Behind the Art of Wooden Block Printing at MALABIS
Have you ever wondered how the beautiful patterns on your favourite Chikankari kurtis make their way onto the fabric? Before our kurtis reach the hands of skilled embroidery artisans, an important step takes place: wooden block printing, a traditional craft carried out by skilled human hands.
At MALABIS, every stage of preparing our Chikankari garments plays an important role in bringing our designs to life. From creating wooden printing blocks to carefully stamping patterns onto fabric, our block-printing process requires patience, precision, and attention to detail.
Let's take a closer look at how our artisans prepare fabric for the next stage of its journey towards becoming a beautiful Chikankari kurti.
Step 1: Designing and Preparing the Wooden Blocks
Every beautiful print begins with a design.
The process starts with selecting patterns that complement the style of our Chikankari kurtis. These designs are planned carefully so they can be transferred onto fabric and work beautifully with the embroidery that will be added later.
The designs are carved into wooden blocks, creating stamps that can transfer the pattern onto the fabric. The carved details determine how the printed motifs will look, making the preparation of each block an important part of the process.
A well-prepared block helps the artisan achieve clear impressions and maintain consistency throughout the fabric.
Step 2: Preparing the Fabric
Before printing begins, the fabric needs to be properly prepared.
Our fabric is arranged on a suitable, flat surface to make the printing process easier and more precise. The material is checked to ensure it is ready to receive the printed design.
Careful placement is important because the position of each impression affects the overall appearance of the garment. Proper preparation also helps the artisan work smoothly and reduces the chances of unwanted smudges or uneven prints.
This step may look simple, but it provides the foundation for the printing work that follows.
Step 3: Printing the Design by Hand
This is where the magic happens!
The artisan applies dye to the carved surface of the wooden block, ensuring it is coated appropriately for printing. The block is then pressed carefully onto the fabric by hand to transfer the design.
Each impression requires a steady hand, controlled pressure, and attention to placement. The artisan repeats the process across the required areas, taking care to maintain the intended pattern and spacing.
Unlike a design simply appearing on fabric by itself, hand block printing depends on the skill and concentration of the person doing the work. Each stamp is placed deliberately, helping create the printed foundation for the garment.
The result is fabric decorated through a traditional, hands-on printing process, ready for the next stage of production.
Step 4: Drying and Setting the Printed Fabric
Once the printing is complete, the fabric is laid out to dry.
This stage allows the printed dye to dry and helps prepare the material for further handling. Appropriate drying and setting procedures depend on the fabric and dye being used.
Care is taken to handle the printed fabric properly so the design remains in good condition as the garment moves through production.
After drying, the fabric can proceed to the next stage of its journey: hand embroidery.
Step 5: Sending the Fabric for Chikankari Hand Embroidery
With the block printing complete, the fabric is ready for the next important stage: Chikankari hand embroidery.
The printed fabric is sent to skilled local women artisans who specialise in hand embroidery. Using their experience and craftsmanship, they work on the fabric to add the intricate stitches and decorative details that give Chikankari garments their distinctive character.
The printed design and embroidery serve different purposes in the garment-making process. Block printing transfers the pattern onto the fabric, while hand embroidery adds stitched details that bring texture and dimension to the design.
This stage connects the work of the block printers with the expertise of the embroidery artisans, helping transform prepared fabric into a garment with its own distinctive look.
The Craft Behind Every MALABIS Chikankari Kurti
From designing and carving wooden blocks to stamping fabric and preparing it for hand embroidery, each stage contributes to the final garment.
At MALABIS, we value the people and skills involved in preparing our Chikankari collections. The care taken during fabric printing creates the foundation for the embroidery work that follows.
Every step is part of a larger process that brings together traditional techniques, thoughtful design, and the craftsmanship of skilled artisans.
Love learning about the art behind your favourite ethnic wear? Follow MALABIS for more behind-the-scenes glimpses into fabric preparation, Chikankari embroidery, and the making of our collections.
Discover our Chikankari collection at www.malabis.in and explore styles that bring traditional craftsmanship into your wardrobe.