use the same screen to apply the cross-dye.
Louisa-Claire Fernandes’s dramatic

furnishings collection, “Simplexity,”
combines digital and screen-
printing techniques. First she
created a digital print that became
a background on which she applied
other techniques. A large-scale
devoré print gave her work a
luxurious quality, and the dip-dyed
effect was created by scanning
in hand-painted papers. Her work
demonstrates the combining of
mechanical and hand processes
to create a “new fabric” couture-
furnishing collection.

Devoré paste has been silk-
screened onto the digital print.
Once the paste is dry, heat can be
applied with an iron or heat press
to burn out the viscose and leave
the silk.
Here, Louisa-Claire Fernandes

digitally printed a large-scale
design onto a silk/viscose mixed
fabric. The devoré area was cross-
dyed in turquoise.

FOILING AND FLOCKING WITH DIGITAL PRINT
Foiling and flocking onto a digital print are popular choices for
highlighting and embellishing designs. They are not as risky as
the more experimental processes such as devoré and discharge
printing, which are time consuming and complicated. Foiling can
give highlights and added sparkle to a fabric, especially when
the fabric moves. Flocking gives a beautiful raised texture to the
surface of a fabric, which is often lacking with digital printing.
Metallic foils come in a variety of jewel colors as well as metallic

effects such as copper, gold, and silver, and can be bought in
sheet form from craft suppliers. Iridescent and holographic foils
are also available.
In foiling, water-based or solvent adhesive is either applied

through a screen or hand-painted onto the fabric. A sheet of
foil is then stuck onto the adhesive. Heat is applied with an iron
or heat press and, once the foil has cooled, the sheet is peeled
back to leave behind a foiled area.
Small areas of foiling can be added to a digital print to highlight

areas and make them glitter. You can also use a clear “foil” to
create matte and shiny areas on a fabric that catch the light
when the fabric moves. Carefully consider where to apply the
foil so that the design and the foiling effect work together.
The raised, “velvet” effect of flocking is traditionally associated

with decorative wallpapers. However, it is also suitable for
fashion fabrics and can add a luxurious surface to the cloth.
Flock can be purchased on a roll, attached to a backing paper.
It is usually supplied in white, but it may be hand-colored
with dyes. Flocking paper can be digitally printed on a Mimaki
digital printer and then applied to a fabric, but this is still an
experimental process.
Similar to the foiling process, the flocking paper is placed

(flock-side down) onto a glued area. Heat is applied using an
Amelia Mullins applied bold areas
iron or a heat press and, once cool, the backing paper is peeled of gold foiling to complement her
back to reveal the flocked area. digitally printed silk dress.
Charlotte Arnold creates

intriguing surface effects
by applying digital flocking
onto digitally printed silk.
The result is a “new” looking
fabric with a mixture of
photographic imagery,
light, and texture.

Matthew Williamson’s S/S 05
collection features this “Rainbow
Dress” of digitally printed chiffon
embellished with metallic foil.
Emily House’s “Plastic Maze” was

digitally printed onto cotton
poplin and then plastic-laminated
and edged with a reflective trim.
Georgina Papandreou applied foil

to her geometric digital print for a
fractured, 3-D lighting effect that
interplays with both the printed
design and the surface of the
fabric, creating a rich texture.

DESIGNER PROFILE
RICHARD WESTON
The writer and architect Richard Weston, Weston’s designs are digitally printed onto
Professor of Architecture at Cardiff University, the best silks by the finest digital silk printers
Wales, came to digital textile design through his in Como, Italy, maintaining the beauty of the
passion for collecting beautiful precious stones, original minerals; as a final touch, the edges of
minerals, and fossils. Scanning in his mineral the silk are then “machine hand-rolled.” After
collection at high resolution, Weston was able to securing an order from Liberty, Weston launched
capture remarkable patterns and colors. “The way his first designer collection in June 2010. His
the color works in these minerals is partly pigment vibrant “Mineral Scarves” are now a best seller
and partly optical effect, so the absorption and in the scarf department of the prestigious London
reflection patterns are very different. You can get department store Liberty, displayed alongside
two scans from the same stone and you wouldn’t designs by Alexander McQueen, Christopher
believe they were from the same mineral.” Kane, and Jonathan Saunders.
Enlarging the scanned images and “cleaning them
up” in Photoshop enhanced and magnified the Weston’s scarves demonstrate the rich
original natural forms. possibilities that digital print offers and show how
an amateur’s passion and love of natural forms
A friend told Weston it would be possible to can be translated into a beautiful product.
digitally print his images onto fabrics. With
this knowledge, Weston began his unexpected
journey into the world of fashion through digital
textile printing, turning his hobby into a range of
luxurious scarves.
Weston took his digitally printed scarves to the

biannual Best of British Open Call event at the
world-famous London store Liberty. The Open
Call invites the public to show their products
to the top buyers in the world, giving them the
chance of a lifetime to sell in the London store.
Weston attended the Open Call on a cold February
morning in 2010. His passion and enthusiasm
for his product was quickly spotted by top New
York buyer Ed Burstell, who had recently joined
Liberty, and his journey from passionate amateur
to top-selling designer began. Maverick Television,
who also attended the Open Call, documented the
fascinating journey of Weston’s “Mineral Scarves”
in an episode of the BBC2 reality series Britain’s
Next Big Thing.
Richard Weston discovered digital

textile design through his passion
for collecting precious minerals
and fossils.

Weston begins his design process
by making a high-quality scan of
a mineral sample. He then spends
hours “cleaning” the image in
Photoshop to enhance each
stone’s remarkable qualities.
Using the very finest digital

printing maintains the
beautiful colors and details
of the original minerals.
Weston translated the beauty

of these natural forms into his
“Mineral Scarves” collection,
featured in the famous London
store Liberty alongside scarves
by other well-known designers.
DESIGNER PROFILE: RICHARD WESTON 151

RESIST DYEING AND DIGITAL PRINT
Resist dyeing techniques—such as tie-dye, batik, and shibori—
are among the oldest textile-dyeing techniques. They are
used all around the world and are still a source of fascination
to many artists and designers today.
Shibori is the collective Japanese term for tie-dye, stitch-dye,

fold-dye, and pole-wrap-dye techniques, which have been
used for centuries as a textile craft all over the world. Chinese
in origin, it spread to Africa, the Middle East, and India,
and is still used today. Shibori ranges from simple resist
techniques to advanced methods in which complex layers
of color are built up. With shibori, it is possible to create not
only two-dimensional patterns, but also three-dimensional
designs, where the folding and wrapping used to achieve the
resist areas is left in the cloth.
An element of surprise is always present in the making of shibori

cloth, which contributes to its special magic and popularity,
and can be used to complement the mechanical processes of
digital printing.

For her “Digital Shibori,” Melanie
Bowles translated traditional shibori
effects into mathematical geometrics
using Illustrator.
Joanna Fowles created this shibori piece

in the traditional way—by hand—before
manipulating it in Photoshop and then
printing it digitally onto silk.

EMBROIDERY, EMBELLISHMENT, AND DIGITAL PRINT
In recent years there has been a revival of the traditional
crafts of knitting, crochet, and embroidery. In a world
dominated by technology, many people enjoy returning to
traditional techniques and creating garments and accessories
by hand. At the same time, there has been a resurgence in the
popularity of vintage garments and embellishments, which
has also encouraged designers to look back at traditional
techniques of hand- or machine stitching to add interest,
value, and individual style to their own designs.
Today, designers are combining the traditional techniques

of embroidery and embellishment with digital print to add
a “handcrafted” element to their textile designs. If carefully
applied, the two skills can complement one another.
Emma Rampton’s textile

collection “Second Chance”
consists of multifunctional
garments that are designed to
have a second life. The wearer
is encouraged to customize
and interact with the garment
as time goes on. Working with
contemporary and traditional
imagery from domestic life, she
combines new technology with
traditional stitch techniques,
worked back into the fabric.

Dominique Devaux sewed
vintage embroidered sections
onto digital prints to create
her “Exotic Paradise” collection.
The printed fabric echoes the
real embroidered motifs, resulting
in a look that successfully
combines modern with antique.
Katie Irving Jones draws

stitchwork patterns inspired by
historic embroideries. She then
scans and further manipulates
them using imaging software. She
prints her designs digitally onto
a cotton/linen mix to give the
effect of canvas work. Finally, she
hand-stitches back into the motifs
to give a personal, handcrafted
touch to the fabric.
Photini Anastasi’s digital

collection retains her beautiful
and sensitive drawings and
watercolor paintings of landscape
Andrea Patterson demonstrates
scenes from her childhood. She
her use of digital print and design
prints digitally onto viscose satin
techniques in combination with
and then hand embroiders back
hand detailing to the fabric and
into the images, imitating the
garment, using appliqué, stitching,
lines and marks of her drawings.
and trimmings such as lace,
buttons, and ribbons.

DESIGNER PROFILE
HELEN AMY MURRAY

British-born textile designer Helen Amy Murray is The designer’s work originates from her love of
an emerging talent, creating beautiful, luxury one- working directly with the surface of fabrics, so
of-a-kind textiles for interiors and wall coverings. when she decided to take the bold move of exploring
Murray was educated at Chelsea College of Art and digital design she discovered a completely new
Design, London. In 2003 she won the prestigious way of working. “At first I felt nervous working
Oxo Peugeot Design Award, as well as a prize in a virtual medium. As I have a very physical
for innovation from the National Endowment for and tactile relationship with fabric, I felt I was
Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA). She entering the unknown. But once I had completed
then set up her own label, HelenAmyMurray, and the process of designing and digitally printing
has now exhibited her work internationally. and had applied my technique, I could see the
possibilities that it would give my work. I love
At Chelsea, Murray developed a passion for the subtlety of color that digital print can achieve
creating three-dimensional surface effects on and the layers of pattern and form. It allows me to
various fabrics such as silk, leather, and suede. work with more complex and fantastical imagery,
She has since developed a technique that has which gives my work a new narrative.”
been recognized internationally for its unique
handcrafted construction. She explains, “I’m excited Murray’s highly individual and sensual approach
about fabric manipulation and using innovative to textiles allows her work to develop without
techniques, beautiful luxury materials, and design compromising her aesthetic values. She has
to create couture for the high end of the market.” merged digital print so well with her own cutting
techniques that she has managed to create a truly
Murray’s inspiration comes from natural forms, “digitally crafted” textile.
from which she creates complex pattern structures
using her unique technique. Her work achieves
a strong graphic look, her innovative process
creating sophisticated three-dimensional fabrics.
For her “Art Deco Chair, Two-

headed Bird with Sunrays”
(2005), Murray integrated a
digitally printed piece into
her sculpted leather fabric,
which was then upholstered
onto a classic art deco chair.
She scanned her hand-drawn
image of an exotic crane,
which she then adapted using
imaging software. This was
then digitally printed onto
silk crêpe satin and carefully
appliquéd onto the leather
before she applied her cutting
process. The digital print
on silk satin allowed her to
introduce an intricate gradient
of color, adding both depth
and movement.

“Birds and Flowers” (2005)
is an ambitious art piece.
Initially working and adapting
her design using imaging
software, Murray dropped in
color blends and gradients,
then printed the artwork
digitally. Drawing back into
the design with her cutting
tool to create a sculpted 3-D
effect, she gave further detail,
definition, shadow, movement,
and depth to the piece. Finally,
she framed it in wood covered
with foiled leather.
DESIGNER PROFILE: HELEN AMY MURRAY 157

PRETREATMENT OF DIGITAL FABRIC DIGITAL PRINT ONTO
All fabrics used for digital printing must be pretreated before VINTAGE FABRICS
use. The Textiles Environment Design (TED) project at the
Chelsea College of Art and Design, London, looks at the
role the designer can play in creating textiles that have a Nicky Gearing and Debbie Stack from the London College
reduced impact on the environment, and provides a toolbox of Fashion experimented with the pretreatment process
of designer-centered solutions. Part of the resource offered by as part of an international research project with the
TED investigates the coating of organic fabrics so that they are Creative Industries Faculty at the Queensland University of
suitable for digital printing, such as organic cottons, linens, Technology, Australia, in 2004. This was a design exercise
and hemp. These fabrics are specially coated by a digital print featuring reworked vintage clothing dating from the 19th and
bureau. Melanie Bowles has created a collection, “Material 20th centuries donated by the National Trust of Queensland.
Attachment,” that is digitally printed onto a hemp/silk mix, Gearing and Stack screen printed the pretreatment paste—
proving that rich and vibrant colors can be achieved. The use of consisting of sodium carbonate, Manutex, and urea—onto an
organic hemp/silk introduces a new fabric for digital print that original Victorian damask. The vintage fabric took the inks
has a beautiful surface and subtle sheen. successfully and withstood the after-treatment of steaming
and washing well. They produced an interesting range of
samples on various fabrics, integrating discharge and screen-
printing techniques with digital print. Digital embroidery was
In her “Material Attachment”
collection, Melanie Bowles drew applied to the fabric before the pretreatment, and also as a
inspiration from historical textiles. final embellishment after printing to create a rich surface
The collection was shown at Ever quality. The project resulted in a collection of fabrics that
& Again, an exhibition at Chelsea show the potential of pretreatment on fabrics not normally
College of Art and Design in 2007
used for digital print.
which looked at recyling textiles.
Melanie relined a favorite coat
with digitally printed organic
hemp/silk mix fabric to give it Digital print on vintage
a new lease of life. damask, appliquéd onto a
traditional ticking cotton
and combined with
screen printing.
Digital floral print on dyed

ticking fabric, combined with
discharge printing.

DESKTOP DIGITAL
TEXTILES
The rise of mass production and consumerism has led to a
craft-focused backlash, and more people are now interested in
DIY design-and-make. Amateurs are finding ingenious ways to
personalize and customize their own products—and not just
in the domestic arts, but in graphic design, journalism, and
publishing, too.
You no longer have to be a trained graphic designer to create

personal graphics such as business cards, logos, mouse mats,
greetings cards, and simple websites. Imaging software is now
available as a design tool for all to use and the desktop printer
has developed into a key method of print production for all
kinds of graphic materials. Craft enthusiasts are now embracing
the hands-on digital technology that is available from the home,
and this extends to textiles, primarily through inkjet transfers
and sublimation printing.
Andrea Patterson prints her

designs onto opaque transfer
paper and then applies this to
contrasting cotton muslin. The
“plastic” quality of the opaque
transfer adds texture and
contrasts with the coarseness
of the natural cloth.
In her collection “The Old Farm House,”

Catherine Frere-Smith incorporates a
fabric kit so her design can be made into
a garment or a fabric house.
DESKTOP DIGITAL TEXTILES 159

INKJET TRANSFERS
The simplest and most direct method of inkjet printing onto
fabric is by running inkjet-transfer paper through a printer
and then applying the pattern onto fabric using heat, either
with an iron or, ideally, in a heat press. The paper is a special
polymer-treated paper which is manufactured for use as a
T-shirt transfer, and is available from stationery and computer
suppliers. It is designed for use with water-based inks. In the
past the paper left a “plastic” feel to the fabric, but now a softer
result can be achieved. It works best on white or pale fabrics,
but there is also an opaque paper available that can be used on
darker fabrics, though this will leave a plastic feel.
This simple method of printing, which can be done using most

desktop printers, has created a surge in DIY design and print for Zoe Barker uses the inkjet transfer
the amateur craft and hobby sector. Adults and children alike are method to build up complex fabrics
enjoying this hands-on and immediate approach to transferring for her children’s collection, “Second
Life.” She encourages children
images onto mouse mats, jigsaws, coasters, and clothes.
to interact with the clothes and
appreciate their worth with her
Of the “craft” hobbyists, it is perhaps the quilter who can find “customizing kit,” containing
the most creative potential in this method of printing. It is transfers, badges, buttons, and
possible to apply a nontoxic chemical formula to a fabric to ribbons, which can be added to
personalize the garments.
make the image permanent. This is applied by first soaking
the fabric in the solution and, once dry, ironing it onto freezer
paper. The fabric can then be fed through the printer. Quilters
require small, sample-sized amounts of fabric to work with,
and, using the inkjet transfer technique, they can create many
individual designs to incorporate into their work. Added to this
is the tradition of a quilt as a valued artifact that is passed down
from one generation to the next. Using this new technology,
they can include photographic imagery in their work, adding
a highly personalized and powerful sentimental quality to the
quilt, which is changing the aesthetic of the craft.
The bell-like dress used by textile artist Shelly Goldsmith in

her “Fragmented Bell” (opposite page, bottom) was originally
hand-stitched by the employees of the Children’s Home of
Cincinnati. The panoramic image of the piece references natural
disasters—in this case a tornado. Goldsmith digitally manipulated
the photograph in order to fragment the plane of the image to
reference the actual fragmentation of the domestic landscape.
Goldsmith used reclaimed christening dresses to create “Baptism”

(opposite page, top left). The dress references the use of water
in the christening ceremony, while also commenting on how
these garments are handed down and reused over many years.
As in “Fragmented Bell,” the dress shows the image of a
natural disaster and raises the notion that cloth retains a type
of memory that cannot be erased. The gown has been transfer-
printed with digitally adjusted photography, carefully pieced Alice Potter enjoys the immediacy
together to create a panorama effect around the garment. of translating her designs from
sketchbook to fabric via her desktop
printer. She produces small fabric
samples that she then pieces
together to create patchworks
such as this one, entitled “When I
Sleep I Dream of Play.”

The technique of transfer printing is
used by aforest-design to present
a limited edition of odori tabi socks
designed by Sara Lamusias. The tabi is a
traditional sock from Japan that is used
in the home or is worn with sandals.
These photo-collage designs were
transfer-printed onto cotton socks.
Textile artist Shelly Goldsmith creates

her poignant textile pieces using a
desktop printer to print digitally onto
transfer paper. She meticulously
jigsaws her images together by hand
and irons them onto fragile, reclaimed
garments. Collaging her images allows
her to maintain a handcrafted quality
to her work.

Taina Lehtinen’s handbag
SUBLIMATION PRINTING collection was created using
Dye-sublimation printing is a versatile method of printing sublimation printing onto faux
using disperse dyes—available in cartridge form for large-format suedette, showcasing the
printers and for desktop printers—onto polyester fabrics. It is photographic qualities that can
widely used in the promotional marketing industry for printing be achieved with this process.
products such as jewelry, place mats, marble, ceramic tiles or

mugs, skateboards, aprons, and other items of apparel. The
majority of products printed using this process are somewhat
crude in design, but there is huge potential to develop more
sophisticated work. Many designers are now exploring this
method of print, not least because the transfers yield stunning
and beautiful photorealistic results, with vivid colors.
There is a wide range of polyesters available from fabric stores.

These range from novelty fabrics to satin to metallic lamé and
from stretch-knit jerseys to Lycra®. The affordability of these
fabrics gives scope for the textile designer to experiment. Some
fantastic results can be achieved with the vivid, clear colors
of polyester.
In the textile industry, sublimation printing has mainly been

used for printing on sportswear and swimwear. However,
setting up a desktop print system is now proving to be an
affordable option, and many textile designers, studios, and
educational establishments are now exploring the possibilities
of sublimation printing onto the large variety of polyester
fabrics that are available. The choice of polyesters can range
from Aertex, polymesh, lamé, satin, Lycra®, organza, and fleece
to an array of novelty fabrics, but the higher the percentage
of polyester they contain—preferably more than 60 percent—the
better the results. It is always best to test fabrics as many do not
state the proportion of polyester that they contain.
In the past, polyester has been uncomfortable to wear and has

lacked the qualities of natural fabrics such as cotton. Recently,
however, a number of manufacturers have come up with new
processes that have resulted in soft, breathable, and comfortable
fabrics. Polyester is also inexpensive, allowing designers the
freedom to experiment with this hands-on method to create
Chetna Prajapati pushed the
innovative print effects. Samples can be produced immediately, potential of sublimation printing
which is perfect for the ever-increasing pace of the fashion in her edgy streetware collection
industry, where ideas need to be realized instantly. “One Tribe, One Style.” She
printed on a range of polyesters,
combining them to create her
garments. The quality of the
colors and the definition of the
digital print is so strong that
some colors look fluorescent; the
metallic polyesters add sharpness
to the graphic geometric designs.
Prajapati also used sublimation

printing to create this beautiful
pleated fabric. She printed a
metallic polyester using the dye-
sublimation technique, applied a
pleating template, and then heat-
pressed the fabric into shape.

Victoria Collins tests a wide range
of polyesters, such as neoprene
and Lycra®, before bonding them
together to create new surfaces.
Her sketchbook demonstrates the
importance of testing different
fabrics. She finds that most
need to be heat-pressed for 60
seconds at 350°F, but care must
be taken with nylon as it can melt
quickly under a heat press.
Temitope Tijani used the

sublimation technique to
transfer her designs to plastics
to create a stunning geometric
accessories collection.

DESIGNER PROFILE
REBECCA EARLEY
Rebecca Earley is a lecturer in Textiles Environment In 1998, Earley’s interest in the environment
Design at Chelsea College of Art and Design, prompted her to analyze her own studio design
London. She is an award-winning fashion textile and production practices. She subsequently
designer who produces textiles for her own label, developed an exhaust printing technique that
B.Earley, which she set up in 1995 with backing produced hand-printed textiles with no water
from the Crafts Council and the Prince’s Trust. pollution and minimal chemical usage. She has
A practice-based design researcher, her work continued to investigate new techniques and
encompasses a wide range of design-related theoretical approaches to textile design, working
activities including producing digitally printed on a variety of projects, including Natural Indigo
textiles for her own label, undertaking public at the Eden Project; Well Fashioned, an exhibition
art projects and commissions, and acting as an of eco-fashion at the Crafts Council Gallery; Ever
educator, facilitator, and curator. & Again: Rethinking Recycled Textiles, a three-
year project funded by the Arts and Humanities
Earley graduated from Central Saint Martins in Research Council; and Top 100, a long-term
1994 and her graduate collection was widely polyester-shirt recycling project.
recognized as groundbreaking. The heat-photogram
print technique that she pioneered has since In 2002 Earley joined the Textiles Environment
become an industry-standard process. Design (TED) project—a research project where
staff and students work collaboratively and on
Earley’s collections demonstrate how the designer individual projects. This unique research cluster
can work fluently with digital technology and seeks to explore the role that the designer can
handcrafted techniques. She retains the original play in producing more environmentally friendly
handcrafted look of the heat-photogram process, textiles. TED places the designer, rather than
in which she paints disperse dyes directly onto the manufacturer or consumer, center stage,
transfer paper, places a real object directly onto since “80–90 percent of total lifecycle costs of
the paper, and applies heat to transfer the image any product (environmental and economic)
onto polyester. Now working digitally, she scans are determined by the product design before
in the original photogram artwork and then production ever begins” (“More for Less,” Design
rearranges it using imaging software. This gives Council Report, 1998).
her the scope to change the scale and composition
of her artwork, and more freedom to experiment. TED has developed a series of environmentally
Her designs are printed out on a desktop printer friendly principles and strategies, including
using sublimation printing. minimizing waste; using less harmful substances,
energy, and water; utilizing new low-impact
In the collection featured here, shirts have been technologies; designing systems and services to
created and delicately embellished with stitched support textile products; and creating long- or
and pleated details inspired by research into short-life textiles. Social and cultural awareness
traditional English gardening attire and images and concern for the environment have grown
of old garden artifacts. Earley uses the digital exponentially, and Earley and TED have played
process as another tool to integrate into her a key role both nationally and internationally in
creative process. creating and promoting eco textile design.

Rebecca Earley’s “Top
100” (2002–8), featuring
a heat-photogram print.
Earley’s “Digital
Photogram Collage”
was created using
heat-photogram prints
on fabric, which was
then digitally scanned
and manipulated and
digitally printed.
Left: “Pin Print” (1995),

heat photogram.
Center and right:

“The Conscious Gardener”
(2007) combines digital
and sublimation printing
with hand-painted
transfer techniques.
DESIGNER PROFILE: REBECCA EARLEY 165

6
TECHNOLOGY FOR
DIGITAL TEXTILE
PRINTING
Digital inkjet printing is an increasingly important process within the industry, both as a
mechanism for “sampling” printed designs and as a full production tool. Digital printing allows
virtually any image quality to be printed but it does have its limitations, which are outlined
within this chapter. However, it is important to recognize that it is printing processes themselves
that have been responsible for many of the visual “languages” or styles that we see in textile
design, and having an understanding of the technologies involved is key to appreciating this.
This knowledge allows more control over the final result as well as the ability to create cutting-
edge work. This chapter opens with a summary of the traditional technologies involved in
textile printing, then examines digital textile printing in detail.
TRADITIONAL
PRINT TECHNOLOGY
In order to understand the advantages of digital textile printing,
it is important to comprehend the preceding technologies.
Most traditional methods of printing textiles (as well as other
media) are based on processes that use a template as a method
for transferring a design onto the substrate. The techniques
described here explain the basic categories of traditional textile
printing techniques.
Relief Printing: a pattern is carved into wood or another

material, as in woodblock printing.
Gravure or Intaglio: a process of incising marks into

the surface, usually metal, as in copper plate printing.
Stenciling: a positive/negative process, as in rotary

screen and hand silk-screen printing.
Heat Transfer: dye is transferred from paper to fabric

using heat, as in sublimation printing.
Photoprinting: an image is broken down into four

colors—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK)—and
printed out as a series of small dots, as in four-color
process printing.
WOODBLOCK PRINTING
Block printing is an ancient method for printing images onto
fabric. It is generally associated with woodblock printing, but
blocks have also been made from terracotta or metal. An image
is carved into the wood to create a relief of the design and then
Woodblock prints on silk crêpe and
pressed into colorant. The ink that remains on the surface of linen (c. 1930–50) by Joyce Clissold,
the block is then transferred to fabric by pressure. The blocks along with some of the original
can range from a simple small motif using only one color to woodblocks used to make them.
complex and large-scale blocks that require stamina and skill
on behalf of the printer. The blocks are registered by pin marks
that the printer lines up with each repeat of the block. This was
the main process for printing textiles in 19th-century England.
168 CHAPTER 6: TECHNOLOGY FOR DIGITAL TEXTILE PRINTING

GRAVURE PRINTING
Gravure printing is a method that first appeared in Europe in
the mid-18th century. In this process, images are incised into
a metal plate (usually copper) and dye is applied to the whole
surface. The plate is then scraped, leaving the dye within the
incised lines remaining. This allows the pattern to be transferred
to the cloth by using pressure. Great skill in using linear marks
and cross hatchings developed within the textile industry and
the most famous examples became known as “toile de Jouy.” A
distinct visual language emerged with this print process and it
is often referenced in contemporary textile design today. A gravure-printed toile de
Jouy textile from the collection
of the Victoria & Albert
Museum, London.
ENGRAVED ROLLER PRINTING

With increasing interest in mechanization in the 18th and
19th centuries, eventually the metal plate became a metal
roller. This allowed the speed of printing to increase as well as
new processes for transferring designs onto the metal, creating
new design possibilities that allowed a fuller range of colors
to be used. The ability to use halftone process or continuous
tones or colors further enlarged the range of images that could
be printed.
STENCILING
All screen printing works on the principle of a stencil and
the use of positive and negative imagery. Stenciling involves
isolating each color found in an image as a positive or negative
Examples of positive
shape, defined by color boundaries. Holes defined by the area
and negative paper
for each shape are cut into a thin substrate such as a metal stencils and their
sheet or waxed paper, through which the colorant is applied; corresponding
the other colors are masked out. In Japan stencils are still used printed results.
to create the intricate designs that are printed onto kimonos.
HAND SCREEN PRINTING

A silk screen is made by stretching a fine, porous mesh over a
frame. The design is then delineated by masking out areas of the
design that will not be printed, leaving areas open for each color,
through which the ink is pushed using a rubber squeegee. The
image that has been transferred onto the screen may also be laid
out as a repeat.
The use of photochemical processes as a technique for exposing

a template onto a silk screen that has been coated with a light-
sensitive emulsion has increased the range of effects that can
be accurately reproduced. This technique involves copying the
artwork onto transparent film (one per color), so that each
color is isolated as a grayscale containing gradated tones from
black to light gray, allowing one colorant to be reproduced as
Most textile and fashion
a series of shades. This transparency is then placed against colleges provide students with
the emulsion and the image is transferred as the emulsion is studios equipped for silk-screen
hardened in the nonimage areas by exposure to UV light. The printing. The screen is moved
unhardened emulsion in the areas to be printed is then washed systematically down the length
of a piece of fabric to create a
out, opening up the pores in the screen through which the ink
continuous design.
will pass.
TRADITIONAL PRINT TECHNOLOGY 169

MECHANIZED FLATBED SILK-SCREEN PRINTING
The silk-screen printing process was first mechanized in 1954,
when the flatbed process was introduced. Mechanized rollers
feed the fabric under flat rectangular screens and the ink is
applied using automated squeegees. More sophisticated flatbed
printers are still used in print houses today, in the printing of
luxury fabrics—the designs for which may contain up to 60
colors. Flatbed screen printing is much slower than rotary screen
printing (see below). In the Lake Como region of Italy, famous
for the superiority of its print houses, many companies use
traditional printing technologies alongside digital techniques to
produce some of the world’s most luxurious fabrics. A mechanized flatbed screen printer.
ROTARY SCREEN PRINTING

Rotary screen printing was also developed in the mid-1950s in
order to speed up production and is currently the most widely
used method of textile printing, now accounting for around
80 percent of printed textile production. Instead of a flat screen,
this process uses a cylinder made from a very fine, reinforced
metallic mesh. Initially the mesh is blocked, which entails
coating the screen with a special emulsion and then burning
out the areas to be printed using a computer-controlled laser.
These cylindrical screens rotate as the cloth is moved under
them at a high speed, and the ink is pushed through the mesh
from the inside by a specially designed squeegee. In this way, A cylindrical rotary screen that is
single colors are laid down successively as the cloth passes used to print a single "spot" color in
under each cylindrical screen to build up the full-color image. the mass-production process.
The cost of rotary screen printing is significantly less than

flatbed silk-screen printing.
PHOTOGRAPHIC FULL-COLOR PRINTING

Four-color printing is the most common method used by the
reprographic industries in the printing of books and magazines
as well as in the heat-transfer method of textile printing. Unlike
traditional textile printing technology, where the image is built
up using premixed flat or “spot” colors, the photographic or
full-color method of printing known as four-color or process
printing involves the separation of the original image into the
four colors (CMYK) used in the subtractive color model (see
page 182). Additionally, in order to prepare the printing plates, A dot matrix image showing four-
a half-toning or screening process is also applied. This may color separation.
be carried out digitally or by using photographic filters and
results in a pattern of colored dots. The spacing of these dots is
varied, with some overlapping in order to create the illusion of
thousands of colors.
The print for this Paul Smith jacket

has been separated using the four-
color process, printed onto paper,
then heat-transfer printed directly
onto the fabric.

HEAT-TRANSFER PRINTING
While it was discovered in the late 1920s, the commercial
development of transfer printing occurred during the 1960s.
The process involves the printing or painting of transfer inks
onto paper which will bond to certain fabrics upon heating.
There are several methods of heat transfer but the most
commercially viable is sublimation printing. The sublimation
process turns a solid into a gas and back into a solid again. The
paper can be printed by any paper-printing method, and this
has increased the range of imagery that can be printed. It is
possible to reproduce photographic images on textiles, though
the process is mainly limited to synthetic fabrics.
As well as these industrial applications, transfer inks can be

painted with an inklike substance directly onto paper and then
heat-transferred onto fabric, allowing a spontaneous approach
to be taken.
A highly detailed sublimation printing of

photographic imagery onto a polyester
shirt. This "Hobie" aloha shirt is typical
of the 1970s.
COMMERCIAL VIABILITY OF TRADITIONAL

VS DIGITAL PRINTING METHODS
Although digital printing is the fastest-growing method of textile printing, at the time of writing less than 1 percent of
the world’s textiles are digitally printed, with silk-screen printing still accounting for 80 percent of the global output of
printed textiles. This is because rotary screen-printing technology is more financially viable for the mass-market sector of
the industry.
Speed and print a strike off (sample) for advantages over other dyes: they are
The industry standard for digital customer approval before proceeding more lightfast and retain color better
printers at the time of writing is an to production. With digital printing the after washing, can be cheaper, can be
average of over 220 yards (200 meters) process requires only color matching printed on a broader range of fabrics,
per hour, giving traditional methods and printing off for customer approval, and require less intervention in the
the advantage, achieving around 6560 reducing the lead time significantly. fixation process.
linear yards (6000 linear meters) of
fabric per hour. However, while the print Expense Versatility
time is fast with traditional methods, Printing numerous colors has cost A clear advantage of traditional
the lead time needed for a print to implications with rotary screen printing methods over digital printing is the
get into production is much slower. (as a separate screen must be prepared ability to complete more than one
For example, it can take up to three for each color), whereas with digital process, such as discharge printing,
weeks to get traditional textile prints printing it makes no difference resist techniques, devoré, flocking,
into mass production, while digital whether you have three or unlimited relief techniques, and printing with
production is almost instantaneous. colors in your design. The cost of metallic and pearlescent pigments.
This is because traditional printing dyes and inks can vary significantly Research is being completed into
plants require someone to color- with traditional methods, and a these areas, but currently none are
separate the design, manage the repeat lot of research is being carried out yet commercially available for use in
pattern, engrave screens, color-match, in this area. Pigments have many digital printing.
TRADITIONAL PRINT TECHNOLOGY 171

THE ADAPTATION OF DIGITAL
DIGITAL TEXTILE PRINT PRINTING TECHNOLOGY FOR TEXTILES
Technology for the digital printing of textiles developed out of
TECHNOLOGY technology initially devised for printing on paper; large-format
textile printers are essentially wider versions of smaller desktop
“Digital printing” is a generic term used to describe all methods printers that have been adapted to handle wide rolls of substrate
of printing where a digitized image is transferred onto the instead of small sheets of paper. Digital printing is now used for
substrate. Currently there are two different types of digital printing onto a wide range of materials, including natural fiber-
print technology. The first of these, electrostatic (also known based substrates such as cotton, silk, and wool cloth as well as
as laser printing), only works with paper and is the technology polyester-based fabrics, linoleum, and Formica.
used in color copying machines and some office printers. The
second method, known as inkjet printing, can be divided into There are two methods used for the inkjet printing of textiles:
two categories: continuous flow and drop on demand (DOD). indirect inkjet heat-transfer printing and direct inkjet printing,
In turn, DOD technology has two subcategories: thermal and both of which are examined on the following pages.
piezoelectric. Piezoelectric DOD inkjet technology is currently
the primary method for the digital printing of textiles and is The digital printing process for textiles differs from that for
used in printers such as the Mimaki. paper because of the fixation process necessary to make the
fabric washable and colorfast. This means that the printing
Inkjet printing may be defined as a process by which the process is less direct and involves more steps, due to the
desired pattern is built up by projecting tiny drops of “ink” of chemical reaction that must take place between the fabric, the
different colors, in predetermined micro-arrays (pixels), onto dyes or pigments, and the fixing agents.
the substrate surface. The ink is projected onto the surface as
a controlled series of drops by using electromagnetic fields to
guide electrically charged ink-streams onto the fabric. (“Ink”
is the generic term primarily used in conjunction with digital
printing and refers to both dyes and pigments.)
The mechanism that is responsible for this is the print head,

which is an electromechanical device that contains ink, a feed
system, a drop-formation mechanism, nozzles, and usually
the ink supply in tanks or cartridges. The print head is moved
across the fabric to deposit drops of ink in the correct positions.
Short-run textile printers such as

the Mimaki TX2 (below) became
available for general use in 1998
nozzle and are widely used in large print
houses as well as smaller studios.
Mass-production printers such as
the Robustelli Monna-Lisa (above)
charging system were first introduced in 2003.
deflector
gutter
ink supply droplets
substrate
Basic mechanics of the print
head used in piezoelectric DOD
inkjet technology.

INDIRECT INKJET/HEAT-TRANSFER PRINTING
As mentioned earlier in this chapter, the introduction of heat-
transfer printing enabled images that could be printed onto paper
by any traditional graphic printing method to be transferred
onto fabric. This process was commercially exploited in the
1960s and 1970s, but, because the process could only work
effectively with synthetic fabrics, its application was limited.
The development of large-scale digital printers enabled the
production of transfer papers, and the range of fabrics a print
can be bonded to has expanded dramatically.
Another application of this process is in the growing arena of

individual novelty products, where clients’ photographs are
printed onto bags, T-shirts, and even soft furnishings. This can
be achieved by photocopying an image or printing it on your
home inkjet printer onto specially finished papers.
Large-scale or mass-production heat-transfer printing is

accomplished by first printing an image onto paper using a
wide-format inkjet printer, and then transferring it onto fabric
through the use of a heated roller machine (or calender). Heat The design on this dynamic
transfer via inkjet-printed disperse dyes onto transfer paper cushion by Jemima Gregson
is the primary method used in the printing of swimwear and was sublimation-printed onto
faux suede.
sportswear today.
On a smaller scale in the home or studio, it is possible to buy

heat-transfer paper which may be printed with a desktop inkjet
printer; the image is then transferred onto cloth with an iron or
a small heat press. DIY photographic T-shirt printing works by
using the heat from an iron to adhere a digitally printed plastic
layer onto the cotton of the shirt. This plastic layer is necessary
because dye sublimation does not work with natural fibers.
Petra Boase's "Owl" children’s

T-shirt was digitally designed and
printed on high-quality transfer
paper and applied via heat press.
Photini Anastasi achieves soft

and subtle photographic effects
by sublimation-printing onto
polyester chiffon.
DIGITAL TEXTILE PRINT TECHNOLOGY 173

DIRECT INKJET PRINTING PROCESS
The following sequence demonstrates the process of inkjet
textile printing from start to finish, and shows how a detailed
and colorful photographic design can be printed onto fabric.
5. The design is opened into the RIP or print-driver

software and parameters such as the number of
repeats to be tiled out and the length of the print
run are entered. The print-driver software is also
used to set variables such as print speed, number
of passes for the print head, and how much ink will
be laid down.
1. The roll of fabric is loaded onto the back of the

printer. The fabric is then fed through to the front
by passing it under a series of small rollers that run
along the width of the printer, ensuring that the
fabric will be fed smoothly as the print head runs
across it.
3. The height of the print head is then adjusted

according to the thickness of the substrate.
6. The design file is then sent to the printer via the

RIP to begin printing. Before proceeding to the final
length, samples are printed, steamed, and washed
to check color and image quality. Some fabrics
require that the ink is left to dry before proceeding
to the next step.
2. The fabric is attached to a motorized roller

system that automatically winds the fabric forward
under the moving print heads once the printer is
in action. Careful attention must be paid to ensure
that the tension of the length of fabric is correct
and that the fabric is straight. In some cases the
fabric is interleaved with tissue paper to blot any
excess ink during the print run. A bar that runs
across the width is clamped down to stop the fabric
from crumpling as it passes under the rollers.
4. A series of printer tests are carried out, including
a "media compensation" and a nozzle check. The
media compensation setting adjusts the speed
of the printer according to how much stretch the
fabric has and the nozzle test indicates whether
all eight print heads are firing correctly.
7. There are several ways of preparing cloth for

steaming. Cheesecloth, steaming paper, or a fine
plastic mesh may be used as a barrier to stop the
ink from bleeding onto itself during steaming. In all
cases, one of these porous materials is interleaved
with the print, forming a protective layer through
which the steam can pass.

INKJET
INKJET PRINTING
PRINTING TIPS
TIPS
In ensuring the success of any inkjet printing

it is important to remember the following:
Never underestimate the importance of sampling.
Remember that colors will brighten after printing

(unless pigments have been used), and that the “hand”
of the cloth will soften—in other words, if you feel that
8. The fabric is loaded into a steamer, to be steamed
for a specific time to fix the color. If the design has a fabric you are considering is too stiff, remember that
been printed using pigments or disperse dyes, these once the coating has been washed out and it has been
colorants are fixed via heat rather than steam in a ironed this will change.
baking oven.
If you print a “sketch” of an initial idea, then in

proceeding to a final print it is crucial that no aspects
of the final file originating from the sample have
changed at all.
Consider setting aside a roll with enough fabric for

the final print as a new roll of the same fabric may
produce slightly different results.
Protect unprinted fabrics from light.
Keep the printer scrupulously clean.
Don’t allow any water near unsteamed fabric.

9. The fabric is washed to remove coating and
excess colorant, and ironed. It is very important not Keep the steamer in a separate, well-ventilated room.
to overload the washing machine as the image may
bleed onto itself.
A garment made from the finished

fabric featuring a floral print
designed by Daisy Butler and
printed on the Mimaki TX2.
DIGITAL TEXTILE PRINT TECHNOLOGY 175

Dyes Specific dyes must be used for different types of fabric.
CHEMISTRY AND FIXATION There are three categories of fiber used in the making of textiles:
plant (cellulose) based, animal (protein) based, and synthetic
OF COLORANTS based. Acid dyes work only with protein-based materials and
nylon, while reactive dyes may be used with both plant-based
In order for cloth to retain its color for a reasonable period of and animal-based materials. Disperse dyes have been developed
time after repeated washing and exposure to sunlight, a chemical for the coloration of synthetic polymer-based materials. The
reaction must first take place between the fabric, the dye or colors that may be achieved vary according to the type of dye
pigment, and, in some cases, the fixation agent—a chemical that used. Acid dyes produce colors that are brighter than those
attaches to receptor sites on the surface of the fibers and makes created by reactive dyes. It is not possible, for example, to attain
a chemical bridge between the dyestuff and the fiber. This a “neon” green by using a reactive dye. However, disperse dyes
process is achieved by either steaming or heating the cloth after also result in very bright colors.
it has been printed.
Pigments In contrast to dyes, pigments may be used more
universally. Unlike dyes, they do not directly associate with the
PRETREATING FABRIC textile fibers but are fixed to the surface of the cloth with a
Unlike traditional methods of printing, where the fixing agent “binding agent.” Pigments are bonded to the surface of the fabric
is mixed into the dye or pigment, in digital textile printing the by heat. The colors that result from printing with pigments are
fixation agent is applied as a special coating onto the fabric duller than those achieved with dyes.
before printing. This coating is also designed to ensure that
when the droplets of ink hit the surface of the cloth they do As pigments sit on the surface of the cloth, fabrics such as
not spread, so that the details of a design are maintained and silk satin will lose some of their shine after printing and will
are not blurred. This coating is basically comprised of an also become slightly stiffer than they would if printed with
alginate thickener for reactive dyes and a carbohydrate-based dye. Despite these disadvantages pigments are widely used in
or synthetic thickener for acid or disperse dyes. The fixing agent textile printing as they may be used on all types of fabric and
used for reactive dyes is alkaline soda ash, whereas a weak acid are also intrinsically more colorfast than dyes. They are often
is used for acid dye. There is no need for a fixative in the case less expensive, too. The most significant advantage of using
of disperse dyes. pigments in an inkjet printer is that the fabric does not require
pretreatment or coating.
It is possible to experiment with the inkjet printing of certain
fabrics by silk screening the coating mixture onto the fabric
yourself. However, in the printing of longer lengths it is more DELIVERY OF INK INTO THE PRINTER
practical and will yield better results if you buy rolls of fabric There are two methods of delivering dyes or pigments into a
that have been precoated by a specialist company. The chemicals printer. Suppliers of inkjet printing materials sell cartridges that
in the coating are specific to the dye that will be used, so it is are similar to those used in a desktop photographic printer;
important to check. however cartridges designed for use in a large-format textile
printer contain a larger quantity of ink. “Bulk-feed” systems
have also been developed where a separate device is connected
TYPES OF INKJET COLORANT to the printer and feeds ink into it from a bottle. Such bulk-
In order to achieve consistent color and detail it is crucial that feed systems are more economical, as the cost of textile ink
the coating has been applied evenly. If there is a significant cartridges can be prohibitive. It is also possible to use special
variation either in the chemistry or the amount of coating that cartridges designed to be refilled with ink from a bottle using
has been applied to two different rolls of the same type of fabric, a syringe. This method will also prove more economical than
it is probable that the printed colors will not match. In some using disposable cartridges. When using either a bulk-feed
cases, if the chemical formula for the coating is not correct system or cartridges it is very important to prevent air bubbles
then the ink may bleed or not dry properly. The coating may from entering the ink-feed lines as these cause the print heads
stiffen and in some cases will dull the sheen of certain cloths to become blocked.
temporarily. Once it has been washed and steamed, however, it
will regain its original sheen, softness, and drape.
THE FIXATION PROCESS
There are two categories of colorant used: dyes and pigments. Dyes After the fabric has been printed it is rolled up and
The chemistry of dyes and pigments used in inkjet printing sandwiched between a layer of special paper, plastic mesh, or
of textiles is based on that used in the traditional dyeing or hessian cloth, so that ink will not transfer from one side of
silk screening of fabrics, with the essential difference that only the cloth to the other. This also facilitates the transfer of steam
synthetic dyes and pigments may be used. The viscosity of to the interior of the roll. There are several types of steamers
pigments that have been designed for use in an inkjet textile used in the dye-fixation process. Small studios use a simple
printer has also been modified so that the print heads do not device consisting of an upright metal cylinder with a removable
become blocked. Technological advances in digital printing lid, in which water is heated to boiling point by an electrical
have also led to improvements in the way that pigment-based element. These steamers are designed so that the fabric rests
inks adhere to the surface of the fabric. on a platform at the base of the steamer and the roll is held

vertically by a device at the top, ensuring that it does not come WASHING
in contact either with the water or the condensation that may After fixation, the fabric is washed to remove excess dye.
form on the inside of the cylinder itself. If water does comes Each batch of a longer run must be washed by machine under
into contact with the roll it will cause the ink to bleed, resulting exactly the same conditions to maintain consistency. The
in a blurred image or one that—in severe cases—disappears washing machine should not be overloaded because if the cloth
entirely. Steaming time varies according to the type of steamer is packed too tightly it may become stained. Domestic washing
as well as the type of dye. If conditions vary within the steamer, machines usually accommodate around 10 yards (9 meters)
or if the vapor is not evenly distributed, then colors will not be of fabric. An industrial washing machine should be used for
consistent. These upright steamers are only capable of steaming lengths above this amount. Fabrics should be washed until the
around 10 yards (9 meters) of fabric. It is also possible to fix water runs as clear of dye as is possible. Stickiness resulting
fabric by hanging it in a steam chamber or cabinet. from any residue of the coating may be removed by further
washing. Temperature settings are the same as for nondigitally
In a factory setting, industrial-scale steamers are used for mass printed fabrics. Once washed, the fabric should not be left
production. Mid-range equipment capable of accommodating crumpled as staining may occur.
up to 55 yards (50 meters) of fabric is also available, and priced
at an affordable level for smaller studios. These devices are
more sophisticated than the small steamer described above,
making it easier to control temperature and pressure. Timing
can be automated, as can the release of steam at the end of the
cycle. Steam time is also shorter in an industrial steamer.
It is very important that all steamers are properly ventilated

and that, upon release, the steam produced is filtered by
an extraction device in order to remove any toxic fumes.
Technicians should also wear gas masks.
Pigments Fabrics that have been printed with pigments are

fixed by baking them in a special oven or heat press.
Disperse dyes These may be digitally printed directly onto the

substrate and then fixed by heating. Alternatively, in the inkjet
transfer process, the image may be printed onto special paper
and then fixed and transferred simultaneously onto the fabric Here, the same design has been
by passing the substrate through heated rollers or under a printed on a number of different
heat press. Synthetic fabrics and polyester-coated Formica and substrates—silk jersey, silk chiffon,
and silk satin (left to right)—to
ceramics are all fixed in this way.
test how color and finish differ.
This chart shows the

types of colorant, and
ACID DYE REACTIVE DYE DISPERSE DYE PIGMENTS their corresponding
(STEAM) (STEAM) (HEAT) (HEAT) fixation processes,
that can be used for
different substrates.
SILK O O O
WOOL O O O
LINEN O O
COTTON O O
NYLON O O
POLYESTER O O
RAYON O O
CHEMISTRY AND FIXATION OF COLORANTS 177

TX2 printer, for example, can produce between 3 and 30 linear
ADVANTAGES OF yards (3 and 28 meters) per hour, depending on image quality,
and uses 8 Epson-type print heads that may accommodate 16
DIGITAL PRINTING channels. As the name implies, short-run printers are capable
of producing a smaller quantity of printed goods to be used as
Digital printing, as we outlined in the early section, can have prototypes, one-offs, or limited-edition products. However, such
many advantages over traditional printing methods, in speed printers may also be set up as multiple installations in digital
and efficiency and costs at smaller manufacturing numbers. print production facilities in order to print larger volumes.
However, at present it cannot compete with costs at large
yardage. With research being carried out into this area it will Printers capable of mass production were first released in 2003
perhaps be able to compete more directly in time. and can typically print around 220 linear yards (200 meters) per
hour. The best-known manufacturers are Dupont (Artistry),
These cost and efficiency savings only demonstrate one half Reggiani (DReAM), and Robustelli (Monna-Lisa). Osiris has made
of the story: where inkjet printing makes a difference is in a full production machine capable of printing 1970 yards (1800
lessened environmental impact, and design advantages. From meters) an hour—around 33 yards (30 meters) a minute.
a design perspective, the ability to print full-color, detailed
designs using any scale, repeat, or nonrepeating elements and The immediacy and minimal setup time for digital printing
engineered prints opens up a wealth of creative possibilities. also means that fashion and textile houses no longer need to
warehouse additional fabric stock in advance of manufacturing
the final goods, resulting in less wastage. Print runs can be set
REDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT up on demand to match orders from retailers as they come in.
Inkjet printing has more environmental advantages than
conventional printing methods, and a more sustainable future This rapid turnaround time is also advantageous for the
will be possible if this production method is adopted over designer. For most artists and designers the successful
others. This is primarily due to there being less wastage of dye, realization of an idea usually involves a process of trial, re-
as the ink is printed on demand, and fabric can be printed as all- evaluation, and adaptation. Digital printing is just one step
over fabric or to specific pattern placements, thereby reducing behind the designer’s imagination and facilitates the flow of
fabric wastage. Inkjet printing is reported to use 30 percent less ideas in design development.
water and 45 percent less electricity than conventional printing
methods. These savings mean that the process has less impact
on the environment than traditional print processes. UNLIMITED COLOR AND DETAIL
There’s virtually no limit to the type of image that may be
reproduced using digital inkjet fabric-printing technology as it
RAPID TURNAROUND is based on the CMYK or process-color method for photographic
Once a design file has been finalized, the technical setup printing. Halftoning of primary CMYK colors means that
time for an inkjet printer is minimal. In comparison to most millions of colors are perceived by the viewer, limited only by
traditional print methods—which typically involve several the color gamut of the dye in relation to the substrate. Extremely
preparatory steps before printing can begin—digital printing is bright colors may be achieved using acid dyes, but neon colors
direct, and turnaround time for short runs is fast. A Mimaki are not yet attainable with the inks currently available. Due
The Dutch company Osiris has

developed the Isis printer, which is set
to rival the speeds of rotary screen-
printing as it is capable of printing 33
linear yards (30 meters) per minute.
The Isis uses continuous-flow inkjet
technology as well as an unusual
principle whereby a fixed row of print
heads span the width of the printer.

to the photographic foundation of this technology, most of
the subtleties and nuances of the original image may now be
translated in detail onto fabric.
INCREASED SCALE
One of the first reactions from designers upon the introduction
of digital print for textiles was excitement at the fact that repeat
(of the design unit or croquis) was no longer necessary, as
it was suddenly possible to print mural-sized images. Digital
printing technology means that the only limit to the size of a
design is the software’s capacity to handle large files.
A bigger canvas and the ability to lay out extended placement

prints is changing the way designers approach print, although
there will always be aesthetic reasons for continuing to use
repeated patterns. Facilitated by the possibility of developing
software programming for longer design lengths, research
has begun into the generation and printing of randomized,
continuously changing structures such as those found in
biological growth patterns.
ENGINEERING DESIGNS
In general, the mass market utilizes print to “fill in” garment
outlines rather than to interact with the garment and body. Print
is placed on top of garment shapes rather than being developed
in unison. This often creates a clumsy and inappropriate use
of print. Inkjet printing engenders a stronger relationship
between the product and image. By printing the image to the
exact specifications of a garment or product, print designers
can more fully engage with the relationship between form
and image.
"Branch" (2005), by Hitoshi Ujiie,

makes use of two of the most
significant advantages that digital
design and printing has over traditional
methods: the piece is nearly 4 yards
(3.5 meters) high and, when viewed
more closely, reveals an extraordinarily
high level of detail.
DISADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL INKJET PRINTING
The most prohibitive factor in the currently used only for sampling and to printing is not yet capable of some of
adoption of digital inkjet technology create prototypes that will eventually the decorative effects that are possible
is that it is still much more expensive be produced using traditional methods. with silk screening, such as devoré
than screen-printing and heat-transfer At the time of writing, 1 percent of the and flocking. It is also not yet capable
methods. While the costs are coming world’s textiles are printed digitally. of printing metallic inks onto fabric.
down, it will take a substantial period Research is currently underway into
of development and integration to In design terms, the advantages of the development of these techniques.
begin to compete with rotary printing. digital fabric printing far outweigh
Commercially, many digital printers are those of traditional methods, but digital
ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL PRINTING 179

DIGITAL TEXTILE DESIGN
AND PRINTING SOFTWARE
Behind digital printing is a range of software that is used in
the design process and also in the preparation of the design for
print. This only came within the remit of textile designers once
the technology for the digital printing of textiles became viable
in 1998. The off-the-shelf package Adobe Illustrator was first
released in 1987 as a font-development program for graphic
designers, and Adobe Photoshop followed in 1990. Although
textile designers would have been able to use these tools,
they were initially the domain of photographers and graphic
designers, as images created through their use could only be
realized on paper. Therefore the advertising, publishing, and Using a specialist CAD system
photographic industries led the way in the development of to set up a design to print. On the
digital-imaging software and a true digital style for textiles right is a light box that is used
to match colors within a calibrated
would only emerge 10 years later.
system.
USING SPECIALIST CAD SYSTEMS

As well as off-the-shelf imaging software, there is a range of software, specialist CAD programs streamline the process of
specialist CAD (computer-aided design) systems available preparing an image for print. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
to the printed textile industry. These programs are generally do, however, provide excellent tools for designers who intend to
designed to be used by companies who will mass-produce their print shorter runs digitally and wish to retain the photographic
products. In most cases, although the programs are capable quality of an image.
of taking in images that contain millions of colors, ultimately
their purpose is to systematically reduce these colors down to Color separation Within the context of the textile industry,
the number of screens that will be engraved for rotary printing color separation, also known as color reduction, is a process
(a process known as color separation). Unlike Photoshop, that reduces the number of colors in an image down to a finite
which was designed primarily for the reprographic industries, number of flat or “spot” colors, usually shown as black and
specialist CAD programs contain tools that aid in the design- white shapes that represent the set of motifs that contain each
creation aspects that are unique to surface design, including the color (typically less than 10 colors at the lower end of the
creation of colorways, the touching-up of a design ready for the market and many more for luxury goods). Tonal separations
engraver, and automatic live time-repeat function. Many also may also be created as grayscales in order to simulate images
include sophisticated color-management systems. Although that contain thousands of colors, though in fact only a limited
it is possible to carry out such operations using off-the-shelf number of colors are used in the printing process.
These images show the four-color separations that have been

creating using a CAD program in order to engrave the four screens
required to print this flat color design using traditional methods. Color
samples may be printed digitally to replicate final production.

Color separation serves two purposes. The first is to prepare
an image for rotary screen printing; each separation is used to
create one screen that will be printed in sequence in the mill.
The second is that it makes color matching and the creation of
colorways much easier. If a design is to be printed digitally then
color separation will also mean that it will be easier to “plug in”
matching colors across a range of coordinating designs such as
borders or matching allover prints.
Color separation can be a highly skilled art, requiring much

practice in an industry setting. Companies such as Hermès
and Colefax and Fowler rely on separation artists who are
masters of their craft. Most of the artwork used by high-end
home-furnishing companies is painted by hand, and, although
the final design may look deceptively simple, the scan of the
original contains thousands of colors and a series of steps must
be carried out before the screens can be engraved.
Colorways and color-palette databases “Colorway” is a term

used in the textile industry to describe versions of the same
design that have been colored differently. Usually, although
the colors in each colorway will be different, they follow a set
order from light to dark to help organize them for the printing
This is an example of a design process. Most specialist CAD textile systems also provide color-
containing tonal effects. The eight palette databases that can be organized by collection or season
color tonal separations have been in order to facilitate the transfer of a set of colors automatically
created by reducing the millions of
into an entire collection.
colors found in the original scan
down to eight screens ready for
rotary screen printing. Live time-repeat Automatic live time-repeat functions work by
creating almost instantaneous repeats, including half-drops,
and can be extremely useful when preparing a print. As many
repeat units as are desired may be viewed or “tiled” across
large widths, and when a motif is moved or manipulated, all
its copies in the repeat grid change at once. Automatic repeat
systems may be more sophisticated in a specialist system;
however, add-on software is available at prices aimed at
individual designers.
Alternative colorways for a design

that are based on the same color-
separation template.
DIGITAL TEXTILE DESIGN AND PRINTING SOFTWARE 181

LINKING TO THE PRINTER,
WORKING WITH COLOR PRINT DRIVERS, AND RIP SOFTWARE
Most setups for desktop printing incorporate a program known
Our perception of color is subjective and this, in part, makes as a print driver or Raster Image Processor—RIP—that is either
our interpretation and translation of color from one technology supplied by the software company, such as Photoshop, or by a
to another difficult. Another factor in this difficulty is the printer vendor such as Epson. However, drivers for large-format
difference between additive and subtractive color. Subtractive printers, like the Mimaki, are not built-in and so it is necessary
colors are those that are made from a combination of primaries to invest in a specialist print driver as the printer may not be
cyan, magenta, and yellow: these colors absorb light and are operated without it. In digital textile printing the role that the
the colors we see in printed inks and dyes. In theory, mixing driver plays in controlling print quality and the smooth running
them all together creates black. The colors that we see on a of a studio or “factory” can not be underestimated, and it is
monitor are the result of emitted light and are made by mixing vital when setting up a new studio to research and choose the
the primary colors red, green, and blue: these are described appropriate software carefully.
as additive colors. In the additive model, mixing all three
RGB primaries results in white. Digital cameras, scanners, A RIP is software that rasterizes, or converts, the RGB data
and monitors all use this additive RGB model as a basis for from the matrix of pixels (bitmap) in a displayed image into the
displaying or interpreting color, and prints on paper or textiles CMYK information that will “drive” the printer. This software
use the subtractive model. also dictates variables such as print speed and resolution as well as
the number of print-head passes and the quantity of ink that will
be laid down, thus affecting color. If color management has been
THE SCREEN TO PRINT DILEMMA incorporated then it is through the print driver that a technician
In digital printing, achieving the colors we desire may be solved will set the profiles described earlier in order to accommodate
in two ways; either by carrying out manual adjustments and each type of fabric. Importantly, textile RIPs will also tile-out a
color tests or by incorporating separate color-management design unit as a repeat as well as automatically incorporating
software into the setup of a digital print studio. half-drops. Such drivers are also designed specifically to
accommodate very large designs as well as the extremely long-
Newcomers to digital textile printing may encounter some run print lengths necessary for mass production.
difficulties in areas that relate to color and the workflow that
is necessary to obtain the desired results. Many of the issues
that arise around color and digital printing are often based on SPECIALIST COLOR-MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
the mistaken assumption that the colors viewed on screen will A range of specialist color-management technology has been
automatically match those in the final print. This is not the case. developed for the photographic and reprographic businesses
When finalizing colors for a design that is to be digitally printed as well as for other industries where color accuracy is vital.
it is crucial to understand that what we see on screen is relative The purpose of these systems is to streamline and facilitate the
and it should not be taken for granted that the colors we have process of handling color as it is translated from one device to
chosen will be reproduced exactly unless color-management another through to the final production. A highly sophisticated
software has been used. textile system is, for example, able to send the color data
necessary for dye formulation directly to a mill.
There are two reasons for this: firstly, although all monitors
and display devices use RGB technology, each individual type Most color-management systems work by mediating between
of device will display the same color differently unless they and coordinating the various input and output devices used
have been calibrated. Again, unless calibrated, printers of the in a given workflow environment and managing the way that
same kind also have different “fingerprints” and it is likely they color data is used and transferred between them. Central to
will display the same design differently. Additionally, it is the color management is a process known as calibration, which
translation of RGB data into the CYMK data necessary to control works as a loop and involves a feedback mechanism that
a printer that will cause a discrepancy between displayed and begins by printing a set of files using the primary CMYK
printed colors. inks. These colors are analyzed by the technician in order to
determine the best printer settings for each individual fabric
type—such as how much ink a particular fabric may absorb
Left: RGB additive color model of emitted
light used to generate the colors displayed before the color will bleed. These samples are then read in
by monitors. Right: CMYK subtractive color using a spectrophotometer (an instrument for measuring
model of absorbed light. spectral transmittance or reflectance), and the data is used to
generate a series of files—known as printer profiles—that will
individualize print controls for each fabric type. Essentially, at
this stage, the basic printer controls are being fine-tuned before
a greater range of colors are analyzed.
Within a setup that has been calibrated, multiple printers, as

well as monitors, may be included within a closed system.
These profiles are then applied to a comprehensive set

of color samples that have been generated systematically
by the software in order to print, comparing them with the
corresponding colors from the same file as they appear on the
display. A spectrophotometer is again used to read in each
color chip in the printed “target” sample for each fabric type
once the colorant has been fixed and washed. Similarly, a
series of color targets are also measured on screen by placing
a spectrophotometer against the monitor. This data is then
processed by the software and used to fine-tune the colors as
displayed using RGB data in order to match those found in the
final print. The spectral difference between the displayed and
printed colors is compiled by the software in order to create
profiles for each monitor and fabric type.
The advantage of this process is that, when a particular profile

is applied to a displayed image, the designer will be able to Tests carried out during printer
judge more accurately what the final color results will be calibration in order to implement
and see how they would change if a different dye or pigment ink settings, such as the quantity
of ink to be laid down for each
were to be used in printing. If it is not possible to obtain, for
fabric type. The above image
example, a very bright red using pigments or a certain fabric shows that too much ink has
type then some programs will show the closest match within been laid down, causing the dye
the color space. Currently, however, there are certain colors that to bleed.
may be displayed on screen that are not possible to reproduce
under any circumstances due to the limitations of the dyes
and colorants used in textile printing. An achievable color is
described as being “in gamut,” whereas any color that may not
be displayed or printed is described as being “out of gamut" A set of achievable colors
(see right). within a 3-D model of
a specific color space.
Unachievable colors are
Colors taken from paper or fabric swatches may also be input
"out of gamut."
into a design by using a spectrophotometer to measure them
and so automatically generating a match once printed. It
is important to take into consideration when using fabric or
paper color samples for matching, that the same color will
appear to be different depending on whether it is applied to
a glossy, matte, or transparent substrate. Similarly, the colors
in your print will appear to change if viewed under different
conditions, such as daylight or fluorescent light. A specialist
piece of equipment known as a light box will facilitate this.
Using a spectrophotometer
to read in a color target in
order to generate a specific
profile containing individual
printer settings.
Color matching yarn and

fabric swatches.
WORKING WITH COLOR 183

REVITALIZING THE
TEXTILE INDUSTRY
Digital print is revitalizing the textile industry, not only in
terms of design, but also production. Many established print
companies in Italy and Japan are seeking to maintain their links
with their couture clients—who are starting to explore digital
design—by introducing digital print technology alongside
traditional methods. Companies in China are also making a
considerable investment in the new technology, while digital
print bureaus are emerging in countries that have largely lost
their fabric production to Asia. The relatively low cost of the
equipment is also encouraging designers to set up their own Using a CAD system to set up an
print studios. image to print at the Ratti plant.
DIGITAL PRINT HOUSES

Many of the print houses in Como, Italy—such as Mantero and
Ratti, who produce some of the world’s most luxurious fabrics,
and who are considered by many designers to be centers of
excellence for printed textiles—have been using the latest
technology alongside traditional methods ever since the first
digital textile printers became available. The philosophy behind
companies such as Ratti is that the quality of the prints they
produce is far more important than quantity or cost. Investing
in state-of-the-art technology is crucial to maintaining the The design studio, where
competitive edge to the extent that some Como printers do traditional techniques such as
not simply buy this equipment but work hand-in-hand with its hand painting are used alongside
digital tools.
developers to constantly improve the technology. Suffice to say,
Como textile printing is considered an art.
In Japan the company Seiren was also a pioneer of inkjet textile

printing and began testing the viability of this technology as
long ago as the early 1980s. By 1991, they had introduced
inkjet printing alongside traditional methods; one of their
primary markets being the market for custom car interiors.
Companies in China such as Huang Wha have also begun to
make considerable investments in inkjet textile-printing plants.
The 50,000 square foot

(4,600 square meter) Ratti print Large-scale digital printing
facility, situated on a plateau in action.
above Como in Italy.

DIGITAL PRINT BUREAUS
As the cost of a large-format inkjet printer is considerably USING A BUREAU
less than the equipment necessary to set up a rotary screen-
printing plant, many small digital print bureaus are emerging, Different digital bureaus use different hardware and
specializing in the printing of textiles. Bureau printing services software, so it is not really possible to give hard and fast
provide an invaluable resource for students, independent rules as to preparation of files, etc., but J. A. Gilmartin,
designers, and larger commercial companies alike. Some a London-based digital print bureau, recommends
operate out of an artist’s loft, while others are set up like small following these basic rules of thumb:
factories with multiple printers, catering to a growing demand
for innovative and unusual products. These small businesses Always build in time for sampling. It cannot be stressed
will support the growing demand for designer and customized enough what an essential part of the process this is.
goods in the future.
Check the shrinkage of the fabric you are printing onto:
Small bureaus allow designers to produce prototype short runs some fabrics shrink more than others and shrinkage
of fabric and have access to face-to-face consultation. Sampling will occur after printing so it’s best to print a larger
printed cloth in the traditional way can be extremely expensive quantity initially.
and time consuming, and this can inhibit designers who want
to see printed results fast. Using a bureau, it is possible to see Make sure your document is cropped to exactly the
and approve fabric at different stages in the sampling process size you want, especially repeat units, as the printer
and try out new ideas during the development process. Dan will treat any white space as part of the design. If you
Locastro of First2Print, a digital bureau in New York, observes are printing panels and want to include white space,
that “we can print in a fraction of the time it would take for a include crop marks.
fabric manufacturer to get samples ready for showrooms, sales
development and photoshoots.” Remember that color matching can be time consuming
and therefore expensive, as samples may have to be
Students are now using digital print bureaus to implement their steamed and washed each time in order to properly
designs. Learning to outsource in this way helps to smooth check color.
the transition from education to operating as an independent
business in terms of gaining experience in budgeting,
communication, and management, but it is important that
students also maintain a hands-on approach to the digital
printing process.
The print process at First2Print,

a digital print bureau based in
New York.
Left to right, top to bottom:

Printer setup within the design
studio; loading the printer;
printing in progress; checking
and approving the final print.
REVITALIZING THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY 185

THE FUTURE OF Companies such as the Universal
Display Corporation have been
TEXTILE PRINTING carrying out research into the
development of flexible screen
technology, which will enable
The technology behind digital printing is advancing rapidly moving images to be displayed
and research is taking place into many potential avenues on flexible substrates. Here is a
for its use in textile design and print. Smart colorants, such visualization of one such display,
as thermochromic inks that change color according to the which makes use of organic light-
emitting polymer technology.
temperature, are currently printed by silk screen but will
undoubtedly be adapted for digital printing. Research is also
currently underway into the inkjet printing of images onto
flexible screens, using display technologies such as Organic
Light-Emitting Polymers (OLEPs). It is likely that this will result
in fabrics onto which changeable or moving images may be
downloaded. As artists such as Maggie Orth (renowned for her
work with interactive textiles) collaborate with scientists, the
potential outcomes are beyond our imagination.
LED elements are being embedded into a variety of products.

Hussein Chalayan used this technology to create a dress for his
F/W 07/08 collection (right). Although LEDs are not digitally
printed when applied to a garment, they provide a glimpse of
what is to come.
Research is also underway into the digital printing of metallic

inks—possible on other substrates, though currently not viable
on cloth. Once developed, this will enable electric circuits that
could double as decorative elements to be printed onto the
surface of a garment.
The proportion of digital printing is clearly set to increase in the

next decade as we see faster printers with a wider range of print
possibilities develop. The range of inks and types of processes
that may be possible could lead to new and exciting possibilities
through digital mark-making qualities such as relief, burn out,
density, and depth of mark. This will require the development
Both Hussein Chalayan (above)
of inks and dyes that lie on top of, burn into, or distort the
and Lumalive by Philips (below)
fabric, and also fabric preparations to create effects such as provide a glimpse of what
resists and finishes using chemicals to distort or reveal layers the future may hold with the
of the textile. integration of LED technology
into their designs.
Finally, the military, medical, and cosmetic industries are also
funding research into the micro-encapsulation of nanoparticles
into ink, which could lead to the digital printing of antimicrobial
agents on fabrics, including insect repellents, vitamins, skin
conditioners, and fragrances. As these technologies—and the
means of applying them to substrates through digital design and
print—advance, we can only speculate as to the exciting future
of textile design.

GLOSSARY
A Continuous Flow Inkjet Technology (CIJ) One of Electrostatic Printing Also known as laser
Alginate A substance extracted from seaweed that the two types of inkjet printing technology; in this printing. A process where liquid toner is adhered
is used as a thickening agent. process a high-pressure pump directs liquid ink to a light-sensitive print drum; static electricity
from a reservoir through a microscopic nozzle, is then used to transfer the toner onto the
Avatar A virtual depiction of a human figure, thus creating a continuous stream of ink. printing medium, to which it is fused via heat
usually animated. (See also DOD.) and pressure. This is the technology used in
most photocopiers.
B Coordinated Prints A group of print designs based
Batik A resist-based dyeing technique where wax on the same concept and color palette, for use in Emulsion A mixture of two unblendable
is applied to a fabric in order to delineate the conjunction with each other. substances; light-sensitive emulsions are often
design by creating a mask before dyeing. used in the preparation of hand silk screens.
(See also Shibori.) Croquis The original artwork of a design unit
intended for a printed textile, before it is put Engraver In the textile industry this refers to a
Bespoke A one-of-a-kind customized product; into repeat. company that prepares silk screens for printing.
made to order.
D Engraving In the textile industry this term refers
Body Scanner A device that is used to capture Découpage A technique of decorating the surface to the process of preparing a silk screen.
measurements digitally in order to create a of objects such as furniture or boxes by gluing
highly accurate three-dimensional model of an paper cut-outs and illustrations from magazines; Engineered Print (also known as a placement
individual’s body. this is then sealed with varnish for durability. print) A print where the design is laid out to fit
the pattern pieces and structure of a garment.
C Delta e The unit used to quantify the difference
CIE (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) between two colors within the CIE color space. F
This international commission on illumination Fixation The process of permanently bonding a
was established to create objective standards for Devoré (also known as burn-out) A method of dye or pigment to a substrate.
defining and communicating color. printing onto fabric with more than one fiber
type. The areas of the design are printed with a Fixation Agent (also known as a mordant) The
CMYK Subtractive color model consisting of chemical that burns out one of the fabric’s fiber chemicals used to aid the process of permanently
cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black). In digital types to leave a translucent area. bonding a pigment or dye to a substrate.
printing, these four basic ink colors are combined
in a matrice of dots to create all the other colors Digital Textile Printing A general term that Flat Bed Silk Screen A silk screen that is stretched
that will be printed. includes all forms of digital printing, such as laser over a rectangular frame.
and inkjet technology.
Color Calibration The management and Flock Printing A method where areas of the fabric
adjustment of color data within a closed Discharge Printing A method of printing using are first printed with glue, and then have flock
workflow environment for both input and chlorine or other chemicals to remove areas of fibers or paper applied to them. Once dried, the
output devices. previously applied color and replace them with excess flock is removed to leave a raised velvet-
another color. like surface.
Color Gamut A complete subset of colors that
can be accurately represented for a given device, DOD (Drop on Demand) One of the two types G
such as a monitor or printer. Different devices of inkjet printing technology and the most Gravure Printing A printing process where the
have different gamuts. commonly used in digital textile printing; the image to be printed is engraved into a metal plate.
primary DOD method used to print on textiles
Color Management A software system that is known as piezoelectric. (See also Continuous H
controls the conversion of color data for both Flow Ink Technology.) Halftone In the context of digital printing, the
input and output devices. The goal of a printed- shade of a color as it gradates from dark to light
textile color management system is to aid the Dot Matrix In the case of inkjet printing, this is in an image such as a watercolor.
color matching process as data is converted a two-dimensional pattern of CMYK dots that
from emitted RGB into printable CMYK values. combine to generate the printed image. Heat Photogram A method of printing where
dyes are painted onto transfer paper, an object is
Color Profile Data characterizing the color output dpi (dots per inch) Used to determine the then impressed directly onto the paper to create
of an individual device. resolution of a digital image, this is the number of a design, and heat is used to transfer the image
dots per inch within a given image’s dot matrix. onto fabric.
Color Separation (also known as color reduction)
A process where the millions of colors found in a Dye-sublimation Printing There are two forms I
photographic or scanned image are systematically of this kind of printing: indirect and direct. In ICC (International Color Consortium) An
reduced down to a finite number of flat colors the indirect method, an image is first printed organization that creates objective standards for
in order to prepare the design for printing or onto paper using disperse dyes. By means of a defining and communicating color.
engraving, or to aid in the creation of colorways. heat press, the dye particles are then changed
into gas, and so transferred onto polyester-based ICC Profile A set of data defined by the ICC that
Color Space A three-dimensional graphic model fabric. In the direct method, the image is printed characterizes a color input or output device, or a
illustrating a set of colors in which the perceptual onto the fabric substrate, then fixed using heat. color space.
difference between colors is represented by points
within the color space. E Inkjet Printing A specific form of digital printing
Eco Design A method of designing a product that that works by propelling variably sized droplets of
Colorways Versions of the same design that are takes into account its impact on the environment liquid, or molten ink, onto the substrate. The two
composed of different color palettes. at all stages of its life cycle. main types of inkjet printing technology are DOD
GLOSSARY 187
(drop on demand) and continuous flow. (See also Pixel The smallest and most basic unit of visual S
Continuous Flow Inkjet Technology and DOD.) information for a digitized image. Scan The process of capturing the two- or three-
dimensional data of an image or object such as
J Polymer A large synthetic molecule composed a fabric, photograph, or drawing into a digital
Jpeg (Joint Photographic Expert Group) A popular of repeating structural units, usually of high image. (See also Body Scanner).
file format for compressing and saving digitized molecular weight. An example of a polymer-
photographs and images. based fabric is polyester. Shibori Collective term for the different resist-
based techniques of tie-dye, stitch-dye, fold-dye,
L Primary Colors Basic colors from which all other and pole-wrap-dye. (See also batik.)
Laminating A process of using heat or pressure to colors can be made. In the context of this book,
bond two or more materials, such as plastic and the primary colors are those associated with the Silk Screen A method of printing where a fabric
fabric, often used to make waterproof fabric. CMYK and RGB systems. with fine, porous mesh (often silk) is stretched
(See also CMYK and RGB.) over a frame. The design is then delineated by
Large-Format Printer Term used to describe all masking out the areas of the design that will
printers that are wider than desktop printers, and Print Head The part of a printer that contains not be printed, leaving areas open for each
that are usually designed to accommodate rolls of the print nozzles that are responsible for firing the color, through which the ink is pushed using
material and print longer lengths. ink droplets at the substrate during printing. a squeegee.
Lay Plan A grouping of pattern pieces as they are Prototype The original or model on which a Spectrophotometer A device for measuring light
laid out on a piece of cloth before cutting. product design is based or formed. intensity as it relates to the color of the light.
Light Box A specialist piece of equipment used R Spot Color In printing, a term for any ink other
in the color-matching process to view colors Raster A raster graphics image or bitmap is a data than one of the four CMYK colors (cyan, magenta,
under a set of standardized light sources, such structure representing a generally rectangular yellow, and black).
as simulated daylight or UV light. grid of pixels, or points of color, as opposed to a
vector-based image that is based on geometry. Steamer In the context of this book, a device that
M generates steam at high temperatures and is used
Mass Customization A term used to describe Rasterize To convert an image into a matrix of to fix dyes after printing.
the semi-customization of products where the pixels. (See also RIP.)
customer is able to personalize an item by Stencil A technique for printing where holes
choosing from a preset number of features. RGB An additive color model comprised of three defining the shape to be printed are cut into a thin
basic colors—red, green, and blue—emitted as material, such as a metal sheet or waxed paper,
Micro-encapsulation A process in which tiny light and combined to create a broad array of through which the colorant is then pushed.
particles or droplets are surrounded by a coating. colors. Digital cameras, computer monitors, and
televisions all use the RGB system, as opposed Substrate In the context of this book, any material
Moiré Pattern A pattern where the design or to the CMYK system used in digital printing, in which forms the printing surface.
texture of a fabric creates a wave-like effect. which the pigments are not emitted as light, but
as ink to be absorbed by the substrate. Sublimation The transference of a substance from
Monochrome An image whose range of colors is (See also CMYK.) a solid to a gaseous state without passing through
made of shades of a single hue, usually black. a liquid stage.
Ready-to-wear (also known as prêt a porter)
Muslin In the context of this book the term refers The garments in a fashion designer’s collection Strike-off An industry term used to describe a test
to a trial version or prototype of a garment. that are produced in large enough quantities so sample meant to indicate what a design will look
that they may be marketed widely, as opposed like once put into production.
P to limited editions, couture, and show pieces.
Photochemical Process A process that involves T
the chemical action of light. Within the context Repeat A method of laying out/repeating an Thermochromic A substance that changes color
of this book it refers to a technique where a light- image unit to create a continuous pattern. in relation to temperature.
sensitive substance is used to transfer an image
or photograph onto a substrate. Reprographic The reproduction of text and images Tiff (Tagged Image File Format) A popular format
through mechanical or electrical means, such as for saving digitized photographs and images.
Photomontage A technique of producing a photography and offset printing.
composite image by combining a series of U
photographs. Resolution Term used to measure the level of Upcycling The practice of taking something that is
detail in a digital image. Resolution is determined disposable and transforming it into something of
Piezoelectricity (or electric polarity, produced by the dpi (dots per inch) within a given digital greater use and value.
by the piezoelectric effect) An electric potential image’s dot matrix. (See also dpi.)
generated by some materials, such as crystals V
and certain ceramics, in response to applied RIP (Raster Image Processor) Software used Vector Graphic A digitized drawing that is based
mechanical stress. As opposed to thermal DOD, in printing that converts an RGB image into on lines and geometry rather than the individual
this is the primary technology used to create the the pixel-based CMYK data needed to drive pixels in raster-based programs, thus allowing it
ink drops in piezoelectric DOD inkjet printing. the printer. to be manipulated and scaled without affecting its
image resolution.
Pigment A substance that imparts color to other Rotary Screen Printing A form of mechanized silk-
materials. Unlike dyes, pigments are not designed screen printing where the screen is a cylinder. W
to permeate the fabric of the substrate, and bond Woodblock A carved block used to transfer a
only to its surface. design onto fabric.
188 GLOSSARY
DIGITAL PRINT AND
DESIGN RESOURCES
Digital print bureaus Color management hardware Useful Information

X-Rite: www.usa.gretagmacbethstore.com American Association of Textile Chemists
UK and Colorists: www.aatcc.org
Artisan: tel. 0044 (0)1625 869859 Fabric and ink suppliers
CAD Works UK Ltd (pigment printing only): Melanie Bowles, Senior Lecturer in Digital Textiles,
www.cadworksuk.co.uk UK Chelsea College of Art and Design:
Centre for Advanced Textiles: www.catdigital.co.uk AVA (ink): www.avacadcam.com www.melaniebowles.co.uk
Colplan Engineering Ltd: tel. 0044 (0)1706 655899 Colplan Engineering Ltd (ink):
Digetex: www.digetex.com tel. 0044 (0)1706 655899 Computer Arts (monthly publication):
Digital Fashion Print, London College of Fashion: RA Smart Ltd (ink and fabric): www.computerarts.co.uk
www.fashion.arts.ac.uk www.rasmart.co.uk
Direct Textile Imaging Ltd (heat-transfer printing): Target Transfers (CAD/CUT materials): Digital Arts (monthly publication):
tel. 0044 (0)1706 656070 www.targettransfer.com www.digitalartsonline.co.uk
Elanbach: www.elanbach.com Whaleys of Bradford (fabric):
FabPad: www.fabricprint.co.uk www.whaleys.co.uk Digital Stylist (news, software updates, and tutorials
Forest Digital: www.forestdigital.co.uk in digital design): www.thedigitalstylist.com
J. A. Gillmartin: www.camerongilmartin.co.uk USA
RA Smart Ltd: www.rasmart.co.uk AVA (ink): www.avacadcam.com Digital Textile (textile industry news website):
The Silk Bureau: www.silkbureau.co.uk Digifab (fabric): www.digifab.com www.inteletex.com
Fisher (fabric): www.fishertextiles.com
USA Jacquard Inkjet Fabric Systems (ink and fabric): The Dover Bookshop (copyright-free books and
Advanced Digital Textiles: www.inkjetfabrics.com images): www.doverbooks.co.uk
www.advdigitaltextiles.com Stork (ink): www.storkprints.com
Carlisle Finishing LLC: www.itg-global.com Hitoshi Ujiie, Center for Excellence of Digital Inket
Custom Fabric Printing: Further reading Printing of Textiles: www.hitoshiujiie.com
www.customprintedfabrics.com Adobe Creative Team, Adobe Illustrator CS5:
Dream Digital Fabric Printing Services Classroom in a Book, Adobe, 2010 Ceri Isaac, specialist in digital textile design and
www.dreamfabricprinting.com printing: ceriisaac.wordpress.com
Dye-Namix: www.dyenamix.com Adobe Creative Team, Adobe Photoshop CS5:
Fabrics2Dye4, LLC: www.fabrics2dye4.com Classroom in a Book, Adobe, 2010 Society of Dyers and Colourists:
First2Print: www.first2print.com www.sdc.org.uk
Karma Kraft: www. karmakraft.com LTS Design: Borrelli, Laird, Fashion Illustration by Fashion
www.ltsdesign.net Designers, Thames & Hudson, 2008 TC2 (non-profit organization that provides
ROTHTEC Engraving Corporation: information and undertakes research into emerging
www.rothtec.com Borrelli, Laird, Fashion Illustration Next, technologies within the industry): www.tc2.com
Spoonflower: www.spoonflower.com Thames & Hudson, 2004
The Style Council: www.stylecouncil.com TECHEXCHANGE (online trade publication and
Supersample: www.supersample.com Braddock Clarke, Sarah E., and Marie O’Mahony, sourcing portal for technology solutions for the textile
Techno Textiles 2: Revolutionary Fabrics for Fashion industry): www.techexchange.com
Digital printer suppliers and Design, Thames & Hudson, 2005
AVA: www.avacadcam.com (international) Textiles Environment Design:
Digifab: www.digifab.com (USA) Brown, Claudia, and Jessie Whipple Vickery, Repeat www.tedresearch.net
ITNH: www.itnh.com (USA) After Me: Creating Pattern Repeats in Illustrator and
Jacquard Inkjet Fabric Systems: Photoshop, www.patternpeople.com/ebook Textile Futures Research Centre:
www.inkjetfabrics.com (USA) www.tfrc.org.uk
Sawgrass: www.sawgrassink.com (international) Colchester, Chloë, Textiles Today, Thames & Hudson,
Stork: www.storkprints.com (international) 2009 Trade shows
RA Smart Ltd: www.rasmart.co.uk (UK) CITDA (American Association of Textile Chemists and
Cole, Drusilla, Patterns, Laurence King Publishing, 2008 Colorists): www.aatcc.org
Software manufacturers
Adobe software (design): www.adobe.com Colussy, Kathleen M., and Steve Greenberg, Rendering FESPA (Federation of European Screenprinters
Aleph (design, color management, RIP): Fashion, Fabric and Prints With Adobe Illustrator, Associations, organizer of the world’s leading
www.alephteam.com Prentice Hall, 2006 screenprinting and digital-imaging exhibitions):
Artlandia Symmetry Works (design): www.fespa.com
www.artlandia.com Da Cruz, Elyssa, and Sandy Black, Fashioning
AVA (design, color management, RIP): Fabrics: Contemporary Textiles in Fashion, ITMA (The worlds largest international exhibition of
www.avacadcam.com Black Dog Publishing, 2006 textile machinery): www.itma.com
Clickdesign (design): www.clicdesign.com
EAT (design): www.designscopecompany.com Fogg, Marnie, Print in Fashion, Batsford, 2009 Protextiledigital (European digital textile show):
Ergo Soft (color management, RIP):www.ergosoft.ch www.english.protextiledigital.com
Lectra (design, color management, RIP): Jenkyn Jones, Sue, Fashion Design, 3rd edition,
www.lectra.com Laurence King Publishing, 2011
NedGraphics (design, color management, RIP):
www.nedgraphics.com Knight, Kimberly, A Field Guide to Fabric Design,
Pointcarré (design, color management, RIP): Stash Books, 2011
www.pointcarre.com
Scotweave (design): www.scotweave.com Tallon, Kevin, Digital Fashion Print with Adobe
Shiraz (color management): www.uscgp.com Photoshop and Illustrator, Batsford, 2011
Stork (color management, RIP):
www.storktextile.com Udale, Jenny, Textiles and Fashion, AVA, 2008
Wasatch (color management):
www.wasatch.com Ujiie, Hitoshi (ed.), Digital Printing of Textiles,
Yxendis (design): www.yxendis.com Woodhead Publishing, 2006
RESOURCES 189
INDEX
Abati, Deja 39 colorways 181, 181

Abell, Lucinda 16 Comme des Garçons 10 fabric pens 144
abstract distortion 43 Como, Italy 150, 170, 184, 184 fabrics
Adobe see Illustrator; Photoshop computer-aided design (CAD) 13, 180–1, 180, 184 antimicrobial agents on 186
aforest-design 161 copyright 28 digital print onto vintage 158, 158
Agergaard, Dorte 10, 17 Crafts Council, the 164, 165 Fernandes, Louisa-Claire, “Simplexity” 146, 147
Anastasi, Photini 155, 173 Creative Industries Faculty (Queensland University Fernandez, Pauline 125
Angove, Michael, “Dill” wallpaper 18 of Technology) 158 file sizes 28
antimicrobial agents on fabrics 186 croquis 179 filters and effects (Photoshop) 40–3, 84–5
Argyle pattern 110 cross-dyeing 146, 147 First2Print, New York 185, 185
Arnold, Charlotte 148 cross-stitch effects (Illustrator) 52–5 fixation of colorants 176–7
“Art Deco Chair, Two-headed Bird with Sunrays” customization 20 flexible screen technology 186, 186
(Murray) 157 Cutout filter (Photoshop) 41 flocking 148, 148, 150, 151
AVA 89 floral designs and motifs 48–51, 88, 116–19, 136
avatar 20 Delaunay, Sonia 19 foiling 148–9, 148, 149
Dennis, Sarah, “Wallpaper Dress” 143 four-color process printing 168, 170, 170
B. Earley see Earley, Rebecca desktop digital textiles 159 Fowles, Joanna 153
Ball, Alexa, “Holiday Memories” 36 Devaux, Dominique 143 “Fragmented Bell” (Children’s Home of Cincinnati/
“Ballet Mécanique” (Thorpe) 25 “Exotic Paradise” 144, 155 Shelly Goldsmith) 160, 161
“Baptism” (Goldsmith) 160, 161 devoré and digital print 146, 146, 147 Frere-Smith, Catherine
Barker, Zoe 144 diamonds 88, 108–11 “The Old Farm House” 159
“Second Life” 160 Digital Craft on the Fringe exhibition 39 sketchbook 27
Barrett, Brian, “Classical/Contemporary Romantic” “Digital Photogram Collage” (Earley) 164 “Futuristic Traveller” sketchbook (D’Souza) 27
33 digital printing 168–86; see also inkjet printing;
basic pattern swatch (Illustrator) 106–7 printers; printing techniques Gearing, Nicky 158
Basquiat, Jean Michel 33 advantages of 12, 18, 171, 178–9 gingham (Photoshop) 100–3
Basso & Brooke 19 bureaus 185, 185 Glass filter (Photoshop) 43
“Madame Brun” 11 working with color 182–3 “Glory Scarf Money Bag” (Trust Fun) 10
batik 44, 152 disadvantages 179 Goldsmith, Shelly
“Belonging(s)” (Ukeleghe) 145 in the future 186 “Baptism” 160, 161
“Birds and Flowers” (Murray) 156 print houses 184 “Found by the Sea” 143
Blur filter (Photoshop) 41 software 180–1, 180–1 “Fragmented Bell” (with the Children’s Home of
Boase, Petra, “Owl” T-shirt 173 timescales 21, 171, 178 Cincinnati) 160, 161
body scanner 18, 20 “Digital Shibori” (Bowles) 153 Grain filter (Photoshop) 42
Bowles, Melanie 34–5 digital stitching 151 graphic silhouettes (Illustrator and Photoshop) 136–8
“Digital Shibori” 153 digital stylus pen 24, 34, 66 gravure printing 168–9, 169
“Making Flowers” 48 “Dill” wallpaper (Angove) 18 Gregson, Jemima 39, 173
“Material Attachment” 158, 158 direct inkjet printing process 174–5, 174, 175 “Jemima’s World” 56
“Wallpaper Dress” 143 “disco” shirts 13 “New York, New York” 24
“Branch” (Ujiie) 179 displacement maps (Photoshop) 126–8
Breckon, Amy Isla 124 Distort filters (Photoshop) 43 half-drop (Illustrator) 116–19
Brunklaus, Nicolette 14 dots per inch (dpi) 28; see also resolution half-drop repeat 79, 88–9, 94–9
Brush Creek, Kansas City 18 drawing and illustration 30, 122–39 hand painting and digital print 144, 144
Burberry jacket 142 drawn textures 41 Harrods, London 20
bureaus, digital print 185, 185 D’Souza, Anjali, “Futuristic Traveller” sketchbook 27 heat-transfer printing 13, 18, 168, 170–1, 171; see
Butler, Daisy 69, 175 Dupont 12, 178 also sublimation printing
dye-sublimation printing see sublimation printing heat-photogram process (Earley) 164–5
CAD see computer-aided design dyes 176–7, 186 hemp 142, 158
“Camouflage Kitchen” dress (Kim) 120–1 Herceg, Nada, “Kaleidoscope” 37
Canning, Claire 142, 143 Eary, Katie 16 Hermès 181
Chalayan, Hussein 10, 12, 19, 19, 21, 21, Earley, Rebecca 164–5 “Hobie” aloha shirt 171
186, 186 “The Conscious Gardener” 165 “Holiday Memories” (Ball) 36
chequerboards 88 “Digital Photogram Collage” 165 Holmes, Holly, “Repeaticities” 125
Chin, Kim 159 “Pin Print” 165 Hoppe, Katie 130
“Classical/Contemporary Romantic” (Barrett) 33 “Top 100” 165 Houldsworth, Imogen, “Private View” 17
Clissold, Joyce 168 eco textile design 165; see also environmental issues House, Emily, “Plastic Maze” 149
Cloth 20, 20 embellishment 154 Huang Wha, China 184
CMYK 170, 178, 182, 182 embroidered effect 43
Colefax and Fowler 181 embroidery 154–5, 155 Illustrator 18, 24, 25, 34, 44, 48, 180
collage 13, 122, 124 engineered prints 56–61, 179; see also placement basic pattern swatch 106–7
collage effect 41 prints color blends 44–7
Collins, Victoria, sketchbook 163 engraved roller printing 169 color palette 80–5
color environmental issues 12, 18, 158, 165, 178 cross-stitch effects 52–5
blends 44–7, 85 Epson 178, 182 diamond pattern 108–11
management systems 182–3 European Textile Network 39 floral motifs 48–51
creating a palette 80–5 Ever & Again exhibition (Chelsea College of Art and graphic silhouettes (Illustrator and Photoshop)
separation 180–1, 181 Design) 158 136–9
working with 182–3 Ever & Again: Rethinking Recycled Textiles project half-drop 116–19
Color Halftone filter (Photoshop) 42 (Earley) 165 pattern files into Photoshop 111
colorants 176–7, 177 “Exotic Paradise” (Devaux) 144, 155 photographs, working with 36, 136–7
smart 186 Extrude filter (Photoshop) 42 plaid patterns 112–15
Colored Pencil filter (Photoshop) 41 repeats 88–9
190 INDEX
Indigo textile fair, Paris 26 Natural Indigo (Eden Project) 165 heat-transfer see sublimation
inkjet printing 12, 13, 18, 160, 172–5, 172–5, 176, “New York, New York” (Gregson) 24 inkjet 12, 13, 18, 160, 168, 172–6, 178–9, 186
178–9, 186; see also digital printing Nike 20 large-format digital textile 12, 172–3
direct inkjet printing process 174–5, 174, 175 photoprinting 168
inkjet transfers 160–61, 160, 161, 173, 173 O’Connor, Marie 24 relief 168
inks, nanoparticles in 186 ogees 88 rotary screen 170, 170, 171
“Ink Storm” (Van Gennip) 10 “One Tribe, One Style” (Prajapati) 162 silk-screen 145, 145, 169, 169, 170, 170, 171
intaglio see gravure printing “Ophilia” (Purver) 92, 96 stencilling 168–9, 169
interactive textiles 186 organic fabrics 158 sublimation 13, 18, 159, 162–3, 162, 163, 164,
“Interference” (Cooper) 24 Organic Light-Emitting Polymers (OLEPs) 186 173, 173
Isaac, Ceri 15, 20 Orth, Maggie 186 woodblock 168, 168
Isis printer 12, 171, 178 Osiris 12, 178 “Private View” (Houldsworth) 17
“Outer Face, The” (Muller) 33 Pucci, Emilio 19
J. A. Gilmartin 185 over-printing 142 “Purpose, Wisdom and Enlightenment” (Ukeleghe)
jeans, customized 20 “Owl” T-shirt (Boase) 173 145
“Jemima’s World” (Gregson) 56 Purver, Victoria 31
Jones, Katie Irving 155 Paolozzi, Eduardo 25, 33 “Ophilia” 92, 96
“You Can’t Hurry Love” 62 Papandreou, Georgina 149
Joseph, Kitty 29 patterns see repeat patterns quilting 160
“Colour Immersion” 26 Patterson, Andrea 80, 155, 159
photography 10, 36–9, 66–9, 76–9, 80–5, 122 “Rainbow Dress” (Williamson) 149
Kane, Christopher 150 first use in textile design 13 Rampton, Emma, “Second Chance” 154
“Galaxy” 12 tracing a photograph (Illustrator) 136–7 Raster Image Processor (RIP) 174, 182
“Kaleidoscope” (Herceg) 37 photomontage 13, 66–9 Ratti print house, Como, Italy 184, 184
“Kaleidoscope” (Kim) 123 photoprinting 168 “Recollection” (Stone) 38
Katrantzou, Mary 16 Photoshop 13, 18, 21, 24, 28, 30, 34, 56, 62, 120, 180 Reggiani 12, 178
“This Is Not a Room” 11 basic block repeat 90–1 Reindell, Jula 17
Kim, Chae Young block repeat with offset filter 92–3 “Repeaticities” (Holmes) 125
“Camouflage Kitchen” dress 120–1 Brush palette 70–5 repeat patterns 18, 77–9, 88–119
“Kaleidoscope” 123 color blends 85 basic block repeat (Photoshop) 90–1
kimonos 169 displacement maps 126–9 basic pattern swatch (Illustrator) 106–7
Kitazaki, Hana, “The Magic Flute” 30 engineered prints 56–61 block repeat with offset filter (Photoshop) 92–3
Konica 12 filters and effects 40–3, 84–5 creating a good repeat 79
gingham 100–3 diamond pattern (Illustrator) 108–11
“Laces” (Ukeleghe) 145 graphic silhouettes (Illustrator and Photoshop) gingham (Photoshop) 100–3
Lamusias, Sara 161 136–9 half-drop repeat (Illustrator) 116–19
Lane, Abigail 14 half-drop repeat 96–9 half-drop repeat (Photoshop) 79, 88–9, 96–9
large-scale images 12, 18 illustration 122–39 plaid patterns (Illustrator) 112–15
lay plans 18, 19, 19, 20 Illustrator pattern files into 111 repeat programs for printers 28
Lectra 89 photographs, working with 36 simple half-drop motif (Photoshop) 94–5
LED technology 186, 186 photomontage 66–9 stripes (Photoshop) 104–5
Lehtinen, Taina 162 repeats 76–9, 88–9 tile repeats 88–9
Liberty, London 150–1 sequin effects 62–5 research and inspiration 26
life drawing 122 simple half-drop motif 94–5 resist dyeing 152–3, 152, 153; see also batik
“Lillian” (Wilcox) 24, 32 stripes 104–5 resolution 24, 28; see also dots per inch
live time-repeat 181 textured effects 76–9 RGB 182–3, 182
Locastro, Dan (First2Print, New York) 185, 185 texture map and line drawing 130–5 Robustelli 12, 172, 178
London College of Fashion 20, 158 transparent overlays 84 rotary screen printing 170, 170, 171;
Lumalive (Philips) 186 pigments 176–7 see also printing techniques
pin marks 168 Round, Kathryn, 36
MacCurrach, Rosie 31 Pixelate filter (Photoshop) 42 Rucci, Ralph 13
“Magic Flute, The” (Kitazaki) 30 pixels 24, 172
“Making Flowers” (Bowles) 48 placement prints 10, 18, 19, 28; see also engineered Sagmeister, Stefan, “Darwin Chair” 16
Mantero print house, Como, Italy 184 prints Saunders, Jonathan 11, 19, 150
“Material Attachment” (Bowles) 158 plaids 88, 89, 112–15 scanning 28, 142, 150; see also body scanner
McQueen, Alexander 11, 19, 19, 150 “Plastic Maze” (House) 149 seam mending 92–3, 96, 98
metallic foils 148, 148, 149 Pointcarré 89 “Second Chance” (Rampton) 154
metallic inks 186 polka dots 88 “Second Life” (Barker) 160
Mimaki 12, 18, 56, 148, 172, 172, 175, 178, 182 pollution see environmental issues Seiren, Japan 184
“Mineral Scarves” (Weston) 150–1, 151 polyester 13, 162–3, 164 Selfridges, London 20
Minolta 12 polygons 45–7 sequin effects 62–5
Miyake, Issey 10 Potter, Alice, “When I Sleep I Dream of Play” 160 shibori 152–3, 152, 153; see also batik
moiré effects 24 Prada 12 Showroom Dummies 14
Moys, Beatrice, “Building Blocks” 26 Prajapati, Chetna 162 silhouettes, creating graphic (Photoshop) 136–9
Muller, Henry, “The Outer Face” 33 “One Tribe, One Style” 162 silk-screen effect 43
Mullins, Amelia 148 Prince’s Trust 164 silk-screen printing 169, 169, 171; see also rotary
Murdoch, Vicki 89 printing techniques see also digital printing screen printing
Murray, Helen Amy 156–7 desktop digital textiles 159 and digital print 145, 145
“Art Deco Chair, Two-headed Bird with Sunrays” electrostatic 172, 172 mechanized flatbed 170, 170
156 engraved roller 169 simple half-drop motif (Photoshop) 94–5
“Birds and Flowers” 157 four-color process 168, 170, 170 “Simplexity” (Fernandes) 146–7
muslin 21 gravure 168–9, 169 sketchbooks 26, 27
INDEX 191
Dominique Devaux; 144 t: Zoe Barker; 145: Emamoke
CREDITS Ukeleghe; 146–7: Louisa-Claire Fernandes; 148 t:
Amelia Mullins; 148 b: Charlotte Arnold; 149 tl: Emily
House; 149 tr: Matthew Williamson © firstVIEW; 149 b:
Georgina Papandreou; 150–1: Richard Weston; 152:
Smith, Paul 14, 21, 170 Photo Credits
Photo of Stacey Wickens by Melanie Bowles; 153 tr:
spectrophotometer 183, 183 The authors and publisher would like to thank the
Melanie Bowles; 153 l, br: Joanna Fowles; 154: Emma
Stack, Debbie 158 following for providing images for use in this book.
Rampton; 155 tl, tr: Dominique Devaux; 155 cl: Katie
Stained Glass filter (Photoshop) 43 In all cases, every effort has been made to credit the
Irving Jones; 155 bl: Andrea Patterson; 155 br: Photini
stencilling 168–9, 169 copyright holders, but should there be any omissions
Anastasi; 156–7: Helen Amy Murray; 158 l: Melanie
stepping out see tile repeats or errors the publisher would be pleased to insert
Bowles; 158 tl, bl: Nicky Gearing and Debbie Stack;
Stone, Emma, “Recollection” 38 the appropriate acknowledgment in any subsequent
159 l: Andrea Patterson; 159 r, b: Catherine Frere-Smith;
stripes 88, 89, 104–5 edition of this book.
160 t: Zoe Barker; 160 c, b: Alice Potter; 161 tl, bl:
Stumph, Martin 15
Shelly Goldsmith: 161 tr: Sara Lamusias; 162 t: Taina
sublimation printing 13, 18, 159, 162–3, 162, 163, (t=top, b=bottom, c=center, l=left, r=right)
Lehtinen; 162 c, b: Chetna Prajapati; 163 t: Victoria
164, 171, 171, 173, 173 Photography of student work throughout: Melanie
Collins; 163 b: Temitope Tijani; 165: Rebecca Earley;
Bowles, Rebecca Earley and Kenny Taylor; 4–5:
166–7: Melanie Bowles; 168: Joyce Clissold courtesy
T-shirt transfer see inkjet transfers Temitope Tijani; 6: Beatrice Moys; 8–9: Courtesy
the Museum and Contemporary Collection, Central
tabi 161 of Basso & Brooke; 10 t: Dorte Agergaard/Photo
Saint Martins; 169 t: “Toile de Jouy” print courtesy
Textile Environment Design (TED) project (Chelsea by Mathilde Schmidt, Denmark; 10 c: Designer/
V&A Museum; 169 bl, br: Melanie Bowles; 170 t:
College of Art and Design, London) 158, 164, 165; Creator: Mark Van Gennip/MRRK/www.mrrk.nl /
Flatbed screen printer courtesy Magnoprint; 170 ct:
see also environmental issues Photography: Cath Hermans/www.cathhermans.nl /
Rotary screen printer courtesy Stork Prints BV; 170 b:
texture-map and line drawing (Photoshop) 130–5 Model – Annabel; 10 b: TRUST FUN! Money Bag,
Paul Smith courtesy of the designer; 171: “Hobie” shirt
textured effects 76–9 2010/TRUST FUN! is Jonathan Zawada, Annie Zawada,
courtesy Benny’s Aloha Shirts, CA; 172 l: Illustration by
“This Is Not a Room” (Katrantzou) 30 and Shane Sakkeus; 11 t, b: Corbis/©WWD/Conde
Advanced Illustration Ltd; 172 tr: Courtesy Robustelli;
Thorpe, Claire 52 Nast; 11 r, l: Catwalking; 12 t: Corbis/©WWD/Conde
172 br: Courtesy RA Smart; 173 t: Jemima Gregson;
“Ballet Mécanique” 25 Nast; 12 c, b: Catwalking; 13: Corbis/©WWD/Conde
173 c: Petra Boase; 173 b: Photini Anastasi; 174–5 t, c:
Tien, Jennis Li Cheng, “es_cape” 124 Nast; 14 tl: Paul Smith © firstVIEW; 14 tr: Nicolette
Melanie Bowles; 175 b: Daisy Butler; 178: ISIS printer
Tijani, Temitope 4–5, 39, 163 Brunklaus; 14 b: Showroom Dummies courtesy of the
courtesy OSIRIS Digital Prints BV; 179: Hitoshi Ujiie;
tile repeats 88–9, 106–11 designer; 15 l: Ceri Isaac; 15 r: Ceri Isaac and Hitoshi
180–1, 183 c, 183 br: Images courtesy AVA; 183 t:
toile de Jouy 169, 169 Ujiie; 16 tl, tr: Catwalking; 16 bl: Art Direction:
Ceri Isaac; 183 bl: Courtesy Nick Cicconi at John
“Top 100” (Earley) 164, 165 Stefan Sagmeister. Design: Stefan Sagmeister, Joris
Kaldor UK Ltd; 184: Images courtesy of Ratti SpA;
tracking 88 Laarman, Paul Fung, Mark Pernice, Joe Shouldice,
185: First2Print, New York; 186 t: Courtesy Universal
transfers, inkjet 160–61, 160, 161 Ben Bryant. Photography: Johannes vam Assem for
Display Corporation; 186 c: Hussein Chalayan ©
transparent overlays (Photoshop) 84 Droog; 16 br: Designer and Maker Lucinda Abell,
catwalking.com; 186 b: Courtesy Philips.
trompe l’oeil 10, 13, 17, 17, 19, 56 Photography by Vivien Fettke, Make up by Immani,
Truckenbrod, Joan 18 Model Rachael Sylvester (Fusion Models); 17 tl: Jula
Publisher’s Acknowledgments
Trust Fun, “Glory Scarf Money Bag” 10 Reindell; 17 tr: Dorte Agergaard/Photo by Mathilde
The publisher would like to thank the following:
Turner, Claire 76 Schmidt, Denmark; 17 b: Imogen Houldsworth; 18 t:
Anita Racine, Department of Textiles and Apparel,
Joan Truckenbrod; 18 b: Dill Wallpaper by Michael
Cornell University; Edward J. Herczyk, School of
Ujiie, Hitoshi 15 Angove; 19 l: Hussein Chalayan © firstVIEW; 19 r:
Engineering and Textiles, Philadelphia University;
“Branch” 179 Corbis/©WWD/Conde Nast; 20 tl: Wexla; 20 bl: Cloth;
Philippa Brock, School of Fashion and Textiles, CSM,
Ukeleghe, Emamoke 20 tr: Ceri Isaac; 20 br: Avatar software by Opitex;
University of the Arts, London; and Marcy L. Koontz,
“Belonging(s)”145 21: Hussein Chalayan courtesy of the designer; 22–3:
Department of Clothing, Textiles, and Interior
“Laces” 145 Nicola Scofield; 24 t: Jemima Gregson; 24 c: Shift
Design, University of Alabama.
“My Family Album” 44, 44 Dress, Marie O’Connor. Moire digital print on cotton.
“Purpose, Wisdom and Enlightenment” 145 In collaboration with Daniel Mair; 24 b: Rowenna
Authors’ Acknowledgments
Universal Display Corporation 186 Wilcox; 25: Claire Thorpe; 26 t: Kitty Joseph; 26 b:
We would like to thank all the designers, students,
Beatrice Moys; 27 t: Anjali D’Souza; 27 b: Catherine
organizations, and individuals whose contributions and
Van Gennip, Mark, “Ink Storm” 10 Frere-Smith; 28: Melanie Bowles; 29: Kitty Joseph;
support have made this book possible. Their shared
Versace, Gianni 19 30: Hana Kitazaki. Photographer Hanako Whiteway;
enthusiasm for the subject matter has been a revelation.
Vesey, Deborah 32 31 tl, tr: Rosie MacCurrach; 31 b: Victoria Purver;
Special thanks are due to Hitoshi Ujiie, Amanda
vintage effect 42 32 tl, tr: Deborah Vesey; 32 b: Rowenna Wilcox; 33 t:
Briggs, Ashleigh Lyon, Betty Borthwick, AVA, and
vintage fabrics, digital print onto 158, 158 Brian Barrett; 33 b: Henry Muller; 34–35 c, 35 b:
our editors at Laurence King Publishing. Thanks
vintage garments 154 Melanie Bowles; 35 t: Melanie Bowles; 36 t: Melanie
also to Eleanor Ridsdale for her wonderful book
virtual catwalk 20 Bowles and Kathryn Round; 36 b: Alexa Ball; 37:
design. Invaluable support was given by the research
Vuletich, Clara 142 Nada Herceg; 38: Emma Stone; 39 tl: Temitope Tijani;
departments, staff, and students at Chelsea College
39 bl: Jemima Gregson; 39 r: Deja Abati; 40: Melanie
of Art and Design as well as the London College
“Wallpaper Dress” (Bowles and Dennis) 143 Bowles; 44: Emamoke Ukeleghe; 48: Melanie Bowles;
of Fashion. The project was aided by funding from
washing fabric 177 52: Claire Thorpe; 56: Jemima Gregson; 62; Katie
the University of the Arts, London, and CLIP/CETL
Wave filter (Photoshop) 43 Irving Jones; 66, 69: Daisy Butler; 70: Hong Yeon Yun;
(Creative Learning in Practice Centre for Excellence
waves (Photoshop) 85 76: Claire Turner; 80: Andrea Patterson; 81 t: Westside
in Teaching and Learning). We are also most
Webber, Tristan 19 Story © Getty Images; 86–7: Rachel de Joode for Soon
grateful to Kenny Taylor, Kathryn Round, Jemima
Well Fashioned (Crafts Council exhibition) 165 Salon; 89: Vicki Murdoch; 90, 94, 100, 104, 106 t, 112 t:
Gregson, Claire Thorpe, Andrea Patterson, Emamoke
Weston, Richard, “Mineral Scarves” 150–1, 151 Design by Melanie Bowles; 92, 96: Design based on
Ukeleghe, Katie Irving Jones, Hong Yeon Yun, Chae
West Side Story 80, 84 Victoria Purver’s Ophilia; 108 br: Daisy Butler; 116 t:
Young Kim, Daisy Butler, Katie Hoppe, Jane Walker,
Wexla 20 Design by Kenny Taylor; 120–1, 123: Chae Young
and Alex Madjitey, who generously assisted in the
“When I Sleep I Dream of Play” (Potter) 160 Kim; 124 t: Amy Isla Breckton; 124 b: Jennis Li
development of the design tutorials.
Wilcox, Rowenna, “Lillian” 24, 32 Cheng Tien; 125 tl, tr: Holly Holmes; 125 b: Pauline
Williamson, Matthew, “Rainbow Dress” 149 Fernandez; 126 l: Melanie Bowles; 126 r: Photo:
Last but not least, heartfelt thanks belong to Philip
woodblock printing 168, 168 Melanie Bowles/Model: Maya Dolman-Bowles; 130 t:
Dolman; Ben, Eve, and Maya Dolman-Bowles;
Katie Hoppe; 136 l: Melanie Bowles; 136 r: Photo:
Barbara Isaac; and all our friends and family who
“You Can’t Hurry Love” (Jones) 62 Melanie Bowles/Model: Ashleigh Lyon; 140–1:
have lent their encouragement along the way.
Yun, Hong Yeon 70 Melanie Bowles; 142 t, c: Clara Vuletich;142 b, 143 tl:
Claire Canning; 143 tc: Melanie Bowles and Sarah
Dennis; 143 tr: Shelly Goldsmith; 143 b; 144 bl, br:
192 INDEX AND CREDITS

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How has digital technology changed textile design?

How has digital technology changed textile design?

What are some of the benefits of digital textile design mentioned in the text?

What are some of the benefits of digital textile design mentioned in the text?

DIGITAL

This book has been produced by

Laurence King Publishing,

All rights reserved. No part of this

ISBN: 978 1 78067 002 7

Text by Melanie Bowles

Design by Eleanor Ridsdale Design

Cover: Deja Abati, www.dejaabati.com

Melanie Bowles dedicates this book to

MELANIE BOWLES AND CERI ISAAC

The development of digital printing onto fabric is changing

Software programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

While digital printing allows a rich mix of layered imagery, the

Whatever your interest in textiles—whether you are a student

The cross-disciplinary use of graphics software, digital

The use of digital print has rapidly established itself within

10 CHAPTER 1: TEXTILE DESIGN AND PRINT IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Basso & Brooke, "Madame Brun,"

Mary Katrantzou’s S/S 11

Jonathan Saunders’s F/W 11

NEW DIRECTIONS IN TEXTILE DESIGN 11

Digital printing has perhaps four main advantages over

Digital printing means that there is virtually no limit to the

From top to bottom:

Hussein Chalayan’s S/S 09

Christopher Kane's 2011 Resort

12 CHAPTER 1: TEXTILE DESIGN AND PRINT IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Heat-transfer printing aside, the introduction of inkjet printing

DIGITAL SURFACE DESIGN AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Being able to manipulate and transform an image digitally

A NEW VISUAL LANGUAGE 13

Paul Smith is a pioneer of digital

Showroom Dummies, a group of

14 CHAPTER 1: TEXTILE DESIGN AND PRINT IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Left: Ceri Isaac's work uses

A NEW VISUAL LANGUAGE 15

Mary Katrantzou’s F/W 11

Katie Eary used digital printing in

Stefan Sagmeister’s "Darwin

Lucinda Abell’s talent as an

16 CHAPTER 1: TEXTILE DESIGN AND PRINT IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Danish designer Dorte Agergaard

For this "hair cut" shirt, created for

Imogen Houldsworth’s "Private

A NEW VISUAL LANGUAGE 17

The immediacy of digital tools in the rapid transformation of

Prior to the introduction of inkjet textile printing, with the

In addition to the design advantages offered by digital printing,

The use of digital tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator in

18 CHAPTER 1: TEXTILE DESIGN AND PRINT IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Alexander McQueen’s spectacular

Above: Image of the

Right: The lay plan showing

Austrian company Wexla have a

This footstool by Cloth has been