Hand block printing is one of the most traditional, cultural and faimly to faimly transfered art and emotion techniques of indian crafts man ship — a craft where art meets to its upcoming generation and make tradition alive , and each artisan make a story and help their faimly in villages and give new idea and artisan clusters, hand block printing continues to inspire designers, collectors, and conscious consumers worldwide. in my blog i explores its history, techniques, regional styles, color processes, and much more with my uneven english sentence hope you enjoy and continue reading this blog till end.
what history tell about handblock have a look
Hand block printing dates back from the Indus Valley Civilization.this craft mostly in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, evolving with regional flavors, motifs, and techniques.
Hand block printing is passed down through generations within traditional artisan families, especially:
Chhipa community in Rajasthan (Bagru, Sanganer)
Khatri community in Kutch (Ajrakh)
Rangrez (Dyers)
Mali, Ansari, Momin communities in central and south India
The Hand Block Process
Designing the wood Block:
To make teak or sheesham wood into wooden block by Skilled artisans carve intricate motifs).
Fabric Preparation:
Fabrics are washed and treated with natural solutions like Harda (myrobalan) to help absorb the dye.
Dye Preparation:
Dyes may be natural (like indigo or madder) or synthetic pigments.
Stamping the Design:
The wooden block is dipped into dye and carefully stamped on fabric, layer by layer. Multiple blocks may be used for multi-color prints.
Drying & Finishing:
The fabric is dried, rewashed, and ironed. If it’s a Dabu print, mud resist is applied before dyeing.
Natural Colors
Indigo – blue (from plant leaves)
Madder – red (from root)
Turmeric or pomegranate rind – yellow
Iron acetate – black
Modern alternatives include rapid, pigment, and reactive dyes.
Major Hand Block Printing Regions in India
Bagru is famous for Mud-resist (Dabu print), earthy colors
Sanganer is famous for Fine florals, bright hues on white
Kalamkari print is famous in amer jaipur
ajarkh print is famous in kutch bhuj
Red-black-white prints, bold designs in Bagh (MP)
Types of Dyes used & Print Techniques and style
Natural Dyes are Plant-based, eco-friendly
Pigment Colors are Surface prints, widely used and color may faded after wash
Reactive Dyes are Deep, permanent, soft finish
Rapid Dyes are Synthetic, economical, bright
Discharge Printing are Bleach-based technique removes color
Dabu prints are Mud-resist block print using indigo dye
Hand Block desgins & different widely used Color Combinations
Colors are in Combos:
Indigo & white
Red & black
Mustard & brown
Grey & rust
These are used from generation to generation and are still every one choice,and rooted in nature and symbolism.
textiles Items from Hand Block Printed
Sarees, dupattas, scarves, jackets, kaftans
Quilts, cushion covers, curtains, tablecloths, rugs
Tote bags, pouches, journals, and fabric wall art
Fabrics Used for Hand Block Printing
Cotton (most commonly used)and other
Mulmul, Silk, Chanderi, Modal, Linen, Viscose
These fabrics are breathable, easy to print, and ideal for Indian and global climates
Types of Hand Block Printing
Pigment Printing: Color sits on surface; vibrant
Rapid Print: Fast-drying synthetic dye
Reactive Print: Deep penetration, soft feel
Dabu Print: Mud-resist; rustic finish
Discharge Print: Color removed from dyed fabric to form design