Hand block printing
Patterns stamped by hand with carved wooden blocks.
हाथ की छपाई
What it is
Hand block printing uses carved wooden blocks dipped in dye or resist paste and pressed onto cloth by hand. Each stamp is placed by eye, so repeats have a soft, living rhythm.
Block prints are often used as a ground for embroidery, or as the main design on lighter garments.
How it is made
- 1CarveA design is carved into a block of wood.
- 2Prepare the clothThe cloth is washed and stretched flat on a padded table.
- 3DipThe block is pressed lightly into a tray of dye.
- 4StampIt is set on the cloth and struck firmly with the fist.
- 5RepeatThe printer moves along the cloth, aligning each stamp with the last using small guide marks.
- 6FixThe cloth is dried and set so the colours hold.
The tradition
Block printing is practised in several regions of India, including parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Blocks are often passed through printing families.
How to recognise quality
- Small variations in each repeat are normal.
- Edges of motifs are soft and slightly imperfect.
- Colour sits evenly with no blotches.
- Registration marks align across repeats.
Care
- Wash separately in cold water or dry clean.
- Avoid bleach.
- Dry in shade to protect colour.