Exploring The Art Of Handblock Printing With House Of Chikankari

When it comes to adoring traditional art forms, many come to mind. From luxurious Chikankari to elegant Ikat prints, we are proud to have our roots in a country rich in art forms. 

Readers, you have always loved us when it comes to shopping for Lakhnavi chikan kurtis for men and women; however, this year, as we celebrate our 4th anniversary we bring you one of the most timeless and classic art forms that infuse modern style and design with traditional touch - Here we are referring to Handblock Printing!

Through this blog, we will take you through what is handblock printing, the history of hand block printing, the latest handblock print dress designs, and much more. 

Keep on scrolling to read in detail about this stunning art form.

What Is Handblock Printing 

Having its roots in the vibrant state of Rajasthan, handblock printing is a popular art form that involves carving designs on a wooden block. These wooden blocks are then covered with dye and pressed on the fabric to create an alluring pattern. Skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail make handblock printing a timeless piece of art. Let’s learn about the various steps involved in the hand block printing technique.

The Process Of Handblock Printing 

Here is the step-by-step process of hand block printing:

Step 1: Design Carving On Block

The skilled craftsmen carve the designs on wooden or metallic blocks. In the case of metallic blocks, the molten metal is poured into the mould to make a desired pattern. The pitch pins are added to each block as a marker to avoid distortion or gaps in the overall design.

Step 2: Setting Up The Fabric

Silk and cotton are the preferred fabrics when it comes to block printing. After selecting the fabric it is pinned at the printing table to avoid any wrinkles. 

Step 3: Setting Up The Block

To set the wooden blocks ready for printing, they are slightly coated with oil or wax. This helps in achieving a clear finish on the fabric.

Step 4: Getting The Colours Ready

To ensure proper printing consistency, the dyes are combined with particular thickeners and binders.

Step 5: Printing On Fabric

After dipping the block into the dye, it is placed and pressed on the fabric, making beautiful designs. The process is repeated until the complete fabric is covered. 

Step 6: Sun Drying the Fabric

Once the printing is complete, the fabric is allowed to dry under the sun. This helps the colour stay intact.

Explore Stunning Handblock Print Kurtis From House Of Chikankari

Having understood the intricate process of hand block printing, if you too want to upgrade your closet with this traditional art form, here are some exclusive options for you:

1. HOC Crafts Glazed Cotton Hand Block Printed 3 PC Long Kurta Set 

This festive season, radiate charm wherever you go with our stunning Glazed Cotton Hand Block Printed Women's 3 PC Pink Long Kurta Set. The mesmerising pink hue of this hand-block print kurta set with pants and dupatta is perfect for any traditional occasion. If you are fond of our traditional crafts and art, then this handblock print dress design is a must-have for your festive wear wardrobe.

You can also check out our exclusive collection of kurta for women.

2. HOC Crafts Glazed Cotton Hand Block Printed 2 PC Co-ord Set

For all the fashion enthusiasts who love wearing mustard colour, our hand-block printed co-ord set is a great choice. Perfectly blending tradition with modernity, our Glazed cotton hand-embroidered mustard co-ord set is perfect to wear in casual settings, festive occasions and various other occasions. Featuring a subtle sheen and glossy finish, this full-sleeves co-ord set is a great pick for slightly cold weather. 

3. HOC Crafts Hand Block Chiffon Printed Women's Saree - White

When choosing a traditional attire, how can one miss a saree? Hand Block Printed White Chiffon Saree from House of Chikankari is for all those women who can’t compromise on style while still being connected to our culture. Made using lightweight and flowy chiffon fabric, this saree speaks volumes about sophistication and irresistible charm. 

4. Glazed Cotton Hand Block Printed Women's Short Kurta - Pink

The unparalleled comfort and elegance of a hand-block printed kurti for women make it a must-have for women of all ages. Easy to pair with jeans, trousers or even straight pants, our Glazed Cotton Hand Block Printed Women's Pink Short Kurta is a great addition to your casual wear wardrobe. Featuring a V-neck and 3/4th sleeves, the straight silhouette of this straight short kurti for women can be worn on any occasion.

The Significance Of Supporting Traditional Handcrafted Art

By choosing a hand-block-printed dress design, you are not only upgrading your wardrobe but also doing your bit to support the skilled artisans who have kept the art alive. In the present times, where mass production and fast fashion are ruling the game, it’s important to preserve our cultural heritage and empower artisans by opting for authentic and unique handmade pieces. 

Along with this, traditional handcrafted products like hand embroidered sarees for women and kurtas for women are made using sustainable materials that leave no carbon footprints as compared to mass-produced ones. Thus, favouring local handcrafted art will help you give back to the environment. 

Conclusion

By shopping for hand-block-printed kurtis and hand-block-printed sarees from House of Chikankari, you are bringing a piece of the nation’s rich heritage to your wardrobe. We at the House of Chikankari believe in supporting local artisans through our various collections, such as Kashmiri embroidered kurtas, hand-embroidered Navratri kurtas and much more. 

Shop today and add a touch of glam to your festive celebrations. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is handblock printing?

Hand block printing is a type of textile printing technique that employs the use of wooden blocks and natural dyes to print various designs and patterns on fabric. 

2. What type of fabrics are commonly used in handblock printing?

Cotton, silk and chiffon are the most common fabrics used in handblock printing.

3. Is handblock printing a sustainable practice?

Unlike other mass-produced fast fashion apparel, hand block printing is done using sustainable materials and dyes, making it a sustainable practice. 

4. Which states are popular for handblock printing?

Handblock printing is majorly practiced in Rajasthan. The Chippa community introduced block printing to Jaipur, the state’s capital. Apart from Jaipur, Sagnaer, Barmer, and Bagru, Rajasthan's regions are famous for handblock printing.