Top 5 Questions (and Answers) from Our Block Printing Workshop
Block printing is much more than a decorative technique — it’s a living dialogue between wood, color, and cloth, shaped by centuries of tradition. At Creatis, our workshops invite you to discover and participate in this heritage, inking your own memories onto textiles that tell a story with every impression. Here are the top 5 questions (and answers) we’re most often asked during our block print workshop.
1. What is the history of block printing?
Block printing is among humanity’s oldest forms of textile decoration, with origins reaching over 2,000 years back to ancient China’s Tang dynasty era. Techniques rapidly spread along trade routes to India, which quickly became a renowned center for block printing, especially in regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat. Towns such as Bagru, Sanganer, and Ajrakhpur nurtured unique styles — from the fine floral patterns of Sanganer to Ajrakh’s geometric indigos.
Indian block printing stands out for its storytelling — each motif, whether a paisley or peacock, symbolizes themes from nature, mythology, or daily life. Remarkably, fragments of Indian block-printed cotton have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back to the 14th century BCE, proving this art has truly spanned the world.
2. How are the wooden blocks carved and designed?
Each print begins with a masterfully carved wooden block, typically made from teak or sheesham wood selected for its durability and fine grain. The motif is traced onto the surface and then meticulously chiseled in reverse, a process requiring years of experience for precision and artistry. Simple blocks may be carved in a few hours, while more intricate, multi-color motifs can take days, as each color demands its own block, perfectly aligned to build the final print.
3. What types of dyes and pigments are used?
The color palette in block printing bridges tradition and innovation. Historically, artisans favored natural dyes made from plants, minerals, and sometimes insects:
Indigo for deep blues
Madder root for reds
Turmeric and pomegranate for yellows
Iron and jaggery for blacks
Today, studios like Creatis use synthetic pigments, water based dyes, for better consistency and vibrant, long-lasting colors.
4. How long does it take a master to print my design?
Timing is part of the artistry. A simple, single-color motif might take just a few hours, but intricate multi-color prints require days of careful stamping and alignment — each impression pressed by hand, one block at a time.
This process is almost like choreography — a dance of repetition, rhythm, and intention. The result is a lively fabric full of beautiful irregularities that no machine can imitate.
5. Can I customize my own pattern or design?
Absolutely! Connect with us for your custom blocks.
Closing Thought
Block printing is soulful, meditative, slow art — and therein lies its magic. Every step, from carving to pressing, is a conversation between hand and fabric. Join Creatis to not only learn a craft, but ensure this heritage thrives for generations. Come, stamp your story with us.
