TECHNIQUE

Honey Block prints are made using the 'Dabu' process - an ancient Rajasthani mud resist technique that's existed in India for more than 1300 years. This is were a carved wooden 'block' is used to press ink-resistant clay onto fabric and involves various stages of washing and printing.

The colours used in each block printed textile come from ingredients like turmeric, indigo and pomegranate shells.

Here's a breakdown of block printing on cotton where every step is done by hand:

RAW COTTON IS WASHED TO REMOVE STARCH AND DUST

Pure cotton called kora is soaked in water for a day, then in a mix of castor oil and water, then in water again to create a clean slate for dying. 

BLOCK PRINT IS APPLIED 

A carved wooden block is dipped into a mix of clay, jaggery and lime, then stamped on the cotton to create a print.

The print is covered with sawdust, dried in the sun and dipped into plant dye. 

RINSE AND REPEAT 

The fabric is rewashed in water and dried in the sun. This process may have multiple stages of washing and dying to achieve the desired effect and colours.

Click here to shop Honey Block prints created using this technique.