The Craft of Wooden Block Making
Every design begins with a vision, first drawn on paper and then transferred onto a smooth wooden surface. Skilled artisans carefully pierce and trace the design before hand-carving it with precision tools.
Different blocks are created for each layer of the design:
• Rekh – the outline block
• Gudh – the background block
• Dutta – the filling block
The choice of wood is crucial. Sheesham (Indian teak) is preferred for its strength and durability, especially for outline blocks that undergo maximum wear. Softer woods like Roahda and Gurjan are used for filling and background blocks, as well as for specialized techniques such as Daboo printing.
This craft of block making continues to thrive in select regions of India, particularly in Jaipur (Rajasthan), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), and parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The Printing Setup
Traditionally, printing was done on low wooden tables known as patias. Today, larger and elevated tables are used to enhance efficiency while maintaining the integrity of the craft.
These tables are layered with multiple sheets of padded fabric to create a soft, even surface. A fresh layer is laid for each printing cycle to ensure clarity and consistency in impressions.
Why You Choose Jaipur Hastkar Prints
You are choosing more than a product—you are choosing heritage.
You become part of a legacy shaped by skilled hands, devoted hearts, and an art form that has stood the test of centuries. You embrace craftsmanship that tells the story of Rajasthan— its colors, its culture, and its royal grace.
The Process of Block Printing
The journey from raw fabric to a finished textile is a harmonious sequence of carefully coordinated steps:
• The fabric is first thoroughly washed to remove starch and impurities, ensuring it is clean and receptive to dyes.
• Depending on the technique, the fabric may be dyed before or after printing.
• It is then stretched tightly across the printing table to maintain uniform tension and avoid distortions.
Colours are prepared with precision and placed in trays lined with a soft, absorbent base. This ensures an even application of dye onto the wooden blocks.
The printing begins with the outline block, typically in a darker shade. The artisan dips the block into the dye and presses it firmly onto the fabric, often striking the back of the block with the hand to ensure a sharp and even impression.
For multi-colour designs, additional artisans follow—each applying a different block and colour layer with perfect alignment. This requires exceptional skill, as each layer must seamlessly integrate into the overall design.
Drying, Fixing & Finishing
Once printed, the fabric is carefully sun-dried, allowing the colours to settle naturally. It is then wrapped and steamed to fix the dyes permanently into the fibers.
After steaming, the fabric is thoroughly washed to remove excess dye and impurities, followed by another round of drying. The final stage involves careful ironing and finishing, enhancing both texture and appearance.
A Living Heritage
While techniques may evolve with time, the essence of hand block printing remains unchanged—a celebration of human touch, patience, and artistic expression.
Each piece created through this process carries subtle variations, making it truly one of a kind. These imperfections are not flaws, but marks of authenticity—evidence that the textile has been crafted by hand, not machine.
Jaipur Hastkar
At Jaipur Hastkar, we honor this centuries-old tradition by preserving its authenticity while presenting it in a contemporary form.
Every creation is a reflection of heritage, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance—
✨ Where every print tells a royal story
