Block Printing

Each hand-block-printed Rani Pink piece begins with a hand-carved wooden block, dipped in color and pressed onto cloth by skilled artisans in India. It is a craft passed down through generations, with each print carefully placed, aligned and repeated by hand.

Step 1

Carving Wood Blocks

Skilled artisans cuts the wood into blocks and traces the design onto each one. The surrounding wood is then carved away by hand, leaving the pattern raised. The finished blocks are soaked in oil for 10 to 15 days, which keeps the wood supple and ready for years of printing.

Step 2

Preparing the Fabric

The fabric is washed to remove any starch, and previously dyed cloth is washed again to release excess color. It is then dried in the sun. Once dry, it is stretched taut across a long printing table and pinned in place so every impression lands true.

Step 3

Creating a Print Paste

Our artisans prepare each color paste by hand, blending dye or pigment with a natural binder until it reaches the right consistency. The color is spread evenly on a printing tray, which is covered with either a jute cloth or a sponge sheet to guarantee a uniform spread. A block is applied onto the surface of the print paste to absorb it and then transferred onto the cloth. 

Step 4

Printing by Hand

The block is dipped into the outline color and placed carefully on the cloth. A firm press of the fist gives a crisp impression. The remaining colors follow, each with its own block. A design with five colors takes five separate blocks, each carrying one part of the pattern.

Step 5

Finishing

The printed fabric is dried in the sun, then wrapped in newspaper so the layers don’t stick together. It is steamed to set the color, washed, dried again, and finally ironed.

Because each print is pressed by hand, you may notice small variations in the pattern. They are a sign of the craft and show that a person made your piece.