buy hand-blocked fabric

1. Why should you buy hand-blocked fabric? Hand-blocked clothes look exotic and come in vibrant hues. They catch your eye because they have more character than run-of-the-mill fabrics. But have you ever wondered how they are made and what makes them stand apart? Let us find out in this article what block printing is and why you should buy hand-blocked fabric. What is hand-block printing? Hand-blocking is making designs on clothes with the help of wooden blocks and dyes. It is the oldest method of printing clothes and dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization. From the 12th century onwards, India has remained at the forefront of dying and printing cotton textiles. Mughal emperors and the local rulers are known to have patronised block printing. Royal patronage encourages creativity and innovation, which is reflected in the art of Indian block printing. Block printing begins with etching the designs from paper into the flattened, smooth surface of thick wooden blocks. After this, the designs are carved into the wood, graduating from heavy to fine indents. Even then, it isn't easy to achieve perfection when it comes to delicate details. Artists, therefore, use metal strips in addition to the blocks for finesse. The number of blocks used depends on the intricacies and colours - each colour requires a separate block - of the print, ranging up to thirty blocks for a piece of cloth. Next, the pre- prepared cloth is stretched out, and the blocks dipped in the dyes are pressed on them. Repeated pressing of the blocks in perfect alignment creates a pattern that fills the fabric. This continuity and perfection require patience and hard work. Why should you buy hand-blocked fabric? So what are the advantages and disadvantages of hand blocking? Let us first see why they are essential for your wardrobe: Block-printed fabrics are natural. Because of their texture, cotton, linen, and silk are the ideal fabrics for hand blocking. Natural fabrics are breathable, comfortable, and suitable for the Indian climate. Also, the fabric's weave and coarseness affect the print's sharpness. Wool and synthetic fabrics do not absorb the dye properly, resulting in fuzzy, blurred prints. Hand block printing is sustainable. The fact that block printing has been around for thousands of years, right from when humans lived in complete harmony with nature, proves that this craft is eco-friendly. Besides natural fabrics, block printing employs natural dyes and uses less water. A responsible industry does not burden the environment with high water and energy consumption. Nor does it poison the waterbodies and land with harmful chemicals and non- biodegradable wastes.

2. Block prints are essentially Indian. Be it Kalamkari, Ajrakh, Dabu, or Bagru; nothing embodies the essence of India like block- printed cotton fabrics. From Rajasthan to Andhra Pradesh, these prints portray the aesthetic sensibilities passed down by generations of artisans who toiled tirelessly to perfect the craft. Motifs inspired by Mughal architecture, like jaal, trellis, and creepers, pay homage to our history. Images of flowers and fruits like mango and birds like peacock native to the Indian subcontinent brings us closer to our roots. Hand-blocked clothes speak volumes of India's rich culture without saying a word. Buy hand-blocked fabric and revive a fading craft. The advent of machines pushed traditional hand block printing to the verge of extinction. Factories churn out digitally printed synthetic duplicates of the exotic designs of Ikat, Kalamkari, and Pochampally designs, making them available at much cheaper rates than the authentic ones. Techniques of hand-blocking had always been passed on from generation to the next. But the back-breaking work, yet meagre returns, dissuade youngsters from pursuing their traditional craft. Post-independence, there was a conscious effort to revive the craft by social workers like Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, which the government took up. The government continues to support the artisans with various schemes and loans. In recent years, nostalgia, retrospection, and aesthetics have caused a surge in demand for ethnic, dying arts and crafts. Many organisations, connoisseurs, and the fashion world, including brands like Klum, have endeavoured to revive hand block printing. But ultimately, the onus of sustaining this fading industry lies on the customer. You can buy customised hand-blocked fabrics. Responsible brands always maintain a relationship that is more than just professional with the artisans. Block printing offers the flexibility of customising prints, and having a good rapport with artisans helps brands to create one-of-a-kind designs. Designer wear can be fashioned with layered prints and shades for that distinctive appearance. Versatility Block-printed clothes are versatile and can be worn for formal, semi-formal, and casual occasions. By styling it correctly, they also make perfect work wear. Hand blocks strike a fine balance between vibrant hues and subdued prints, making it stand out without looking flashy. Besides, natural fabrics make them suitable for all seasons. You can accessorise.

3. One of the biggest appeals of hand-blocked sarees and kurtas is that it is fun to accessorise. These versatile prints are easy to mix and match and easily blend with accessories and all sorts of jewellery be it metals, beads, or threads. Styling block prints Ethnic clothes ooze confidence and enigma like no other. While selecting your clothes, ensure you are not blindly copying someone or following a trend. Your clothes must bring out your personality and beauty and complement you. No matter how trendy it is, steer clear if it does not suit you. Do not ignore the styling part once you have picked up that dress. Do you want a simple or ornate blouse for that block-printed saree, or how heavy the work on a dupatta must be to complement your kurta? Accessories can make or kill a look, so be mindful of the colours and prints before reaching out for those jhumkas. How to buy hand-blocked fabric online? Shopping for clothes online is tricky. But this need not be the case if you buy hand-blocked fabrics only at authentic brands like Klum. Please read the product description carefully and minutely scrutinize the photographs of each one of them. Also, check the website’s 'return policy'. Remember that hand-blocked fabrics do not have perfect prints as they are not machine printed. Look for that human touch!